To prevent the purple scythe monster from escaping, Alex and his team decided to deplete its health as quickly as possible, forcing it to use its special ability. Once it triggered its skill, the monster would likely enter a brief period of weakness, making it easier to defeat.
The plan seemed solid, but executing it was far more challenging.
Alex immediately activated his *Mighty Strike*, combining the power of his massive blade with the skill to slice a chunk off the purple scythe monster's health. He engaged it in a brutal clash, chipping away at its health steadily.
Meanwhile, Danny and Jason were struggling to find an opening. Both of their abilities required close contact, but their speed couldn't match the creature's, leaving them unsure how to intervene.
In the time it took them to hesitate, Alex had already knocked down a third of the purple monster's health. Sensing his *Mighty Strike* was nearly off cooldown, Alex shouted, "Come on, just go for it! I'll take a hit for you!"
Trusting Alex's confidence, Danny and Jason gritted their teeth and plunged into the fight, risking everything to land their abilities. But just as they joined the fray, the enraged monster shifted its attention. Its two massive scythes whirled into action, abandoning Alex and swinging toward the two boys.
Alex could only block one of the strikes with his sword, and in a split-second decision, he chose to protect Danny. The clash of metal rang out as Alex's blade deflected one of the deadly scythes, but the other scythe struck Jason, sending him flying and splattering blood through the air.
Seeing Jason's body hit the ground, Alex's veins bulged in fury. He turned to the rest of the group, roaring, "Fire now!"
Tina, her eyes rimmed with tears, didn't hesitate. She conjured a glowing fireball and hurled it toward the paralyzed purple scythe monster.
Alex, still in close range, kicked Danny away to safety as the roaring flames engulfed the creature. His own shirt caught fire from the blast, but he tore it off just in time, enduring the searing pain as he raised his purple blade and unleashed another *Mighty Strike*.
"Boom!"
The fireball explosion stripped another third of the purple monster's health, and with Alex's powerful strike, its health dropped to below 10%. The flames continued to eat away at the remaining health.
Sensing its impending death, the purple scythe monster screeched in fury, summoning a pack of blue scythe monsters from across the battlefield. These creatures, who had been chasing the second and third squads, immediately abandoned their targets and charged toward Alex and his group.
"Move in!"
"Surround it!"
"Quick, follow me!"
The ambush teams, which had been watching the battle closely, were shocked at how quickly Alex's group had cornered the purple monster. It had barely been a minute since the confrontation began, and now the purple creature was on the verge of death.
The squad leaders, snapping out of their surprise, quickly ordered the charge. Their forces surged from around the corner, closing in on the remaining blue scythe monsters rushing to their leader's aid.
The purple scythe monster, in a panic, tried to flee, but its speed and reflexes had dropped significantly after using its skill. Alex, despite losing his *Petrified Skin* ability, pursued it relentlessly and finally delivered the killing blow.
"Boom!"
With the purple monster down, Alex turned his attention back to his teammates. The situation was dire—dozens of blue scythe monsters were still closing in. Without hesitation, Max ordered Tina to fire another explosive fireball, temporarily halting the advancing creatures.
Max then activated his defensive skill, *Earth Shield*, summoning a three-meter-wide, two-meter-high barrier of stone between them and the monsters. It wouldn't hold for long, but it would buy them time.
"Run! Don't stop!" Max shouted, already signaling a retreat.
The group quickly pulled Jason to his feet, and despite his injuries, they made their way toward Alex's position. The barrier crumbled just as they reached him, but Alex was ready. With his *Petrified Skin* back in action, he met the oncoming blue scythe monsters head-on.
"Stay behind me, and keep close!" Alex yelled, his powerful frame standing between the monsters and his classmates.
As the monsters swarmed around them, Alex's defense proved invaluable. But even his strength had limits. Each wave of attacks drained more of his health, and though he managed to kill a few creatures with every swing of his massive blade, he couldn't focus on a single target for long. Each attack was scattered across multiple foes.
"My skill is ready!" Tina shouted.
"So is mine!" Max added.
Alex immediately triggered another *Mighty Strike*, slicing through three of the creatures at once. "Tina, blast them!"
Another fireball shot forward, exploding in the midst of the enemy and sending a few of the creatures tumbling.
Seizing the opportunity, Alex led his team into a strategic retreat. The remaining monsters pursued, but before they could land any killing blows, the second and third squads, along with the main force, caught up. Within minutes, the remaining monsters were slaughtered.
Just as everyone began to relax, the air was pierced by screams from the other side of the street.
Turning toward the sound, Alex and his team spotted the rear guard, retreating in panic. Behind them, a swarm of blue scythe monsters was giving chase.
Fear started to spread through the ranks, but Alex tightened his grip on his blade and shouted above the chaos, "Don't be afraid! There aren't more monsters than we've already faced! If we could beat them here, we can do it again! Follow me—we're going in!"