Chapter 13 - Roots and Wings
The sound of blades cutting through the air, spells crackling, and coordinated shouts echoed through the forest. The smell of overturned earth and embers filled the air as around ten children faced a colossal creature: a land lizard nearly four meters long, with a rigid, sun-reflecting carapace.
A young Doldia with dark brown hair marked with lighter streaks and red eyes stood at the forefront, leading the attack. His serious gaze, rigid posture, and determined movements showed that he took his role seriously.
"Frontline group, distract it but keep your distance! Magic unit, attack with long-range spells!"
Rygar observed from the shadows among the trees, his sharp eyes following every detail of the scene.
"Good choice," he thought, analyzing the situation. "Engaging this creature in close combat would be suicide. But will they find a way to finish it off?"
"Lead it closer to the trees!" Kilian shouted as he ran, beginning to focus a wind spell.
Two young warriors followed his orders. One conjured a stone bullet that hit the lizard's face, grabbing its attention, while the other used a gust of wind to steer the already-injured creature toward the forest line.
Kilian had accumulated enough mana for his wind spell. Jumping between the trees, he leaped over the monster and shouted, "Wind Blade!"
He slashed in a perfect arc, his sword channeling the magic into the lizard's neck with surgical precision, severing its head. Blood oozed slowly, staining the grass as the creature collapsed with a muffled thud.
Rygar stepped forward from the shadows, clapping slowly, the sound drawing everyone's attention. The children turned to him, some sweaty and breathless, but all with a glimmer of pride in their eyes.
"Excellent work," Rygar said, satisfaction evident in his voice. "You coordinated your attacks well. Kilian, your leadership was impeccable. Doug, your use of magic was clever. Loin, be mindful not to overuse mana in your spells; it burns too quickly when overloaded."