Chapter 3+8: The Disintegrated Sword of Chaos
Chaos continued to swirl around them. Alex, feeling adrenaline surge through his veins, took a deep breath and decided to use the only resource he truly had: his support magic. Though not as powerful as the others', he had learned to channel it with precision.
He approached EMI, who was blocking another devastating strike from Garrosh, and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"What are you doing now?" EMI asked, sweating but holding firm.
Alex closed his eyes, focusing on transferring energy. A faint glow emanated from his hands, enveloping EMI in a warm light.
"I'm giving you a boost. I can't fight like you, but I can help you endure longer."
EMI felt a surge of strength course through her body—her muscles relaxed, yet gained unexpected resilience. Her eyes lit with renewed determination.
"Thank you, Alex. Now let me handle this."
Alex nodded and, without looking back, ran toward Serena, who was fiercely dueling Zarek.
---
Zarek continued attacking with his manic grin, swift and precise movements as if toying with Serena. She, however, stood her ground, casting thorn barriers and energy waves to keep him at bay.
"Is that all you've got, witch?" Zarek taunted as he dodged another blast.
"I thought you'd be more entertaining."
"And I thought the Grand Master's lackeys were supposed to be smarter," Serena retorted with sarcasm, sending an explosion of energy that forced Zarek to back off several paces.
Alex arrived just as Zarek struck back, hurling Serena into the ground with brute force.
"Serena!" Alex shouted as he rushed forward.
Zarek turned toward him, his sinister smile widening. "Well, well, the little one without magic dares to play? This should be fun."
---
Alex placed himself in front of Serena, who struggled to stand. Her gaze stayed fixed on Zarek while her mind raced for a strategy. He knew he couldn't face Zarek directly, but perhaps he could distract him long enough for Serena to recover.
"What are you doing here?" Serena asked, brushing a trickle of blood from her lip.
"I'm not standing by while you do all the work," Alex replied, staring resolutely at Zarek.
Zarek advanced slowly, predator-like. Alex grabbed a small dagger from the debris. It was practically worthless against a foe like Zarek—but perhaps enough to gain a few precious seconds.
"Brave, I'll give you that," Zarek said, raising his sword. "But also foolish."
Just as Zarek lunged at Alex, he rolled to the side, narrowly dodging the strike. He threw a small rock that hit Zarek's eye, momentarily stunning him.
"Now, Serena!" Alex shouted.
---
Seizing the moment, Serena channeled her magic to weave a massive net of energy around Zarek. Thorny strands snapped shut like a trap, immobilizing him—for a few critical seconds.
"You can't stop me!" Zarek roared, ripping part of the net apart with his brute strength.
"I just need one more moment," Serena murmured, focusing. Her body began to glow with intense aura, gathering all her strength for a final blow.
Zarek freed himself partially—but before he could fully recover, Serena unleashed a burst of pure energy that struck him square in the chest, sending him flying into a nearby wall.
---
Zarek rose slowly, staggering but still grinning. "This is what I love… fights where I can actually feel something."
Despite his bravado, fatigue and injuries showed on his body. Serena, panting, leaned on Alex, who supported her as best he could.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes—but this isn't over yet," Serena replied, eyes fixed on Zarek, who stood ready to continue.
Alex knew the battle wasn't done—but for the first time, he felt he could make a difference, however small. He looked at Zarek with renewed resolve, prepared for whatever came next.
Tension hung heavy in the air. Serena, breathing hard, remained steady before Zarek, who concealed excitement behind maniacal eyes while wielding his katanas.
"So you have disintegration magic," Zarek sneered, twirling his swords deftly. "Interesting. It's been a while since someone made me feel I might lose an arm with one slip."
Serena stayed silent. In her mind, she weighed the odds, seeking a way to triumph without burning all her energy. Her magic, while powerful, was taxing in prolonged combat.
---
Zarek moved first. His movements were lightning-fast, vanishing from sight for a moment before reappearing to Serena's right. His katanas gleamed with a dark flash as he swung them toward her.
Serena barely had time to react. She raised a magical barrier in front of her, but Zarek's katanas sliced through it effortlessly. With a swift backward step, Serena extended her hand, activating her magic. A wave of disintegration energy shot toward Zarek, forcing him to retreat.
"That was close!" Zarek exclaimed, laughing. "You're dangerous, I admit that. But that only makes this more fun."
Without giving her a chance to recover, Zarek attacked again, using his speed to circle her. Serena could barely follow his movements, and every time she tried to strike with her magic, Zarek slipped just out of range, attacking from an unexpected angle.
---
After several exchanges, Serena was panting, her body covered in superficial cuts and burns from the enchanted blades of Zarek's katanas.
"What's wrong, witch?" Zarek mocked, stopping a few meters away. "Is that all you've got? I didn't think you'd tire so quickly."
Serena gritted her teeth, her eyes burning with fury.
"I won't lose to a man—not again."
Zarek raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"So that's what drives you? Fascinating. Well, let me help you get over that trauma… by defeating you right here and now."
Before Zarek could move, Alex stepped up beside Serena, placing a hand on her shoulder—and for some reason, Zarek paused.
"What are you doing?" Serena asked, clearly irritated by the interruption.
"I have a plan," Alex replied, his voice calm but firm. "What's the limit of your magic? Can you fully cover yourself with it, like a shield?"
Serena frowned, her mind already processing what Alex was suggesting.
"Yes, I can, but it takes a lot of energy. If I fail, I'll have nothing left to defend myself."
"You won't fail," Alex said confidently. "I'll amplify your magic. When Zarek comes in to strike, activate your shield. With my support, his body won't be able to resist the disintegration effect."
---
Serena hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright. I just hope you know what you're doing."
Seeing them talk, Zarek laughed loudly.
"What's this? Planning your last move already? How cute."
Alex ignored the taunt and raised both hands, channeling his technique into Serena. A blue light enveloped her, merging with the disintegration energy already starting to surround her. Serena closed her eyes, focusing on spreading her magic over her entire body.
Zarek, noticing the change, tilted his head with curiosity.
"What are they up to now? Doesn't matter. I'll break through that magic of yours!"
With a burst of speed, Zarek launched himself at Serena, katanas ready to strike.
Serena held her position, waiting for the perfect moment. Just as Zarek came within range, she activated her disintegration shield. Her body became entirely cloaked in a glowing, deadly energy.
---
Zarek couldn't stop in time. His katanas clashed against the shield—and instantly disintegrated. A cry of surprise escaped his lips as his right arm began to dissolve slowly from the forearm down.
"This... this is amazing!" Zarek shouted, still smiling even as his arm completely vanished.
Before he could retreat, Serena intensified her magic, unleashing a shockwave that struck him head-on. Zarek was hurled several meters back, crashing into a wall and collapsing to the ground.