The Roblins surged forward, their guttural growls reverberating through the forest. Solis tightened his grip on his sword, his muscles coiled like springs. Vaidya's fingers flicked through the pages of his book, the air around him crackling with magical energy. Ada planted her feet firmly, her long steel sword gleaming faintly under the fragmented rays of sunlight. Tedric stood in front of Pearl, his steel sword drawn, his body poised with the precision of a seasoned warrior.
"Remember, stay coordinated!" Tedric barked. "Don't let them separate us!"
The first wave of Roblins charged in, claws and fangs glinting. Solis darted forward, his speed and agility unmatched. With a powerful leap, he vaulted over the leading Roblin, landing a devastating kick to its back. The kinetic energy stored in his legs from his rapid movement burst outward, sending the creature sprawling into two others. Pivoting on his heel, he swung his sword in a wide arc, driving back another attacker.
Ada was a whirlwind of ferocity. Her long sword struck with precision, each swing cutting through the Roblins with brute force. Her lack of endurance was compensated by her sheer determination, every movement calculated to maximize efficiency. "Come on, you ugly beasts! Is that all you've got?" she yelled, her voice a mix of frustration and exhilaration.
Behind them, Vaidya unleashed bursts of wind magic, sharp gusts slicing through the advancing Roblins. "Keep them at bay!" he shouted, drawing another book from his satchel. He flipped to a page marked with intricate runes, chanting under his breath. A vortex of wind erupted from his palms, knocking a cluster of Roblins off their feet. "Solis, watch your left!" he called out, his sharp eyes catching a sneaky attacker.
Solis reacted instantly, pivoting to deliver a sweeping strike with his wooden sword. "Thanks, Vaidya!" he shouted back, his voice steady despite the chaos around him.
Tedric, in contrast, moved like a ghost. His sleek body movements were almost dance-like as he weaved between attacks, his steel sword flashing in precise, deadly arcs. Every swing carried the weight of years of experience, every step placing him in the perfect position to strike or defend. "Stay focused!" he commanded. "We can't afford mistakes!"
Despite their combined efforts, the sheer number of Roblins began to overwhelm them. For every one they defeated, two more seemed to take its place. Slowly but surely, the group was being pushed back, forced into a tighter formation around Pearl.
"We're getting cornered!" Ada growled, her breathing growing heavier.
Tedric gritted his teeth, his mind racing for a solution. "Alright, let's see if this works," he muttered to himself. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he concentrated, channeling his willpower outward. A faint ripple of energy spread from him, brushing against the Roblins like a gust of cold wind.
Solis noticed the change immediately. "What was that?" he asked, his eyes wide.
But instead of retreating in fear, the Roblins only grew more aggressive. Tedric's attempt at Will Power Projection Art had failed. His face betrayed a rare flicker of surprise.
"What's going on?" Solis demanded. "Why didn't it work?"
Tedric didn't answer, his jaw tightening. He had no time to explain. Whatever these Roblins were, they seemed immune to the psychological effects of his art—a first in all his years as a Postknight.
"Forget it!" Ada shouted, slashing another Roblin. "Just fight!"
Realizing they had no other choice, Tedric exhaled sharply and shifted to Plan B. "Fine," he muttered. "Then we'll do this the hard way."
He planted his feet firmly and took a deep breath. Suddenly, a blinding white aura erupted from his body, enveloping him in a radiant glow. His movements became sharper, faster, and more powerful. The ground beneath him cracked as he lunged forward, cutting through the Roblins with almost superhuman strength.
"What's happening?" Solis asked, his voice tinged with awe.
"That's the Aura Release Technique," Vaidya explained, stepping back to launch another gust of wind. "It's a Postknight technique that boosts physical capabilities by focusing aura into the body. It's incredibly draining, though, and only experienced knights can use it effectively but handy for newcomers too. So it is necessary to be taught to everyone."
Ada raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued despite the chaos. "We're supposed to learn that? When?"
"Eventually," Vaidya replied, slamming a Roblin into a tree with a concentrated blast of wind. "It's part of our advanced training, but Tedric's clearly mastered it."
The white glow surrounding Tedric intensified as he carved a path through the Roblins. "Keep fighting!" he shouted. "I'll clear the way for us!"
Inspired by their instructor's resolve, Solis, Ada, and Vaidya pushed forward with renewed vigor. Solis relied on his speed, darting between enemies and landing devastating blows. Ada's strikes grew fiercer, her frustration fueling her attacks. Vaidya's wind magic became more focused, the air around him swirling with controlled power.
Despite their efforts, the Roblins' numbers continued to grow. For every one they defeated, more emerged from the shadows, their growls growing louder, their eyes glowing brighter. The battle was far from over, and the group knew they were reaching their limits.The relentless tide of Roblins showed no sign of stopping.
But even the strongest warrior has limits. Tedric's strikes began to slow, his breathing grew heavier, and the glow of his aura flickered like a candle struggling against the wind.
"Stay close!" he barked, his voice now hoarse, his steel sword trembling slightly in his grip. The Roblins however seized their chance. One leaped at him from the side, claws raking his arm as he swung to counter. Blood sprayed across the ground as Tedric staggered, and before he could recover, another lunged for his leg, its fangs sinking deep.
"Tedric!" Solis shouted, his heart pounding as he saw his teacher falter.
Tedric fought back with sheer willpower, but the Roblins were relentless. A claw slashed across his chest, tearing through his armor and leaving a deep, bloody gash. Blood dripped from his wounds, staining the ground beneath him. He collapsed to one knee, his aura flickering dangerously. The sight shook the group to its core.
Ada, panting heavily and barely able to lift her sword, cried out, "No! Tedric!" But before she could rush to his aid, a Roblin struck her from behind, sending her sprawling to the ground. Blood trickled from her forehead as she struggled to rise.
Vaidya, his hands trembling, tried to cast another wind spell, but the overwhelming numbers pushed him back. "I can't hold them off!" he yelled, his voice cracking with frustration. A Roblin slammed into him, knocking him to the ground. His satchel spilled open, books scattering across the dirt.
Everything now seems to be lost in hoplessness. As most of them got battered. Still one standing, it was Solis.