The faint blue glow of the Nighttear Flowers shimmered in the low-lying area, veiled by the dense miasma that hung heavy in the air, obscuring vision and adding to the oppressive atmosphere. Aaron, clutching his staff in one hand, raised the other slightly, signaling his team to prepare for action. His piercing gaze locked onto the opposing mage examining the flower buds. A glint of cold light flashed in his eyes as he decided to strike first.
Without hesitation, Aaron swung his staff, unleashing a surge of magic like a tidal wave. He began chanting softly, his voice merging with the subtle vibrations of energy filling the air. In an instant, an icy-blue lance of magic shot forth, aimed directly at the mage.
"Thud!" The ice spear struck true, piercing the mage's shoulder. A cry of pain echoed through the mist as he staggered backward and fell to the ground. His companions reacted immediately, but before they could regroup, Arna unleashed a volley of arrows, their sharp whistles cutting through the miasma.
"Clang! Clang!" The arrows were intercepted by a burly man wielding a massive shield. His swift and decisive movements protected his comrades, as the impacts of the arrows left visible dents on the shield's surface. Arna's shots were precise and powerful, but the shield-bearer skillfully deflected each one.
The ambushed group descended into chaos, but their leader quickly barked, "Regroup! Defensive formation!"
"Who are you? What do you want?" the opposing leader bellowed, his voice a mix of unease and defiance. He quickly shifted to a more assertive tone. "We are under the command of Archmage Sion, here to collect materials on his orders! Do you know the consequences of opposing us?"
Hearing this, Aaron smirked coldly. He stepped forward with a composed yet imposing demeanor. "Archmage Sion's men? How laughable. You've trespassed into the lands of House Viscent and dare to brandish names to threaten me?"
He paused briefly, his tone sharpening like a blade. "Is this how Archmage Sion trains his subordinates? Hand over the materials you've gathered, and I might spare your lives. Otherwise, I'll make you regret ever setting foot here."
The leader's eyes narrowed, his experience as a seasoned warrior evident. He didn't falter under Aaron's threat. Instead, he scoffed, "Your hospitality leaves much to be desired. In this cursed forest, power decides survival—not empty words."
Aaron wasted no more words. He raised his hand, releasing a pulse of magical energy. The surrounding miasma coalesced into a whirlwind, carrying razor-sharp wind blades toward the enemy. This was a modified wind blade spell, designed to harness the miasma and amplify its lethality.
"Defensive formation!" the enemy leader shouted. The shield-bearer swiftly moved forward, using his shield to block most of the wind blades. Yet some slipped through, slicing through the defensive line and leaving shallow cuts on the robes of a mage behind him.
Seizing the distraction caused by the wind blades, Arna repositioned herself and fired another arrow. This time, the arrow whistled through the air, aimed at another mage in the enemy's rear line. The shot was swift and nearly impossible to intercept.
"Argh!" A scream rang out as the arrow embedded itself deep into the mage's leg, forcing him to the ground. His concentration shattered, and his magic fizzled out.
The enemy leader roared in frustration, "Kill them! Secure the materials!"
Two swordsmen charged toward Aaron and Arna, their blades gleaming faintly with magical enhancements. Aaron sneered, waving his staff as several icy projectiles materialized and shot toward the advancing swordsmen.
"Clang! Clang!" The ice spikes shattered against the swords, but one grazed a swordsman's shoulder, leaving a deep cut. His movements faltered briefly, and Aaron took the opportunity to unleash another modified wind blade spell. The nearly silent air currents struck his opponent's armor, tearing it apart with a sharp, ripping sound.
Meanwhile, the second swordsman closed in on Arna, his blade arcing toward her throat. Arna's eyes flashed coldly as she swiftly retreated, simultaneously throwing a dagger at her attacker's face. The swordsman instinctively raised his weapon to block, but in that brief moment, Arna drew a second dagger and drove it into his abdomen.
"Thud!" The blade pierced through his armor, eliciting a pained roar. Despite the injury, the swordsman swung his blade in retaliation, forcing Arna into a quick roll to evade the lethal strike.
Elsewhere, the injured enemy mage, though wounded, managed to cast a spell. He chanted incantations, conjuring a blazing ball of fire, which he hurled at Aaron.
"Hmph!" Aaron scoffed, drawing an elegant arc in the air with his staff. A shimmering ice shield materialized before him, absorbing the fiery impact with a dull thud and extinguishing the flames.
"You're outmatched," Aaron said coldly, his tone calm yet unyielding. With a subtle motion, he signaled the rest of his team to advance and press the attack. Chanting under his breath, Aaron unleashed another modified ice lance spell. The lances were smaller and faster, slicing through the air with deadly precision.
The enemy leader gritted his teeth, his sword moving in a flurry to deflect the incoming lances. Despite his efforts, his composure began to crack, a flicker of panic crossing his face. He realized this seemingly ordinary group was far more formidable than anticipated.
"Retreat!" he barked, attempting to lead his team out of the encirclement.
Aaron smirked, raising his staff to cast a modified wind spell. A sudden whirlwind surged upward, laced with miasma, trapping the fleeing enemies in its vortex. His voice was cold and commanding:
"I gave you a chance. Hand over the Nighttear Flowers, or you won't leave this place alive."