Chapter 83: The Breaking Point
Scene: The battlefield at the borders of the South Nation. Eren stands poised to strike Rylan, his mind consumed by the rage of his High Elf form. The red mana around him pulses with a sinister energy, his eyes burning with fury.
Narrator: The rage within Eren has consumed him completely. His Raged High Elf form takes over, leaving him a force of destruction and fury.
Eren swings the Scarlet Blade at Rylan, the force of his attack overwhelming. Rylan barely manages to block the blow, his eyes filled with desperation.
Rylan: (shouting) Eren, stop! This isn't you!
Eren's face is twisted with rage, his eyes unseeing as he continues to attack. Each strike of the Scarlet Blade sends shockwaves through the ground, the sheer power of his attacks undeniable.
Zarek: (watching from a distance) This is… interesting.
Zarek, taking advantage of the chaos, retreats to a safe distance, watching the fight with a mixture of interest and caution.
Narrator: With Zarek retreating, the focus shifts entirely to the battle between Eren and Rylan. Eren's relentless attacks push Rylan to his limits.
Rylan, realizing he needs more power, taps into his Mythic Elf form. His dark mana swirls around him, his eyes glowing with determination.
Rylan: (resolutely) I won't let you destroy yourself, Eren!
Rylan charges at Eren, his movements enhanced by his Mythic Elf form. He manages to block and counter some of Eren's attacks, but the sheer power of the Raged High Elf form is too much.
Eren: (roaring) Get out of my way!
Eren knocks Rylan back with a powerful Scarlet Mana Burst, sending him crashing to the ground. Rylan struggles to rise, his body battered and bruised.
Narrator: Despite his best efforts, Rylan cannot match the overwhelming power of Eren's Raged High Elf form. Eren's fury drives him to the brink of killing his friend.
Eren raises the Scarlet Blade, ready to deliver the final blow. Just as he swings down, a blur of movement rushes in, knocking Rylan out of the way.
Asher: (shouting) No, Eren!
Asher speeds in, using his own mana-enhanced speed to intercept Eren's attack. He channels his mana into a compressed burst, focusing it in his hand.
Narrator: Asher's quick thinking and speed save Rylan from certain death. He channels his mana into a compressed burst, aiming to calm Eren down.
Asher thrusts his hand forward, the compressed mana burst piercing Eren's chest. The impact sends a shockwave through Eren's body, the red mana flickering and receding.
Eren: (gasping) Asher…
Eren's eyes lose their red glow, his body trembling as the rage begins to subside. The Scarlet Blade dissipates, and Eren collapses to the ground, unconscious.
Narrator: The compressed mana burst works, calming Eren and putting him to sleep. Asher's intervention prevents a tragedy, but the battle has taken its toll on everyone.
Asher, breathing heavily, looks at the unconscious Eren with relief. He quickly lifts Eren onto his back, preparing to retreat to safety.
Asher: (determined) We need to get back to the castle. He needs rest.
Rylan, bruised and exhausted, picks himself up and makes his way to Commander Elara's fallen form. He gently lifts her, his expression filled with sorrow and determination.
Rylan: (softly) We'll get you to safety, Commander.
The knights and warriors, seeing their leaders retreat, begin to fall back, following Asher and Rylan. The battlefield, once filled with the sounds of fierce combat, now echoes with the sounds of retreat.
Narrator: With Eren and Commander Elara injured, the decision to retreat is clear. The warriors of the South Nation fall back, regrouping and preparing to heal.
Zarek, watching from a distance, signals to his allies to retreat as well. The battle is over for now, but the war is far from finished.
Zarek: (coldly) We'll regroup and strike again. This is not the end.
Zarek and his allies retreat to the East Nation, their expressions filled with a mix of frustration and determination.
Narrator: The battle has ended, but the conflict is far from over. Both sides retreat to regroup, their minds filled with the events that have transpired.
Scene: The South Nation's castle. Asher carries Eren through the gates, his expression one of relief and exhaustion. Rylan follows closely behind, carrying Commander Elara.
Asher: (shouting) We need medics here, now!
The castle staff rushes to their aid, taking Eren and Commander Elara to the medical ward. The knights and warriors disperse, tending to their wounds and preparing for what comes next.
Narrator: The retreat to the castle brings a moment of relief, but the events of the battle weigh heavily on everyone's minds.
Asher gently lays Eren on a bed, his expression filled with concern. Rylan places Commander Elara next to Eren, his eyes reflecting his worry and exhaustion.
Rylan: (softly) Rest, Commander. We'll take care of things from here.
The medics begin their work, tending to the wounds of Eren and Commander Elara. Asher and Rylan step back, their minds racing with thoughts of the battle and what comes next.
Asher: (determined) We need to be ready for when Zarek strikes again. This isn't over.
Rylan: (nodding) We'll be ready. Eren saved us, and now it's our turn to protect him.
The chapter ends with Asher and Rylan standing watch over Eren and Commander Elara, their resolve stronger than ever. The battle may be over for now, but the fight for their nation continues.