A Ripple of Energy

He managed a nervous laugh, trying to brush off the tension. Jade, assessing his condition with a critical eye, noted, "Those moves must have taken a lot out of you. You're at about 100 right now on your energy levels. Let's refrain from using your fire as much as possible as we try to aim for—"

Her strategic advice was abruptly interrupted as Rosa, with quick reflexes, shoved her out of harm's way. The creature had stealthily appeared behind them, its weapon raised for a deadly strike. Rosa, ever vigilant, conjured a protective barrier of fire in the nick of time.

The fire web enveloped them, a glowing shield against the creature's aggression. As they skidded to a halt, Rosa and Jade positioned themselves defiantly in front of Oscar, whose face was marked with the signs of battle, the blood from his wound beginning to dry.