Djinn: "Do you really think you'll kill me with this ragtag team?"
Dakota: "Yeah, I think we can."
The Djinn let out a low growl, his fiery eyes narrowing. "Arrogant human. Let's see if you can back up that confidence."
Dakota didn't waste any time. He activated Flame Transformation, his body instantly igniting with fiery energy. Beside him, Liam equipped his enchanted magic armor, its radiant energy shimmering across the room. Mia strapped on her water amplification bracelet, her determination evident.
Dakota: "Let's end this, you son of a bitch!"
With a synchronized battle cry, they all attacked the Djinn. The impact of their initial assault was cataclysmic. The room trembled as walls cracked and debris scattered everywhere. The magical barrier they had placed prior absorbed the brunt of the destruction, ensuring the room would repair itself later.
As the dust settled, Dakota stepped forward. "So, how was that, Djinn?"
The Djinn staggered to his feet, blood dripping from several wounds, yet his smirk remained. "I'll admit, you might actually have a chance."
The Djinn's body suddenly pulsed with energy. His wounds glowed as flames sealed them shut. "But I'm done playing. Let's see how you handle me when I get serious."
Before anyone could react, the Djinn lunged at Liam. His fiery fist connected with Liam's chest, but the magic armor absorbed the impact, sending shockwaves rippling across its surface.
Mia retaliated, summoning multiple water orbs and launching them in quick succession. Each one hit the Djinn dead-on, extinguishing parts of his flaming aura.
Mia: "Yes! Got him!"
The Djinn growled, his eyes locking onto Mia. "You stupid girl!"
He raised his hand to attack, but Lucas intercepted, encasing the Djinn's legs in ice. "You're not touching her," Lucas said, his voice steady despite the strain of using his Ice Domain.
The Djinn glared at Lucas. "Fucking ice mage."
Dakota: "You love to curse, huh? Good, because I do too."
Without hesitation, Dakota unleashed a barrage of flaming fists, each punch landing with fiery intensity. The Djinn screamed in pain, his skin sizzling as Dakota continued his relentless assault.
Djinn: "AHHH! This fucking hurts!"
Dakota: "That's the point."
When Dakota finally stopped, the Djinn collapsed onto the ground, coughing and groaning. "You damn pests… I'll kill you all."
Dakota: "Still got fight in you? Guess I'll just have to beat you down again."
The Djinn suddenly roared, and flames erupted around him. His entire body was now encased in fire, a transformation similar to Dakota's.
Dakota: "What the hell? He's using Flame Transformation too? But only the strongest mid-ranked Djinns can do that." His heart sank. "Oh, this is bad."
The Djinn stood tall, his flaming aura burning brighter than before. "Ready to die, humans? I'm stronger than the Djinn you fought in the labyrinth."
Liam, still recovering, pushed himself up. "I'm ready," he said, his voice strained but resolute.
Dakota: "Good, because we're going to need everything we've got. Listen up, everyone! This Djinn is stronger than anything we've faced so far. Our only option is to go all out and hope it's enough."
Lucas gave a wry smile. "That's a stupid plan, but I don't have a better one."
Mia: "Let's just hope we don't die."
Djinn: "You're all so amusing. Humans like you, so weak yet so determined… It's almost a shame I have to kill you."
Dakota: "Enough talk! Let's end this!"
With that, the battle resumed. Dakota used Flame Boost, his speed and power increasing exponentially. Lucas activated Lightning Swift, darting around the battlefield like a bolt of electricity. Mia called down Water Rain, drenching the Djinn's flames, while Liam charged headfirst, his magic armor glowing fiercely.
The Djinn countered with Flame Strike, and their combined attacks collided in a massive explosion. The magical barrier absorbed the shockwave, sparing the room from further destruction, but the sheer force left everyone reeling.
Dakota: "Damn, that hurt. Everyone okay?"
Lucas: "Still standing."
Liam: "I'm good."
Mia: "Yeah, I'm fine."
As the smoke cleared, the Djinn emerged, bloodied and battered but still standing.
Djinn: "You almost had me there… but 'almost' isn't enough. Guess I got lucky."
Dakota: "You've got to be kidding me. How are we supposed to keep fighting? We're exhausted." He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stand. "I don't care how tired I am. I'm not giving up until Ava is safe."
Lucas stepped forward, his icy aura flaring. "Don't count me out either. I'm with you, Dakota."
Liam: "Same here. No way we're letting this bastard win."
Mia: "I've come too far to lose now. Let's finish this."
The Djinn laughed, his voice tinged with respect. "You humans are something else. Most would have given up by now, but you… you're extraordinary. You'll grow into legends—if you survive. Unfortunately, I can't let that happen."
Dakota: "Good. I'd be insulted if you went easy on us."
The Djinn's fiery aura intensified, signaling the final clash.
Dakota: "Everyone ready?"
Lucas: "Always."
Liam: "Let's do this!"
Mia: "I'm in."
They charged together, their combined power meeting the Djinn's full might. The resulting explosion shattered the magical barrier, but instead of causing more destruction, everything within the barrier was restored to its original state.
When the smoke cleared, most of the group lay unconscious. Only Dakota and the Djinn remained standing, both barely clinging to consciousness.
Dakota: "Damn it… How am I still awake?"
The Djinn smirked weakly. "You're tougher than I thought. Want to know a secret?"
Dakota: "Sure. Why not?"
Djinn: "I'm the strongest mid-ranked Djinn in existence."
Dakota chuckled despite the pain. "Figured as much. Lucky us."
The Djinn staggered toward Dakota, flames flickering around his fists. "You can't even move. This is the end."
Dakota: "You're right. I can't move… but maybe you should look behind you."
The Djinn turned, just in time to see Ava standing behind him, her hands engulfed in flames.
Djinn: "Ah, you li—"
Before he could finish, Ava slammed her flaming fist into his face with all her strength. The Djinn crumpled to the ground, his flames extinguished.
Ava knelt beside Dakota, her fiery aura fading. "You okay?"
Dakota gave a tired grin. "Yeah. You showed up at just the right time. Good job, Ava."