Suddenly, hundreds of dark blood-red spears materialized around Theron, suspended in the air for a brief moment before they shot out toward Adrius and Lysander like a swarm of deadly projectiles. The sheer number of spears filled the sky.
Adrius and Lysander acted swiftly, conjuring their own Magical barriers in response. The translucent shields shimmered as they intercepted the incoming spears, deflecting them in all directions. The sound of the spears clashing against their barriers echoed through the ravaged forest.
But the assault didn't stop just like that. The spears kept coming pushing the two Mages to their limits as they struggled to maintain their defenses. Each spear that struck their barriers sent ripples through the magical shields and cracks began to appear, a testament to the overwhelming force behind Theron's attack.
Then, in a blur of motion Theron himself shot into the sky, closing the distance between them with terrifying speed. He hovered before them, his eyes gleaming with the same dangeroud and predatory delight, a twisted smile playing on his lips.
"Have you had enough fun?" Theron sneered. "Because now, it's my turn to have fun."
With a wave of his hands, flames erupted in his palms, but these were no ordinary flames. They were a deep crimson, tinged with the color of blood, and they flickered with an unnatural intensity. Theron's grin widened as he hurled the fireballs toward Adrius and Lysander.
The two Mages braced themselves and reinforcing their barriers to withstand the incoming attack. The blood-colored flames collided with their shields and for a moment it seemed like they might hold.
However, the flames were unlike anything they had encountered before. They burned with a ferocity that defied the natural order and gnawing at the magical barriers until they cracked and shattered under the pressure.
The moment the barriers broke, the force of the explosion sent Adrius and Lysander hurtling backward through the air and engulfed their bodies in the searing heat. They crashed into the forest below, the impact breaking several trees as they tumbled to the ground. The forest floor groaned under the force of their landing, leaves and debris scattering in all directions.
Theron's laughter echoed through the clearing as he descended after them, his figure silhouetted against the blood-red flames still lingering in the air. He hovered above the fallen mages with eyes that gleam with sadistic pleasure.
Realizing that he needed help, Adrius made a desperate decision. As a last resort, he sent a telepathic message to Erend, hoping against hope that the Dragonborn would receive it in time.
"Erend... I need your help."
Before Adrius could fully formulate a plan Theron suddenly appeared before him, materializing out of thin air with a predatory grin. There was no time to react. Theron's fist shot forward with blinding speed, aiming straight for Adrius's chest.
But despite the shock, Adrius still managed to move just in time. He reached out and grabbed Theron's hand, stopping the punch mere inches from his body. The impact reverberated through his arm, the sheer force behind the strike nearly overwhelming him. Adrius could feel the dark energy pulsing through Theron's hand.
Theron's smile widened, his eyes gleaming amusement. "Still full of surprises, I see. But how long can you keep up this act?"
Adrius gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on Theron's hand.
"Long enough to see you fall," Adrius retorted, summoning all his strength as he prepared for the inevitable clash.
The air around them crackled with Magic energy and the earth around them trembling under the weight of their power confrontation.
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