The cavern trembled with each clash between JC and the dragon. Sparks flew as his glowing crimson sword collided with the dragon's fiery claws, the shockwaves of their battle pushing the others back toward the door.
"He's actually doing it," Angel whispered, her eyes wide as she watched JC hold his ground against the massive beast.
"But how?" Jackson asked, gripping his staff tightly. "He's just one person."
Mark shook his head, his voice low. "No. He's not just one person. He's JC."
---
The Dance of Power
JC moved like a storm, his strikes precise and relentless. The dragon unleashed a torrent of fire, but JC raised his sword, the energy from the mark of wrath forming a shield that absorbed the flames.
"You'll have to do better than that," he muttered, dashing forward.
He leaped onto the dragon's back, his blade slashing into its scales. The beast roared in fury, thrashing wildly, but JC held on, his glowing marks blazing brighter with every second.
---
The Group's Dilemma
"Shouldn't we help him?" Lissy asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Mark hesitated, his hand on his weapon. "He told us to stay back. He's got this."
"But he can't do it alone!" Lissy argued, stepping forward.
Angel placed a hand on her shoulder. "Lissy, trust him. He's not the same JC we used to know. Look at him. He's... unstoppable."
---
The Turning Point
The dragon let out an ear-splitting roar, its wings beating furiously as it rose into the air. JC jumped back, landing gracefully on the ground, his sword at the ready.
"You're getting desperate," JC said, his voice calm yet taunting. "Good. Let's end this."
The dragon dove toward him, its claws glowing with fiery energy. JC raised his sword, channeling every ounce of his power into the blade. The marks on his body pulsed, and the air around him shimmered with heat.
"Mark of Wrath," he whispered.
With a powerful swing, a wave of crimson energy erupted from his sword, colliding with the dragon mid-air. The force of the attack sent shockwaves through the cavern, the ground cracking beneath their feet.
When the light faded, the dragon lay motionless, its body surrounded by glowing embers.
---
The Aftermath
JC stood over the defeated beast, his sword still glowing faintly. His breathing was steady, his expression calm as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
The group approached cautiously, their eyes filled with awe.
"You… you actually did it," Mark said, his voice shaking slightly.
JC turned to them, his familiar calm smile returning. "Told you I had it."
Lissy ran to him, throwing her arms around him. "Don't scare me like that again!"
JC chuckled softly, patting her back. "Sorry. I'll try not to."
---
A New Path
As they stood together in the now-silent cavern, the faint glow of the dragon's hoard caught their attention.
"What now?" Jackson asked, looking at the treasure.
JC sheathed his sword, his marks dimming. "We take what we need and keep moving. This is just the beginning."
The group nodded, their determination renewed. They had seen JC's power, but they also knew they had their own strengths to develop.
Together, they left the cavern, ready to face whatever lay ahead.