Elements: Age of Creation

A Cold Stare

Haruto didn't move.

Didn't speak

Didn't even breathe.

He just stared at the Blood Mage, his silver eyes now void of emotion.

The festival around them was in ruins–lanterns torn down, booths crushed, the air thick with the scent of blood and fear. The only thing left standing was the cause of it all–the monster before him.

The Blood Mage tilted their head, amused. "Oh? You're looking at me like you actually plan to do something."

Haruto's fists clenched. His nails dug so hard into his palms that water began seeping from his skin–his Element reacting to his grief.

Then, without a word, he launched forward.

The First Attack

Haruto struck with precision, water surging from his hands like flowing daggers.

The Blood Mage smirked, flicking a wrist –a blood barrier formed instantly, blocking the attack.

But Haruto wasn't done.

He spun, twisting the water mid-air, condensing it into a powerful whip that sliced through the blood shield like paper.

The Blood Mage's smirk vanished.

"Impressive," they muttered, before dodging just in time as Haruto's next strike nearly took their head off.

Haruto was relentless.

There was no hesitation. No wasted movement.

It was as if his instincts had completely taken over.

And right now?

His instincts screamed to kill.

Teshii Stays Behind

Not far behind, Hikaru was helping Teshii to his feet, but Teshii pushed him away.

"Go." Teshii groaned, clutching his ribs. "I'm fine."

"You're not fine," Hikaru snapped. "You just took a blood spear to the stomach."

Teshii forced a smirk. "Yeah, well. I heal fast."

Hikaru hesitated, glancing toward where Haruto was going wild against the Blood Mage.

Teshii sighed. "Look, he's not thinking right now. If someone doesn't pull him back, he'll get himself killed."

Hikaru gritted his teeth.

Then, with a final glance at Teshii, he nodded.

"I'll be back."

And then, he ran forward, chasing after Haruto.

Hikari Forces Teshii to Rest

Meanwhile, Hikari and Mei finally caught up to Teshii.

The moment Hikari saw him, she immediately scowled.

"You look like garbage."

Teshii grinned weakly. "You sure know how to talk to a wounded guy."

Mei, however, was genuinely worried. "Teshii, we need to get you out of here–"

Before she could finish, Hikari grabbed him by the collar and yanked him down onto a bench.

Teshii blinked. "Uh–"

Hikari glared at him, hands on her hips. "Sit. Stay. Rest.

Teshii smirked. "Oh? Didn't know you cared so much."

Hikari poked his ribs–right where he was injured.

Teshii winced. "Okay–ow" That was uncalled for!"

Hikari crossed her arms. "You're not going anywhere until you can actually stand without swaying like an idiot."

Teshii sighed. "Fine, fine. You win."

Mei exhaled in relief. "Thank god. For a second, I thought he'd actually try to walk it off."

Teshii scoffed. "What kind of idiot do you take me for?"

Both Hikari and Mei looked at him blankly.

Teshii pouted. "Rude."

Hikaru Joins the Fight

By the time Hikaru arrived, Haruto was still ging at it–hard.

Water surged around him like a raging storm, twisting into waves, blades, and spears as he relentlessly attacked the Blood Mage.

But the Blood Mage wasn't easy to take down.

Despite Haruto's speed and precision, the Blood Mage's blood manipulation countered almost every move.

The fight was too evenly matched.

Hikaru gritted his teeth.

If this kept up, Haruto would tire out before he could land a finishing blow.

Without hesitation, Hikaru joined the fray.

His hands glowed with golden light, his Element surging to life.

"Haruto!" Hikaru shouted.

Haruto glanced at him briefly–his silver eyes cold, unreadable.

Hikaru stood beside him, fists clenched.

"Let's end this. Together."

Haruto was silent.

Then–

He nodded.

And the two charged forward.