Ekhros (English version)

***

The archers on the wall unleashed a rain of arrows at the approaching enemies, preventing them from breaking through the protective field of the gates and entering the city. However, even though they shot arrows at those attempting to break down the gates, they couldn't stop them. The arrows struck a protective field of some sort. Meanwhile, Vyrkon, with his light armor and natural agility, quickly climbed the wall. His hands and feet found support in the small cracks and protrusions of the massive structure. The arrows shot at him and his group were deflected by the protective shield Isayri had cast over him. He needed to reach the top as quickly as possible, as the spell wouldn't last long. As he neared the top, his eyes met Corman's, and they both felt the tension of the moment.

Corman, taking an arrow and aiming at Vyrkon, shot it. The arrow flew through the air mercilessly but never hit its target.

Vyrkon smiled, and when he reached the top, Corman greeted him with a sword strike. The sword rebounded, and the protective shield shone one last time before disappearing—just in time. Vyrkon thought. He drew his own sword and launched an attack.

Corman met the strike with his sword, and this time, there was no rebound. Their swords clashed repeatedly with force and skill.

Corman launched a series of powerful attacks, trying to knock Vyrkon off the wall.

Despite not wielding a sword in ten years, Vyrkon kept up with the fight, dodging quickly and with agility. He counterattacked with precision, seeking an opening in his brother's defense. The sound of metal against metal filled the air as the two fought with everything they had.

***

Although it had been a long time since Komram had fought, it didn't pose much of a problem for her. Facing the soldiers guarding the Dark Island was almost effortless, but fighting against Prince Urquel's son proved to be a bit annoying. The boy was skilled, and defeating him quickly wasn't possible. The longer the fight dragged on, the more it delayed Derkno's plans. So when she managed to entangle her arms and legs around the boy's body like a rope, preventing him from moving, she began to absorb his mana. Aclistu struggled to break free from her grip in vain. His mana weakened, and he was terrified of what she was doing, never having seen such power before.

Soon Aclistu stopped struggling, feeling that this was the end. He had no strength left, and his knees gave way, causing him to fall to the ground, immobile. Komram released her grip while absorbing the last of the boy's mana.

When there was nothing left to absorb, Aclistu's body dispersed into small fragments. Komram stood up, took her sword, and hurried towards where Derkno was, finally about to get the revenge she had always desired.

***

Escaping a spell is easy, but without experience and strength, it wouldn't be simple. Isayri had the experience, but her strength was reaching its limit.

"Sis... procos!" she stammered, launching a paralyzing mana orb. The mana orb struck Ternon's head, freeing him from the spell.

Ternon couldn't move while Isayri panted with exhaustion, recovering from her attack. She lifted her head to look at the old sorcerer and, between gasps, said:

"Never underestimate me again," she attacked him with the same spell he used on her to trap him. Ternon couldn't avoid the spell and took the hit without the ability to move. The impact was painful, and his scream tore through his throat, but Ternon managed to maintain his unyielding will. "Your time has come, old man!"