Lightning split the sky as the battle erupted in full force. Nikos barely had time to react before Varok's glaive came crashing down, the sheer force of the strike sending tremors through the earth. He rolled to the side, feeling the shockwave of impact ripple through his bones. This was no ordinary warrior—Varok carried the malice of Tenebris within him, and every movement radiated unnatural strength.
Vaelin was the first to counter, his storm-forged spear a blur of electrified fury. He struck with precision, arcs of energy coursing through the air. Varok deflected the attack with the shaft of his glaive, his movements deceptively fast for his massive frame.
"You're quick," Vaelin admitted, narrowing his silver eyes. "Let's see how long you last."
Ali and Zara wasted no time. Ali's feline agility carried him behind Varok in a heartbeat, his curved blades flashing as he struck at the gaps in the dark warrior's armor. Zara followed suit, twin daggers weaving through the air like falling stars.
But Varok was a force of nature. He twisted, his glaive sweeping in a deadly arc that forced them all to retreat. The air around him crackled with dark energy.
"You gnats think you can stand against me?" Varok snarled. "I have crushed armies. Your struggle is futile."
Nikos gritted his teeth, raising his blade. "We'll see about that."
He surged forward, his weapon glowing with the essence of Aetheris. Steel met steel, sparks flying as their weapons clashed. Nikos pushed himself harder, feeling the weight of his training, the will of those who had fought before him. But Varok was relentless, his strikes heavier, his endurance seemingly endless.
Zara leapt onto a fallen pillar, using the vantage point to launch a flurry of dagger strikes at Varok's exposed joints. Ali darted in low, slashing at his legs. Vaelin sent a bolt of storm energy straight for his chest.
The combined assault forced Varok back a step. A growl of irritation rumbled from beneath his helm.
"That's more like it," Nikos muttered, catching his breath.
Varok slammed his glaive into the ground, and the dark energy within him erupted outward in a shockwave. The force sent Nikos and the others flying, slamming them into the debris-strewn battlefield. Pain lanced through Nikos' ribs, but he forced himself to stand.
The air grew heavier. Varok's power was intensifying, and the battlefield was shifting against them. But then, as if answering their silent call for aid, a deep, resonant hum filled the air.
From the stormclouds above, a figure descended.
Cloaked in flowing silver and cobalt armor, a newcomer landed between them and Varok. A long, curved blade pulsed with cerulean light in his grasp. His gaze, calm yet brimming with authority, met Nikos'.
"I had a feeling you'd need help."
Vaelin's eyes widened. "You…"
The warrior turned his gaze toward Varok. "Enough of this. The realms have suffered long enough."
Nikos steadied himself. This battle had taken a new turn. But whether it was in their favor or not—only time would tell.