Chapter 56 - Attack

As Nathan said that, he then heard a sound from behind him—a faint rustle, followed by the unmistakable rush of air.

He turned his head just in time to see the bald man charging at him again, his sword gleaming in the sunlight.

Before Nathan could react, Natasha was already in motion. She raised her energy rifle, her movements fluid and precise, and fired a rapid series of energy bullets at Jero.

The bald man deflected the first shot with his sword, but Natasha had already fired more, forcing him to stop his advance and focus on cutting down the incoming projectiles.

The energy bullets then exploded on contact with his blade, sending sparks flying in all directions.

"Captain!" the other hooded figures called out, their voices tense as they prepared to rush in.

But the man raised a hand, signaling them to stay back. His expression was calm, but his eyes burned with intensity.

Just then, four more hooded figures stepped forward, dropping their hoods to reveal their faces.

The first was a dark skinned lady, her long ears and dark skin marking her as a member of the elven race. Her skin pronouncing her to be a dark elf. She introduced herself with a confident smile. "I am Lyra."

Next was another elf, his golden hair and sharp features giving him an almost ethereal appearance. "Renard," he said, his voice smooth and calm.

The third was a human woman, her expression fierce and her stance ready for battle. "Jina," she announced, her tone sharp.

Finally, a beastman stepped forward, his wolf-like features and muscular frame making him an imposing figure. "Jinrai," he growled, his voice deep and guttural.

The bald man then jumped and landed in front of the four, his sword resting casually on his shoulder.

"And I'm Jero," he said, his tone calm but laced with menace. "Pleasure to meet you."

Nathan stepped forward, his wings unfurling slightly as he smirked. "I'll take Jero alone," he declared, his voice confident.

River and Alicia followed suit, stepping forward with determined expressions. River pointed at Renard. "Then I'll handle him."

Alicia grinned, her eyes locking onto Jinrai. "I'll take the doggy," she said, her tone mocking.

Jinrai's eyes narrowed, his growl deepening as he bared his teeth. "You'll regret calling me that, little girl."

Natasha sighed, her energy rifle resting on her shoulder as she stepped forward. "Guess that leaves Jina for me," she said, her tone casual but her eyes sharp.

Maria was about to declare her opponent, but Lyra blurred and reappeared in front of Lucas, her movements so fast they were almost imperceptible.

"I'll take him," she said, her voice smooth but laced with challenge.

Before anyone could react, she kicked Lucas with incredible force.

He managed to block the attack, but the impact sent him flying into the woods, his body crashing through trees before disappearing from sight.

Nathan turned to Maria and Marcus, his expression serious. "You two, along with Natasha's unit, handle the mob. Keep those damn lessers off our backs."

Maria nodded, her vines already sprouting from the ground. "Got it."

Marcus cracked his knuckles, electricity crackling around his hands. "Hate being ordered, but leave it to us."

With that, Nathan launched himself at Jero, his wings propelling him forward with incredible speed.

He sent a powerful kick aimed at Jero's chest, the force of the impact sending the bald man flying into the woods.

Nathan didn't wait—he flew after him, his katana gleaming as he prepared for the fight.