Cedric grabbed my arm and pulled me along as we fled through the forest. The sounds of battle faded behind us, replaced by the pounding of our footsteps and the roar of the Storm Griffin in pursuit. We ran until our lungs burned and our legs felt like lead, but the beast was relentless.
As we reached a dense thicket, Cedric suddenly stopped and turned to me, his eyes filled with desperation. "Arin, you have to hold it off," he said, shoving a sword into my hands. "I'll find help."
Before I could protest, Cedric pushed me into the thicket and took off running. I stumbled, barely managing to stay on my feet as the Storm Griffin closed in. The beast's eyes locked onto me, and I knew I was facing certain death.
With trembling hands, I raised the sword, ready to defend myself. The Storm Griffin's roar echoed through the forest as it lunged at me, its claws outstretched. I swung the sword with all my might, but it was no match for the beast's power.
The Storm Griffin circled above me, its wings creating powerful gusts of wind that knocked me off balance. It swooped down, slashing at me with its razor-sharp claws. I barely managed to dodge, the sword feeling heavy and unwieldy in my hands.
The beast's eyes glowed with a fierce intelligence as it unleashed a torrent of wind blades, each one slicing through the air with deadly precision. I raised the sword to block, but the force of the attack sent me sprawling to the ground.
Meanwhile, Cedric ran through the forest, his heart pounding in his chest. He could hear the roars of the Storm Griffin and the sounds of battle fading behind him. Desperation fueled his steps as he searched for a way to escape the relentless pursuit.
He stumbled upon a narrow ravine, its steep walls offering a potential hiding place. Without hesitation, Cedric scrambled down the rocky slope, hoping the beast would lose his scent. He crouched behind a large boulder, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he listened for any signs of the Storm Griffin.
Back in the thicket, I fought with every ounce of strength I had left. The Storm Griffin's attacks were relentless, and I knew I couldn't hold out much longer. My vision blurred, and my limbs felt heavy as exhaustion set in.
As the world around me blurred and darkness closed in, I made a silent promise to myself: I would survive this, no matter the cost.
As I lay on the ground, battered and bruised, a surge of energy coursed through my body. Desperation and determination fueled my resolve. I couldn't let it end here. I couldn't let Cedric's betrayal be the end of my story.
With a primal scream, I felt a burst of power erupt from within me. My vision sharpened, and I could see the Storm Griffin's every move with startling clarity. I raised my hand, and a sphere of fire formed in my palm, though I didn't realize it was flame magic.
"Ignis Orbis!" I shouted, hurling the fireball at the Storm Griffin. The beast recoiled, momentarily stunned by the unexpected attack. I didn't waste a second. I summoned another spell, "Flammae Murus!" A wall of fire erupted between me and the beast, buying me precious moments to gather my strength.The Storm Griffin roared in fury, its eyes blazing with anger. It launched itself at me, but I was ready. I channeled the newfound power within me, casting spell after spell to fend off the beast's relentless attacks.Realizing that brute force alone wouldn't be enough to defeat the Storm Griffin, I began to use my surroundings to my advantage. I lured the beast into the dense thicket, where its large wings were less effective. I used the trees and underbrush to shield myself from its wind blades, striking back whenever I saw an opening.The Storm Griffin's attacks grew more frenzied as it struggled to navigate the confined space. I could see the frustration in its eyes, and I knew I had to keep pressing my advantage. I cast another spell, "Ignis Vinculum!" Chains of fire erupted from the ground, wrapping around the beast's legs and wings, momentarily immobilizing it.
Despite my best efforts, the Storm Griffin's power was overwhelming. My spells began to falter, and I knew I couldn't hold out much longer. In a moment of clarity, I noticed a weak spot on the beast's underbelly, exposed as it struggled against the fiery chains.
Summoning the last of my strength, I cast one final spell, "Ignis Sagitta!" A fiery arrow shot from my hand, striking the Storm Griffin's vulnerable spot. The beast let out a deafening roar of pain and fury, its wings flailing as it struggled to stay airborne.
Realizing it was outmatched, the Storm Griffin retreated, its massive form disappearing into the forest canopy. I watched it go, my body trembling with exhaustion and relief