Just as Orion skidded to a stop in front of the group, still reeling from the force of the attack, a figure suddenly materialized out of nowhere. It moved with such incredible speed that it seemed more like a flicker than a person, appearing as a small blur darting from one spot to the next.
The brief flashes of movement were barely visible, the figure vanishing and reappearing in an instant.
"It’s here."
Erza’s sharp eyes caught sight of the approaching blur, and without hesitation, she slammed her fist into the ground with all her might. The earth cracked beneath her as fiery energy surged from her hand, and in an instant, a towering wall of flames erupted from the ground, roaring to life.
The inferno shot up, forming an impenetrable barrier that halted the figure’s advance. The blur came to a sudden stop just before the flames, the scorching heat distorting the air around it.
"Ray and Mark, you two handle the one at a distance," Erza shouted.
Mark glanced back at the silhouette behind the flaming wall and nodded.
Purple lightning flashed as he appeared at the rear of the group.
Orion stabilized himself and swiftly headed back, aided by wind boosting his speed.
At that moment, another golden arrow shot toward them from a distance.
"Leave it to me," Mark shouted, thrusting his right hand forward as arcs of lightning crackled around his arm.
With a powerful swing, he unleashed bolts of lightning toward the incoming golden beam. The two forces met mid-air, and the collision was instantaneous, creating a deafening explosion that lit up the sky.
A blinding light erupted from the impact, forcing Orion, Tracy, and the others to shield their eyes. The shockwave that followed was intense, nearly knocking them off their feet as it surged through the area.
As the light faded and the dust settled, Orion quickly regained his footing, his senses sharp and alert.
’Where is the killer?’
"Mark, go help them. They need someone with speed out there. I’ll handle this," he said, pointing at the ongoing fight.
Mark shook his head. "I have a better plan."
In a flash of purple lightning, he vanished, reappearing behind the killer with a surprise lightning punch. The killer blocked it by crossing his arms, but the impact sent him sliding across the concrete.
Erza, Victor, and Henry were stunned. They had been struggling to land a hit, yet Mark’s speed had caught the killer off-guard. Even if it was a sneak attack, Mark clearly had the edge in speed.
"You handle the back; Ray and I will deal with this one," Mark said, pointing to the three golden beams of light.
Erza, Victor, and Henry turned to see the three golden arrows hurtling toward them at breakneck speed.
"Alright," Erza agreed, knowing Ray’s wind talent made him well-suited for close combat with the killer. Mark’s speed spoke for itself.
The group quickly retreated to the back, leaving Orion to nod at Erza before joining Mark at the front.
Standing beside Mark, Orion sized up the killer, who stood a short distance away. The man wore a black mask, a hoodie, and assassin-style clothing.
"How are you still alive after I took away your talent? And how did you become this powerful?" Mark suddenly asked Orion.
Orion’s heart went cold. He had suspected Mark might be the one who took Ray’s talent, but hearing it confirmed left him with an unsettling feeling.
"Well, a sage came to my hospital room and did something to me. I can’t say more than that," Orion replied, narrowing his eyes at Mark. "But I haven’t forgotten what you did to me." He deliberately gave this explanation to prevent Mark from doubting his identity.
Mark smiled briefly, then turned his attention back to the killer. "Let’s take care of this first. Then, we’ll have a nice chat about that." Purple lightning crackled around him.
---
Also, I was hoping you could leave some comments or reviews to let me know your thoughts!
*Some gifts would be appreciated as well, but up to you.... *