Chapter 7

Ryu glanced at Kai, a silent understanding passing between them. With a sudden burst of energy, they let go of Elena's wrists and whirled around to face the unsuspecting priests. The forest echoed with the draw of swords, and the air crackled with anticipation.

[System Notification]

[Ding! Battle Initiated: Titan Priests]

[Ding! Fireburst Technique Unleashed]

Kai's eyes gleamed with determination as he initiated the Fireburst Technique. Fingertips ablaze, he conjured a dazzling fan of flames that surged toward the enemies, enveloping a half dozen in a fiery dance.

[System Notification]

[Ding! Enemies Engulfed: Burn Damage Over Time]

The agonizing cries of those caught in the inferno echoed through the battleground. Seizing the opportunity, Ryu, his sword gleaming with anticipation, unsheathed his blade and charged into the chaos.

[System Activation]

[Ding! Sword Mastery: Swift Assault]

With the Sword Mastery technique activated,Ryu moved with unparalleled speed, slicing through the disoriented foes with precision.

The priests, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, struggled to mount a cohesive defense.

In the midst of the chaos, Elena surprised everyone by unsheathing her dagger and, with a maniacal laugh, leaping into the thick of the battle.

"We need an extra hand in this fight," Kai thought to himself as he swiftly approached the marble slab where the unicorn was bound. Conjuring protective flames around himself, he shielded against the sinister attacks. Dark rays sizzled against his magical barrier, creating an otherworldly display.

"Thank you, good sir," the unicorn spoke as Kai slashed at the ropes with his enchanted dagger. Once freed, the majestic creature leaped to its feet.

"You will pay for your iniquities!" the unicorn proclaimed, its words echoing with a mystical resonance.

Kai was taken aback; he'd never witnessed a talking horse before. The unicorn's horsy lips didn't move like a human's; instead, words simply spilled out.

One of the priests glared at Kai and began chanting a spell. Thinking quickly, Kai unleashed a burst of magical flames, creating a barrier of fire between them. The priest's incantations faltered as the flames danced and roared.

Unleashing another magical attack, Kai directed flames toward the priest who dared to challenge him. The priest, caught off guard, stumbled back, robes singed by the intense heat.

Meanwhile, the unicorn, displaying both grace and power, impaled another priest with its horn. The enemy's dark magic dissipated, leaving behind only the sizzling scent of burnt robes.

Unicorns are rather useful, kai thought.

Kill the beast!" one of the priests bellowed. Dark bolts of energy crackled through the air, Kai swiftly dodged behind the stone, narrowly avoiding a sizzling bolt above him. Peering over, he watched the unicorn endure a barrage of dark bolts. Most of the priests, fixated on the suffering creature, remained oblivious to Ryu silently joining the rear, his sword dancing with a grim smile. The ballet of destruction behind them went unnoticed.

"In Lothar's name, DIE!" the pretty lady, who had carried the unicorn, shouted, summoning a circle of fire between her raised palms. The unicorn reared, eyes wide. "No!" Kai exclaimed as the lady sent forth a crackling ray into the side of the unicorn's head. The majestic creature crashed to the ground.

"Behind! Behind!" someone cried out. The priests shifted their focus to Ryu. Facing overwhelming odds, he couldn't withstand them all. Fueled by adrenaline, Kai charged forward with his staff, shouting like a madman. Ryu striking from one side, and Kai on the other.

The battle cries echoed through the air as Kai and Ryu carved a path through the priests, their movements synchronized. Flames erupted from Kai's fingertips, engulfing the enemy in a dance of destruction. Beside him, Ryu swung his sword with a calculated grace, cutting through adversaries with precision.

[System Notification]

[Ding! Kill Streak x5: Kai]

Kai couldn't help but smirk as the system tab notified him of his kill streak. "Looks like I'm on “fire”, Ryu! Pun intended!"

Ryu, in the midst of parrying an incoming attack, shot Kai a grin. "Just you wait. I'm about to steal your spotlight."

They continued their onslaught, each trying to outdo the other. The air crackled with energy as Kai unleashed his magical prowess, creating a spectacular display of flames that painted the battlefield in vibrant hues. Meanwhile, Ryu showcased his swordsmanship, moving effortlessly between strikes and parries.

[System Notification]

[Ding! Kill Streak x7: Ryu]

Ryu's grin widened as he glanced at Kai. "Looks like I'm taking the lead, wizard-boy."

Kai chuckled, "Don't get too comfortable, Ryu. I've got some tricks up my sleeve."

the remaining priests scattered. In a whirlwind of flames, Kai incinerated the final priest before they could reach the safety of the woods.

Kai couldn't help but tease, "Well, Ryu, looks like we're both winners today. But hey, let's make it interesting. Bet you can't beat my kill count next time!"

Just then a shadow loomed over his path, and he turned to see Elena. Her ragged dress was stained with blood, and the dagger Ryu had lent her dripped with fresh gore. She wore a manic smile.

"Revenge! Revenge for my captivity!" she exclaimed, then darted off, presumably to hunt down more fleeing priests. Kai contemplated joining her when he caught a glimpse of the lady priest’s beautiful hair disappearing into the forest below.

Intrigued, Kai decided to follow the lady priest, his curiosity piqued by the enigmatic allure that clung to her presence. With a determined glint in his eyes, he ventured into the depths of the forest, ready to unravel the mysteries that awaited him.