Ava: "Goddamnit, Dakota, and goddamn your bad feelings! It's because of you we're fighting this Djinn."
Dakota: "Actually, isn't it because of you? You're the one who jinxed us."
Ava: "You did it too!"
Dakota: "But you did it first. There's a difference between first and last, Ava."
Henry: "We don't have time to argue about who jinxed what. We're dealing with a high-ranked Djinn here. Focus on that first."
Dakota: (pausing, glancing at the Djinn) "...Anyway, how strong are you among the high-ranked Djinn?"
Djinn: (with a sinister smile) "I wouldn't say I'm strong… but I'm certainly not weak."
Dakota: (smirking, muttering to himself) "Not weak, not strong. That puts him somewhere in the middle. So, it's not going to be as easy as I thought, probably."
Lucas: "Since when have any of our battles been easy?"
Dakota: (laughing lightly) "You're right about that, Lucas."
As his chuckle faded, Dakota's expression turned serious. He locked eyes with the Djinn and asked, "How did you even find us?"
Djinn: "Oh, that was easy. I tracked the mission you were on, waited for you to complete it, and… here I am."
Dakota: (narrowing his eyes) "Huh. Didn't think our missions would be that easy to trace. But let me ask you something: Do you really think you can kill all of us?"
Djinn: (grinning maliciously) "Oh, I'll definitely get seriously injured, but… yes. I still believe I can kill all of you."
The Djinn's demonic smile widened as Dakota smirked in return.
Dakota: "You underestimate us, just like every other Djinn we've fought. When will you Djinns learn to stop underestimating humans?"
Djinn: "If you defeat me, then perhaps we'll stop underestimating you."
Dakota: (raising his fiery sword) "So all we have to do is kill you? Fine, we'll do just that."
Dakota activated Flame Boost, igniting his blade in roaring fire, and dashed toward the Djinn with blinding speed. He swung his flaming sword, but the Djinn dodged effortlessly and appeared behind Dakota, ready to strike his head. Before the blow could land, Henry intervened, blocking the Djinn's fist with his shield. Ava seized the opportunity, appearing behind the Djinn and stabbing him in the back with her blade.
Djinn: "Kghh!"
The Djinn grunted in pain but leaped backward, escaping their coordinated attack. A dark glow enveloped his wound as it healed rapidly.
Dakota: (clicking his tongue) "Oh yeah, I forgot. High-ranked Djinns have regeneration."
Henry: "He's going to be a pain in the ass to deal with."
Dakota: "For sure."
Liam rushed forward, activating Lightning Swift to slash at the Djinn. But the Djinn dodged again. Jack appeared from the side, hurling a lightning-infused spear. The Djinn leaped to the side, barely avoiding the attack. The spear grazed his arm, leaving a faint scorch mark.
Mia and Luna followed up with Water Spears, their synchronized attacks aimed at pinning the Djinn down, but he evaded once again with inhuman agility.
Djinn: (thinking to himself) "Damn these humans. Not only are they strong, but their teamwork is also impeccable. This won't be an easy fight."
Amelia unleashed Light Rain, summoning small orbs of radiant energy that bombarded the Djinn. A few struck him, and he winced in pain. Before he could recover, Ava and Henry appeared on either side, both launching powerful Fireballs directly at his chest. The flames exploded on impact, and for a moment, it looked like the Djinn's torso was obliterated. But a shimmering shield flickered, absorbing most of the damage.
The Djinn retaliated with blinding speed, lunging at Henry. Henry narrowly dodged, leaping back. Dakota charged forward, his fist engulfed in flames, and landed a clean hit on the Djinn's chest, sending him skidding back.
Dakota: "Yes!"
But the Djinn immediately stood up, unfazed, and launched a flurry of punches at Dakota, who struggled to block each strike.
Ava: "Dakota, keep holding him off!"
Ava and Liam combined their abilities, fusing Lightning Strike with Fireball. The crackling, fiery bolt struck the Djinn, forcing him to his knees.
Dakota: (grinning) "Oh hell yes! That had to kill him."
Henry: (catching his breath) "Even if he's not dead, he's gotta be injured after that."
The Djinn stood up, seemingly unharmed, his dark grin returning.
Djinn: "You thought wrong."
Henry: (staggering back in shock) "What?! How?!"
Djinn: "I simply pretended to be in pain and knelt down. When you all attacked, I dodged at the last second."
Dakota: (grinning slightly) "Well, I'll give you this—you're a clever one."
Djinn: "Why, thank you."
Jack tried to take advantage of the distraction, appearing behind the Djinn with his spear. But without even looking, the Djinn caught the spear mid-thrust.
Jack: "Shit!"
The Djinn yanked the spear from Jack's hands and hurled it into the sky. Jack was flung along with it, tumbling through the air. Luna and Mia quickly summoned a Mana Cloak, cushioning his fall.
The Djinn immediately closed the distance, kicking Mia and sending her flying. Luna tried to react, but the Djinn's second kick struck her square in the chest. Jack, enraged, pushed himself to his feet and charged, his lightning-infused spear reforming in his hands. He lunged, but the Djinn caught him mid-strike and delivered a brutal punch, sending Jack flying and coughing up blood.
Amelia: "Jack, no!"
Henry: (growling) "You bastard!"
Liam: (activating his lightning) "I'll kill you!"
Liam dashed forward, his speed enhanced by Lightning Swift. He managed to scratch the Djinn's neck, but the Djinn retaliated by slamming Liam into the ground, rendering him unconscious.
Dakota: (gritting his teeth) "Damn it! This Djinn is ridiculously strong. What do we do?"
Henry: "We attack together. All at once. That's the only plan I've got."
Dakota: "Wow, great plan, Henry. But you're right—that's all we've got. Damn it all."
The remaining five launched a synchronized assault, unleashing their strongest abilities. Fire, lightning, and water collided with the Djinn's dark energy in a cataclysmic clash. The battlefield erupted in chaos, dust and mana swirling around them. When the dust settled, the Djinn and the group were sprawled on the ground. Slowly, only two figures rose—Dakota and the Djinn.
Djinn: (grinning, bloodied but standing tall) "Impressive. You're the last one standing."
Dakota: (panting, gripping his sword) "...Don't worry, my friends are just resting."
Djinn: "Should they really leave you alone with me?"
Dakota: (his flames reigniting) "...No, but I think I can buy them a minute of rest."