Chapter 13 – Battle in the Vault
The moment the elite enforcers stepped into the vault, the air crackled with tension. Golden light radiated from Leon Jian, his body thrumming with the Celestial Jade's power. Mei Lin's sword gleamed like silver fire, and Kael nocked arrows with deadly precision.
"Remember," Leon said, voice steady but fierce, "we fight smart, not just hard. The jade will guide us—trust it, and trust each other."
The enforcers attacked in unison, weapons swinging in deadly arcs. Leon moved first, golden energy forming around his fists as he deflected a strike aimed at his chest. The impact sent a shockwave across the room, throwing two attackers into the walls.
Mei Lin flowed like water, her sword carving arcs of light through the air, each strike precise and lethal. Kael's arrows flew silently but with deadly effect, striking at weak points and disarming opponents before they could react.
Yet the enforcers were elite—trained in the darkest techniques of the sect. One lunged at Leon with a blade infused with black energy, forcing him to leap back. Sparks flew as golden energy collided with dark, twisting power.
"You've grown stronger," one enforcer hissed, eyes narrowing behind his mask. "But strength alone won't save you from the sect!"
Leon's eyes blazed. "Then I'll give them more than strength!"
He channeled the full force of the Celestial Jade. Golden waves erupted outward, knocking several attackers off balance and illuminating every corner of the vault. The jade pulsed in sync with his heartbeat, guiding his movements, anticipating attacks before they landed.
Mei Lin and Kael pressed the advantage, moving as extensions of Leon's power. Mei Lin's blade danced, parrying and slicing, while Kael's arrows struck with lethal accuracy, each shot weakening the enemy's formation.
Despite their skill, the battle escalated. One enforcer released a hidden technique, summoning shadowy tendrils that lashed at Leon. He gritted his teeth, energy flaring, and with a concentrated surge, the golden light of the jade burned brighter than ever. The tendrils disintegrated under the pure force of his power.
The fight raged through the vault, objects toppling and dust swirling in the chaos. Leon's fists and Mei Lin's blade moved in perfect synchronization, while Kael's arrows created openings, each member of the trio anticipating the other's actions with uncanny precision.
Finally, the last enforcer charged, reckless and desperate. Leon's golden aura exploded, forming a protective barrier that sent his opponent staggering backward. In a single, fluid motion, Leon struck with concentrated energy, knocking the enforcer into the wall. Silence fell, broken only by the labored breaths of the three allies.
Leon's chest heaved, golden light dimming but still pulsing steadily. "It's done—for now," he said, turning to Mei Lin and Kael. "But Eldric will know we're here. This vault… these secrets… they'll come for us faster than ever."
Mei Lin sheathed her sword. "Then we leave while we can. The information we've gathered is invaluable, but we can't stay here. They'll send reinforcements."
Kael nodded. "Agreed. But we now have an edge—the sect's plans, their betrayals… everything we need to turn the tide."
Leon clenched the Celestial Jade. "Then we move. The sect will learn that Leon Jian is no longer a victim… and Eldric will see the price of his betrayal."
Outside the vault, the forest loomed silent and dark. Inside Leon burned with purpose, the golden light of the Celestial Jade illuminating the path ahead. The battle for revenge—and for justice—had truly begun.