Nearly killed...

"He's fast," Hera muttered, her hand tightening around her spear.

"Then we'll just have to be faster," Adrian replied, his chains whipping toward the barrier. The flames flickered and pulsed as they struck repeatedly, cracks forming in the dark shield.

The commander roared in frustration, his shield shattering under Adrian's relentless assault. Hera darted in, her spear a blur as she targeted his exposed leg. The golden weapon pierced through his armor, eliciting a pained growl.

The commander staggered, his movements momentarily sluggish. But his fury only grew.

"Aichmés!" (Spikes)

A barrage of shadowy spikes erupted from the ground, one of them catching Adrian in the side. He grunted in pain, stumbling as blood seeped from the wound.

"Adrian!" Hera called, her spear deflecting another spike as she rushed to his side.

"I'm fine," Adrian said through gritted teeth, though his hand pressed against the injury.