Iron claws

The group moved cautiously forward, their footsteps light as they navigated the shattered remains of the forest. The vine spitters, frightened by Leo's display of power, had all disappeared, leaving the area eerily quiet. The rustling leaves and the occasional distant chirp of a bird were the only sounds filling the air as they trekked north.

Leo's mind was still reeling from what had just happened. The Arcane Slash had been far more powerful than he expected. His control over it was practically non-existent, and the implications of such raw power worried him. 'Was it because of my intention? Did it multiply?'

Mia, walking beside him, glanced over at Leo with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "you alright?" she asked softly, her voice cutting through the uneasy silence.

Leo nodded, though he wasn't entirely sure. "Yeah... I think so. Just... trying to process everything."

Caleb, ever the strategist, scanned the terrain ahead. "We should be extra cautious from here on. It's never just a straight path in places like this."

"Agreed" Jerry said, his voice low but filled with determination. He glanced over at Leo and offered a brief nod, acknowledging the strange turn of events. He might not fully understand what happened, but Leo had certainly done something to change the flow of the encounter. Still, Jerry wasn't one to dwell on the strange. He kept his eyes ahead, focused on the mission at hand.

The silence between the group members didn't last long.

Suddenly, the air grew thick, Leo could feel it before he saw anything, a creeping sensation that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. A sound broke the stillness: footsteps. Heavy, deliberate, and unmistakably human.

"Looks like we've got company" Caleb muttered, his grip tightening on his wand.

From the shadows ahead, a group emerged The Iron Claws.

Jerry's body immediately tensed as Zane locked eyes with him, a dark laugh escaping his lips. "Well, well, well, what have we here?" Zane sneered, the cocky grin never leaving his face. "No way you survived this late. I thought you'd already be having lunch in the afterlife by now."

Jerry's fists clenched. His earlier frustration with the vine spitter was nothing compared to the simmering anger he now felt toward Zane. The memories of their past encounters came rushing back—every insult, every fight, every unjust move.

This time, there would be no holding back.

Without a word, Jerry's muscles coiled, and he launched himself forward, charging straight for Zane. His movements were swift, powered by pure instinct and the raw desire to finally make Zane pay for everything he had done.

Leo saw it coming, but he made no move to stop Jerry. He understood this wasn't just about the mission anymore. Jerry had a score to settle, and sometimes, that meant handling things on his terms.

But just as Jerry was about to reach Zane, a sudden force intervened. From behind Zane, the leader of the Iron Claws, With a swift motion, he drew his sword and positioned it between Jerry and Zane, stopping the clash before it could happen.

"Enough!" the leader's voice was firm and commanding, cutting through the tension like a knife.

Jerry skidded to a halt, his feet sliding across the ground, stopping just inches from the blade. He glared at the man who had interrupted him, eyes blazing with anger.

Zane let out a low chuckle, clearly amused by the whole situation. "Ah, the great leader of the Iron Claws stepping in to save the day again. How sweet."

The leader didn't respond to Zane's jab. His gaze remained fixed on Jerry, and though his expression was stoic, there was a level of calculation in his eyes. "This isn't your fight, Zane." the leader said, his voice calm but edged with authority. "We're not here to waste time with petty squabbles."

Jerry's teeth gritted as he stared down at the sword blocking his path. He was used to fighting with his fists, and not being restrained by others, especially not by people like this. But the leader's presence was undeniable. He could sense the strength in the man, a quiet power that matched his own.

Leo and the others stood back, watching the interaction unfold with a mix of curiosity and caution. The tension was palpable, thick enough to choke the air around them.

Zane smirked and crossed his arms, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "Guess, I'll let him live for now," he said.

But before Jerry could respond, the Iron Claw leader gave a sharp, no-nonsense look, making it clear that the situation had reached its limit.

The sword remained between them, a symbol of the fine line that had been drawn. The fight wouldn't happen today.

"Step back, Jerry," Leo said, his voice steady, eyes flickering between the two men. "There's no need to push this."

Jerry hesitated, eyes narrowing at Zane one last time before he finally took a step back. His anger was far from gone, but the leader's presence had made it clear this wasn't the time.

Zane's grin only widened. He'd gotten the reaction he wanted.

The moment had passed. For now.