Adrius and Lysander sensing the shift in the battle so they didn't hesitate to press their advantage. The discovery of Theron's vulnerability at something neither of them had expected, fueled their determination.
Adrius summoned another torrent of water with his remaining Magic energy and hurling it relentlessly toward Theron who was now on the defensive. The crimson coat which had absorbed so much of their attacks was beginning to show signs of wear. Lysander too wasn't holding back.
He lashed out with his sword and lightning, striking at Theron's weak points with precise ferocity to get his attention while Adrius doing the most damage.
Their combined assault was overwhelming. Theron's crimson aura wavered under the pressure, flickering as the water and lightning attacks bombarded him. For the first time in the battle he looked truly cornered. Who would've thought that the ancient Mage's weaknes is in something clearly visible? They only need to attack it with the right element.
Even though Adrius hitting the crimson coat with fire or powerful Magic missiles he can't be possibly penetrate it. Because the real weakness is water Magic.
Adrius gritted his teeth, summoning every ounce of his remaining strength. The water swirled around him and coalescing into a focused stream that tore through the air. He then slamming it directly into Theron's coat. With a loud, wet rip sound, the fabric gave way. The left side of the blood-red coat was shredded, torn clean off by the force of Adrius's Magic attack.
Theron grunted in frustration, his eyes flashing with anger as he flew backward, distancing himself from them. His once-maddening calmness was gone replaced by a sharp, calculating gaze as he assessed the situation. His right side was still protected by the remaining half of the coat but the damage was undeniable.
Lysander was now panting from exertion. He raised his sword and pointing it at Theron. "We've got you now," he snarled, his voice filled with renewed confidence. "Your precious coat isn't going to save you anymore."
Theron's eyes narrowed, his expression growing darker. "You think a torn coat changes the outcome?" he spat, "I am far beyond the limits of mortals like you. This is just a temporary setback."
But Adrius wasn't fooled. He could see the anxiety still lurking beneath Theron's words. The coat was more than just a Magical garment. It was a core part of his power and with half of it destroyed, Theron's strength had been severely compromised.
"We're not done yet," Adrius said firmly, lifting his staff once more. "You won't escape this time."
Lysander who was now fueled by the prospect of victory moved to stand beside Adrius. His grip tightening around his sword as sparks of lightning flickered once again along the blade.
Theron now hovering in the air, sneered, though his eyes darted between them. He was looking for an opening, a way to regain control of the situation. But Adrius and Lysander weren't going to give him the chance.
"We did it..." he whispered.
Adrius, leaning heavily on his staff, nodded slowly. "Yes... but stay alert. This might not be over yet."
"What you mean? He already de-"
"HAHAHAHAHA!'
Suddenly, a maniacal laugh erupted from Theron's laying form, sending a chill through the air. The sound growing louder and more frenzied. Lysander and Adrius froze, their triumph turning to dread as they watched in disbelief.
Theron's broken body which had moments ago been on the verge of collapse began to twitch and move. Flesh knitted itself back together and the deep wounds they had inflicted sealing as if they had never existed. His torn skin regrew with alarming speed, the gashes closing and leaving no trace of injury behind.
With a low, mocking growl, Theron rose to his feet. The smirk on his face twisted into something far more sinister. His crimson coat was gone, leaving him bare-chested, wearing only black fabric trousers, but his presence was no less terrifying.
"Didn't I say..." Theron's voice dripped with dark amusement, "that my power comes from the Great Power itself?"
He took a slow, deliberate step toward them, his eyes locked onto Lysander and Adrius. Each step he took sent waves of dread through the air. His body that now fully healed radiated a dark energy.
Lysander's eyes widened in horror. "It... it wasn't enough to kill him?" he mumbled. His hands trembled around the hilt of his sword as disbelief and fear gripped him.
Adrius narrowed his eyes, the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him even more now.
"This... is worse than we thought," he muttered, watching as Theron walk closer.
---