The Hero's Puppet Master

He cast the acceleration magic, and the arrow burst with radiance, pulsating energy as it hurtled toward Lady Seraphina.

Aurelia seemed to move like lightning. She sent her hand out, intercepting the glowing arrow in mid-air, mere inches from Seraphina. Sparks exploded as the energy fizzled in her grip. She was pushed back a step by the sheer force of the impact, but a calm, almost amused smile danced on her face.

Gasps went around the convoy. Seraphina turned immobile, pale, as she positioned herself between Cedric and the possible chaos in front of her.

Aurelia half-turned around her; her tone was dry yet confident. "Lady Valtoria, close your son's eyes. This part of it may get ugly."

High above, the killer's eyes opened in disbelieving shock. "Impossible." he breathed in.

A cold voice resounded from behind him. "Guess you did miss, buddy.

The assassin spun around, his hand shooting for his dagger. But before he could strike, a blade pressed against his throat.

"You really should've aimed better," Ronan said, his grin sharp and dangerous.

In one fluid motion, Ronan's axe cleaved across the assassin's neck. Blood spurted as the man gurgled, collapsing lifeless into Ronan's waiting hands.

Wordlessly, Ronan dropped from the tree, landing in the center of the convoy with a quiet thud. He dropped the body unceremoniously, blood pooling beneath it.

The knights stiffened, their hands tightening on their swords. The servants shrank back, fear spreading across their faces like wildfire.

Ronan wiped his blade on the assassin's cloak, his smirk never fading. "Get ready guys," he said calmly. "We got an welcome party."

Aurelia closed her eyes briefly, using mana resonance. When she opened them, her voice was steady. "Twenty. They're encircling us."

"Knights! Form up!" Garran barked. "Protect Lady Seraphina and the young lord!"

The knights sprang into action, shields locking into a protective wall. Weapons gleamed in the dappled light of the forest as they prepared to attack.

Ronan moved forward, his eyes scanning the trees. His voice rang out, mocking. "No point hiding. Come out and get it over with."

For a second, the forest was silent. And then, figures emerged out of the darkness—tough mercenaries, their eyes set and cold, armed to teeth.

The leader stepped forward first, a hulking man with a jagged scar across his face and a large war axe slung across his shoulder. His grin was predatory.

"Not bad," the mercenary leader said, his voice low and raspy. "You grabbed our scout. But you are outnumbered."

The mercenary leader's voice hadn't stopped dripping with mockery. "Just hand over that woman and her kid-"

Thunk.

Aurelia stood before him in an instant, the bolt she had caught earlier now lodged clean through his mouth. Blood splattered across her hand and face, but the wicked grin never wavered.

The leader's eyes bulged in shock as his body spasmed. Aurelia stepped closer, yanking the bolt free with a wet squelch. His lifeless body crumpled to the ground at her feet.

With a flip of the bolt, seemingly tossed carelessly into the air, she turned towards the other mercenaries. Green eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oops. Was he still talking? My bad. Guess I got bored.

The mercenaries hesitated, and fear flickered in their eyes.

"Kill her!" one of them bellowed, charging forward.

Before he could take two steps, a flash of orange flame cut through the air.

Shhhk!

The man froze mid-charge, his body split clean in two. Ronan stepped out from behind him, his flaming blade still sizzling. The two halves of the mercenary crumpled to the ground, smoke curling from the edges of the wound.

Ronan smirked, looking at Aurelia. "You done best at shutting his mouth"

"Thanks," Aurelia shrugged, twirling the bolt. " Hope this help warming up."

"Go wild."

The clearing erupted into chaos.

The mercenaries rushed forward, weapons raised.

"Hold formation!" Garran bellowed, his great sword sweeping through the air. His first swing shattered an oncoming blade and sent the attacker sprawling.

By his side, Eleria moved with precision, her rapier darting in and out like a viper. Each strike was calculated, deadly.

One mercenary sneaked back and tried to attack the Seraphina while knights were busy with other mercenaries.

Aurelia darted into the fray, her movements fluid and efficient. The mercenary's blade came down toward her head, but Aurelia caught it barehanded. Ice spread from her fingers, freezing the steel. With a sharp twist, the blade shattered.

"Become a statue buddy." Her voice was cold as she delivered a brutal kick, sending the attacker crashing into a tree. Ice crept up his body, killing him where he stood.

Behind her, Seraphina clutched Cedric tightly, her expression a mix of terror and awe.

While moving like a shadow, his flaming sword sliced through numerous mercenaries. A spear darts toward him; he swiftly shifts to the side, bringing with it a swift slash and sending the attacker crumpling to the ground in two blackened pieces.

"They're scattering!" Eleria shouted, her blade hacking through another opponent.

"Push forward!" Garran bellowed, taking down a pair of mercenaries with one swing of his broad axe.

The mercenaries lost their nerve. One tried to run but tripped over. Ronan, who materialized in his way. With a swift kick, he disarmed him.

"Wait! Mercy—"

Ronan's fist knocked him out cold. "Not on the menu today," he muttered, dragging the unconscious man to the spot.

And with that, the last mercenary fell, and silence once again returned to the forest. The knights lowered their arms, their breaths heavy.

"Any left standing?" Garran asked, scanning the area.

Eleria wiped her rapier clean. "None."

"No casualties on our side," Linnia confirmed.

Aurelia approached Seraphina and knelt before Cedric. Her voice softened, her green eyes kind. "You're safe now." She smiled gently, brushing some of the boy's hair from his face.

Seraphina exhaled shakily, her grip on Cedric easing. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

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