Chapter 6: Battle on the Frozen River

The twilight sky began to fade into darkness, while a cold wind slowly crept through the gaps in the trees surrounding the river. The remaining sunlight reflected on the surface of the water, which for the most part still flowed swiftly, except for the part that had been frozen by Lily's power. The river separated the dense forest from the hills across, creating a natural boundary that often became an unexpected battleground.

Raka and Lily stood on the ice surface, their feet touching the frozen layer that Lily had just created. They were ready to cross the river, but now they were stopped by the appearance of two mysterious figures behind them. The air around them began to feel colder, not just because of the ice, but also because of the tension that flowed between the four of them.

Thalassius: (Standing tall with a large anchor on his shoulder) "I am Thalassius Vaengli."

Selene: (In a calm tone, holding a glowing spear) "And I am Selene Carchari."

They introduced themselves without hesitation, adding their family names that were immediately recognized by Raka and Lily as noble families from the Nerithian race—sea creatures from the Northern Tribe.

Lily: (Whispering to Raka, her eyes full of vigilance) "They are not ordinary people. We must be careful."

Selene: (In a neutral tone, looking at Lily and Raka) "We just want to cross over."

Thalassius: (Sighing softly, glancing at Selene) "They don't seem to believe us."

Selene: (Shrugging casually) "It seems so."

Thalassius: (Looking at Lily and Raka with a sly smile) "I guess there's no other choice then."

Thalassius suddenly darted forward towards Lily, swinging his large anchor quickly.

Lily: (Quickly summoning cold energy, preparing to defend) "How dare you!"

But before the anchor reached her, one of Raka's Gears sped at high speed, hitting Thalassius's anchor. A loud crash was heard as the anchor and Gear met, forcing Thalassius to retreat a few steps.

Thalassius: (Smiling admiringly, though his eyes were full of anticipation) "Oh, not bad."

Raka: (Standing tall, looking at Thalassius sharply) "If you want to fight, I'm ready."

Lily immediately waved her hand forward, trying to freeze Thalassius's feet. However, with unexpected speed, Thalassius retreated, avoiding the rapidly spreading layer of ice on the ground where he stood.

Selene: (In a sharp tone, looking at Thalassius) "It seems you were too reckless."

Thalassius: (Chuckles, shrugging his shoulders) "Alright, I was wrong. Now, help me."

Selene nodded briefly before stepping forward, her spear glowing with water energy flowing along the shaft of her weapon.

Thalassius: (In an enthusiastic tone, pointing at Raka and Lily) "Let's start this two-on-two fight."

Raka: (Whispering to himself, complaining) "Damn it."

{The Battle Begins}

Thalassius again darted forward with incredible speed, this time his movements were more aggressive. Raka quickly launched his two Gears at once—one aimed at Thalassius and the other at Selene, trying to keep them both busy.

However, Thalassius spun quickly, using his large ship anchor to parry both Gears with a single sweeping swing.

Raka: (Surprised, muttering softly) "Impossible..."

Meanwhile, Lily launched an ice spear at Thalassius, but before the spear could reach its target, Selene moved.

Selene: (In a sharp tone, her spear glowing) "Not that easy!"

She parried the attack with her long spear, which was now coated in water, causing Lily's attack to dissipate.

Lily: (Gritting her teeth, snorting in annoyance) "She's fast."

Raka then summoned two additional Gears made of ordinary steel from the scrolls in his pocket.

Raka: (Talking to himself, catching his breath) "These may not be as strong as Andamatite, but at least they can still be used."

With four Gears now in his hands, he launched a barrage of attacks towards Thalassius, trying to hold him back and keep his distance.

Selene, on the other hand, used a combination of water and lightning magic, launching a large wave towards Raka.

Selene: (In a confident tone, launching the attack) "Taste this!"

However, the attack froze midway, affected by Lily's Cryokinesis.

Lily: (In a cold tone, looking at Selene) "You'll have to try harder than that."

The battle continued with high intensity. Both sides seemed evenly matched, although attack after attack was either stopped or avoided.

However, Raka began to tire. His control over his Gears decreased, and his attacks slowed down. At one moment, all four of his Gears stopped in the air before falling to the ground.

Raka: (Staggering, blood starting to flow from his nose) "Damn it... too much...magic..."

Thalassius, realizing this opportunity, immediately darted forward, his large anchor ready to slash at Raka.

Lily: (Shouting in panic, trying to move forward) "Raka!"

In her heart, Lily knew that they didn't have many options left. But before she could cast a spell, Raka's voice suddenly rang out.

Raka: (Shouting with a determined voice) "SYNCHRONIZE!"

In his mind, Raka chose one of the variation abilities: [Extra] > [Divine Magnet].

Just as Thalassius approached, his body was suddenly thrown backwards as if pulled by an invisible force.

Selene: (Running towards Thalassius, worried) "Are you alright?"

Thalassius: (Lifting his body slowly, his eyes full of shock) "What... was that just now?"

Lily looked at Raka with a look of admiration and a hint of longing.

Lily: (Whispering softly, almost inaudible) "L -Lord Eka?"

Raka rose from his seat, his face full of newfound determination. He lifted his four Gears into the air without touching them, controlling them with his new magnetic power.

Raka: (With a confident smile, looking at Thalassius and Selene) "Let's start the second round."

Thalassius and Selene were now on guard. They realized that something in Raka had changed, and that change might determine the fate of this battle.

[To be continued]