The Contractor's Conquest

Chapter 7: A Battle for Survival

The destruction of the house lay like a scar in the heart of Florence. Splintered wood and broken stone littered the ground, the night illuminated only by the faint glow of mana as the two cloaked figures prepared their next moves. Arthur stood tall, his green ring gleaming faintly in the moonlight, shielding Mark, Sylas, and Sylas's mother behind him.

The taller figure sneered, his confidence unshaken. "Would you look at that? Never thought I'd find a green ring user in these boonies. From the manifestation of your ring, I'd guess it's defense-oriented. Even if I'm a blue-ring user, you can't fight me in a battle of attrition."

Arthur's eyes narrowed, his stance unwavering. "Don't waste your breath trying to bait me into revealing my secrets, boy. I've been around long enough to see through your tricks. Besides," he added, his voice dropping ominously, "I can sense someone far more dangerous than you nearby."

From the shadows, the shorter figure emerged with a slow, chilling chuckle. "Well, well. Looks like we've got ourselves a veteran."

Arthur's gaze sharpened. "I may be a village head now, but I was once a royal guard. I've faced worse than the likes of you."

The shorter assailant smirked at Arthur's proclamation but remained silent, his thoughts turning inward. This complicates things. We were supposed to eliminate the family quietly, but with this old guard here, it's going to be a hassle. If the villagers sense anything amiss, this mission could spiral out of control. We must finish this quickly.

His ring flared to life, a deep blue glow emanating from his hands as he chanted under his breath, "Come forth: Blood Siphon – Ravager."

Two crimson scythes manifested in his grip, their razor-sharp edges radiating a malevolent energy. A sinister grin spread across his face as he admired the weapons. No matter how experienced you are, you'll crumble under the might of these.

Arthur felt the oppressive aura emanating from the scythes and tightened his grip on his ring. I can't afford to lose focus. If I falter here, Mark and his family will die. I must hold out and trust that Mark can handle the other one.

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Meanwhile, the taller figure wasted no time. With the shorter assailant occupied, he bolted toward Mark, Sylas, and his mother, his twin swords glinting ominously in the dim light.

Sylas froze as the blade arced toward him, but at the last moment, he managed to stumble out of its path, the weapon slicing through the air inches from his head.

"Watch out!" Mark shouted, stepping forward to intercept the attacker.

His ring activated with a brilliant blue glow as he chanted, "Come forth: Merchant's Scale!"

A shimmering weighing scale materialized in Mark's hands, radiating a peculiar, balanced energy. He aimed it at the tall assailant, its glow intensifying.

The taller man, sensing danger, raised his swords to block, but it was too late. A wave of mana passed over him, sapping his strength and leaving his movements sluggish.

"What is this?" he growled, his voice thick with confusion.

At the same time, Sylas felt an electrifying surge course through his veins. His limbs felt lighter, his senses sharper, and for the first time in his life, he felt powerful.

Sylas's mother didn't waste the opportunity. She stepped forward, her ring glowing as she chanted, "Come forth: Domain of Duel!"

A circle of radiant blue light spread outward, encapsulating Sylas and the tall assailant within its boundaries.

"This is your fight now, Sylas," his mother said, her voice steady and firm. "This domain ensures that neither of you can leave until one of you emerges victorious. You're stronger now, thanks to your father's ring. Use that strength."

Mark placed a reassuring hand on Sylas's shoulder. "You can do this, son. For our survival, you must defeat this enemy. We believe in you."

Sylas looked at his parents, his heart pounding in his chest. Their unwavering faith in him ignited a spark of determination.

He turned to face the towering enemy, his fists clenched tightly. Despite the fear gnawing at his chest, he took a step forward, ready to fight.

---

Back with Arthur and the Shorter Assailant

Arthur stood his ground as the shorter assailant lunged forward, his crimson scythes slashing through the air with terrifying precision. Arthur activated his ring, forming a translucent barrier just in time to block the attack.

The scythes screeched against the barrier, sending a jarring vibration through Arthur's arms.

"Not bad, old man," the shorter assailant said, his voice dripping with mockery. "But how long can you hold out against me?"

Arthur didn't respond. Instead, he reinforced his barrier, pushing the shorter man back. He knew he couldn't win in a prolonged battle, but he had to buy time for Mark and Sylas.

Arthur inwardly thought, "If I can just hold him off long enough, Mark and the others might have a chance to escape. I can't let this man reach them."

The shorter assailant grinned, sensing Arthur's resolve. "Let's see how long that shield of yours can last."

He lunged again, his scythes glowing with a menacing red aura as the battle raged on.

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