With the echoes of his triumph still resonating in the air, Ryan braced himself, his aching arm pulsating with pain from the strain of the Delayed Impact Strike. The destructive wave of mana he released was formed of highly concentrated mana, damaging his mana pathways that couldn't handle such power just yet.
Undeterred, he swiftly moved away from the golem he had just defeated, knowing that the battle was far from over.
Meanwhile, Wayde's eyes widened in astonishment, his earlier scepticism replaced by awe.
He could no longer deny Ryan's prowess as a mage.
The young mage had proven himself on the battlefield, prompting even the three golems Wayde had been facing to redirect their attention to Ryan, now recognising him as the primary threat.
"You've got more skills than I thought, kid," Wayde begrudgingly admitted, with a newfound respect lacing his voice. He then soared over to join Ryan, prepared to face the remaining four golems alongside him.
"I'll do my best to restrict their movement," the raggedy mage assured with unwavering confidence, fully aware of the immense challenge that still lay before both him and the young mage. "All you need to do is muster the power to unleash that attack four more times."
Observing Ryan's worn-out state, Wayde couldn't care less about the toll it was taking on his body.
Survival and progressing deeper into the maze were his primary objectives.
His eyes were fixed on the ultimate prize, seeing Ryan merely as the key to his escape and the long-awaited reward he had yearned for during his years of entrapment.
Channelling vast amounts of mana into his arms, Wayde amplified the power output of the Qidius Domain, further slowing down the frenzied golems. He then unleashed a barrage of attacks, diverting the golems' attention away from Ryan.
It was as if everything in Wayde's surroundings had become his weapons and servants, flying towards the golems and pushing them back.
Meanwhile, Ryan took a moment to analyse and replay the process of his successful takedown of the first golem in his mind. He didn't want to recklessly attempt to replicate it without fully understanding the mechanics behind his initial success.
The potential consequences of failure, such as irreparable damage to his arms or even his entire body, were too great. The higher the energy exerted in a failed attack, the more severe the backlash.
Considering his current physical condition, with strained energy pathways and sustaining injuries from the ongoing battle, Ryan hesitated to take such a risk.
"I can do this," he said to himself, as he began connecting all he had learnt, experienced, and observed since discovering magic to master the Delayed Impact Strike he had created.
Noticing Ryan suddenly close his eyes and enter a focused state, Wayde felt a mix of impatience and anticipation.
Suppressing his frustrations, he valiantly held off the golems, eagerly awaiting Ryan's next move.
So far, the unpredictable young mage had repeatedly surpassed expectations while also revealing his inexperience and lack of knowledge.
However, Wayde couldn't deny that he had been heavily relying on Ryan.
Without him, he likely would have gone crazy without even attempting to escape the maze another time, failing too many times to wish to do so again.
And, once again, it proved worthwhile when Ryan finally opened his eyes...
-
Within the span of a few intense minutes, Ryan replayed the successful execution of the Delayed Impact Attack within his mind, meticulously mimicking the flow of mana through his body with each repetition.
As he did, Wayde had been valiantly fighting off the relentless assault from the remaining four golems, straining to hold his ground as the pressure continued to mount.
If he were pushed back any further, he could not shield Ryan from harm.
And if Ryan, the key, were to be crushed, he would be stuck, alone, and hopeless once again.
Just thinking about it caused Wayde's heart to sink.
"Damn it," he cursed as he continued to strain himself, his mana stores dwindling and his body aching as he struggled to fend off against the golems.
But just when it seemed as though Wayde's defence was reaching its limits, Ryan burst forward with impeccable timing, heading straight for the nearest golem.
However, as he closed in on his intended target, he swiftly changed tactics, recognising the golems' anticipation and readiness to defend against his new attack.
Through his analysis of the initial execution, Ryan had learned that a direct hit to the golem's main body was crucial for maximum damage and a successful takedown. It was akin to striking a resonating bell, where the impact would reverberate within the golem, shattering its internal structure and severing its connection with the maze.
However, if the golems managed to utilise their arms for defence or sacrifice one of their own to neutralise him, all of Ryan's efforts would be in vain.
And so, with unexpected caution and precision, Ryan skillfully weaved through the slowed and distracted golems, who were continuously bombarded from above by Wayde's relentless barrage.
He patiently awaited the opportune moment to strike, analysing their movements and searching for any opening. Then...
Boom!
One after another, the towering golems crashed to the ground, defeated by Ryan's calculated strikes.
Yet, as the echoes of victory subsided, Ryan's success was marred by the devastating toll it had taken on his own body. Both of his arms lay mangled and practically useless, and with a weary collapse, he sank to the ground, his strength depleted...