The tension hung heavy in the air as the aftermath of the attack settled. Ziraiah stumbled toward Lisa, who was slumped against the metallic wall of the overturned submarine, a faint trickle of blood running down her temple. Kneeling beside her, Ziraiah hesitated, unsure of what to do.
“Lisa, hey,” Ziraiah said softly, gently shaking her. Lisa groaned but didn’t open her eyes. Her exhaustion and injuries were apparent.
In the distance, Anuel knelt next to Festron, who was trying—unsuccessfully—to push himself off the ground. Blood seeped through the crude bandages on his stomach, and his face was pale but defiant.
“You’re severely injured. Sit this one out,” Anuel said firmly, placing a hand on his chest and pushing him back down with ease.
“I’m not done yet,” Festron grunted, his voice strained.
“Yes, you are,” Anuel replied, her tone unyielding. She locked eyes with him for a brief moment, her authority cutting through his stubbornness. Festron let out a frustrated sigh and collapsed back onto the floor, his strength giving way.
Nearby, Ziraiah stood, brushing her hands against her thighs, and said, “I’m going to check on the humans.”
She made her way to the huddled group of Earthers in the corner. Their faces were pale, and their bodies bore the marks of the brutal impact: broken bones, deep gashes, and bruises that painted their skin in dark hues. Some clutched their sides in pain, while others stared blankly ahead, too shell-shocked to speak.
“Don’t worry,” Ziraiah said, her voice trembling slightly but still resolute. “We’ll get you out of this alive. I promise.”
Anuel’s voice broke through the fragile quiet. “You sure about that?” she said bluntly, her tone laced with exhaustion and pragmatism. She walked over, her steps heavy. “Whoever attacked us is definitely a high-level magic user. Festron’s out, Lisa’s out of mana, and I haven’t recovered from the last fight. This isn’t good.”
Ziraiah’s heart sank. She turned to Anuel, her face etched with worry. “What do you mean, this isn’t good?”
Anuel crossed her arms, her expression grim. “I mean, we might not make it out of this.”
Ziraiah froze, her mind racing. “Then call your buddies for help,” she said, her voice cracking slightly as panic crept in.
“I can’t,” Anuel said, her jaw tightening. “This is my mission.”
“I don’t care!” Ziraiah’s voice rose, echoing through the broken submarine. “You kidnapped me! You dragged me into this mess! I’m not dying here because of you!” Her fists clenched at her sides, her small frame trembling with anger and fear.
Anuel stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. “You don’t understand how this works. Calling for help means I failed. I can’t—”
“Failed?!” Ziraiah interrupted, her voice shrill. “You’re worried about failing when we’re about to die? Are you kidding me?” She stepped closer to Anuel, her face red with frustration. “Do you know what my life was like before all this? I had a good life on Earth! I was happy! And now—now it’s all gone!”
Anuel’s expression flickered, but she remained silent, her lips pressed into a tight line.
“I’m thirteen!” Ziraiah yelled, her voice cracking. “I’m just a kid! Do you know what’s happened to me since I got here? The moment I arrived, I was attacked by a beast! I was almost killed by some shadowy guy with creepy eyes! Then I was almost swallowed by some huge monster in the sky! And if that wasn’t enough, you kidnapped me! You! You threw me into this nightmare, and now you’re telling me I might die here?!”
Tears streamed down her face as her voice grew softer but no less intense. “A snake almost killed me, Anuel. It was wrapped around me, crushing me, and I thought… I thought that was it. And you know what scares me the most? I don’t even know if my brothers are okay. They’re all I have left, and I don’t even know if they’re alive.”
Her legs buckled, and she fell to her knees. “I don’t want to die, Anuel. I don’t. Please.”
Anuel stood motionless, her usually stoic expression cracking as guilt and uncertainty flashed across her face. She knelt in front of Ziraiah, her voice quiet but firm. “I know you’re scared. I get it. But calling for help… it’s not that simple.”
“It is that simple!” Ziraiah snapped. “You just don’t want to admit you can’t do this alone. Is your pride worth more than our lives?”
Anuel looked away, her jaw tightening. “It’s not about pride.”
“Then what is it?!” Ziraiah screamed. “What is so important that you’d risk all of our lives instead of just asking for help?”
Anuel closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “If I fail, I lose everything. My rank, my reputation, my place in the Unbound. I can’t… I won’t let that happen.”
Ziraiah stared at her in disbelief. “You’d rather let me—a kid—die, just so you can keep your stupid reputation?”
The words hit like a blow. Anuel flinched, her resolve wavering. She looked at Ziraiah, really looked at her: a scared, angry, and desperate child, forced into a world that didn’t care about her survival. And in that moment, Anuel’s pride felt unbearably hollow.
“I’ll… think about it,” Anuel said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ziraiah shook her head, her eyes filled with anger and tears. “You better think fast. Because if I die here, that’s on you.”
---
The Spellbound Elf
The air above the restless waves shimmered faintly as if the very atmosphere bent in reverence to the figure that emerged. The elf man strode across the water as though it were solid ground, each step silent and deliberate, causing the ripples beneath his boots to glow faintly with a magical hue. Standing at an imposing height of 9 feet 8 inches, his presence exuded an aura of authority and grace.
His uniform gleamed in the pale light of the distant moons. The pristine white fabric was interwoven with intricate light blue and green lines that shimmered softly, like veins of magic coursing through his attire. The high collar of his uniform rose sharply, encircling his long, pointed elf ears. The inside of the collar glowed a faint blue, reflecting the same hue as his piercing eyes.
The number 8 was etched on his right chest in an elegant yet bold script, hinting at his rank or significance. Across the back of his uniform, the word Spellbound was written in glowing, arcane letters that seemed to pulse faintly with energy, as though alive. His gloves, a deep and vibrant green, bore subtle sigils that flickered faintly when the light caught them just right.
His boots were a masterpiece—long and sculpted, they climbed up to his knees, adorned with intricate gold designs that appeared both regal and functional. The golden accents danced along the contours of the leather, forming patterns reminiscent of runic inscriptions.
His short blonde hair, immaculately styled, caught the light of the moon as though it were spun from threads of gold. His blue eyes glowed faintly, reflecting not just the magic in his surroundings but an otherworldly power that felt immeasurable. His calm demeanor and slow strides belied the immense strength he carried, each movement a calculated expression of grace and confidence.
The elf man paused, standing tall and unmoving as the water beneath his feet seemed to settle, glowing faintly in response to his presence. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed toward the distant shore where the overturned submarine lay half-buried in the ice wall. His lips curved into a faint smile, though whether it was one of amusement or forewarning remained unclear.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
The word Spellbound across his back glowed brighter for a moment as if echoing the silent power that emanated from the man. Here stood not just an elf, but a figure whose presence seemed to command both the sea and the sky around him.
---
The Relentless Assault of the Elf Man
The elf man’s calm stride toward the submarine exuded unshakable confidence. His voice, cold and emotionless, echoed across the water. “After drugging us, I thought the Unbound had left Ignir. Since they're still here, we can redeem ourselves—with their heads.”
As he approached the vessel, a female voice crackled in his ear. “We need them alive so they can tell us where they’ve taken our queen and princess.”
The man sighed, almost as if inconvenienced. “Fine. I will only break bones.”
With each step, his presence grew more imposing. “Search,” he commanded, his voice brimming with authority. A glowing field expanded from his body, encompassing the submarine entirely. His eyes narrowed, reading the data the field provided. “One elf, two Valphraxsis, 344 Earthers, and one other. I don’t recognize her race, though she seems to be the size of an Earther.”
Near the crumbled ice wall protecting the city, another figure emerged—a towering elf woman standing at 9 feet 3 inches. Her uniform mirrored the man’s but had distinct differences: a flowing blue skirt over her trousers, reaching mid-thigh and designed for free movement. Unlike the man’s high collar, hers was simple, exposing her strong jawline. The number 9 was emblazoned on her chest.
Her commanding voice cut through the air. “The Earthers aren’t important. Just capture the Unbound.”
The elf man turned his head slightly, his piercing blue eyes glinting with irritation. “Why are you giving orders? I outrank you.”
Ignoring her, he pressed forward until he reached the submarine. Placing his hand against the metallic surface, his brows furrowed in confusion. “What is this? I never knew there was a machine that traveled in water.”
Bracing himself, he muttered, “Muscle augmentation.” His physique expanded, muscles bulging as a faint magical glow surrounded his body. Drawing back his fist, he punched the submarine with earth-shattering force. The impact reverberated through the frozen wall, shattering it into countless shards. The submarine shook violently, eliciting terrified screams from the Earthers trapped inside.
---
Chaos Inside the Submarine
The submarine rattled from the force of the punch, sending Ziraiah tumbling to the floor. Gripping a nearby rail, she screamed, “What’s happening? Anuel, someone is trying to break in!”
Anuel steadied herself, her face grim as she crouched near Festron and Lisa. Her voice was calm but strained. “Stay down. Don’t move.”
The Earthers were less composed. Panic spread like wildfire as many clung to each other, crying and praying for deliverance. Some collapsed to their knees, paralyzed by fear.
“I don’t want to die here!” one man wailed, clawing at the walls.
“Please, someone help us!” another sobbed, his voice cracking with despair.
Ziraiah’s hands trembled as she clung to Anuel’s arm. “Call for help! Please! Someone has to save us!”
Anuel hesitated, her pride warring with reason. “I can’t…”
“Why not?!” Ziraiah shouted, her voice cracking. “We’re all going to die because of you!”
Outside, the elf man brushed the dust off his gloves. He examined the dent left by his punch, his expression unreadable. “What is this made of?” he murmured. Undeterred, he extended his hand, summoning flames that danced along his palm. With a sharp gesture, he directed a torrent of fire at the submarine. The intense heat scorched the exterior, but the sturdy metal resisted.
---
Desperation and Destruction
Inside, the temperature soared. Sweat dripped from Ziraiah’s forehead as she gasped for air. “It’s so hot! Anuel, do something!”
“I’m thinking,” Anuel growled, though she was visibly exhausted.
The elf man’s voice was a chilling monotone. “Your resistance is admirable. Let’s see how much more you can take.”
Channeling more magic, he unleashed a series of devastating attacks. Explosions shook the submarine as fireballs struck its exterior, causing deep dents and scorch marks. Each impact sent the Earthers tumbling over each other. Some began to lose consciousness from the rising heat, while others screamed in terror.
“I can’t breathe!” a woman cried, collapsing as the heat consumed her.
“Help us!” another shouted, his voice lost in the chaos.
Finally, with a surge of power, the elf man shattered the submarine’s hull, tearing through the metal like paper. As he stepped inside, flames flickered along his shoulders, casting an ominous glow. His sharp voice echoed. “Let their steps be halted.”
A wave of magic surged forward, striking Anuel before she could react. Her right leg snapped with a sickening crack, and she let out a scream of pure agony.
Ziraiah’s heart sank as she saw Anuel collapse. “Anuel!” she cried, rushing to her side. Her hands hovered helplessly over Anuel’s mangled leg. “I… I don’t know what to do!”
“Run,” Anuel whispered through gritted teeth, her face contorted in pain. “Just… run.”
The elf man’s gaze locked onto Ziraiah. His piercing blue eyes radiated cold fury as he hissed, “You filthy Unbound.”
Ziraiah’s blood ran cold. She scrambled to her feet, dragging Anuel with her, but the elf man raised his hand, conjuring a blazing fireball. He hurled it with deadly precision. The flames narrowly missed Ziraiah, but the intense heat singed her hair and clothes.
As he advanced, flames erupted around him, consuming everything in his path. The screams of the Earthers filled the submarine as many were engulfed by the inferno, their bodies reduced to ash in moments. The metallic walls of the submarine began to melt, dripping like molten lava.
Ziraiah’s tears mixed with sweat as she cradled Anuel. “We can’t survive this!” she sobbed. “We’re going to die!”
---
Tragedy
Lisa stirred, her mana depleted but her will unbroken. She forced herself to her feet, trembling as she attempted to form a small shield. “I’ll… I’ll protect us.”
Festron groaned, his voice weak but resolute. “No… I’ll handle this.”
Summoning the last vestiges of his strength, Festron lunged at the elf man. His fist collided with a barrier of flames, but he pushed forward, gritting his teeth against the searing heat.
The elf man didn’t flinch. With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a concentrated beam of fire. The blast struck Festron square in the chest, tearing through his body. A massive hole appeared where his heart had been.
“Festron!” Lisa screamed, catching him as he collapsed.
Anuel’s eyes widened in horror as blood sprayed across her face. “No… no…”
Ziraiah screamed, her voice breaking as the heat intensified. “We can’t do this! its hurts.”
Festron coughed weakly, blood trickling from his lips. He reached up, placing a hand on Lisa’s cheek. “It’s… okay. Protect… them…” His hand fell limp as his eyes closed for the last time.
Lisa broke down, clutching his lifeless body as tears streamed down her face. “You can’t leave us! Not like this!”
---
The Elf Man’s Judgment
The elf man stepped closer, his flames intensifying, consuming the air in unbearable heat. The molten walls dripped with molten metal, and the scorching glow bathed the chamber in an infernal light.
“So you care about your people?” he asked coldly, his voice echoing with disdain. “Tell me, what about the innocent lives you destroyed in that city? What about the children who watched their parents die in the rubble you caused? Do their tears mean nothing to you?”
Ziraiah and Lisa, huddled together, felt the flames lick at their bodies. The searing heat overwhelmed them in moments. Ziraiah screamed, her voice raw with agony as her skin blistered and burned. The fire tore through her cheeks, exposing her teeth beneath the charred flesh. Lisa’s cries joined hers, her mourning for Festron swallowed by the agony as her skin blackened and split. Their hair was completely burnt away, leaving their scalps raw and blistered. Their clothes disintegrated, leaving only their backs spared, the remnants of their garments shielding them from complete immolation. Anuel, though scorched, managed to shield herself partially, her hair miraculously untouched by the flames.
“You cry for him,” the elf man continued, his voice cutting through the screams, “but how many cried for the ones you slaughtered? How many families did you destroy, Unbound? You are the cause of this chaos, the ruin of lives. Do you even understand the pain you’ve caused?”
Anuel, crouched over them, gritted her teeth as the flames reached her. She summoned what strength she had left to shield herself, the effort barely holding back the worst of the fire. Her skin reddened and blistered, the protection faltering as her weakened body struggled to maintain it. She pressed closer to Ziraiah and Lisa, her mind racing for a way to shield them, but the flames pressed in relentlessly.
“Innocent lives snuffed out by your violence,” the elf man spat molten saliva, his flames blazing hotter. “Mothers holding their children, whispering prayers that fell on deaf ears. Fathers crushed under debris, their final breaths filled with despair.”
Ziraiah’s screams grew hoarse as her body convulsed in pain. Lisa, her voice a broken wail, clawed at the floor, her scorched fingers trembling. They were barely conscious, their eyes wide with terror as the elf man’s cold gaze bore into them.
“I saw it all,” he continued, his tone sharpening. “Children wandering the streets, their tiny hands clutching the lifeless bodies of their parents. Families obliterated in an instant because of your chaos. Do you feel the heat now? Do you feel their pain? You deserve this.”
“You deserve to burn,”
he concluded, his flames roaring higher, their heat suffocating, as the chamber threatened to become their tomb.
---
The Arrival of Dreados
As the elf man raised his hand for a final attack, a deafening crash shook the submarine. Half of the vessel was obliterated as a massive figure landed with incredible force. The flames around them were extinguished in an instant, leaving behind only the charred remains of the submarine's interior.
Dreados stood amidst the wreckage, his towering presence commanding absolute attention. His sharp eyes locked onto the elf man, cold and unwavering. With a voice devoid of emotion, he declared,
“Step away, or I will end you where you stand.”
---
To Be Continued...