Zarek's eyes narrowed, his arms clenched aggressively as he ground his teeth. Amidst the awe-inspired gazes of the other hunters, he stood out, his inner turmoil evident.
"This is the harsh reality," his inner voice whispered, laced with despair. "No matter how many times I train, I'll never bridge the gap. They're in a league of their own."
Cain's deep voice cut through Zarek's turmoil, his words a gentle prod. "Don't tell me that frustrates you, kid?"
Zarek turned, his gaze locking onto Cain's towering figure. The older hunter's eyes sparkled with understanding, as if he saw the depths of Zarek's struggle.
Cain's question struck a chord, conjuring memories of his mother's gentle smile and determined spirit. Zarek's expression transformed, resolve etched on his face like a promise. "Not a chance," he said, his voice firm.
"Watch closely, kid, and look for the opportunities in this battle," Cain's voice resonated, instilling confidence. "Sometimes, it's strategy, not strength, that wins the day. Trust your instincts, I'm sure you'll know what to do."
"Don't underestimate me!" Kai screamed, bursting with mana as an icy aura erupted around him. "Icy Shard!" he shouted, summoning twenty crystal spears that materialized beside him, levitating in mid-air.
The spears launched towards the knight with unprecedented speed, each one surpassing the previous attack. The knight barely evaded the barrage, dodging and weaving with incredible agility it's movements a blue of lightning and steel.
Seizing the opening, the knight charged towards Kai, lightning trailing its path as it launched itself from the ground. Mid-air, the knight's sword began to charge with lightning mana, its blade crackling with energy.
Kai's eyes widened as the knight's sword swung towards his face, mere inches away. His mind racing, he thought, "This is bad."
Just as the knight's sword was about to strike, Eva's sudden intervention sent the knight flying. The impact was immense, crashing the knight into the ground, where it rolled before swiftly recovering.
Eva stood tall, her arrow still quivering with energy. Kai, frustrated at being saved by a rival team member, clenched his teeth.
"I'll end this once and for all," he muttered through gritted teeth, determination blazing in his gaze.
The knight, undeterred, fixed its cold, unrelenting stare on Kai and charged forward. Kai raised his hands, gathering mana until an orb of crackling, frosty energy formed between his palms, its glow intensifying as power surged through him.
"Winter's Wrath!" he shouted, launching the attack with a thunderous release
The air shivered as waves of energy spiraled outward, the orb accelerating, a streak of icy blue hurtling toward the knight. As the attack neared, the knight swung its blade, aiming to slice through the oncoming assault. But as soon as blade met magic, the orb exploded, releasing a torrent of freezing energy. In an instant, ice encased the knight, trapping it mid-strike, as frost crept outward, transforming the battlefield.
Shards of ice jutted from the ground behind the knight, jagged and deadly, forming an eerie landscape of frozen spikes a testament to the unleashed fury of Kai's Winter's Wrath.
Kai panted heavily, his chest heaving with exhaustion. The dungeon's silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of his ragged breathing.
"Is it over?" a hunter whispered, breaking the stillness.
But Kai's gaze remained fixed on the frozen knight. A spark of lightning flickered to life on its blade, and his eyes widened in alarm.
"Tch!" Kai sprinted forward, his speed a blur.
An icy spear materialized in his hand, its tip glinting with deadly intent. With a fierce cry, Kai hurled the spear.
Lightning mana erupted around the knight, shattering the ice. Steam billowed outward, carrying the sound of boiling water.
The knight's blade stabbed into the ground, unleashing a maelstrom of lightning magic. Sonic waves rippled through the air, threatening to consume everything.
Eva's eyes went wide as she witnessed the chaos. She stepped forward, her hand raising to activate" Divine Shield".
The protective barrier shimmered to life, shielding her from the blast's full fury.
Just as the blast settled, the icy barrier Kai had activated during the lightning explosion crumbled from the impact. Blood oozed from his head, and his breathing was intense, cold air escaping his mouth.
Eva's eyes opened to find Cain's hand on her shoulder. She gazed up at his towering figure, her mind racing.
"This guy... he saved us. I didn't have enough mana to shield everyone, but in the nick of time, he channeled his mana through me. I sensed its depth, its power... it's unlike anything I've felt before. He's strong, stronger than anyone here... then why isn't he fighting?"
The knight was severely damaged, its hand and half its body obliterated, the remaining portion frozen.
As Kai's previous attack reached the knight, its blade stabbed into the ground. Slowly, it raised its frozen arm, the blade returning to the knight's arm like a boomerang.
Zarek's eyes snapped wide as the beast's arm began regenerating, ice shattering apart. He turned to Eva, his voice firm with resolve.
"Eva, can you keep that beast occupied for a while? We need an opening."
Eva nodded, her voice low and confident. "I've got a plan."
Zarek flashed a determined grin. "Hey, Kaaii!" he shouted across the distance.
Kai's gaze locked onto Zarek, his expression incredulous. That weakling from earlier, he thought.
"What?" Kai retorted, annoyance biting his tone.
"Freeze the beast's arm," Zarek called back.
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Why should I listen to you?"
Zarek's voice remained steady. "We can't beat it alone. Join forces, just for now."
Kai hesitated, then nodded curtly. "Tch... Fine. One chance. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Zarek turned to the hunters who accompanied Cain. "Please, I need your support."
Douglas stepped forward, his voice resolute. "I'll help you by every means."
Cain's gaze flicked to Douglas, noting his growth.
Zarek addressed the healers. "I need you to support Grey and me."
Grey eyes widened in surprise "Huh,me?why me?"
Zarek's smile was reassuring. "We make a killer team, Grey."
Grey's expression softened, a grin spreading. "You got it."
Cynthia stepped forward, her expression resolute. "I'll also help you, Zarek."
Zarek's eyes narrowed, concern etched on his face. "But aren't you still healing that girl?"
Cynthia nodded. "I've done everything I can. The other healers helped me stabilize her condition. She's unconscious now, so I can assist you."
Zarek's gaze intensified, determination burning within. "Then, please."