Cyrus forges ahead through the narrow alleyway with Nefarious's covert strategy. He emerges into the vast plaza, his eyes locking onto the location where his fellow rebels are imprisoned. The enemies on guard notice Cyrus and his companions approaching, and without hesitation, they unleash a rain of arrows and spears in their direction. Despite a few projectiles finding their marks, Cyrus rapidly raises his dwarven shield. The center of the shield illuminates, generating a luminous force field that materializes into a protective half-dome before him and his soldiers. They press forward, closing in on their adversaries. Cyrus deactivates the shield at just the right moment, to parry and strike down several opposing soldiers. Yet, a sudden crackling sound fills the air. He swivels his head just in time to witness shards of ice hurtling toward him, aimed directly at his head. Cyrus raises his shield again to deflect the sharp icicles hurtling towards him. The icy projectiles shatter against his shield, scattering cold droplets and flakes of ice all around him. Anticipating another attack, Cyrus focuses the energy into the center of the shield. True to his prediction, a second barrage of magic ice spikes comes soaring toward him. As the icy tips of the icicles make contact energy field in the center of the shield, they momentarily freeze in place. Suddenly the ice shards reverse direction, shooting back towards their origin point and striking down the mage who had conjured them. Cyrus and his allies manage to defeat the rest of the assailants, freeing their comrades in the process.
"Thank you, King Cyrus," a grateful soldier expressed.
"How were you all discovered?" Cyrus requires.
"The Magi," the soldier responds, "He knew from the start. As soon as we initiated our rebellion, he had soldiers prepared and waiting. The timing of the attack, everything was known to him."
As Cyrus looks into the distance, he spots Darius and Spero sprinting towards the palace.
Be careful brother and nephew.
******
Spero and Darius, fight their way through the heavily guarded palace doors. Their eyes widened as they stepped into the grand main lobby, beholding the Magi standing at the center.
In a hushed tone, Spero urges Darius, "Find Harpagus,"
Darius sprints towards the left hallway, and with a mere wave of the Magi's hand, a massive rock wall materializes. Darius plunges his sword into the blockade, manifesting a fierce wind blast that cracks the rock wall. Meanwhile, Spero retrieves three sharp blades from his pouch, sending them hurtling towards the Magi. However, the Magi's defensive shield, a shimmering field of energy, intercepts the blades. Spero quickly shifts his focus towards the rock wall behind the Magi, unleashing a green laser that pierces through the stone, creating a small breach. Darius conjures another wind spell from his sword, channeling his energy into breaking down the weakened barrier, shards of rock scatter as he races past. As Darius disappears down the hallway, Spero remains behind to face the Magi.
******
Outside the palace walls, Basir reaches the stables with his loyal men by his side [https://img.wattpad.com/939231ba5a17599bc26826be183151bfc3a1ab74/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6a3349526d6b6d454c46483565413d3d2d313531353935303835332e313832313561353539396662363037303335383238353636353637302e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Outside the palace walls, Basir reaches the stables with his loyal men by his side. Together, they loosen the ties of the enemy's horses, causing the bewildered animals to gallop freely. They open the gates of the cattle pens, sending the livestock stampeding into the city. Amidst the commotion, Basir and his men seize a handful of horses, mounting them as they charge headlong into the heart of the impending battle.
Meanwhile, Parsa and his warriors make quick work of the guards defending the armory. They loot whatever supplies they can carry, leaving nothing behind but the ashes of the remaining stockpile as they set it ablaze.
On the other side of the city, Ashkan gains control over a section of the city, securing safe passage through the main gate for the incoming tide of the remaining tribal armies. The tumultuous clash of steel and the thunderous hooves of warhorses ring through the city streets as the factions fight for dominance in the kingdom.
The center of the city resonated with the sounds of battle, a relentless tug-of-war between the struggling tribes and the overwhelming force of the Median soldiers. Cyrus, feeling the weight of leadership on his shoulders, fought tooth and nail to assert his command amidst the disorder, only to find himself facing a constant stream of enemy reinforcements. The undead servants of Nefarious lay defeated, and their necrotic powers dwindled. With the situation growing dire, Cyrus urgently calls for the tribal chiefs to meet, seeking a strategy to regain control of the battlefield. However, a triumphant blast of horns pierces the air. From the distant horizon, the tribes of Dropici and Maraphiia descend upon the fray, their warriors rushing into the city to add their strength to the rebellion. The Maraphiia, the third great house of the Persian tribes, arrives at last to stand united with their brethren.
******
Spero stares down the Magi.
I have no idea what kind of magic he is capable of. Nefarious only warned me that his level of mana is higher than I can perceive. I can't risk taking any chances.
Spero detects peculiar fluctuations of mana energy scattered across the lobby. Instantly, he summons his Sword of Madness, unleashing shadowy slashes toward the locations emitting this suspicious energy. His strikes disrupt the mystical spells and shatter the hidden sigils. The Magi's expression sours with irritation. With a rapid incantation, the very pillars of the room shoot rocky spikes that hurtle toward Spero. Spero dodges and deflects the stones reducing them to mere clouds of dust upon impact.
Spero lunges forward, his Mirage of Shadows technique creating a wall as he advances. In response, the Magi conjures a fierce torrent of water, a powerful stream that cuts through Spero's illusions. Evading the deluge of water with a rapid crouch, Spero feels the chill of the water flying past him.
"Those feeble illusions will not do the trick." The Magi voices.
Spero ready to strike his opponent with all his might is met with an unexpected turn of events, a massive stone wall materializes beneath his feet, rushing upwards as the clang of metal meets the stone. The sword bounces off the rocky surface. Spero withdraws his Sword of Madness as his senses alert him to a subtle noise behind the rock wall. Spero pivots to the left just as a powerful torrent of pressurized water bursts through the wall. Spero instinctively reacts, unleashing a surge of green energy and beaming it through the wall as well. However, his attack is neutralized by the Magi's defensive shield, causing the energy beam to dissipate. Without wasting a moment, Spero darts around the mystical wall and summons his Blade of Sorrow gleaming with blue light. With a strike, he brings the blade crashing against the protective field. A wave of shimmering blue energy erupts. The protective field surrounding the Magi is cracked and Spero shatters through it with a resounding kick. The Magi, quick to react despite his slightly slowed movements, manipulate the remaining fragments of the field to swirl around and forcefully push Spero away. The Magi unleashes a powerful water spell aimed directly at Spero, who deflects it with his blade, yet the force of the impact sends him sprawling to the ground. Unexpectedly rocky spikes emerge from above, plunging downwards towards Spero. He evades the impending danger by darting from right to left, only to be caught off guard as a barrage of smaller stone projectiles pelt him from behind. The pellets crack his Divinian mana protection.
His magic is more powerful than most mages, he can cast spells quicker than most I've seen. My resistance won't hold out much longer. My mana isn't strong enough to counter his, plus he's a Divinian as well. My Blade of Sorrow barely affects him, I must use a stronger attack just to give me a little more time.
"Victory Calls!" Spero shouts.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Golden energy emanates around Spero's body. He propels himself forward, evading each incoming attack before the effects of the slowing debuff dissipate. He brings his blade down with a mighty force.
CLANK
The clash of metal rings out as his blade meets the Magi's staff, creating a shower of sparks that crackle with electricity, sending a jolt of energy coursing through Spero's body.
Despite the shock, he clenches his jaw, his muscles coiled like springs as he exhales a defiant command, "Pit of Despair!"
Though physically and mentally slowed, the Magi remain composed, knowing this respite is only temporary. Spero unleashes a flurry of punches and grabs, using his opponent's momentary weakness to his advantage. With a swift motion, he executes a hip throw, sending the Magi crashing to the ground. The Magi conjures rocks to shield himself and water to impede Spero's advance, the nimble warrior vaults over the obstacles, bringing his sword down with precision. The Magi rolls away just in time and summons a small crystal ball.
"Sight Swift," the Magi utters, his voice dripping with confidence.
In the heat of the moment, the ball emanates a brilliant glow, casting a mesmerizing light that envelops Spero's surroundings. As the dazzling radiance touches his keen eyes, a sudden burst of blinding white light momentarily obscures his vision, leaving him disoriented. Focusing his gaze on the enigmatic Magi standing before him, a mysterious energy surges through the air, causing a bewildering shift in Spero's perception of reality.
Spero is regularly in his signature southpaw stance, however, a bewildering revelation unfolds before him as he looks upon his hands [https://img.wattpad.com/f8878761d8fd21c08a24b5881d40efb90b2fcc58/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f7a5a494466675976626c614173773d3d2d313531353935303835332e313832313561363366343164333030343538363035303931383431302e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Spero is regularly in his signature southpaw stance, however, a bewildering revelation unfolds before him as he looks upon his hands. To his astonishment, his left hand, the one that usually wields his sword, has been inexplicably replaced by his right hand, grasping the blade firmly.
This is not the stance I started in. Oh well, this shouldn't be a problem.
Spero brandishing his sword, sidesteps the treacherous rock spikes hurtling towards him. The Magi retaliates deflecting Spero's blow with a torrent of water summoned from his staff. Witnessing the Magi conjure a barrier of crystalline water in his path, Spero summons his inner strength and plunges headfirst into the shimmering cascade, braving the chilling water. As the Magi unleashes a stunning surge of electric energy, Spero finds himself momentarily paralyzed by the potent attack, the crackling currents sapping his vitality. Spero pushes through the tensing pain as he aims to strike a blow. But then again, his perspective shifts abruptly, throwing his attack off balance and disrupting his intended strike. With the equilibrium of the skirmish momentarily shattered, Spero's trajectory goes astray, his blade missing its mark as his adversary evades his faltering assault.
Spero fights on and gets acquainted with the constant vision shifts being cast by the magi. Spero gets close enough he can kick the magi down, allowing Spero to cut his leg. The enemy summons a massive boulder towards Spero, sending him tumbling back. The boulders impact fracturing his Victory Calls protection. Determined not to be defeated, the magi extended the crystal ball upwards, and with a blinding flash of light, a spell was cast upon him. Despite his effort to shield his eyes, the overwhelming brightness seeped through. Struggling against the disorientation, Spero noticed a new peculiar phenomenon - every movement he executed with his right hand seemed to move his left hand instead.
He shifted my perspective again, but which side is which?
Spero has a multitude of spells cast on him in a matter of minutes.
Left is right, right is left.
His movements grow ridged.
Shit, this is annoying! It feels as if I'm relearning how to fight!
Frustration and weariness creep into Spero's mind as he grapples with relentlessness.
Maybe I should try to escape and call for backup.
The magi strike Spero's shoulder with a pressurized stream of water, its chilling touch cutting deep into his skin, the mist and droplets stinging his face. Gold energy breaks off his body as the blood and water splash past him. Spero de-summons his sword and finds refuge.
I can't fight keep fighting like this. My mind and body feel disconnected. I can't risk using my special abilities.
Suddenly, the stone pillar is split in half, collapsing before his eyes. Jumping out of the way just in time, a small stone pillar rises from the ground, catching him off guard and striking him under the chin. Shaking off the daze, he regains his footing and quickly maneuvers to the right, then promptly changes direction to the left, and dashes for the exit. However, his escape is hindered as the Magi, sends sharp shards of stone racing towards him.
WHOOSH
Spero is unable to raise his arm in time to defend against the barrage of stones.
SMACK, BOUNCE
An energy field forms around him, deflecting the attack. To his right, Nefarious approaches with a sinister grin on his face.
"If you don't mind, I would like the opportunity to test this mage?" the sorcerer proposes.
Casting a spell with a flourish, Nefarious restores Spero's senses and movements, allowing him a moment to catch his breath.
"I'll meet with Darius." Spero proclaims.
Spero makes his way towards the meeting point with Darius and Harpagus. Meanwhile, Nefarious locks eyes with the Magi.
"At last, a worthy challenge," the Magi taunts arrogantly.
Nefarious extends his hand graciously. "You may go first."
The magi tilt his head back, baffled. He turns to his crystal ball and a light flashes.
Nefarious sees his perception flip. "Neat trick."
He casts a spell cancelling the effects. The magi grit his teeth and send shards of stone at him. The orb on Nefarious's staff glows and a magic circle forms in front of it. It draws all the stone shards towards it, spinning them into a hypnotic dance before flinging them away with a forceful energy. A stream of water surges towards Nefarious and he counters it with the same spell. Nefarious uses shadow magic, and a whip emerges from the magi's own shadow, snatching the staff from his grasp. Nefarious brings his hands together, releasing a cloud of dark mist tinged with purple hues. From the mist, a swarm of crows flock out, spiraling towards the magi with menacing cries.
Desperation clouds his senses as he struggles to fend off the unyielding birds that were no mere illusions, but dark summons [https://img.wattpad.com/a7f552c2cb8d87c9ea9b7b4e08730e80f15c2d45/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6c6c4639584e73393252434b7a673d3d2d313531353935303835332e313832313561373764373764636663353630383139383938353839342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Desperation clouds his senses as he struggles to fend off the unyielding birds that were no mere illusions, but dark summons. With a sinking feeling, the magi realized the true extent of the malevolent magic he was up against. Nefarious advanced towards him with tranquil steps. As a magic circle glows beneath the magi, undead hands arise from the earth to drag him down to his knees, the cawing of crows filling the air like a haunting chorus. Surrounded by the muddled swirl of feathered assailants, the magi could feel the cold touch of death clawing at his skin. With each peck at his flesh, the darkness threatens to consume him completely, broken only by fleeting glimpses of light that pierce through the storm of wings. More hands emerge from the ground, their grasp firm as they pull him inexorably closer to the earth below. Nefarious steps into the heart of the storm, meeting the magi eye to eye amidst the frenzy of avian torment. He gracefully draws forth a knife from the folds of his robe and plunges the body-temped metal into the magi's neck.
********
As the battle commenced between Spero and the Magi. Darius races through the ornate halls of the palace. The clashing of swords echoes around him as he maneuvers through the enemy combatants, his wind sword slicing through their defenses. Finally, Darius burst into the grand throne room, his entrance not unnoticed by a powerful blast of wind that shatters the door into splinters. Before him, King Astyages sits on his throne, guarded by his loyal soldiers, with Harpagus at his side.
"Seize him!" the king rings out his mouth.
Darius springs into action. A guard lunges towards him, only to be knocked back by a fierce gust of wind, while another finds himself incapacitated precise kick to his knee, CRACK. The guard winces out. Harpagus intervenes, throwing a knife to the center of another guard's back allowing Darius to dispatch him. Astyages turns to locate the source of the knife throw, only to be met with a sharp edge touching the beard down his neck. The king watches as Darius eliminates the remaining guards just as Spero makes his way inside the room as well.
"Yo...You traitor, you deceiver!" Astyages slobbers out with rage.
Harpagus seizes his collar and forcibly removes him from his seat of power throwing him onto the floor met with the sword positioned a hair away from the tip of his nose.
"You butchered my son," Harpagus announces, his eyes piercing his very soul. Astyages sweats down the side of his face as he struggles to say a word, his mouth dries with disbelief.
Cyrus strides in with an air of satisfaction. "The city is ours."
The quartet of Cyrus, Spero, Darius, and Harpagus venture out to the palace courtyard, where Harpagus maintains a firm grip on the captive Astyages. Cyrus surveyed the cityscape before him, and the teeming crowd of generals, soldiers, and allies gathered to witness their newfound glory. The defeated Median soldiers, their once defiant snarls now silenced, are left to contemplate their fate under the rule of the conquering King Cyrus. Cyrus raises his sword, jubilant cheers and applause resonating through the city.
Spero gestures to Harpagus. "You may do as you wish."
Harpagus, his visage twists into a devious grin, directing his eyes towards the dethroned Astyages, the initial steps of the Achaemenid Empire's ascension now set into motion. The dawn of a new era is heralded by Cyrus's sword elevated high and the resounding acclamation of the populace.