Chapter 40: duo mission(4)
Henry and the two Djinns clashed fiercely, their weapons and fists creating a symphony of combat. The metallic clang of swords meeting reverberated through the air as flames danced and flickered around them. The first Djinn managed to land a shallow scratch on Henry's hand, while Henry retaliated with a precise strike, leaving scratches on both Djinns' hands.
Wiping the thin line of blood from his palm, Henry smirked. "Not bad. Let's see how you handle this." He activated Flame Boost, a fiery aura enveloping him as his speed and power surged. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, delivering a flaming punch to the first Djinn's midsection, sending him skidding across the ground.
The second Djinn immediately countered, aiming a slash at Henry's torso. However, Henry crouched low, narrowly dodging the attack, before leaping up with a devastating Flame Fist uppercut. The Djinn was launched into the air, grunting in pain as he crashed back down.
Henry straightened up, his smirk widening. "How's that, Djinns? Was my performance up to your standards?"
The third Djinn chuckled, brushing dust off his shoulder. "Not bad, human. I'll give you that. But if you think that's enough to defeat us, you're sorely mistaken."
Henry's grin didn't waver. "Don't worry, I know it's not enough. But make no mistake—I'll still come out on top."
The fourth Djinn sneered, flames flickering around his body. "Big words, human. You won't be saying that when we're done with you."
Both Djinns attacked simultaneously. One charged from the front, while the other flanked him from behind. Henry moved with precision, sidestepping the frontal assault and delivering a fiery kick to the Djinn's ribs. As the second Djinn swung at him from behind, Henry leaped backward with a spin, landing gracefully behind his opponent. He retaliated with another powerful kick that sent the Djinn sprawling.
The Djinns quickly recovered, their expressions now serious. "Enough games," the third Djinn growled. Flames erupted around him as he transformed, his body engulfed in fiery energy. His partner followed suit, their power increasing significantly.
"I didn't think we'd have to use our flame transformations against a mere human," the fourth Djinn muttered.
Henry's eyes gleamed as his own flames intensified. "If we're using transformations, then I'll join you." His fiery aura exploded outward, signifying his Flame Transformation.
"Let's start round two," Henry declared, his voice laced with determination.
"Yes," the third Djinn snarled, "let's finish this."
They clashed once more, their enhanced forms creating shockwaves with each strike. Swords met in a furious exchange of blows, flames ignited in mid-air, and fists collided with bone-shaking force. The battlefield was ablaze, with the combatants moving so quickly that their figures blurred.
For several minutes, the fight raged on, with neither side gaining a clear advantage. Both Henry and the Djinns bore new injuries—burns, cuts, and bruises marring their bodies. Blood dripped from Henry's lip as he stepped back to catch his breath.
"Ahh... This fight is exhausting," he admitted, wiping his brow.
"You're not the only one," the fourth Djinn panted, his flames dimming slightly.
"We should end this soon," the third Djinn said, his voice strained.
Henry chuckled through his exhaustion. "I agree... though I doubt it'll be over anytime soon."
Despite their fatigue, they resumed the battle, their movements becoming more desperate and aggressive. Henry's sword sliced across the Djinns' chests and legs, while their claws left gashes on his arms and face. Each attack drained their mana reserves further, pushing them closer to their limits.
"This hurts like hell," Henry muttered under his breath.
The Djinns exchanged a glance. "This human is stronger than I expected," the third Djinn admitted.
"How can a 15-year-old be this powerful?" the fourth Djinn wondered aloud.
"I don't know, but we need to finish him before we run out of mana."
They all leaped backward, creating a momentary stalemate. As Henry caught his breath, his gaze wandered to Dakota's fight in the distance. Unlike his own grueling battle, Dakota seemed to be enjoying himself.
"Wow, Dakota's doing better than me... as always," Henry murmured, a mix of admiration and frustration in his voice. "Will I ever surpass you?"
The third Djinn laughed mockingly. "You? Suppress that human? I doubt it."
The fourth Djinn smirked. "Yeah, just looking at him, I can tell he's miles ahead of you in strength and potential."
Henry's expression hardened. "I know that better than anyone. But if I don't keep up with him, then who will? I'll train twice as hard if that's what it takes to stand by his side."
The third Djinn sneered. "Good luck with that. Not that it matters—you won't live to see tomorrow."
Henry's lips curled into a defiant smile. "Oh, is that so? Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you two."
The Djinns roared in anger, launching themselves at Henry with renewed ferocity. Henry retaliated with equal vigor, managing to sever the fourth Djinn's arm in a swift counterattack. Pain shot through him as the third Djinn's blade pierced his side, but he gritted his teeth and pressed on.
"Agh... Damn, that hurts," Henry groaned, clutching his wound.
"Shit, my arm!" the fourth Djinn cried, clutching his severed limb.
Sensing an opening, the third Djinn aimed a flaming fist at Henry's back. Henry dodged at the last second, spinning around with blinding speed to drive his sword into the Djinn's stomach.
"AGHH!" the Djinn howled in agony, staggering backward.
Using the brief window, Henry slashed off the Djinn's remaining arm before pivoting to deliver a fatal stab to the second Djinn's chest. Both enemies fell to their knees, groaning in pain.
"This... hurts..." the third Djinn gasped.
"We haven't felt pain like this in so long," the fourth Djinn murmured, a strange smile on his face.
Then, to Henry's confusion, the Djinns started laughing.
"What's so funny?" Henry demanded.
"You've given us a real fight," the third Djinn said through his laughter. "We haven't had this much fun in ages."
"You're insane," Henry spat.
Their laughter was cut short when Dakota's voice rang out from the distance.
"Blazer," Dakota said calmly, his tone chilling.
The Djinns froze. "Blazer?"
Henry turned to Dakota, his brow furrowing. "What's he talking about?"
Dakota's gaze was unwavering. "I may be a mere human now, but in the future, I will kill Blazer—that damned transcendent."
The Djinns erupted in laughter again, though this time there was an edge of disbelief.
"Kill Blazer? That's the funniest thing I've ever heard," the third Djinn sneered.
Henry's voice cut through their mockery. "Laugh all you want. But I believe in him. Dakota will kill Blazer."
The Djinns' expressions darkened, their flames surging with fury.
"You'll pay for those words, human!" the fourth Djinn roared.
Henry raised his sword, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Time to end this."
He activated his Flame Domain, engulfing the battlefield in a fiery inferno under his control. The Djinns recoiled, panic flashing across their faces.
"Shit, we need to get out of here!" the third Djinn yelled.
But before they could act, Henry moved with blinding speed. His blade severed the first Djinn's head in a single stroke, then turned to deliver the same fate to the second.
As their lifeless bodies hit the ground, Henry exhaled shakily, his flames dimming.
"Phew... That was intense," he muttered, walking over to Dakota.
Dakota, leaning on his sword, nodded. "No kidding. You alright?"
Henry smiled faintly. "Yeah. Tired, but alive. We did it."
Dakota extended a fist, and Henry bumped it with his own. They both broke into laughter, relief washing over them.
And with that, their first duo mission ended.