The tension in Mailie had reached its breaking point. The Omega Dire Wolf's piercing howls resonated through the battlefield as its dark magic shield crackled ominously. Tedric and Tiara, bruised and battered, were the only ones left standing against the relentless beast.
"Stay sharp, Tiara!" Tedric shouted, swinging his sword to deflect the wolf's sharp claws.
"I know!" Tiara replied, her war hammer glowing faintly as she swung it at the wolf's legs, trying to slow its movements.
Behind them, Oliver stood firm, his staff glowing as he cast supporting spells to heal their wounds and amplify their strength.
"Hang in there!" Oliver called out, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he struggled to maintain the flow of his magic.
Meanwhile, Yug was rushing back toward the Postknight Academia, carrying the unconscious Almond over his shoulder. His face was grim, his heart pounding as he entered the infirmary where Elizabeth was already preparing to help. Razille, Lina, and other trainees gathered around in shock.
"What happened to him?" Elizabeth demanded, her voice filled with urgency as she gestured for Yug to place Almond on a bed.
"He got electrocuted by that cursed shield," Yug explained, lowering Almond carefully. "We couldn't stop him from charging in."
Razille clenched her fists, her voice trembling with worry. "Why didn't you stop him? He could've died out there!"
"Do you think I didn't try?" Yug snapped, his frustration evident. "Almond wouldn't listen. He was determined to protect this town no matter what."
"Um... sorry sir. I didn't mean to." Razille backs off.
Elizabeth placed a hand on Almond's chest, her eyes narrowing as she assessed his condition. "He's stable for now, but his mana is depleted, and his body is severely burned. He needs rest and healing spells, and we don't have time for—"
Her voice faltered as another loud howl shook the building.
Lina stepped forward, her voice wavering. "The others are still out there fighting, aren't they?"
"Yes," Yug said. "And if we don't figure something out soon, they won't last."
---
Back on the battlefield, Tiara swung her hammer in a wide arc, narrowly missing the wolf's head. The creature retaliated with a powerful swipe, sending her stumbling back.
"Tiara!" Tedric called, stepping in front of her to block the next attack.
"I'm fine," she said, her voice strained as she struggled to catch her breath. "But we can't keep this up, Tedric."
Tedric glanced back at Oliver, whose light magic had been the only thing keeping them in the fight. "Oliver, don't you dare push yourself too far!"
But Oliver stepped forward, his staff glowing brighter than ever. "I'm not letting that thing take another step toward this town!"
"Oliver, stop! You'll burn through your mana!" Tedric warned, but Oliver ignored him, unleashing a powerful blast of light magic that forced the wolf back several paces.
The Omega Dire Wolf snarled, its shield flickering briefly under the intense attack, but it remained standing.
---
Meanwhile, Solis, Ada, and Vaidya were nearing Mailie, their pace hastened by Vaidya's wind path spell. The air was thick with tension as they saw the towering figure of the Omega Dire Wolf looming in the distance.
"That thing is massive," Ada said, her eyes widening. "It's right near the Academia!"
Vaidya winced, his face pale as he maintained the wind path spell. "I... I can't keep this up much longer. My mana's almost gone."
Solis's orange aura flared briefly as he thought quickly. "Then stop the spell."
Vaidya stared at him in disbelief. "What? Are you crazy? We'll lose time!"
Ada's head whipped toward Solis. "We can't stop now! We're so close!"
Solis turned to them, his expression calm but resolute. "Listen to me. Vaidya, can you use a wind blast?"
"One," Vaidya admitted reluctantly. "But that's it. I'll have nothing left after that."
Solis nodded. "Good. Use it on me."
Ada and Vaidya froze, their faces pale.
"What are you talking about?" Ada shouted. "A wind blast that strong could shatter walls! It'll kill you!"
"It won't," Solis assured them, his voice steady. "My aura will protect me. I can handle the impact."
"Are you insane?" Vaidya exclaimed. "Even with your aura, your body won't endure it!"
Solis looked at him, his eyes filled with determination. "We don't have another option. If we don't make it there in time, countless lives will be perished. Trust me for this instance."
Ada grabbed Solis's arm, her grip tight. "You don't have to do this. There's got to be another way!"
Solis placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Trust me, Ada. I'll be fine."
Seeing no other choice, Vaidya reluctantly prepared the spell. "Fine. But if you die, this is on you."
Solis nodded, stepping forward and bracing himself. He unleashed his orange aura, his body glowing with strength.
"Do it," he said. "I won't die, I promise."
With a deep breath, Vaidya cast the wind blast, the powerful force striking Solis square in the back. The impact was immense, launching him through the air at an incredible speed.
Ada and Vaidya watched in shock as Solis flew toward the Academia, his aura flickering but holding steady.
The landing was rough, pain shooting through his body as he crashed to the ground near the looming Omega Dire Wolf. Despite the agony, he forced himself to his feet, his gaze fixed on the beast.
"I made it," he muttered, his aura flaring as he prepared to join the fight. "Now let's finish this."