1. The Clash Begins
On the snow–covered plains of Kuzren, Mamir, Ener, and Necor raised their blades beneath the looming shadow of Vargdur.
The beast struck first: claws slammed into the ground, shattering stone and snow. Then he lunged forward, a massive swipe aimed at Mamir. Mamir met the blow with his sword of Elven Light, steel clashing against shadow, the impact echoing like thunder. He was driven back several meters, boots carving trenches into the frost.
Then Vargdur threw back his head and howled. A sonic wave burst from his jaws, a storm of sound that shattered shields and flung men aside. Ener staggered, clutching his chest. Necor fell to one knee. Only Runya's glowing hands, casting a wave of light, softened the blast — without her, they would have all collapsed at once.
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2. Wounds and Healing
Vargdur pounced again, seizing Mamir by the shoulder and slamming him into the ice. Bones cracked, but Mamir refused to release his grip on his sword.
Ener charged, lifting his massive black blade with both hands, carving a deep slash across the monster's back. Shadows spilled like blood from the wound.
With a roar, Vargdur spun, jaws snapping at Ener, ready to tear him apart. Necor leapt in — twin black blades flashing — one stabbing into Vargdur's arm, the other slicing across his chest. The wolf–lord reeled, bellowing in pain, and hurled both warriors aside.
Runya soared above, her hands glowing golden. Threads of light wrapped around Mamir's broken ribs and Ener's crushed chest, knitting wounds together. But each spell left her paler, her body trembling under the strain.
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3. Runya in Danger
Vargdur's glowing eyes locked onto her.
— "You… little fairy. You are the reason they still stand."
In one bound, he was upon her. His claws slashed down with the force of falling boulders. Runya barely raised her magic shield in time, but it would not hold.
At the last moment, Mamir slid in front of her, blade raised. He struck Vargdur's claw with a resounding crash. The shadow split, but the sheer force drove Mamir to his knees.
— "I won't let you touch her, Runya!" he roared.
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4. Counterattack
Ener seized the moment. With a roar, he brought his colossal black blade down across Vargdur's back once more. The beast snarled in agony, twisting around to bite Ener's throat.
But Necor was faster. Twin blades spun like a storm — slashing, stabbing, cutting across the wolf's chest and arms. Dozens of wounds opened, shadows spilling into the snow.
Forced back, Vargdur's fury burned hotter.
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5. The Wolf Lord's Awakening
The monster raised his head, arms spread wide.
— "Enough! Now… I release the mode of the Lord of the Black Mountains! Answer me, Buzron!"
The earth shook. Shadows wrapped around his body. Bones cracked, muscles swelled.
Vargdur's form twisted and expanded. No longer a half–wolf beast — he became a giant wolf, six meters tall, cloaked in midnight fur, with burning emerald eyes.
Steam hissed from his jaws, his fangs gleaming like razors that could split stone.
Runya gasped, clutching Mamir's arm.
— "This… this is no longer just a commander. This is pure darkness itself."
Mamir, Ener, and Necor steadied their weapons.
The wolf–lord bared his teeth, growling, the sound rattling through the frozen earth.
And the chapter ended.
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