The air thickened with tension as the glowing lights circled the stranger, casting eerie shadows on the ground. Marcus tightened his grip on the sword, heart pounding. He had faced many challenges since leaving the simple life of a farmer, but this was different. The weight of the village's safety rested squarely on his shoulders.
With a fierce shout, the stranger unleashed the lights, sending them swirling toward Marcus like angry wasps. In that instant, the ground trembled beneath Marcus's feet, and the trees shuddered as if anticipating the impending clash.
"Focus, Marcus!" he told himself. He raised the golden orb, channeling its warmth and light as he prepared to counter the onslaught. The orb's light flared brighter, illuminating the darkened forest and pushing back the encroaching roots that threatened the village.
