The man in black shot arrows at me with incredible speed. I realized he was stronger than the first attacker; his mana control was impressive, nearing C+Rank mage level. I instinctively jumped out of the way, but to my horror, the arrows changed direction mid-air, piercing me with at least 10 wounds.
Man in Black: "What's wrong, kid? After that smug look, I thought you'd put up a fight... Don't tell me this is all you've got."
Shocked and bleeding, I pulled out the arrows, feeling the pain and reality of life-and-death combat. I locked eyes with the man.
Anthony: "You're despicable, targeting kids... What do you want with dark elf girl
Man in Black: "Not that its none of your business, but she'd fetch a high price if I sold her to the Ragnar Empire."
My face twisted in disgust. "So, you're just scum fueling the war again... The Conquest of Ragnar took my parents; I won't let you perpetuate that suffering."
The man shot more arrows, but I used my lightning magic to create a wall, blocking them. I countered with a lightning stream, but he shot an arrow at the ground, creating smoke and debris. I focused on his mana signature, locating him. Anticipating his next move, I created a plasma ball and struck him down.
As I walked over to free the dark elf girl, she introduced herself as the daughter of a dark elf tribe chief and that her name was Selena Ashton. I learned they lived on the borders of the Horizon and Ragnar Empires.
Selena: "I ran away... It's complicated."
I saw the desperation in her eyes, a pure soul seeking freedom. She confirmed my suspicion: a forced marriage at 10.
Now, I'm torn between helping her and minding my own business. But something about her determination got me intrigued....
Just great