The moment the signal flared from above, the war began.
A dozen mages from both sides clashed like thunder and lightning, and the underground cavern that had once radiated mystic serenity now thundered with raw, unfiltered chaos. The silvery glow of the moss-covered walls danced madly under the relentless bursts of magic that streaked through the air.
Fireballs roared across the battlefield, exploding into wild infernos. Iceballs shattered into deadly shards, freezing whatever they touched. Lightning zigzagged across the cave with blinding brilliance, striking randomly as spellcasters lost control in the frenzy. Bursts of wind howled like tempests, knocking fighters off their feet, and high-pressure water cannons tore through the earth and walls with terrifying force. Bright beams of pure light shot in every direction, searing through rock, air, and unfortunate bodies alike.
In defense, water barriers shimmered briefly before splintering under too much pressure. Earth walls erupted from the ground to shield their casters, crumbling just as fast under a focused barrage. Several mages cast flight spells, zipping through the air in evasive maneuvers, while others glided along the wind with Wind Walk, leaving behind glittering trails of movement.
And in the middle of it all was Solis.
He dashed forward, ignoring the chaos, his eyes locked on a raised stone platform at the heart of the battlefield. Standing atop it was Phill, restrained and unconscious, surrounded by robed cultists — and at their center stood Hamad, emanating quiet authority and dark energy.
Cultist mages leapt at Solis, hurling magic his way. He ducked beneath a sizzling orb of flame and pivoted sharply to his right, narrowly avoiding a crackling beam of lightning. A blast of wind burst past his shoulder, and he used the momentum to spin, smashing the hilt of his sword into an approaching mage's face.
He didn't kill them. Actually he doesn't want to. He just wants to knock them off.
His blade flashed, angled perfectly to deflect an incoming stream of water. His newly-bought shield caught a fiery bolt that cracked its surface. Then he slammed it into another cultist, sending them tumbling to the ground.
The widened blade of his sword clanged against incoming projectiles, sending sparks flying. His arm ached from the impacts, but he pressed forward.
"Too slow," he muttered, ducking beneath another spell. His six months of training in solitary is paying of now.
A sudden explosion flared to his left, the shockwave sending him crashing to the ground. Pain flared in his side as a scorch mark burned into his tunic. Gritting his teeth, he rolled to his feet.
Hamad's voice echoed across the battlefield, cold and commanding. "Guard the platform! Do not let that Postknight reach us!"
Dozens of cultists turned in unison, refocusing their magic on Solis.
He barely had time to breathe. His shield shattered under a barrage of ice and fire. Cuts formed along his arms and legs, burns scorched his sides, and exhaustion gnawed at him with every step forward. The air around him trembled with magical energy.
And watching it all unfold from the shadows was Karina.
Hidden behind a craggy outcrop, Karina's golden eyes tracked Solis's every movement.
Why is he pushing so hard?
She remembered the boy only vaguely. A young Postknight with fire in his heart. She had assumed he would falter like the rest of the authority dogs who looked away while her people starved and suffered.
She and Hamad had once been student and teacher, but they'd seen the truth: this world didn't protect the forgotten. That's why they built this cult — not to control, but to change things. To offer aid, even if it meant operating in the shadows.
But this kid...
He was willing to fight through a storm of magic to rescue just one person.
"Would I have done the same?" she wondered.
Her fists clenched as she watched Solis stumble again, this time catching a glancing beam of light on his shoulder. He dropped to one knee, panting. Blood dripped from his arm. Spells exploded around him.
Still, he rose.
Then, a blur of movement — Ada charged into the fray.
Her long steel sword spun like a whirlwind, deflecting spells mid-air with sheer precision. She leapt over fallen rubble and landed beside Solis, slamming her blade into the ground to release a burst of force that knocked away two approaching cultists.
"You look like hell," she said, breathing hard but grinning.
Solis coughed, giving a weak chuckle. "Nice to see you too."
Behind them, a sudden gust of wind swirled and formed a protective cyclone. Vaidya stepped through the vortex, his robe fluttering.
"I covered the rear. You're welcome," he said, eyes scanning the area. Icicles floated around him, blocking incoming magic blasts. A gust of wind intercepted a cluster of fireballs.
"About time," Solis muttered. "I thought you all forgot about me."
"Like we'd let you steal all the glory," Ada smirked.
Behind a large rock near the battlefield's edge, Razille was crouched low, furiously mixing vials and herbs in a tiny cauldron.
She muttered, "Come on, come on... just a bit more dragonleaf extract with Puffwort... okay. I hope this works."
She uncorked a glowing bottle, its liquid swirling with golden threads.
"Almost ready," she whispered, clutching it close. "Please hold on, guys."
Back in the center, the trio fought back-to-back, weathering the endless spells. Vaidya's wind and ice spells shielded them from the worst, but they were still outnumbered.
Solis glanced at Phill, still trapped on the platform.
"We're almost there," he said.
Ada stepped in front of a fireball, her sword absorbing most of the hit. "Then let's make sure we get there. Together."
From her perch, Karina narrowed her eyes.
Maybe... not all authority breeds apathy. Maybe some still care about the weak.
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📢 Writer's Note – Temporary Hiatus Announcement
Dear readers,
Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm for the novel. I wanted to inform you that the story will be going on a short one-month hiatus and will resume on 7th July.
As a university student, I have my end semester exams starting from 9th June, and I need this time to focus on my studies and prepare well. I truly appreciate your understanding and patience during this period.
Looking forward to returning with fresh chapters and renewed energy!
Warm regards,
Sanu_Das_4848