Erik, Liam, and Mia stood frozen in place, their minds swirling with confusion and fear. The identity of a figure in front of them is a mystery that gnawed at their thoughts. But as much as they wanted to know who he was their immediate concern was survival.
This intruder was far beyond their capabilities. Fighting him head-on was out of the question. The priority now was to protect their families and find a way to escape. But how?
The figure took another step closer and suddenly the air around them grew ten times colder. The warmth that had once filled the chamber was replaced by an unbearable chill that sinking deep into their bones. They began to shiver uncontrollably, their breath visible in the freezing air. Ice started to form on their eyelashes and cheeks, creeping across their skin like a sinister frost.
Erik's mind raced as the temperature dropped. He could see the fear in Liam and Mia's eyes, mirroring his own. They were out of their depth, they all knew it. His gaze flicked to the door, but the cold light sealing it shut dashed any hopes of a quick escape. The walls seemed to close in on them, trapping them in this nightmarish situation.
The figure's dark aura suffocating the room. And then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he raised his hand. Ice spikes began to form around him, sharp and deadly, their surfaces glistening in the cold light. Erik's heart skipped a beat as he realized what was about to happen.
"Move!" Erik's voice was a panicked shout, the command tearing through the ccold silence.
But before they could react the figure flicked his wrist and the ice spikes shot forward with terrifying speed, aimed directly at them.
Erik barely had time to raise the surgical knife in a futile attempt to defend himself. The ice spikes hurtled toward him, Mia, and Liam.
The spikes were upon them in an instant and Erik braced himself for the impact. The sharp edges of the ice streaked toward their targets, ready to pierce through flesh and bone.
But in that split second before the spikes reached them, Erik's instincts kicked in. He threw himself to the side with speed he didn't know he had, narrowly avoiding the deadly projectiles. The ice spikes grazed past him, shattering against the stone walls with a deafening crash. The sound of breaking ice filled the chamber, mingling with the terrified gasps of those inside.
Liam and Mia managed to dodge as well, though not without difficulty. They stumbled as they avoided the spikes, their hearts racing. Ice shards flew past them, slicing through the air and embedding themselves into the walls.
Erik's breath came in ragged gasps as he dodged the ice spikes. Erik knew they were outmatched but the thought of his mother, huddled in fear behind him, ignited a spark of determination. He couldn't afford to be afraid. Not now.
"I won't survive this unless I use it," Erik thought, steeling himself for what he was about to do. He had no choice.
Erik focused inward, feeling the familiar pulse of Aether within him. It was strange; since arriving in Asgard, that energy had felt different, stronger, almost as if the air around him was feeding him. But Erik didn't have time to question it. He tapped into his mind and activating his ability with his mind.
His muscles tensed, his senses sharpened, and his vision seemed to clear as if the world had snapped into perfect focus. The fear that had gripped him loosened its hold. Erik was now twice as strong, twice as fast, and ready to fight.
The figure frown but his expression obscured by his mask. "What is that power?" the figure wondered.
Erik charged at the figure with his knife gripped tightly in his hand. The cold air whipped against his face, but he ignored it, he focus entirely on his enemy. He moved with speed and agility that surprised even himself, closing the distance between them in a blink of an eye.
Liam and Mia watched in shock as Erik burst forward with strength that seems to come from nowhere. They exchanged a quick glance, both recognizing the signs of Erik who was using his ability. They had seen him use it before, and they knew they can also use it.
"We have to help him!" Mia said with urgency. Erik still couldn't do this alone.
Liam nodded, his expression hardening as he summoned his own power. The blood of Beowulf, the great hero, flowed through his veins. He felt his muscles swell with power, his skin taking on a tougher, almost impervious quality. With a deep breath he stepped forward.
Meanwhile, Mia reached deep within herself, calling upon the ancient knowledge. Runes ancient and powerful, appeared before her eyes, glowing with a soft light. Her ability to cast Runes gave her control over the battlefield, allowing her to shape the very forces of magic to her will.
She could sense the Aether in the air, feel it thrumming in harmony with her power. She chose a Rune of Protection, casting it over Erik, Liam, and herself, a shimmering shield of light that would deflect most attacks.
The figure in black armor paused, his eyes narrowing in confusion as he watched the three kids before him suddenly surge with power. The strange energies they wielded were unlike anything he'd expected, confirming his suspicions that Thor had somehow intervened, empowering Asgard's defenders in preparation for Ragnarok.
But these were just mortals—mere children, at that. His confusion gave way to a cold sneer. It was laughable, really, that they thought they could challenge him. Whatever tricks Thor had pulled they were no match for his might. He prepared to crush their futile resistance.
As Erik closed in on the figure, he could feel the Rune's protective energy surrounding him, bolstering his confidence.
The figure in black armor raised his hand again, preparing another deadly attack.
However, Erik was faster. He ducked under the figure's arm, using his enhanced speed to dodge the blow, and slashed upward with the knife.
The blade clashed against the armor with a sharp ring, sparks flying as it met the hardened surface. The figure staggered back slightly, caught off guard by Erik's sudden increase in power. But Erik didn't stop.
He pressed the attack, his movements become a blur of speed.
"HYAAAAHHH!!!"
Liam joined the fray a moment later, his immense strength allowing him to strike with bone-shattering force. He swung his fists at the figure.
BOOM!
The impact resonating through the chamber like thunder and creating crack on the marble floor. The figure was forced to defend himself, momentarily overwhelmed by the combined assault of Erik and Liam.
Mia who standing slightly back, continued to weave her Runes into the air. She cast a Rune of Fire, sending a wave of scorching flames toward the figure, forcing him to retreat further.
The figure once again caught off guard. Now he realized that these kids is not ordinary mortal. But the realization come too late for him.
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