"You seem to be doing well since you're still calling me by that ridiculous moniker."
There was a lapse in the seriousness from the foxel for a moment, allowing a mischievous smirk to appear on his face. There he was, standing before me with a flare of confidence despite his deteriorated condition. His words filled me with familiarity as we looked into each other's eyes.
"It is a moniker well earned if you were to ask me," I responded, which prompted a chuckle from the man.
The earth around us creaked and grumbled from the moving roots around our feet. That fact alone made me question everything I knew about him. Granted, it wasn't much, but his confidence and drive were not that of a foxel but a kitsune, much like he claimed. Kitsunes, in general, were a prideful and powerful people, and Marktavious has proven himself to match that description. That only makes me wonder why he decided to hide his strength.
"I thought you didn't know any magic, but-"
"I didn't, but I've come to learn that, like The Ravager, I am built differently as well. However, I've known that from the beginning, of course. I needed your help to get in the door, but it appears that we were blessed with divine intervention."
"Divine intervention?" I asked, but he shook his head before stepping in front of us.
"Let's not worry about that. We can discuss this later, but for now- Mikangleo, it's good to see you are alive and with us. I'm requesting that you lend us your strength, and no need to worry about holding back. We are at a crossroads, and I think we should choose a lane."
The sharp gaze of the fox-eared man glanced over Mikangleo, reminding me of his poor condition. I quickly reacted, smothering the man with whatever healing magic that I could muster at the time. While it was not enough to fix his broken nose, he did let out exhales of gratitude.
"You don't intend to fight this man again, do you? It's suicide to-"
"None of that," Marktavious responded, cutting his words off. He gestured towards our opponent, The Ravager, as Marktavious referred to him with his left hand. "Are you going to simply roll over and allow him to reap your life without resistance? And here I imagined that you had grand ambitions of your own."
Mikangleo's eyes widened at his words before shaking his head. His hand covered his broken nose as he attempted to ignore the pain that his nose was likely causing him. He was devasted by the power presented by The Ravager, and for good reason. Even with the three of us, I doubt we could walk away with the three of us alive. He was too dangerous and powerful!
"I'm not, but there's not much we can do. He will overpower us, and you may have escaped death once, but I doubt we could achieve the same thing. " He shifted his gaze to me. "Her healing magic is unrefined, and that is due to her depleting mana reserves. If we continue to fight, then we will all succumb to our injuries. "
"I see," Marktavious responds. The fox-eared man began twisting the end of his mustache as his eyes shifted toward me again. "You ready to throw in the towel, too?"
"I... agree with his sentiment. Any more fighting will end with all of us dying. We can not close the distance between our strengths, and I do not possess the mana necessary to keep us all alive with my healing magic," I informed him.
He momentarily turned away from us as he became entranced in thought. The tail of the man flickering as a thought occurred to me.
'Our attacker... what has happened to him? He should be-'
My eyes widened as a realization occurred to me. The roots that moved near our feet were active, and when we spoke, they had begun ensnaring our opponent. He fought the thick roots with strength before letting out a booming warcry.
"Enough!" he growled as he leaped away from the entangling roots.
The Ravager's face was warped with anger and frustration as he unsheathed his blade from his back. He slashed into the roots, slicing through them with ease, which made the confident Marktavious grin mischievously. Once space was placed between the roots and The Ravager, the frustrated man glared at the fox-eared man.
"Aw! You two noticed, but I don't blame you. He did deal quite the number on you, and I don't blame you for thinking that. He is powerful, more so than I, but this battle was never about the physical," Marktavious chimes as his grin disappears. His tail stiffened, ceasing from its gentle sways.
"Both of you, listen up and listen well... I promised that we would win if you followed my instructions, and while I did get my ass handed to me at first, know that this was all according to plan."
"What are you talking about?!" Mikangleo snapped, but Marktavious leaped several feet into the air before receiving an answer.
With a blur, Marktavious appeared on top of The Ravager's head, delivering a powerful kick. It missed, but that didn't prevent him from pushing forward once he landed. The Ravager used his massive blade as a shield, and when it came time for The Ravager to counterattack, his target had disappeared again. In his place were thick roots bursting from the ground, threatening to ensnare The Ravager again.
While I imagined it would've worked in most circumstances, The Ravager must've anticipated it. His sword turned offensively, cleaving through the roots with the ease of a baker slicing through bread. However, to our surprise, he found a fist on his face for his trouble. While it didn't appear to do much, Marktavious was quick to avoid his opponent's back fist with ease.
It was almost insane to think that Marktavious was out of commission a few seconds ago. He pushed with urgency, blocking and dodging any attack that came his way. His face was blank, and his eyes constantly bounced around The Ravager's body as if he were analyzing him.
"This is...This is unreal." Mikangleo muttered, and I actually agreed.
'What is going on... How can he hold his own again... in his condition nonetheless?'
The heavens must've heard our remarks because they were snatched from him when we saw Marktavious achieve the advantage. A vicious backhand slammed against his forearm, causing the man to fly in our direction. He tumbled backward but somehow rolled to his feet with an elegance I didn't expect from him.
Upon landing on his feet, he gestured for us to stand back as he corrected his glasses on his snout.
"Hmph-... Ah! Vine Bind?!"
Upon the words' call, roots shot from the ground underneath The Ravager's feet and quickly wrapped around the man's arms and legs. He resisted, but unlike before, he could not use his sword to cleave through them. It was as if Marktavious had expertly chosen which weak spots to place the roots to restrict his movement.
"Oh yeah! That's it! That's the name of it! Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!"
Marktavious erupted in laughter as the roots continued to constrict around his target with incredible vigor. I couldn't help but to gape at his display. Mikangleo was as stunned as I was at that moment, but his hand on Marktavious's shoulder was enough to grab his attention.
"You... Who- What are you?" Mikangleo asked, but he received a mischievous grin as his response.
"Many things, but you can refer to me as a genius, but I wouldn't be too eager because this isn't over yet."
I opened my mouth to speak, but Marktavious's severe glare rested on the both of us. The power behind his gaze sent a shock down my spine, causing us to freeze in our tracks. A purple haze washed over the man's frame as he oozed an unfathomable malice from his body.
"For the record, Claire... Mikangleo, this is do or die. There is no time for you two to become discouraged because a little blood was shed on our end. On the path you two have chosen, a day like today will become a normal Tuesday. Blood, carnage, ambushes, and blades in the night will threaten you! Your opponents will get the better of you, and they will devise strategies to counter and put you down! However! If I ever catch either of you surrendering your lives to anyone when you are supposed to watch my back, then I'll reap your souls myself! Qayshaun would never die like a dog without giving it his all, and Bonner would always escape to preserve his life! Follow the examples of my brothers and never throw your lives away! What are you two?! Idiots?!"
I wanted to respond to his words, but I found myself unable to muster the courage to do so. Even if I could, there was nothing I could think of that could match his intensity. His gaze was powerful, washing over us with incredible pressure. It was enough to send a shiver down my spine. After a moment of getting his point across, the man lessened his pressure, allowing us to let out exhales of relief.
"Now... Back to more important matters," Marktavious said as he turned to face The Ravager. "Resolving this issue will be difficult, but if you two find your spines, then we can see to it that we end up without more injuries."
"You are not the only one who understands the severity of our situation!" I snapped back, which brought about a raised eyebrow from the man. "You may be uncharacteristically resilient somehow, but you need to recognize that not all of us are capable of withstanding attacks of that nature. Looking down your nose at us while lecturing us is not ideal. Especially when you don't understand our background."
"Your background? I fail to understand that relevance, but I understand that your goal is protecting your people. Your mother is gone without a trace, and you've been hiding your head in a hole ever since. I'm sure you've learned something at that time, but I think Horace stunted your development with his overprotective nature, Marktavious responded. His eyes shifted between me and the bound Ravager in the distance.
The large man resisted the roots binding him, but he had no luck freeing himself.
"Stunted my growth? What do you know? We've only known each of a few days now."
"yet, that's enough time to share tears for me, or I assume those were for me. I find it pathetic that a wannabe protector would shed tears because things aren't going their way," he said, narrowing his eyes. The furry ears of the man twitched as he detected a nearby sound.
"I- I will not go into that right now, but my point remains the same. Horace has done nothing but protect and ensure that I continue to survive until the day I reunite with my mother. He has done an excellent job in doing so." I responded.
"Must be nice," Mikangleo added in, but he didn't offer any other words. Instead, he looked away from my gaze and nursed his nose. Reflection was marked within his eyes.
"Must be," Marktavious agreed, but his tone was sarcastic. "A protector is not above receiving assistance, but you are used to having everything handled for you, and that shows. You have a modicum of skill with your magic and with that sword, but what have you done with either of them since we were caught off guard?"
My right eye began to twitch at his words.
"I've provided assistance such as healing both of you. I don't understand why you are pretending that didn't happen."
"It did, but it achieved nothing. I was laid on my ass, and when it was your turn to fight together, you stood by when Mikangleo was about to be mutilated; you abandoned Q when he needed you and when the chips were down and I needed your assistance; you froze," a strained expression appeared on the man's face as he clenched his right hand into a fist.
The roots around us began to twist and turn as they shot around his feet. While I did not want to dispute his words, I could not respond. His words were harsh, but I couldn't deny them.
"Allow this to be one of the last times I remind you that I was the one who went to bat for our partnership. My brothers view our partnership as more of a hindrance than a benefit. You've slighted Q, and Horace has unnerved Bonner. Had you been an asshole like Percival, then I'd leave you high and dry without hesitation. Hell, my fox in the chair advised me to do so, but I remain on course for a reason... Fuck!"
His sudden outburst stunned me momentarily, but I soon understood why he did so—the sound of loud snapping followed by a roar from the Ravager. The aura around him darkened as he powered out of the root bindings that ensnared him. Marktavious frowned as he crossed his arms against his chest. Mikangleo tensed up at the sight, but unlike the other two, I felt an acute sense of dread. It paralyzed me once more to see our opponent snatch the roots of his body like a madman.
The Ravager's hateful glare landed on us as he pointed toward our location. Malice gleamed in his eyes as he opened his mouth to speak, "I tire of the dogs of the nobility."
"I tire of your bullshit, too," Marktavious snapped as he waved off the man. "You whine and cry about the nobility when you're clearly the biggest scum here! You walk around spewing anti-nobility dogma, but as far I see it, you're doing the dirty work of nobles, and what a good little bitch you are."
The Ravager frowned at his words. If I were Marktavious, I wouldn't be so carelessly antagonizing a man who had nearly killed him a few moments ago. Although he appeared to have had some spells hidden from me, it was evident that his trump card had failed to contain our opponent fully. To risk angering such an unstable individual is not advised.
"I've seen many of your kind before..." The Ravager seemed more cautious of any possible roots appearing to ensnare him as he approached, "Emboldened by the power and injustice of your master, you view yourself as divine, but a mortal like myself has placed you at a crossroads. Had this encounter not been your end, someone else would likely have had enough of your mouth and done the right thing to end your pathetic life."
"Is that a fact now?" Marktavious inquired, watching the man closely.
The Ravager didn't respond; instead, his gaze landed on me.
"If you are considering a hasty retreat to Astana, I would not consider that if I were you. I will hunt you down, and whether it will be here or the city, your death will arrive. You may hide under a false persona, but I see through it. I see the despicable nature of the Angea pumping through your veins."
His words began to upset me. I couldn't quite grasp why I was feeling this way. This man was a stranger and a dangerous one at that. His words were likely aimed to distract me, but still, I felt that I must respond to them. If I allowed his insults to go unchallenged, I would not be able to face her once I reunite with my mother. That realization made my face grow red, and I clenched my fists.
My eyes shifted from The Ravager to Svett of the Silver Stars, who looked smug about the situation. We had discussed whether or not the man was trustworthy, and it is evident that he was not. He watched like a predator as The Ravager toyed with us and inflicted damage after his ambush. He was supposed to be a reasonable man, but he seems to value some deals more than others. His ally, Wakley, was utterly mortified by the situation.
Whatever fire spell he used had utterly depleted the man's mana reserves, leaving him unable to stand on his power. Svett was using him as a makeshift shield, smirking behind him as they turned to walk past the charade trees into the untouched forest. It was he who brought The Ravager down upon us, and now he wanted to get away?
'No! I won't allow you to escape that easily! Svett! I will- I will!'
My body shook with anger as I felt an unfamiliar pull of energy. My eyes widened, and I felt something snapped within.
"Despicable?! My family is honorable! It is due to the effort and leadership of my family that Astana has flourished in the past three centuries! My mother has worked tirelessly, day in and day out, to ensure the security and prosperity of every member of our city to the best of her ability! My uncle set the bar for excellence at the academy and rules this region as a merciful and benevolent leader. My father and his father before him have shed blood and lost their lives to secure the safety of our people! I will not- I will not allow a bloodthirsty monster ever to disrespect our lineage!"
I will not allow them to get away with it!
'The death of the Angea! The death of the Angea! The death of the Angea!! The Death of the Angea!!!'
"Try as you might! Send assassins and fiends after me all you would like, but I will never die! I could not afford to be done in and have my family end here! Not today! Not ever! The Angea will live! I will live, not just for my sake, but for the sake of my people! For the sake of those who have fallen before me, keeping me on the path I am walking today! I will- I will-"
The Ravager lunged at me with fierceness in his eyes. The man had enough of my words, and his giant sword lashed out with incredible speed. I had no time to defend myself and fell backward in a last-ditch effort to evade, but the black metal blurred as a bright light welcomed my memories...
"My Lady, I think it's time for you to join us. You've given it the best you could do. It was an admirable attempt."
'Slyvia? but I...'
Without a doubt, Sylvia stood in place of The Ravager's incoming blade. Her arm was outstretched, and an incredible warmth radiated from her figure. She beckoned me closer, desiring me to take her hand and join her. I stared into the eyes of the demi-human woman, and in them, I saw the blankness unbefitting of my former servant and friend. It was that blankness that made me hesitate to take her up on her offer. Marktavious's threat flooded my mind as I focused on the meaning of his rant.
It was then, in that life-threatening moment, that I found an understanding. It was as if lightning struck me and flooded me with knowledge. His words may be harsh and the threat unnecessary, but still, something was to be said about his methods of opening other's eyes. Facing The Ravager has made me realize that there are dangerous individuals with delusions outside of the people who attacked that faithful day.
Those people will stop at nothing and may be stronger than I am. If not for Marktavious's efforts, I would have been reduced to a stain in a random section of the forest. There was only so much that Horace could do to protect me, and he was only one man. An individual like The Ravager would have no trouble engaging and taking down the older man.
"I can not allow another to die on my behalf," I said.
"Ah, so you've finally come out to play, huh?" Marktavious spoke up, and my eyes flew open to an unsurprising sight. The fox-eared man stood in front of us with the large blade of our opponent pressing down on his palms. He resisted the power pressing down from above, but his determination to keep me safe made my eyes sparkle. "It is good to see you again, Claire. You look much better without the disguise."
I blinked at his words, and after a cluster of roots appeared underneath his feet, The Ravager was forced to retreat backward. My eyes rested on the taller foxel man as he offered me his bloody hand to get up. Without hesitation, I took it, and healing energy poured into his wound as I stood.
"Look, I wasn't blushing or anything like that, so don't mistake me for a naive young woman. This was not the proper situation for such a thing."
However, I could not deny that as I soaked in his confidence, something within me seemed to unlock.
"I don't understand how flattery would be appropriate in this situation." I scolded while looking away, but my remark seemed to have earned me a boisterous chuckle from the man. "Still, I thank you for saving my life. Without you, I would have perished despite my words prior."
My mana was running low, so it would be no surprise that my authentic appearance had manifested. I imagine the illusionary spell I used to cloak my appearance would have fallen apart during my declaration.
"It's nothing. You looked kind of badass telling him off like that, and that is why I am glad you decided to reveal what you actually looked like. It stunned the bastard and infuriated him." Marktavious remarked as he examined his newly healed wounds.
My golden hair was dampened by the drying blood and matted with the dirt from the road, but still, Marktavious's hand was placed atop my head without hesitation. For some reason, it annoyed me. However, I would not tell him that my display was accidental and nothing more. My gaze shifted to the ring on my finger. It was the one he gave me earlier today, and it proved worth it. This ring had the ability to allow me to cast magic without the extended incantation, and it has allowed me to heal both of my allies without alerting our opponent outright.
Something told me that he was beginning to understand that reality. The Ravager's eyes focused on me as he realized my identity, and subsequently, his glare made my blood run cold.
"Claire von Angea... Now it makes sense why you have a powerful demi-human safeguarding your life. This foxkin is not normal, so I shuttered at the hellish treatment your mother forced him to experience to have him dedicate his strength to you." The Ravager planted his large sword into the ground. A loud crack splintered from the insertion of his sword. "That is injustice."
"You speak as if you understand my family, but you are misguided. There may be injustice amongst the other noble houses, but my mother ensures respect and dignity befall all who work underneath our banner. No matter the race."
"It is pointless to debate with an ideologue. Especially one as dangerous as him. You'll drive yourself crazy doing so." Marktavious remarked. The roots around the man's feet began to churn, digging into the ground around us. "Mikangleo, don't you think it's time you steel your resolve too? Or has the shock of nearly losing your tongue still gripped you with fear?"
Mikangleo didn't respond to his words. Instead, the red-haired man looked toward the forest as if he'd bolt for an escape at any moment. I'm surprised he hadn't done so before. We had only met a few hours ago, so he owed us no loyalty. He was nearly mutilated for being associated with us, but within those orangish eyes were smoldered with a flame of resentment.
"I believe I have my answer," Marktavious remarked.
"I'll fight," Mikangleo stated coldly. "I will not stand idly by and allow that man do as he pleases. No matter what his justification is."
Marktavious nodded. The fox-eared man turned to face The Ravager, who was avoiding the roots that the foxel was sending his way. I had not expected his approach to keep the man busy like it was, but I can not deny his effectiveness.
"Even if we join forces, how do we plan on bringing him down? He's too fast and strong for any of us. I am running low on mana, and my sword is missing. Do you have a plan, Marktavious, or will you proceed as you are now?" I questioned, but the man didn't respond right away.
His face showcased his displeasure when it came to restraining our opponent, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not pin down the fast man.
"He's too god damn big to be moving that fast. This shit ain't it," Marktavious snapped before he clapped his hands. "Vine Bind!"
The foxel shook his head as he extended his arm to his right. The action surprised me with its suddenness, but I understood why he did so immediately. Catalyst was wrapped around its shaft by roots; it was the spear we purchased from Milward earlier. During their earlier skirmish, Marktavious was disarmed by The Ravager, and the weapon was lost.
"Your sword will be here in a moment. I found that too," he explained as he reclaimed the weapon. "As you can see, I will not be able to delay him for much longer. He is adapting much faster than I could anticipate, and his strength eclipses the strength of mere roots. I'm not surprised by that, considering I was able to free myself from this spell, too."
Mikangleo's gaze hardened as the foxel began twirling his spear before planting it on the ground. His fox-like tail swayed as The Ravager overpowered the roots that managed to ensnare him again. However, before he could make his next move, I would find my sword brought to me by one of the roots occupying the area.
"Normally, I would have had this conversation beforehand since it is foolish to go into battle without knowing the capabilities of your allies, but I am flexible. This would be a good time to display your offensive capabilities, so Mikangleo... I will take him in direct confrontation while you and Claire support me from a distance. I will provide the openings, and you will hit him with your knives. Meanwhile, Claire, store up all the mana you have left and place them in whatever wind spells you have at your disposal. You said that you want to live, right? So then blow this bastard right to hell. Show him what happens when someone looks down on the status of your house!"
"I have a spell that may work, but activating it will take some time. Maybe less with the ring," I explained, and the foxel nodded.
"You have any spells? If so, then use them when you get the chance."
Those were the final words of the foxel as the very earth underneath him shot up from underneath him. He was late to react, but he quickly corrected his landing. The Ravager rushed the foxel, delivering two powerful punches in his direction. The attacks hit nothing but air as the foxel awkwardly evaded.
"He's on the backfoot already," Mikangleo stated. The man watched intently, throwing knives glistening in his hand.
I didn't find confidence in Mikangleo's throwing abilities, considering the poor display he performed prior when we observed him during Project Anvil's training, but Marktavious was adamant. He saw something within Mikangleo and still tasked him with assisting him despite witnessing it personally.
Marktavious managed to fend off the Ravager's fierce assault and even managed to land a kick here and there against the man. It didn't amount to much since The Ravager was able to block the strikes with his forearm. The two clashed with incredible speed and powerful blows, but neither could get the upper hand immediately.
"I can barely make out what they are doing, so how are you going to find any opening to-"
Clang!
The sound of clashing metal slashed into my words as soon as I spoke. My eyes widened as Mikangleo's throwing knives collided midair and dispersed in two directions. Both blades missed wildly, but that was to be expected. The man frowned at his failure.
One positivity arrived from Mikangleo's failure, and it was the temporary pull of The Ravager's attention. The large figure turned away from his fight with Marktavious briefly, and the foxel took advantage. He twirled Catalyst, causing it to blur, before slamming the butt of the spear underneath his opponent's chin. The impact was bone-chilling, but The Ravager showed no further weakness. He slammed his boot against Marktavious's side, forcing the foxel into a tumble.
"I'll heal him," I said.
"No need. Remember what he said. Focus your mana on the wind spell. He's already to his feet, so don't waste any more time.", Mikangleo snapped, which caused me to jump.
"But he needs our help." I protested.
"Help him by following his instructions."
I glared at him, but his squinted eyes focused solely on the battle between Marktavious and The Ravager.
"Then you need to do your part too. You missed your last shot, so stop playing around and throw with accuracy." I snapped.
A loud eruption drew my attention away from the frowning Mikangleo. In doing so, I could narrowly avoid the incoming Catalyst as it was flung in my direction. The tip of the spear was lodged near my previous position.
"Your desire to protect is admirable, foxel, but your loyalties are misplaced." The Ravager declared. His voice was dark and growl-like. "Even if you ward me off today, you'll be too injured to be useful to that spoiled noble. She'll cast you out like all broken servants in her wake."
"Perhaps, but perhaps not," Marktavious responded.
The foxel had recovered from whatever attack caused that explosion. Underneath his feet were destroyed people-sized rocks. Roots were torn and splintered as the two men stared at each other.
"I can understand why you could dislike the nobility, but I neither care nor ask for your opinion. You are an enemy to my alliance, and you attempted to stab me in my back. Likely, my association with Claire caused his altercation, but that's no skin off my back. I'm just fulfilling my part of our alliance, but that's not the real reason that I stand before you despite my bleeding and fractured bones."
"If not for your loyalty to her house, then what else reason would there be?" The Ravager asked skepticism expressed in his expression.
"The last guy who ambushed me was punished for his insolence. He couldn't handle the loss, so he swung the block for round two, but that time, he was angered. That bastard was strong. I'd say you're comparable in strength, possibly stronger, but none of that mattered in the end. Like you, he sought my life, but as you can see," The foxel pushed his glasses on his nose, and a sinister smirk appeared on his face. He would open his arms and chuckle, "I'm still here."
The Ravager's expression was blank. It was evident that Marktavious's words didn't impress him. Instead, he would reach into his cloak and pull out a dagger. This dagger was different from the previous one he used. The way Marktavious quickly grew serious indicated how dangerous the blade appeared.
Within the short, curved black blade oozed a powerful dark aura that sent chills down my chin. It was as if malice had reincarnated into the weapon.
"You are a sick mind, from what I can tell. You have inherited the arrogance and ignorance of the nobility. In fact, you embody everything wrong with it, Mr. God. I can't allow that to stand." The Ravager stepped toward the man, and the foxel's tail shot up in distress.
"Tch-"
Mikangleo let out a sound of defeat as his throwing knives clashed with each other in front of us. One of the daggers flew off the side while The Ravager deflected the one close to him without looking.
"Greed. Avarice. Arrogance!" The Ravager's voice boomed, causing a gust of wind to manifest. "You have the eyes of a man who believes the world belongs to him. That level of thinking is the reason your ancestors were banished to annals of history. I will do the world a favor and send you back with them!"
"Ya ain't good enough!" Marktavious declared, his head shaking to emphasize his point.
The Ravager twirled his blade before launching himself at... Mikangleo!
Mikangleo's eyes flew wide as saucers as The Ravager's blade rained down from above with tremendous speed. He narrowly avoided the attack, but it wasn't enough to stop his attacker. The Ravager backhanded the man, sending him flying to the ground. Throwing knives scattered across the ground, but Mikangleo didn't give up. He attempted to recover, but a boot reached his midsection and launched him into the forest.
With the ranged threat neutralized, his focus snapped to me, and his gaze alone made me step back. A fist raced my way, but instead of sending me flying, it was interpreted by my savior. Marktavious slammed into me from the side and endured the power of The Ravager's punch on my behalf. While I would have been sent flying, he was only knocked back on his feet for a few inches
Realizing this, The Ravager flipped his dagger and attempted to sheath it into the foxel's chest. He found no luck; instead, a jumping knee buried itself in the large man's nose. I don't know exactly what happened, but Marktavious tripped over the man's head from the jump. I think he attempted to jump over his head, but he miscalculated.
The Ravager was stunned by the attack, which allowed Marktavious to recover. The foxel's movement was bizarre as I witnessed him slapping the injured knee before crudely high-kicking the man in the side of his head. It wasn't enough to drop him, but I was able to reposition myself to safety due to his efforts. He leaped over like an injured rabbit to join my side when he realized that.
He hobbled, but Marktavious still placed himself between me and The Ravager.
"I won't last much longer at this rate. How long do you need to channel your mana for that spell?", he inquired. His eyes were locked on The Ravager, analyzing the man's movements. He let out an exhale of disappointment when he felt my magic enter him. "Didn't I say to-"
"I need two minutes," I said, cutting off his words.
I already knew what he would say, but I couldn't allow him to continue facing that man without that healing. He was barely hanging on and panting like a dog. The obvious signs of mana fatigue had his ears drooping like a sad puppy.
"Too long. That dagger is bad news, and it's only a matter of time before he hits me with it. He's gonna' force my hand to achieve that, so we need to end this quickly. I'm calling for a retreat. It's closer to the Grotto than Astana, so we'll recover there."
"I'll gather my mana at half power and release my most powerful spell, but I don't think it'll be enough to bring him down," I informed him, which earned another huff.
"It needs only to be powerful enough to invite opportunity. At the first chance you get, collect Mikangleo. Do that and reposition yourself toward the plain. When you are ready then-" Marktavious bolted forward with his hand extended.
The Ravager recovered, and the man began downing a vial of brown liquid immediately. He only consumed half of the liquid before a root shot up beside him and shattered the glass, spilling the liquid onto the ground. It all happened so fast that it stunned me, but I smacked my cheeks to focus. Sheathing my sword, I focused on my internal mana as I watched the battle.
'Damn it! Why must I be so weak?!'
Watching Marktavious throw himself into the battle despite his fear and uncertainty was an experience. His fierce defense reminded me of Sylvia's. I clenched my chest with my hand as I fought back those dark memories.
'No! I need to focus on right now. I can't allow myself to think of that...'
Although I didn't want to turn my back on him, I had to locate Mikangleo just as he requested. My steps were gradual at first, but I soon forced my traitorous feet into a sprint in the direction I witnessed the man being kicked into. I don't know why Marktavious intended to bring the man along and involve him, but I'll see it through. I'll trust him and his judgment as I have no other option.
'Focus... I can do this... I won't allow him to be overwhelmed. I will see to it that he lives another day before it is too late.'