In the midst of the swirling chaos, Corvis shouted in the ancient tongue of Lorelit, his voice sharp and desperate:
"By the Supreme Thor! Arias, Guardian of Glory, shield me!"
He released the reins, his fingers moving with practiced speed, tracing two interlocking circles in the air. Faint lines of glowing energy followed the motion of his fingertips, forming shimmering magic seals that pulsed with power.
The oppressive heat bore down on him, waves of it crashing through the air like an oncoming storm. Just as the inferno approached, a translucent barrier materialized before Corvis, flickering with pale light, barely visible against the dusk.
He thrust both hands forward, reinforcing the barrier, forcing it to solidify just as the spiraling snake of fire struck.
'BOOM!'
The explosion rippled through the air, a shockwave of magic colliding with flame. The snake writhed as it smashed against the barrier, hissing with malevolent fury. Heat sizzled in the air, filling it with the acrid scent of burning magic. The boy gritted his teeth as the force of the impact sent sparks flying in all directions, lighting the forest's edge like distant embers.
But the inferno would not be denied.
"Hold...!" Corvis growled under his breath, bracing himself.
For a moment, it seemed the shield would hold, until a fierce crack split the air. His left hand went suddenly light, the barrier on that side shattering like glass under the relentless assault. The fiery serpent surged forward through the breach, coiling in the air.
Amon's dark laughter echoed above, carried on the wind as he guided his Hippogriff low, the beast's wings stirring clouds of dust. The wizard's black robe rippled, and the gem atop his staff blazed brighter, casting a blood-red glow across the twilight.
With a flick of his wrist, Amon's staff pulsed, and the fire snake twisted mid-air. "One more push," he sneered, voice filled with sinister glee.
The flaming serpent whipped around and struck again, slamming into Corvis's second barrier with renewed force.
'CRACK!'
The blow jarred Corvis to his core, driving his right arm back painfully. His muscles trembled as he struggled to keep the barrier intact, his hand shaking under the pressure. He felt the magic within his spell rapidly depleting, leaking away like water through a broken dam.
"I can't hold it!" Corvis gasped, panic threading through his voice.
Desperately, he yanked on the reins with his left hand, pulling his horse into a sharp turn. With the barrier still half-formed in front of him, he thrust his right hand outward, using the force of the movement to divert the fire snake's path just enough to avoid a direct hit.
The serpent hissed angrily as it missed its target by a hair's breadth, slamming into the ground to Corvis's right.
'WHOOOSH!'
The earth exploded in a shower of sparks and debris as the snake burrowed into the soil, carving a molten trench across the ground. The air around it shimmered with heat, turning grass to ash in an instant.
Above, Amon's Hippogriff circled like a vulture, its master sneering as he pulled the reins to guide it. "Your little parlor tricks won't save you," Amon called mockingly, his voice cutting through the smoky air.
He twirled the staff between his fingers, the gem flaring again with malicious energy. "Let's see you dance now."
With a wicked grin, Amon pointed his staff at the charred earth where the fire snake lay coiled.
"Entangle."
With a deafening 'crack', the fiery serpent erupted from the ground once more. This time, it expanded, its coils growing larger and wider, spiraling outward like a flaming tornado. The blazing rings spun toward Corvis, circling him and his horse in an enclosing trap, fire hissing like a living, breathing predator.
"Leon!" Corvis shouted over the roar of flames, but there was no time to wait for help.
Amon's voice thundered from above, "Now—*Strangle!"
The fire serpent coiled inward, tightening like a burning vise.
At the last possible second, Corvis made his move. He dissolved the remains of his barrier with a whispered incantation and threw the reins aside. In a single, desperate motion, he launched himself off the galloping horse, his bag strapped tightly to his back.
The moment his boots left the stirrups, the serpent snapped shut.
'PFFFFT!'
The horse screamed, its panicked neigh cut short as the spiraling fire snake sliced clean through its body, severing it in an instant. The creature's remains blackened and crumbled, the intense heat incinerating flesh and bone to ash before a single drop of blood could spill.
Corvis tumbled through the air, twisting his body mid-fall to avoid the fiery coils snapping around him.
'THUD!'
He hit the ground hard, the impact jarring every bone in his body. Rocks and dry earth scraped against his skin, and weeds tangled in his hair. Pain radiated through his limbs, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to roll to safety, narrowly dodging the snake's next strike.
Before his momentum carried him too far, Corvis reached into his bag and pulled free a smooth, transparent crystal. Without hesitation, he hurled it toward the ground.
'BOOM!'
The crystal shattered on impact, releasing a shockwave of stored magic. A violent gust of wind erupted from the blast, flinging dirt, ash, and fire in every direction. The force picked Corvis up off the ground, tossing him several feet through the air.
He landed awkwardly, his body twisting midair before crashing back down into the dirt. He lay there for a moment, winded and dazed, weeds clinging to his face, the taste of dust and sweat on his tongue.
Pain pulsed through him; his ribs ached, his arms throbbed, and sharp rocks had bruised his skin, but the worst of the impact had been softened by the blast's force. He coughed, spitting dirt from his mouth, and dragged himself upright, limbs shaking from exertion.
Amon's laughter echoed from above, cold and triumphant. The fire snake slithered back into the air, reforming itself, glowing with renewed heat as it hovered ominously nearby.
Corvis wiped the dirt from his face, breathing hard. He knew the wizard was toying with him, enjoying the chase. But he wasn't done yet. Not by a long shot.
With a grunt of effort, Corvis staggered to his feet, his fists clenched. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins.
"That the best you've got, Amon?" he muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing with grim determination.
The wizard above sneered, raising his staff once more, the gem burning brighter as he prepared the next spell.
Corvis squared his shoulders and tightened his grip on his magic, the air crackling with the faint glow of energy gathering at his fingertips. The game wasn't over; not yet.
Not as long as he could still stand.
Corvis struggled to prop himself up on his bruised arms, only to freeze when shadows blanketed the ground in front of him. The sharp *whoosh* of powerful wings filled the air above, sending a chill down his spine. He looked up and saw the looming figure of Amon, perched on his Hippogriff, a wicked grin twisting the wizard's face.
The mage's voice dripped with venom. "The game is over, you Vera wretch." His black robes billowed as the Hippogriff circled lower. Amon raised his wand, the red gem at the tip glowing ominously. "I'm going to burn your soul slowly, piece by piece, until you beg for death."
The fiery serpent that had devoured Corvis's horse slithered back toward its master. It coiled around Amon like a living creature, the flaming snake's mouth snapping open to hover above the wizard's glowing wand, hissing with contained fury.
Corvis knew there was no time for clever words. His body was battered, his magic reserves running low, but he still had one chance. Gripping the crystal in his hand, he infused it with the last dregs of his magic and hurled it high into the air.
The crystal splintered mid-flight, shattering into several shards that glinted like red sparks against the darkening sky. Under Corvis's command, the shards scattered outward in jagged, chaotic paths, arcing toward Amon and his Hippogriff like enchanted missiles.
Amon smirked. "Pathetic."
With a flick of his wand, the flames coiling around his body surged outward in a blazing whirlwind. The fire snake cracked like a whip, smashing into the airborne shards with explosive force.
'BOOM!'
The crystals detonated, each fragment bursting into flames, but the resulting explosions were swallowed by the fiery serpent's rage. The snake's magic swirled around Amon, absorbing the shockwaves with ease. Not even the force of the blast could disrupt the serpent's magical structure.
Amon sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "You really thought that would harm me?" He reveled in Corvis's futile resistance, savoring the helplessness of the boy beneath him. "You're nothing but a miserable child playing at magic."
Corvis clenched his fists, his expression grim. He wasn't trying to defeat Amon, he only needed to keep the wizard distracted.
From the corner of his eye, he spotted his chance: the distant figure of Leon on horseback, quietly maneuvering behind the hovering Hippogriff.
Leon rode with practiced ease, his dark warhorse galloping silently along the edges of the battlefield. As the Hippogriff circled low, Leon adjusted his grip, switching from reins to bow. The instant Amon's attention locked on Corvis, Leon stood in the stirrups, drawing back an arrow of shimmering white light, his focus sharp and unwavering.
"Let's see how you handle this," Leon whispered.
He loosed the arrow, and it streaked through the twilight with blinding speed; a bolt of pure light slicing the air between them.
'SHHH-THWIP!'
Amon's smug expression twisted into surprise as the glow of the magical arrow pierced the sky.
"There's another caster!?" he snarled, yanking his attention away from Corvis. In a split-second, the wizard severed the magic binding the fire snake, causing it to vanish in a cloud of smoke. With an angry flick of his wand, Amon summoned the defensive spell stored within.
A translucent, purple-hued shield flared to life, circling him just as Leon's arrow of light slammed into it with the force of a thunderclap.
'CRACK—BOOM!'
The impact sent vibrations through the air, shaking the very ground below. The sound was deafening, a sharp, metallic *clink* followed by a deep rumble. Amon's body jerked as the force of the blast tore through his defenses, launching him from the back of the Hippogriff.
"Damn it—!"
The straps holding Amon to his mount snapped under the strain, and he was hurled skyward in an awkward, spinning arc, arms flailing. The wizard cursed loudly as the force of Leon's attack knocked him through the air like a ragdoll.
Though the magical shield held, preventing the light arrow from piercing through entirely, the sheer force of the impact was enough to send Amon tumbling through the open sky.
Leon smirked, satisfaction flickering across his face. "Got you."
Amon twisted mid-fall, his robe whipping around him as he plummeted toward the treetops. The wind roared in his ears, branches snapping like bones as he hurtled downward. But the wizard didn't panic, his fingers clenched tight around his wand as he whispered a protection spell. A shimmering bubble of energy wrapped around him just before he crashed through the trees.
'THUD—CRACK!'
The bubble cushioned the worst of the impact, but Amon still slammed into the forest floor with a bone-jarring thud, tumbling through branches and debris.
Meanwhile, the Hippogriff screeched as it realized its rider had been thrown. Beating its powerful wings, the loyal creature wheeled mid-air and dove toward the forest, determined to reunite with its master.
Seeing the Hippogriff fly off, Corvis knew this was the only chance they'd get. Every muscle in his body screamed with exhaustion, but he forced himself to move.
"Now or never," Corvis muttered through gritted teeth.
He staggered to his feet, turning toward the dark warhorse galloping toward him. Leon's mount neighed as it charged through the battlefield, its hooves kicking up clouds of dirt.
"Come on!" Corvis shouted, his voice raw with urgency.
With a burst of energy, Corvis sprinted toward the horse. As the beast drew near, he leaped, clutching the saddle with both hands and hauling himself onto its back. His limbs protested the sudden movement, but he bit back the pain.
"Let's go!" Leon shouted from the other side of the battlefield, spurring his own mount forward.
The black warhorse responded instantly, muscles bunching as it surged ahead. Corvis clung tightly to the reins, feeling the rhythmic pounding of the horse's hooves beneath him.
Behind them, the forest trembled as Amon's Hippogriff tore through the canopy, closing in fast. They had only moments before the wizard was back on their trail.
But moments were all they needed.
Leon glanced back at Corvis, his grin sharp with determination. "We're not done yet. Hold tight!"
With that, they galloped full-speed toward the edge of the forest, the cursed land of Pangloss waiting just beyond the horizon.
Leon lay slumped against the warhorse's neck, every muscle in his body burning with exhaustion. His arms hung uselessly at his sides, his mind drifting dangerously close to unconsciousness. Each jolt from the galloping horse sent waves of pain through his body, but he lacked the strength to adjust or even sit up properly.
Suddenly, he felt Corvis vault onto the saddle behind him, the boy moving with surprising agility for someone equally battered. The blond youth glanced down, noting the faint glow of a one-eyed demon pattern etched on his forehead, a mark of his lingering magic reserves.
Without wasting a moment, Corvis reached around Leon, grabbing the reins with his right hand to keep the horse moving. With his left, he tugged Leon's gauntlet off and pressed his fingers firmly against the pulse point on Leon's wrist, muttering an incantation under his breath.
A wave of warmth flooded through Leon's limbs, spreading from his core outward. It was as though liquid fire flowed through his veins; not painful, but revitalizing. The crushing fatigue melted away, and his senses snapped back into focus. His mind cleared, and strength returned to his weary muscles.
Leon blinked, sitting up in the saddle with a gasp, gripping the reins. The relentless thundering of hooves jolted him fully awake, and he shot a glance back at Corvis.
"Is he dead?" Leon demanded, twisting in the saddle to look the blond boy in the eye. "Did the fall finish him off?"
Corvis grimaced, rubbing the back of his shoulder where he still felt the lingering sting of magical feedback. "No," he said with a sigh of frustration. "His magic's still active. I knew it wouldn't be that easy. A fall like that wouldn't kill a prepared wizard."
Leon clenched his jaw in frustration, the fleeting hope of escape crumbling before his eyes. "Damn it," he muttered, jerking the reins to drive the horse forward. The warhorse, though panting heavily, obeyed with a reluctant burst of speed, hooves pounding against the earth.
The looming treetops of the forest ahead felt achingly close, but Leon knew better than to relax. They still had at least a hundred kilometers to the cursed Nightmare Forest, far too much ground to cover with Amon so close on their heels.
Isa's Arrow had been their best shot, and even that hadn't penetrated Amon's defenses. Now, they were running out of tricks and energy. The cursed rune on Corvis's back meant there was no outrunning the wizard's relentless pursuit. They needed another plan, and fast.
Leon's mind raced as they tore across the uneven terrain, his horse dodging roots and stones with practiced skill. His pulse hammered in his ears, and he glanced back again at Corvis.
"How much magic do you have left?" Leon asked, urgency clear in his voice.
Corvis gave him a pained look. "Enough to save you one more time. But if I do, I'll drain myself completely." He exhaled, the frustration clear in his expression. "Even if we hold him off for a little longer, all we're really doing is delaying the inevitable."
Leon gritted his teeth, his knuckles whitening as he clutched the reins. "We need to make it to the forest," he muttered, half to himself. "If we keep running in the open, he'll pick us off from the sky. The only chance we have is to force him into the trees."
He knew the odds were grim, but he refused to give up; not yet. At least Azerien and the others had a chance. If Leon couldn't make it, at least his friends might escape. That thought gave him the strength to press on, the ghost of a grim smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
With renewed determination, he nudged the warhorse forward, the dense forest drawing closer with every stride. If they could just reach the treeline, they'd have cover, enough to mount a desperate fight, at least.
Behind them, in the shadowed depths of the forest, the Hippogriff stirred. Amon, sprawled amidst shattered branches, clambered to his feet. He brushed leaves from his robes with a sneer, his expression dark with annoyance.
The loyal Hippogriff flapped its powerful wings, dislodging twigs and leaves before lowering its head to its master. Amon swung back into the saddle with practiced ease, gripping the reins and muttering a curse under his breath.
His crimson eyes scanned the treetops, and a sneer curled his lips as he spotted Leon and Corvis galloping toward the distant forest. He could sense the rune on Corvis's back, the mark still pulsing faintly with magic, guiding him like a beacon.
"Trying to hide from me in the woods?" Amon muttered, amused. "Pathetic."
The wizard leaned forward, pressing his palm against the gem atop his staff. Magic flowed through the artifact, replenishing the defensive wards woven into it. A faint shimmer danced around Amon, as if the air itself bent to shield him.
He smirked, tugging on the reins to steer the Hippogriff into the sky. The beast launched itself upward with a powerful thrust of its wings, soaring just above the forest canopy.
From his aerial vantage point, Amon tracked the two riders with ease. He wasn't in a hurry; his prey was trapped, and he knew it. They could run, but they couldn't escape. Not with the rune guiding him to Corvis.
"They've slowed down." Amon's grin widened. "Thinking of an ambush, are we?"
The thought amused him. He welcomed the challenge. "Oh, you fools," he murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "You've just made this hunt even more entertaining."
The Hippogriff dipped lower, its talons brushing against the highest branches of the forest. Amon closed his eyes briefly, reaching out with his magic to sense Corvis's presence. The connection through the rune was steady; faint, but clear.
"They're close," Amon whispered, his grin widening. "Still in the forest's edge… You won't get far."
The wizard hovered above the trees, reveling in the thrill of the chase. "Come, then," he muttered, gripping his staff tightly. "Let's see how far you get before I tear you apart."
Far below, Leon tightened his grip on the reins, his jaw set in grim determination. The thick canopy of the forest loomed just ahead, dark and foreboding.
"We make it to those trees, and we've got a shot," Leon muttered under his breath.
Corvis, clinging to the saddle behind him, gave a shaky nod. "A small shot," the boy whispered.
"That's all I need," Leon replied, spurring the warhorse forward. "We'll finish this in the forest, one way or another."
The thunder of hooves echoed through the clearing as they plunged into the shadows of the forest, the dense undergrowth swallowing them whole.
Above, Amon's eyes narrowed, watching his prey disappear beneath the trees. His smile didn't falter.
"Hide all you want," the wizard whispered, urging the Hippogriff to circle lower. "You'll only make your end more interesting."
The hunt was far from over. But in the shadows of the forest, Leon and Corvis were ready to make their stand.
Amon soared through the sky atop his Hippogriff, the rush of air ruffling his dark robes. His eyes, sharp and hungry, scanned the forest below, his wand already raised. With a whisper of magic, he summoned the fire snake once more. The infernal serpent slithered through the air and coiled tightly around his body, radiating searing heat as it hissed, eager to lash out.
With an agile leap, Amon pushed off the Hippogriff's saddle and dropped into the forest below, passing through the thick canopy of branches. His descent slowed by a controlled pulse of magic, he landed gracefully, his boots crunching softly on the leaf-covered ground.
The dim light beneath the trees painted the forest in shifting shadows, making it difficult to see clearly. Amon's eyes narrowed as he searched the undergrowth, his senses sharpened by the faint hum of magic in the air. He was certain of the ambush, this was the kind of trap Corvis would set. But as he peered into the gloom, the boy's figure remained elusive.
Amon let out a low, humorless laugh. "So, the little apprentice thinks he's clever." He whispered to himself, his smile twisting into something far more sinister.
"Seems you've been paying attention during our lessons, Corvis." His voice dripped with scorn. "A pity your skills will amount to nothing."
Frustration burned in Amon's chest. He cursed his past restraint, he should have killed Corvis long ago, mentor's wishes be damned. But the time for regrets was over. Now, the game was his to control.
With a flick of his wrist, Amon lashed out with the fire snake, snapping it through the air like a whip. The serpent hissed and crackled, its molten body cutting across the space where Corvis lay hidden under a cloaking spell.
'CRACK—HISS!'
The burning snake scorched a nearby tree, the trunk erupting in flames with a loud *pop* as the bark split from the heat. Embers floated into the air as the fire spread, licking hungrily at the branches.
Corvis knew the jig was up. With a muttered incantation, he released the invisibility spell and kicked the white crystal lying at his feet. The crystal exploded on contact with the ground, releasing a gust of magic-infused wind that sent him tumbling backward.
The force of the wind disrupted the fire snake's trajectory, sending it coiling harmlessly around a tree. The serpent's flames sizzled against the wood, but with a hiss of frustration, it shook itself loose and slithered back into the air, ready to strike again.
Amon sneered, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he saw Corvis scramble to his feet. "Run, Corvis. Run as fast as you can. I won't let you die just yet."
The fire snake obeyed Amon's command, twisting mid-air and rushing after Corvis, its blazing coils slicing through the undergrowth like a predator on the hunt.
Corvis stumbled through the forest, his boots slipping on wet leaves as he sprinted, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Every beat of his heart was a countdown, each second a desperate gamble to stay alive.
But Amon's eyes flicked back and forth, scanning the shifting shadows around him. Something didn't feel right. There was someone missing.
Leon.
Amon's lips curled into a smile. "Clever boy," he muttered. "You think you can surprise me?"
In the dense foliage, Leon crouched behind the thick trunk of a tree, his breath steady despite the pounding in his chest. He waited, counting the seconds, timing his ambush perfectly.
The sound of footsteps crushing dead leaves grew closer. Close enough now.
Leon moved in one smooth motion, stepping from behind the tree and thrusting his hand forward, forming a magic seal with a quick gesture. The sigil flickered briefly in the air before igniting in a burst of light as he hurled it at Amon.
But Amon had anticipated the attack. With the reflexes of a predator, the wizard flicked his wand, summoning a shimmering purple barrier. Intricate patterns of magical symbols swirled across its surface as the shield bloomed into existence between him and Leon's strike.
The magic seal shattered against the barrier with a sharp *crack*, sending sparks flying.
Leon's eyes narrowed, showing no sign of surprise. He had expected this; Amon's defenses were too strong to break with magic alone. But he wasn't relying on spells.
In one fluid motion, Leon dropped his hand, abandoning the broken seal, and reached for the slim, light sword at his side. The blade hissed as it left its sheath, catching what little light filtered through the trees.
Amon's sneer deepened as he saw Leon charging toward him with a sword in hand. "Madness," he whispered with a chuckle. "You think steel will succeed where magic has failed?"
Leon didn't respond. His focus was absolute as he closed the distance, slashing at Amon's barrier with everything he had.
'CLANG!'
The sword met the magic shield with a violent impact, sending a jarring vibration down Leon's arm. The blade skidded off the glowing surface, unable to penetrate the arcane defense. Amon's smirk grew wider.
"You're wasting your time, Leon." Amon's voice was laced with condescension. "No sword can breach this shield."
But Leon wasn't done. Without missing a beat, he shifted his stance and pivoted, swinging the sword in a tight arc, aiming for the edge of the barrier where it might be weakest.
The purple magic swirled, reacting to Leon's movements as though it were alive, following him like a shadow. Every strike he made was met with the same impenetrable force, the barrier shifting to block his blade from all angles.
Leon gritted his teeth, sweat dripping from his brow as he pressed the attack, his sword slicing through the air in rapid succession. But no matter how fast or precise his strikes, the barrier adjusted effortlessly, tracking his every movement.
Amon chuckled, enjoying the spectacle. "You really think you can fight me with nothing but a blade?" he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "You're as foolish as you are stubborn."
Leon didn't respond. His mind raced as he tested the barrier's limits, searching for any sign of weakness. But the shimmering patterns held firm, shifting like a second skin around the wizard.
Each failed strike only served to strengthen Amon's confidence. "It's over," the wizard said with a smug grin, watching Leon reposition himself for yet another futile attempt. "You can't win."
But Leon's expression didn't change. He wasn't looking for victory in this moment, he was buying time. Time for Corvis to escape. Time to push the fight deeper into the forest, where the wizard's aerial advantage would mean nothing.
"Not yet," Leon muttered under his breath, gripping his sword tighter. "We're not done yet."
With a final, determined cry, Leon lunged forward again, his blade flashing in the dim light as he struck at the barrier once more.
And though Amon's sneer remained, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind; a brief, nagging thought that perhaps, just perhaps, the sword-wielding fool in front of him had one last trick up his sleeve.
Amon's sneer deepened as Leon's sword clanged uselessly against the shimmering barrier. Each strike was just another reminder of the boy's futility.
"Does this fool think he's a paladin of Aurelia?" Amon thought with amusement, watching the mortal struggle with increasing boredom. "To challenge a mage with nothing but brute force, how quaint."
He had been overly cautious earlier, unnerved by the light arrow that had come so close to breaching his defenses. For a moment, he had feared Leon might be a caster of dangerous potential. That was why he had kept his Hippogriff from entering the tight confines of the forest. But now, seeing Leon thrash uselessly against his magic, Amon's concern evaporated, replaced by smug disdain.
"Nothing but a layman with a few enchanted trinkets," he concluded, eyes gleaming with contempt.
With a lazy flick of his free hand, Amon traced glowing symbols into the air, muttering an incantation under his breath. The spell activated in an instant.
"Enough of this."
A crushing wall of air exploded outward from Amon's fingertips, slamming into Leon with the force of a battering ram.
'WHAM!'
Leon's feet left the ground as he was hurled backward like a ragdoll. His sword flew from his grip, spinning uselessly through the air, and clattered to the ground several feet away.
The breath rushed from Leon's lungs as his back collided with a tree, the impact sending a wave of pain radiating through his ribs. His head snapped back, nearly cracking against the bark, and he crumpled to the forest floor, dazed and struggling to breathe. For a moment, the world blurred and spun, his vision flickering with black spots.
He coughed, blood bubbling to his lips, but through the haze of pain, he forced himself to move. His eyes found the light sword lying just out of reach, half-buried in the dirt, its blade glinting faintly under the forest's shadowed canopy.
Amon approached slowly, his steps measured and deliberate. The barrier shimmered faintly beside him, swirling with arcane symbols that guarded his every movement. His wand, still wrapped with the coiling fire snake, hovered in his grasp.
"Tell me..." Amon's voice was soft but filled with menace. "It was you, wasn't it? You killed my mentor."
Leon struggled to his knees, pressing a hand to his bruised chest as he caught his breath. He looked up, meeting Amon's gaze with a crooked grin, blood staining his teeth.
"Yeah," Leon rasped, his voice hoarse but defiant. "I killed him. And don't worry; you'll be joining him soon enough."
Amon's eyes darkened with fury, but his smile widened, cold and full of malice. "Brave words," he hissed, raising his wand high. "Let's see how far they get you."
With a commanding flick, Amon unleashed the fire snake once more. The blazing serpent snapped through the air, coiling tighter around his wand as it prepared to strike.
Leon's fingers twitched as he silently summoned the seal of Isha's Arrow, the faint shimmer of magic gathering at his fingertips. But Amon wasn't concerned, his defensive barrier would repel anything Leon could muster.
The wizard's grin deepened as he saw Leon raise his hand, readying the spell. "You've run out of tricks," Amon whispered, the fire snake's molten body burning brighter as it prepared to lash forward.
And then—
'WHOOSH!'
A sudden sound cut through the air, a sharp, high-pitched hum, like a blade slicing the wind.
Amon's eyes flicked toward the sound, a flicker of confusion passing across his face.
Behind him, the discarded light sword, half-buried in the dirt, pulsed with radiant energy. Glowing runes along its blade flared to life as it shot upward like a spinning silver wheel, hurtling toward the wizard at terrifying speed.
Amon's expression twisted into irritation, but not fear. "A child's trick," he muttered, sneering. "Manipulating objects with magic? How pitiful."
He made no effort to shift his barrier or dodge the incoming sword. He was confident that no mere enchanted weapon, especially one controlled by an amateur, could pierce the powerful arcane shield surrounding him.
'WHIRRR—!'
The spinning blade sliced through the air, close enough to stir Amon's hair as it passed by his ear.
A faint shiver of unease crept into his mind, but he dismissed it as nothing more than an annoyance. "It can't touch me," he thought. "Just another distraction."
But the sword wasn't aimed at Amon directly. It bypassed the shimmering barrier entirely, arcing gracefully through the air; until the blade collided with the top of Amon's wand.
'CRACK!'
The impact was sharp and sudden, shattering the fragile wooden branches coiled around the wand. The runes inscribed into the wood flared briefly before extinguishing, the spell severed.
Amon's eyes widened in disbelief as the fire snake, now disconnected from its master's control, dissolved into a burst of embers. The flaming serpent hissed one last time before vanishing into the wind, leaving only the faint scent of scorched earth behind.
"What?!" Amon snarled, his calm demeanor shattering. His grip on the broken wand faltered, and he cursed under his breath. "How—"
Leon didn't waste the opportunity.
With a grunt of effort, he rolled to his feet, ignoring the sharp pain in his ribs. His hand shot out, and with a flick of his wrist, the glowing light sword reversed course, zipping through the air and landing back in his outstretched hand.
Amon barely had time to react before Leon closed the distance between them in a blur of motion. The sword glinted with ethereal light as Leon drove it forward, aiming directly for the wizard's heart.
Amon twisted his body at the last second, but the blade still grazed his side, slicing through the edge of his robes. He staggered backward, clutching the wound, his eyes wide with fury and disbelief.
Leon didn't stop. He pressed forward, his sword a blur of white-hot steel as he launched a relentless series of slashes. Amon summoned his magic again, but without the fire snake and with his wand compromised, his defenses faltered.
"This is for Corvis," Leon growled between strikes. "And this is for Piriano, too."
Amon stumbled, the once-confident grin wiped from his face. His barrier flickered as cracks began to form in the swirling purple runes. Each blow from Leon's light sword chipped away at the magical shield, forcing Amon to retreat deeper into the forest.
"You think you can win?" Amon hissed, his voice trembling with anger as he tried to summon what little magic he had left. "I'll burn you alive, boy!"
Leon's blade hummed through the air, driving Amon further back with every strike. "Not today," Leon said coldly, his eyes locked on the mage. "Today, you fall."
Amon's breath came in ragged gasps as he stumbled over a root, the remnants of his shield crumbling under Leon's onslaught. For the first time, fear flickered in the mage's eyes.