Chapter 10 - Prey or Predator?
The metallic scent of blood mingled with the humid air of the forest. Darian faced Rygar, raising his sword. His eyes, once brimming with the confidence of an experienced warrior, now faltered under the predatory stance of the young Doldia.
Rygar moved forward, low and fluid like a predator stalking its prey. He feinted a strike with his sword to Darian's left, aiming for the mercenary's abdomen, but at the last moment, he twisted his torso and slashed toward Darian's neck.
Darian's blade rose to block, its steel glinting under the sunlight filtering through the trees. The clash rang out in the clearing, but the strike was a decoy. In the same motion, Rygar planted his foot and spun, releasing his sword in mid-air in a North God-style technique, and delivered a devastating kick to Darian's stomach.
The mercenary leader was hurled backward like a stone, flying several meters before crashing against a tree. The wood groaned, and Darian collapsed to his knees, coughing and clutching his abdomen.
Rygar caught his sword as it fell, his gaze fixed on his target. Before he could strike again, a commanding voice broke through the tension:
"Rygar! Don't advance alone!"
Fendrel, wounded, clutched his severed arm while shouting with effort. His voice stirred something within Rygar, briefly pulling him back to rationality. Rygar blinked, the world around him realigning.
Quickly, he reached Fendrel's side and cast healing magic to stop the bleeding. He lamented his lack of advanced healing magic, which could have reattached the arm if the wound were fresh. He tried pushing the limits of intermediate healing magic, but to no avail.
While Rygar paused to regain focus, Darian staggered to his feet, still clutching his pained stomach.
"You're as impressive as ever, Rygar," Darian spat, a mocking smile on his lips.
"Why, Darian? Is there a good reason for this? Are they threatening the rest of our group?" Fendrel asked, hope evident in his voice.