The demon yanked its arm out from Dalan's chest. Blood poured out as Dalan collapsed to the ground.
"D-DALAN!!!" Lea screamed again—this time in horror instead of warning.
Erina gasped.
Kald's eyes widened as he charged forward. No. NO!
"RAGHHHHHH!!!"
He poured force into his arms and sword.
The demon slammed its fist into Lea's stomach. She winced in pain, but before being sent flying back, in a rage she slashed her knives across its neck leaving a fresh, jagged gash.
Kald then reached the demon, swinging his sword at it with absurd speed. The demon lifted its arm to block.
"ENCHANT!" Erina's voice rang out, and wind twisted around Kald's already-charged blade. He brought it down in a mighty arc.
The blade smashed into the demon's arm, the force cracking its gauntlet and sending the creature crashing into the cave floor, nearly burying it in rubble.
But the demon immediately retaliated—launching from the rubble like a rocket and headbutting Kald in the stomach.
"Huah!"Kald coughed, spitting up saliva, but he didn't falter—he lifted his sword and stabbed downward. The demon dodged, but not before taking a deep cut to the shoulder.
At the back of the cave, Erina ran over and knelt beside Dalan, who was still bleeding out on the floor, his blood staining the rock. He slowly turned his head toward her, offering a weak, apologetic smile.
Erina shook her head, holding back tears and brought her wand on top of the wound. The injury was too severe for ranged healing—she needed to make direct contact.
Meanwhile, Kald and Lea kept the demon busy. Their rapid exchange ended up making its way out of the cave and onto the cliffside. The wind howled as their blades clashed with the demon's fists. Blow after blow—But something was wrong.
No matter how many hits actually landed…The demon wasn't slowing. It was getting faster.
Wait… Kald's eyes narrowed. It can't be…
"Lea!" he called out.
Lea glanced toward him and gave a slight nod as she blocked another strike.
She just realized it too, Kald thought.The more damage we do, the stronger it gets…!
The demon kicked at him. Kald blocked with his blade and saw an opening—but he didn't take it.
We need to end this in one hit. If we drag this out any longer… it'll kill us all!
His eyes darted back toward the cave. Erina was still healing Dalan, she couldn't help.
Could he channel enough force to destroy it in a single attack? Without an enchantment?
He gulped. It didn't matter if he could.He had to.
"Lea! I need you to distract it for a bit!"
Force surged through Kald's blade—it glowed a vibrant, searing blue.
"I'LL DESTROY IT IN ONE ATTACK!!!"
Lea looked back at her leader and grinned, tightening her grip on her daggers.
"Right!"
She funneled almost all her remaining force into her arms and legs and charged, now she was just as fast as the demon and they were equal footing once more. She couldnt stay in this state for long though, especially after she'd already used so much force, Kald had to end this quick.
I'm trusting you, leader…Is the last thing Lea thought as she lunged in for another strike.
(And thus, Quick Fang's adventure continues)