Martin slammed into the ground, the impact reverberating through his armored legs, sending a jolt of numbness up to his hips. Despite the thick padding of leather and steel, the force of the fall left him feeling as if something had broken inside.
Yet, amid the pain, his stance was striking. He gripped his longsword with determination, the blade piercing through Kerry's chest and emerging from his back, anchoring him to the earth.
As the last leaves of autumn fluttered down, it was clear that Kerry, despite his dire situation, could have made a desperate last stand. He could have lifted his sword against Martin, but shock rendered him motionless. In the moments before his life faded, disbelief etched across his face, he managed to utter a few broken syllables, a plea forever lost to the silence around them.
Martin, his breath heavy and labored within the confines of his armor, finally released the hilt of his sword, taking a moment to gather himself. He turned his gaze toward Busca, who sat trembling against a nearby tree, shock etched across his features.
"He's dead," Martin said, his voice steady but tinged with exhaustion. He moved closer to Busca, each step weighed down by the heavy armor. He could feel the dampness of sweat pooling beneath the metal, the heat suffocating.
Busca's eyes widened in horror, his voice barely a whisper. "You... who are you?"
"I?" Martin paused, relishing the moment. The tension in the air was palpable, and he took a deep breath, forcing a smile beneath his helmet. "I'm Martin, the second mage of Anthony's magical store. They call me the useless mage. But today, I'm something else entirely."
He slowly unfastened his helmet, pulling it off with a clang. The fresh air hit his face like a cool breeze, a stark contrast to the suffocating heat inside. Busca's gaze faltered, horror turning to confusion.
"I'm a hacker," Martin continued, leaning closer. "Not the kind you're familiar with. In my world, hackers manipulate the systems around them. And right now, you're part of my system."
Martin's voice dripped with mockery as he approached Busca, who instinctively recoiled, fear widening his eyes. "Please, I can give you anything! Wealth, power... just let me go!"
Martin chuckled, shaking his head. "You think wealth can save you? I've been through hell and back in this world. You don't understand the pain I've endured. But don't worry; I'm not here for your gold."
With a swift motion, he positioned his hands on Busca's head, feeling the fear radiating from him. The moment was surreal, a blend of triumph and something darker. He felt powerful, a king over his domain.
"Now, let's have some fun."
Martin activated a series of magical scrolls linked to his armor. The power surged through him, electric currents crackling as they coursed through the metal and out towards Busca. The air thickened with tension, an ominous hum buzzing around them.
Bright blue arcs of lightning burst forth, dancing across Martin's armor and lashing out at Busca. The man's body convulsed violently, his hair standing on end as the electricity coursed through him. The smell of singed hair filled the air, and Martin grimaced at the discomfort that surged through him, too.
"Ugh, this tingles!" he exclaimed, the thrill of power coursing through him almost intoxicating.
As the last of the energy dissipated, Busca collapsed, his body lifeless in a heap of smoke and charred flesh. Martin stood over him, panting heavily, feeling both exhilarated and drained.
"That was... too easy," Martin muttered, glancing down at the remains of Busca. He took a moment to collect himself, looking around to ensure he was alone in the clearing.
With labored effort, he began to peel off the heavy armor, the weight of it pressing down on him like a burden he was desperate to shed. After several exhausting minutes, he finally freed himself, relishing the cool air against his skin.
As he rummaged through Busca's belongings, searching for anything of value, he frowned in disappointment. "Nothing?" he muttered, frustration creeping in. The man had boasted of his riches, but all Martin found was a few coins and a tattered map.
His eyes landed on a ring glinting on Busca's finger. "Now, what do we have here?" He knocked it off, examining it closely. Before he could inspect it further, a loud voice boomed from behind him.
"What happened here?"
Martin turned sharply, heart racing as he faced a towering orc warrior, muscles rippling beneath his leather armor. The orc's eyes were narrowed, scanning the scene of destruction with suspicion.
"Just a little business transaction," Martin replied, his voice steady despite the adrenaline rushing through him.
The orc took a step forward, assessing the situation. "And you are?"
"Just a humble mage," Martin said, a flicker of mischief in his eyes. "Care to join me for a chat?"