65/Beastly night 4

Aria unleashed a devastating explosion of ice with an enormous amount of mana. The frozen shockwave spread like a storm, engulfing everything in its path in a white web of frost. One by one, numerous walls of the place exploded, allowing an icy cold to seep into every corner, penetrating the smallest crevices of the palace.

As the smoke cleared, it revealed a transformation as wild as it was majestic. Aria now stood in a bestial fury mode, her white fur bristling like armor, a testament to the raw power coursing within her. Her eyes gleamed with an intense savagery.

Every muscle in her body seemed imbued with raw energy, ready to explode into motion. Her once ordinary teeth had been transformed into sharp blades, ready to tear apart. Yet, it wasn't just Aria who stood in this dazzling scene. Vengus and his companions emerged from the smoke unharmed, a shield of flame having protected them and gradually dissipating.

As he looked at Aria, her mask gone in her rage, Vengus didn't take long to understand, as Aria's tribe was a rare race and he had extracted a lot of money from it.

"Oh, I see, you've come to rescue the members of your tribe." (Vengus)

"I'll also take your life tonight!" Aria shouted as she lunged at him.

"That's highly unlikely, little one!" (Vengus)

Aria leaped toward him with feline grace, her ice claws glistening in the light, aiming to shred him. However, with calm ease, Vengus drew two daggers from his hands, their blades parrying her strikes. And they both launched into a fierce exchange.

Their movements were a deadly dance, a back-and-forth of attacks and parries. Each of Aria's ice claw strikes was countered by the precision of Vengus's daggers. Sparks created by the clash of weapons illuminated the scene, and Aria's ice claws whistled through the air, leaving trails of frigid cold behind them.

He moved with fluidity, his daggers acting as a natural extension of his hands. Each parry was executed with unwavering confidence, each counter-attack calculated with pinpoint precision.

Logan, caught off guard by Aria's reaction, immediately rushed to aid her, but three men stood in his way. They were, of course, Vengus's henchmen with whom he had attacked villages. But they weren't lackeys or randomly hired adventurers; they were his three closest collaborators.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Move!" Logan shouted, wanting to reach Aria.

Several stone blades instantly appeared around him, hurtling forward like a rain of deadly projectiles. It was a formidable attack, yet the confidence of the three men remained unshaken. Their movements were fluid and coordinated, their reflexes as sharp as blades.

In a perfectly executed choreography, they deflected the stone blades with disconcerting skill. The sound of metal against rock resonated in the air, a melody of steel that attested to their combat mastery. Without wasting time, the three men lunged forward.

However, Logan was not one to be overwhelmed by pressure. In the narrow gap he had, he unleashed a barrage of stones toward his opponents. But one of the men reacted with calm assurance. With a fluid gesture, he erected a wall of water that stood before them, effortlessly absorbing the impact of the barrage.

One of the men managed to get close enough to Logan to deliver a close-range sword strike, aiming for his chest with lethal precision. The metal whistled through the air, poised to pierce flesh, but the attack didn't exceed my processing power, and the blade, meant to penetrate his chest, was deflected. The man was caught off guard by the unexpected turn his strike took, surprise evident in his wide eyes.

Taking advantage of his momentary confusion, Logan struck swiftly. A powerful kick shot out, an explosion of concentrated force that hit the man with devastating power. The impact lifted him off the ground and sent him flying several meters back. Unfortunately, the man seemed perfectly fine, having parried the blow seemingly effortlessly before laughing.

"Well, it looks like we've found someone not too shabby, huh, guys?" (Man)

"Indeed, we'll have to get serious too." (Man)

Several ice projectiles flew in their direction, and just like with the stones, a wall of water formed, but it instantly froze. Aria's mother joined the battle as well, now sporting the same features as her daughter and also in a bestial fury mode.

"Need a little help?" Elie asked.

"No, go help your daughter. I've got these." Logan replied.

"Are you sure?" (Elie)

"Absolutely." (Logan)

"Very well." (Elie)

Logan headed towards the battle between Aria and Vengus, but the three men tried to stop him. Immediately, a thick stone wall blocked their path.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Bastard." One of the men swore.

"Bring it!" (Logan)

"You'll regret this!" (Man)

The men lunged at Logan again as the fight between Aria and Vengus raged on.

Blows continued to be exchanged without respite. However, despite Aria's fierce attacks, Vengus effortlessly parried the blows without any sign of difficulty, all while looking at Aria with an amused tone.

"You're slow, little one, just like your pathetic tribe."

Aria's rage intensified, resulting in her strikes becoming faster and more violent.

"A bit better, but still not enough."

Vengus completely stopped Aria's ice claws before kneeing her in the stomach. She gasped, a sharp pain shooting through her abdomen as she was sent several meters away.

She struggled to get up and launched herself at him again, also sending ice spikes in her path.

"You're wearing me out, kid." (Vengus)

From his body emerged a wave of heat that destroyed the ice spikes before he once again parried Aria's claws. His daggers burst into flames, melting Aria's claws little by little and with ease. He struck her in the stomach as before, but this time Aria remained where she was. This time, he continued to strike her again and again, blood starting to come out of her mouth.

"Too impulsive, drowning in anger, and above all, weak. And you thought you could kill me? What a tasteless joke." (Vengus)

A vein appeared on his forehead, and his gaze filled with anger.

"And you destroyed my beastly palace, took my daughters; do you know how much time and money that will cost me? You'll pay dearly for it!" (Vengus)

Aria focused her mana to create a new ice explosion. It went off, but was immediately nullified by Vengus, who released a wave of heat at the same time.

"That was your last attempt."

He then placed his dagger against her throat, looking her straight in the eyes.

"I want to see life leave your wretched body, your eyes dimming little by little, just like all the members of your tribe that I killed." (Vengus)

He was about to slit her throat, but immediately a hand with ice claws stopped him.

"Oh, so you're family." (Vengus)

"Yes, and I won't let you take my daughter like you took my husband!" Elie declared resolutely.

She immediately pushed Vengus away with a blow that caused an ice explosion, sending him flying several meters.

"Aria, pull yourself together!" her mother shouted.

"I..." (Aria)

"Do you think your father would want to see you in this pitiful state, a ball of anger unable to fight?" (Elie)

"No..." (Aria)

"Then behave like the daughter of the chief of the Lunaria tribe, the cold-dwelling beast-men!" (Elie)

"Yes!" she said, regaining her composure.

There was no turning back now that the battle had been initiated; they couldn't retreat.

"Yes! I see, so you're the chief's daughter. I could have sold you for much more back then with that information. But it doesn't matter, I'll send both of you to join the man you loved!" (Vengus)

A violent fire erupted around him, dancing and crackling with fierce intensity. The flames seemed to dance in harmony with his determination, a manifestation of the burning power coursing within him. In this aura of fire, he positioned himself in a combat stance, his daggers ready for the fray.

Facing Vengus, Aria also stood her ground, her gaze reflecting newfound resolve. She had suppressed her anger to be able to fight effectively alongside her mother. A pair of fighters ready to confront the man responsible for their misery together.

The scene now became a canvas of conflicting elemental forces. Fire roared around him, pulsating with devouring power. As an icy chill spread from Aria and her mother's side, embodying the essence of ice and cold mastery.

The tension was palpable, electric, vibrating in the air as they looked at each other, eyes locked. Their gazes were like sharpened blades, and in this suspended moment, every detail of the scene seemed etched into time.

Finally, it was Élie who broke the silence, her body launching forward with feline grace, closely followed by Aria. Their movements were fluid and coordinated, reflecting skill and experience that couldn't be underestimated.

Behind Vengus, several fireballs formed, illuminating the area. They hurtled toward them with a distinct hiss through the air. With their extraordinary agility, they evaded all the fireballs which, one by one, exploded on impact, unleashing bursts of fiery flames. The walls of the surrounding building trembled under the violence of the explosions, flames licking at nearby surfaces and transforming the setting into an apocalyptic tableau. The dancing reflections of flames played on Élie and Aria's focused faces, their silhouettes gracefully contrasting against the fiery backdrop.

In a synchronized movement, Élie and Aria closed in on their opponent rapidly, their sharp ice claws swinging with deadly grace. Vengus adjusted his blades with a beautiful, fluid motion and parried their strikes. The ensuing clash turned into a true display of skill; the movements were fast and forceful, a dance of metal and ice unfolding at a dizzying pace. Every action, every parry, was executed with surgical precision, a macabre dance where the slightest mistake could lead to disastrous consequences.

Each blow struck and parried unleashed a shower of sparks, illuminating the scene with fleeting glints. The pace of the fight was relentless, a series of calculated maneuvers and instinctive reactions unfolding at an almost impossible speed. The intense cold emanating from Aria and her mother gradually enveloped Vengus, seeking to breach his defenses. The biting cold attacked his resistance, while the ice threatened to freeze his movements.

"Tchh!"

He promptly infused his mana into his daggers and around him, and fire spread to counter the cold. His daggers were enveloped in an incandescent halo, flames licking their razor-sharp edges with fierce ardor. Immediately restoring the balance of power, their movements were now marked by heightened intensity. The icy claws and fiery daggers clashed in a furious ballet, each strike producing sparkling fragments and expanses of steam as opposing elements collided.

Despite being two against one and in a bestial fury, he held his ground. Élie then used the technique she had executed before. This time, as one of Vengus's blades made contact with her ice claw, a violent detonation resounded. The air seemed to rip apart in an explosion of magical and elemental power. The shockwave sent Vengus sprawling backward, like a disjointed puppet. He was thrown into the air before crashing violently onto the ground. When he got up, ice had spread over his arms.

[Explosive Ice Claw: Upon contact, the claws release an explosion of ice.]

"Go, Aria!" Élie declared with conviction.

"Yes!"

They closed the distance again, swiftly advancing on him. As he melted the ice covering his arms, the two launched their attack with perfect coordination. Each blow Élie delivered had explosive force, creating destabilizing detonations that momentarily shattered Vengus's defense. This provided Aria with the openings she needed to find weaknesses in his guard.

The harmony between the two was palpable, as Élie unleashed impactful strikes while Aria remained alert, ready to exploit every opportunity that arose. Élie's attacks were like thunderous strikes, shaking the air and creating icy shockwaves. The openings thus created allowed Aria to attack with surgical precision, targeting vulnerable points in his defense. This enabled Aria to deliver blows that he could only slightly evade. As a result, he suffered his first wounds, tearing through his skin and clothes.

Each narrowly avoided blow left marks on his skin and shredded his clothing. The battle scars were now visible, testimonies to the intensity of the conflict. The taste of blood and sweat filled the air, while elemental energy merged in a destructive dance as the building was set ablaze.

This time, he was undeniably pushed back. The combined assaults of Élie and Aria had managed to break through his defense and inflict wounds upon him.

"So, how does it feel to be pushed back, huh?" Aria asked.

"Shut up, brat!" Vengus snapped.

Vengus narrowly dodged another strike from Aria. However, he didn't realize that she had cleverly anticipated his move. In a swift and precise motion, Aria conjured ice into a thick layer that trapped his right leg, immobilizing him on the spot. Trapped and vulnerable, he was at the mercy of Aria's next attack. She lunged resolutely into his defense, maximizing the situation. He leaned to avoid a heavier blow, but the strike managed to cut his skin and open a bloody wound on his right flank. Sharp pain spread through his body, and he felt warm liquid running down his skin.

"Ahhh!" he groaned.

Unable to hold back the pain that assailed him, he left another gaping opening, this time for Elie, who followed with a claw strike to his face, followed by an explosion. She sent him hurtling against one of the building's walls. The wall shattered upon impact, releasing a cloud of dust and debris that rose into the air, obscuring the scene.

After a few brief seconds, Vengus emerged again, his face bearing a massive claw mark, leaving a gaping scar that spoke of the violence of the previous attack. Additionally, his right abdomen was bleeding. He also spat blood, as the explosion had caused internal damage.

"You think you're strong, huh, you cowards!" he shouted.

"You fought my husband with over twenty men, and you talk about cowardice?" Elie retorted.

"That's true, but he was much stronger than you! I'll show you the difference between you and me, inferior beings! And then I'll send you to join him!" (Vengus)

A fierce fire aura began to radiate from him, a fervent manifestation of his rage. The daggers in his hands underwent a spectacular transformation. The intense fire became an extension of them, turning them from daggers into swords. The blades seemed to dance, creating an incandescent halo around him. As the fire aura enveloped him, flames found their way to his wounds, cauterizing them and halting the bleeding.

This time, Vengus took the initiative to attack, charging toward them and launching numerous fireballs in their direction. In urgency, they formed an ice barrier, as this time the fireballs were too numerous to dodge. The ice barrier absorbed the attacks as best as it could, creating a cloud of steam upon impact that obscured their vision. He used the opportunity to maneuver around, targeting Aria, quickly discerning her as the weak link—a plan he rapidly devised.

The fiery blades made contact with Aria's claws, but this time the impact was different. The heat differential was much more intense than before, an ardent fusion that threatened to engulf everything. The ice claws began to melt under the oppressive heat, and the searing pain intensified as they made contact with the infernal flames. Aria realized her hands were in danger, so she had to retract them to avoid losing them.

However, the unexpected occurred as Elie rushed to aid her daughter; she was abruptly halted by fiery entities that materialized in front of her.

[Flame Clones: Creates fiery duplicates of yourself.]

The battle's complexity reached new heights as three Vengus clones appeared, each carrying its own fierce fire aura. Elie was confronted with this unforeseen reality—a multiplication of adversity adding an extra layer of complexity to an already tense situation. She lunged, determined to face them, but quickly realized that these clones were not to be underestimated.

Their movements were nearly as fast as the original, their attacks coordinated with disconcerting precision. They seemed to act in harmony, a deadly ballet orchestrated with almost perfect mastery. Every dodge and every parry from Elie was countered by the clones, and she quickly found herself trapped.

"It's very mana-intensive, but I'm glad I learned it. I've heard that the Flame Queen can summon more than a hundred of these like a monster. I can already feel it draining all my mana, but oh well." (Vengus)

While Elie grappled with the clones, Vengus advanced once again toward Aria with unwavering determination. Flames danced around him, his silhouette cloaked in an elemental aura of power. Aria, defenseless, relied on her agility to evade the attacks meant for her.

Under growing pressure and the urgency of the situation, Aria made the decision to unleash an ice explosion in a desperate attempt to regain control. However, he reacted with surprising speed, releasing an all-consuming wave of heat that engulfed the ice explosion. The collision of the two elemental forces created a thick cloud of steam that momentarily shrouded the scene, obscuring their view.

He emerged from the steam, catching Aria off guard. Before she could react effectively, he delivered a precise strike to her flank. The sword pierced her right side, causing a throbbing pain that radiated through her body. To make matters worse, a scorching heat accompanied the sword due to the flames on the blade. Instinctively fighting for survival, she tapped into her water element and released a watery explosion in a final effort to break free.

The explosion created a shockwave that propelled her backward, breaking his grip on her. She found herself freed from his scorching hold, but her body was wounded.

"Oh, you also control the water element, but you don't seem to have mastered it properly for now. Otherwise, you'd be less cocky without your dear mommy!" (Vengus)

"Ahhh!"

Desperately, Aria released a barrage of water bullets toward Vengus, but he advanced confidently toward her. His fiery blades swirled, effortlessly slicing through the water bullets. The water bullets burst into crystalline fragments upon contact with the fiery blades, creating a fleeting spectacle of swirling droplets. As water turned to steam under the heat, he continued his inexorable march toward Aria. Flames danced around him, seemingly mocking her.

"Much too weak compared to your ice element!" he taunted with a wicked smile.

Aria was backed against the wall, not only running low on mana but also her Bestial Fury was about to dissipate in a minute. Teetering on the edge, she recalled her training bout with Logan and his words:

"Once you're stronger, you can perform devastating combined attacks."

Her intense struggle with him played out in her mind, replaying each dodge, each strike, as her skills were activated in silence. Entering a new state of focus, she revisited her combat with Logan, vividly recalling every move, every technique.

[Will to Grow] - [Will to Survive]

The additional effect of the Will to Grow granted her greater learning capability. With determination, Aria rose from the ground and struck it with her foot. In the span of a moment, ice spikes surged forth from the ground. Recalling what Logan could do, this time he was forced to evade quickly, but multiple water bullets also surged toward him.

The bullets were larger and faster, and this time, he couldn't slice through them all, taking some hits that weakened him. As if that wasn't enough, ice spikes emerged from the ground, forcing him to leap into the air to a location where he couldn't defend against the projectiles. But as he began his descent, a shield of flames intercepted the attacks as he landed on the ground again.

However, Aria had predicted his landing spot, waiting with her ice-clad claws ready to strike.

"What!" he exclaimed, surprised.

He finally saw why his blades had been stopped: Aria's claws were no longer composed solely of ice, but now a secondary layer of water. This effectively blocked his attack, giving Aria an opening to strike with the claws on her right hand.

Aria aimed for his heart with unwavering precision. She had won. At this close range, he wouldn't be able to dodge. Her claws thrust forward, carrying with them the weight of her determination and vengeance. It was a gesture charged with profound meaning: the will to end a battle that had left an indelible and burdensome mark on her life.

"Vengus!" she shouted, consumed by rage and the hard-earned certainty of victory.

"Crack!"

Her claws shattered into a thousand pieces before they could touch him, in a dramatic reversal, as her Bestial Fury dissipated. Unfortunately, she had exhausted all her mana in her brave final efforts.

"No!" she gasped.

"One could say that providence is on my side," he declared with a malicious grin.

Satisfied and lucky, he kicked her in the face with a triumphant air, sending her flying several meters. Aria now lay on the ground, pain and frustration mingling with the realization that she had lost.

Then, he walked calmly toward her, who tried in vain to rise without success. Completely drained and injured, her body had failed her, when just moments ago, victory had been within her grasp.

He finally stood over her, looking down at her calmly:

"You've given me as much trouble as your damn patriarch, but it ends here!" (Vengus)

He raised his blade, laden with triumph and satisfaction, as Aria looked up at him, helpless. Their gazes met, and a wicked pleasure coursed through him:

"That's it, you're feeling it now, fear, helplessness. That's exactly what your father felt. But I ended his suffering, just as I'm going to end yours." (Vengus)

He lowered his blade with a sinister smile, and Aria closed her eyes, awaiting her own death. When she opened them again, she would have preferred to die outright, for the reality that confronted her exceeded all the fears she had ever harbored. Shock and horror washed over Aria in a tidal wave as she saw her mother, impaled while shielding her. The sword was plunged into Elie's chest, and she coughed, sending droplets of blood onto Aria's face, under Aria's trembling and terrified gaze.

"Mam...Mom!"

Emotions swirled into a confused whirlwind. Fear, sadness, anger, and despair vied for space in Aria's heart. Fate had taken a cruel turn, and her mother's life hung by a fragile thread. The confrontation had reached a new level of intensity, revealing the heart-wrenching consequences of a battle that could have been avoided.