The black-robed figure moved like a shadow. His daggers flashing as he relentlessly attacked Liam. But despite the ferocity of the assault, Liam actually managed to remained calm. His dual axes moving in a defensive blur. He dodged and deflected each strike.
The sound of metal ringing through the air as the blades clashed. But the figure was quick, darting to Liam's left and right with terrible speed with erratic and confusing movements.
Suddenly, the figure leaped into the air and somersaulting over Liam's head then landing behind him. Liam spun around just in time to block another flurry of strikes but the rapid change in direction left him momentarily off balance. The figure saw his opportunity and slashed at Liam's left arm. The attack connected, but Liam's armor absorbed the brunt of the blow, the metal ringing as it deflected the blade.
"Damn, this guy's fast!" Liam thought while gritting his teeth. He knew he was facing a dangerous opponent so must be extra careful.
On the other side of the glade, Erik was locked in combat with the tall figure. Their swords clashed repeatedly. Each strike coming faster than the last. The tall figure's blade a blur as he pressed the attack. Erik parried and countered but he could feel the weight of each blow.
"You're not bad, kid," the tall figure said. "To stand against me for this long... Its actually Impressive."
Erik remained silent because his focus were entirely on the fight. He could tell that his opponent was holding back, testing him, waiting for a mistake. But Erik was determined not to give him one. His eyes scanned for an opening, any weakness he could exploit.
Meanwhile, Mia was facing off against the third figure, who wielded a staff made of black metal nearly as long as her spear. The figure moved with a quiet grace, his face obscured by the hood and mask of his robe. They exchanged blows, the staff and spear clashing in quick strikes.
Mia's mind raced as she calculated her next move. This opponent seems different from the others. He is silent, methodical, and seemingly unflustered by the chaos around them. As their weapons met in another sharp clash Mia decided it was time to change tactics. She prepared to use her runes, focusing her energy as she readied to tip the scales in her favor.
The black-robed figure's facing Liam suddenly let out a laughter that echoed through the glade as he continued his relentless assault on him. His daggers flashing dangerously close with every strike.
"Is this all you've got, boy?" he sneered with condescensioning tone. He slashed at Liam with increasing speed. "You're too slow, too weak! How do you expect to survive against us?! I thought you could entertain me more!"
Liam's heart pounded in his chest because of worry and anger boiling within him. The figure's taunts struck his nerve. Gritting his teeth, Liam's grip tightened on his axes. He could feel his frustration building but instead of letting it overwhelm him he channeled it into his strikes.
"Shut up!" Liam growled. He planted his feet firmly and swung his axes with renewed strength. His attack become more powerful than the last. The force behind his attacks caught the black figure off guard, his laughter faltering as he struggled to keep up with the sudden increase in power.
"What...?" the figure muttered, his confidence wavering as Liam's strikes became stronger and precise. The taunts and sneers stopped as he realized that Liam wasn't as weak as he'd assumed.
Erik was also holding his ground against the tall figure. Their swords clashed repeatedly. But Erik wasn't just fighting to survive, he wanted answers.
As their blades locked once more, Erik looked into the figure's eyes. "Who are you? What do you want?" he asked.
The figure's eyes narrowed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips but Erik can't see that behind his mask.
"It's beyond your understanding, boy," he replied. With a swift motion he pushed Erik back, their swords separating for a brief moment before clashing again. "But know this: the destruction of Asgard will be the start of something better for all the Realms."
Erik's mind raced at the figure's words. What did he mean by that?
"What are you talking about?" he pressed, his sword meeting the figure's blade with a loud clang. "What's this 'better' future you're talking about?"
But the tall figure simply shook his head, his expression one of almost pity.
"It's beyond your understanding, I don't believe I have to repeat myself because there's no point in asking questions. You won't live long enough to see it."
Erik's grip tightened on his sword. "We'll see about that," he muttered under his breath, calmly.
The figure facing Mia suddenly let out a sharp, commanding yell that cut through the chaotic sounds of battle.
"Enough wasting time! We need to end this shitshow now and return!" His voice was filled with urgency and frustration, a clear sign that they were no longer interested in dragging the fight out.
Erik, Liam, and Mia exchanged understanding glances. They knew that now their enemies were about to unleash their full strength.
So, without hesitation the trio sprang into action. Erik tapped into the well of power within him, activating his Reincarnated Soul's Valor and immediately he could feel the surge of strength coursing through his veins. His Attributes doubled in an instant.
Liam also felt the change as he activated his Valor. The power filled him, pushing his strength and agility to new heights. His dual axes felt lighter in his hands and a fierce grin spread across his face.
"Come on, then!" he shouted at the figure wielding the dual daggers who keep taunting him.
Mia also summoned her own Valor. The surge of power was immediate. Her eyes narrowed as she focused on her opponent, the once-silent figure now looking far less composed. He could sense the unease in his enemy.
The three black-robed figures sensing the dramatic increase in power from their opponents and were visibly shocked. Their confident expressions faltered and for the first time, there was a flicker of doubt in their eyes.
"What... what is this?" the tall figure facing Erik muttered.
But Erik suddenly standing before him, cutting the distance in the blink of an eye.
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