A/N: Hello guys ! It's been such a while !

Sorry for being so late in my releasing schedule, but I am having another internship work right now, and I think I'll be busy for the next weeks. But I swear I'll try working on the last chapters and the 2nd book during my free time.

SURPRISE ! For the first time since the writing of my book... let me show the official artwork of my boy Travis !

It's been such a while since I was looking for an artist as I suck in drawing, and you can thanks the amazing @himupero for bringing Travis to life ! Go check his channel on Instagram !

You can also thanks Marcelowheels from reddit who made an amazing sprite of him !

Anyway, his appearance is based from the first chapter of NINEPATH TRAVELER before he got teleported in the game. When I requested that masterpiece, I was inspired by concept arts of pokemon which shows the characters in different situations and with many different expression. That's why you can see Travis pulling up a "Pikachu face" ! XD

I hope you enjoy his design, and let's start that chapter !!!

*03/04/2021 Edit: added a second sprite of Travis cheering with an apple, based on his design from chapter 2*

#Fact 11: Travis' strand of hair never goes up, even if he get wet or when it's a very windy day.

~3rd POV~

DING DONG !....

DING DONG !...

DING DONG !...

CRAAACKLE !!!!...

A house was starting to burn in flames and started to collapse.

The ringing bells could be heard in the entire city.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHH !!!"

People started to flee their burning houses in the fear, entire families were escaping the cataclysm which was happening that night.

"THIS IS THE APOCALYPSE !!!"

"THE 12 GODS ARE AGAINST US !!!"

Dozens of civilians were running through the large alleys in direction of the south, away from the danger which was unfortunately spreading.

"HHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAAAAM !!

CRAAAACKLE !

A mansion was destroyed by a fire explosion under the eyes of a woman, so shocked to have witnessed her house collapsing in flames that she froze in place.

"DON'T STAY HERE !!"

A man thankfully gripped her hand and took her away from the danger.

SBRAMMM !!

And right before she was crushed.

CLOMP ! CLOMP ! CLOMP !

The giant guardians were more numerous and were destroying everything around them. These humanoid creatures would also dare to attack civilians by pure instinct... or because they were controlled.

All inhabitants were fleeing away from the chaos, led by many soldiers.

"OVER THERE ! CONTINUE TO GO DOWN THE STREETS ! WE WILL TRY TO SLOW THEM DOWN !", yelled one guard captain.

During the flee, many people were either carrying their kids or holding their hands tight.

One little boy who tried to run on his own fell on the ground but was quickly picked up by his father.

A few people were helping an old man to run, an old lady was fleeing with her cat...

There was such a crowd which was escaping the danger, and even more citizens joined them as more guardians appeared.

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAAAMMM !!!

"AAARGH !!!"

A guardian was standing in the alley, holding tight his giant axe, but many guards were retaining him and preventing to advance further.

"BUT WHAT IS THAT THING ?!"

CLASH !

One guard swung his sword on the creature's feet, but it did nothing to him.

SBRAAAAAM !!

"AAAARGH !!"

He was knocked by his giant axe and landed on an abandoned stall.

Despite their courageous behavior, many guards were already hurt and exhausted, and fear can still be seen in their face.

"That's not good... That thing is too tough and too strong to be taken down..."

"HHHHHHHHHHH !!!..."

Another guardian appeared behind the other one, and more could be spotted around the main alley, rampaging houses, and everything around them.

Their strength was not the only problem... but also their number.

~Meanwhile, far away from the chaos~

~Travis' POV~

'One more !'

GZZZZZZZZZ !!!

I covered my foot of blue lightning and stood a front of the cell.

"Step back, Therese !", told the Professor.

"YAAH !!"

CLANG !!!

CRAAAAACK !!

I jumped and kicked the cell right into the lock, breaking it and finally opening the door.

Even with my magic, it took me a time to destroy the cell's door to free my friends. These prison bars were so tough that I had to kick it several times to start bending them !

Indeed, I also noticed that my electricity started to disappear when I kicked them, but the shock given by thankfully, my strong superpowers helped me to break them !

I sighed as I used many efforts.

"Few... It took me a while !..."

But now, the Professor and Therese were free !

"Thanks, Travis !", thanked me Therese while leaving her cell, followed by Cyrus.

"QUICK ! There is no time to spare !... !!!"

DING ! DONG !

DING ! DONG !

"!!!..."

We could hear bells echoing in our ears, making us concerned, as it sounded important.

Once in my old life, I already heard bells chiming the day I spotted from far a church where, apparently, there was a wedding... But that one...

DING ! DONG !

DING ! DONG !

It looked so different and sinister, like something bad was happening outside...

But what ?...

"W-what is going on ?...", said Therese in a concerned tone.

Cyrus got a serious look as he replied.

"... Nothing good, apparently..."

He approached an opened window at the left and watched through it when he flinched.

"!!!... that's no good !..."

Therese and I joined him as well, as we were also shocked.

"!!!..."

"The city... is under attack ?!... But how ?!!...", exclaimed Therese worryingly.

We have a nice view on a good area of Atlasdam from there, as we could also spot the King's castle... but that wasn't really a nice view at all.

Sbram !

Sbram !

"Aaaaaah !"

People were screaming...

Many houses were either destroyed or on fire...

It was the total panic right there, especially around the castle where I thought having noticed something big moving there...

"hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !!!..."

Really, we did not expect to witness such a thing right now.

Cyrus watched especially at the castle and spoke.

"Was there... an unplanned event during the plan to counter the ritual ?!... Or else..."

"...", I stayed silent for a while as I finally understood, making both the Professor and Therese watching me when I muttered. "It's him..."

Sbram !

"Aaaaahhhh !!!"

Crackle !

We could see some explosions occurring from far, setting houses and other buildings fire... Thankfully, the Academy and the Library were not broken yet...

Though, it hurt me to watch that city being rampaged like that and all these people running for their lives... I couldn't believe that he would dare to do such a thing !...

"W-what are we going to do, now ?...", asked Therese with a low tone.

"...", Cyrus sighed and was thinking about a solution again before he answered. "They must have started to evacuate the civilians and fight the unknown danger... But something tell me the source of that attack came from the palace, right there ! We must go there quickly to not let the ritual being complete and stop the responsible of that attack !"

Despite the situation, Cyrus looked still determined and serious, also ready to stop him.

...so was I.

"...Ha !"

I jumped, gripped the edge of the window, and climbed it when Therese retained me.

"H-hey ! What are you doing ?! Get down from there !", she exclaimed in a worried tone.

"But we have to stop him before he..."

"It's too dangerous ! You have to stay with us or..."

"NO !", I interrupted her directly when I replied seriously. "If we keep waiting, it will be too late !"

This time, I was ready at anything to stop him.

I won't let him destroy the city and harm everyone, like how he did in S'warkii with that giant rabbit monster.

I was ready to jump outside directly, and thankfully we were only at the 3rd floor, as there was a view on the alley which led to Cyrus home which would be not far from them.

"..."

Therese was still unsure of my choice when Cyrus, still surprised of my decision as well, nodded and told her.

"It's fine, Therese... We can trust him.", he then looked at both of us and smiled calmly. "You two... are such brave students."

It made me slightly pleased to hear that, and that looked to be quite the same for Therese, who finally released me.

Now, I was determined and standing at the window's edge, ready to jump and go when the Professor told me.

"Be very careful, Travis !... You don't know what you will discover when you will manage to get there."

He looked also worried as well, but I just looked back at him and smiled.

"That's my secret, Professor... I like to discover new things !..."

I jumped quickly under the surprised eyes of Cyrus and Therese, still smiling proudly, and before I landed, I crossed my fingers.

GZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH !!

Blue electricity started to surround me, making me looking cool, before I landed...

GZZZZZZZZ !!!

And dashed at quick speed through the dark street.

'Gotta go fast !'

'To the castl...'

"WOAH !!"

My foot suddenly hit a rock, making me trip !

"ARGH ! OUCH !"

I fell several times because I was too quick ! Damn rock !

"!!!..."

I spotted behind Cyrus and Therese being shocked.

'Come on !'

I was still tripping several times when I finally landed one of my foot on the ground.

CRACK !

My electric foot was so strong that it broke slightly the sidewalk below, as I finally regained balance and

GZZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAATCH !!

"I'M OKAAAAAAY !!!", I screamed happily.

I then continued to dash at quick speed, determined to stop the ritual.

~Cyrus' POV~

I and Therese felt relieved after Travis' fall but quick reception.

Indeed, he might really enjoy his powers, but I think he still must train a lot...

Now, he has already left and completely got ahead us.

"We have to go too, Therese !"

"Y-yes, Professor !...", she replied, a bit shy but also determined.

We ran through the small corridor when I asked her.

"By the way, Therese... There was something that I need to ask you about..."

SBRAAAAAAAM !!!!

"!!!..."

Suddenly, something violently hit the building, surprising us, as the ceiling started to collapse !

Several rocks from several floors started to fall when Therese stood there in surprise.

"WATCH OUT !"

I screamed while jumping and pushing her right before she was crushed by rocks.

"HHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

A sinister screech could be heard, as I was sure something was outside.

'But what can it be ?!'

'!!!... Can it be responsible of the city's attack ?!'

GRUUUMBLE !!!

We observed many rocks falling on the stairs and blocking the path to the lower floor.

"No way ! The track is completely blocked !", exclaimed Therese.

SBRAAAAAM !!!

"AAAAAAHHHHH !"

Therese screamed as a giant weapon suddenly hit the building again while I grabbed her to make sure she wasn't hit !

"HHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

"!!!... A guardian ?!...", I exclaimed, surprisingly.

There was a big hole on the building's wall, as I noticed in shock a giant guardian which was standing a front of the building and carrying his giant axe.

'I thought they have disappeared since decades !'

'Generally, these creatures were magical artificial beings which were created to protect some sacred places from evil !'

'But where did it come from ?! And why it is attacking us ?!'

'Could it be the yellow helmet man who have summoned them ?!'

I feared that Travis was right: that individual was able to summon some kinds of monsters with the help of his helmet, like cliff birdians or snakes !

"HHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

"Over there, Therese !"

I grabbed her hand as I got a bad feeling !

SBRAAMM !!!

GRUMMMBLE !!

CRAAACKLE !!

He hit the building again, making rocks flying through the walls which were completely filled of holes !

Indeed, the shock also created a big explosion of fire which completely broke the left side of the wall !

'That's no good !...'

'This guardian was taking the advantage of the place, and I doubt the next hit will destroy completely the wall... And then, we won't be out of sight anymore !...'

'Indeed, the 2 issues are blocked, and it would be too risky to jump through the window to escape the building like how would do Travis !..."

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!"

"PROFESSOR ! WE HAVE TO GO !", exclaimed Therese worryingly.

And yet, we couldn't stay hidden here.

We have to escape that building to assist Travis, prevent the ritual, and stop the yellow helmet man and his plans !

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

I watched the Guardian who started to rise his axe above him when I noticed a particular detail.

There was a flame burning inside his lanthorn head, a flame redder and brighter than the one of a normal guardian.

'Fire !... It's an elemental guardian !... A fire one !...'

I just had a risky idea in my head when I watched back at Therese and told her.

"Stay here."

"P-PROFESSOR ! NO !!"

I went towards the window in a hurry, which became more a big hole in the hole due to the monster's attack and ran there despite Therese's calls.

"HA !"

I jumped forward in direction of the guardian, who was still menacing to slice me in half !

'I know that I was doing the same risky move as Travis...'

My hands started to shine a white light around them while I extended them forward...

'...but in a situation like that, I couldn't have any other better window of opportunity!'

"HAAAAA !!!"

I aimed at its lanthorn head and

FWIIIIII !!!

Still in the airs, I created an ice wind spell a front of me, right before the guardian had the time to strike me, and froze completely its head !

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!!..."

The giant screamed in pain and started to fall apart !

GRUMBLE !

Its imposing weight created a big shock when he landed, and his lanthorn has now been destroyed... He was finally defeated.

"Ouch !..."

I fell as well on the ground next to him, as the landing hurt me slightly.

'I am not really used to do these kinds of stunts !...'

FSHHHHHHHHHH !!!

"!!!..."

Suddenly, a dark blue smoke appeared over the guardian's corpse, who then disappeared in ashes.

'What a strange observation...'

'Perhaps they were also magically created by...'

"P-Professor ! Are you alright ?!", exclaimed Therese at me at the window.

GRUMBLE !!!

"!!!..."

More rocks started to fall and the building was about to collapse !

"THERESE !!!..."

KRRRRRRRRRR !!!!

In a hurry, I quickly created a spell of ice which taken the form of a slide when Therese quickly jumped in time !

"Ahhhh !..."

"OUCH !"

She accidentally landed on me during the fall.

GRUUUMBLE !!!

CRAAACK !!

GRUMMMMMMMBLE !!!

The building completely collapsed in front of my eyes, and the entire first floor was buried by the rubbles.

"Oh...", Therese winced annoyingly when she watched at me, blushed shyly and immediately stepped back. "S-Sorry, Professor ! I'm only good to cause you trouble since the beginning !..."

"I-it's alright, Therese !...", I forgave her calmly, feeling quite embarrassed by her reaction when I helped her to stand up and told her. "I believe I finally found their weakness: the ice spells are very effective against the fire guardians..."

"And... the fire spells are effective against the ice ones, right ?", she finished at my place.

"That is right !", I nodded to her positively when I continued. "But I remember that it exists several kinds of elemental guardians who are each weak to specific elementals spells. Any kinds of attacks will be proofless against their metallic body, but their heads are very vulnerable targets to aim, and we have to..."

Sbraaam !

"Aaaaaaahhh !"

"!!!..."

I was interrupted by the sounds of destruction and scream and turned to spot another one destroying an inn.

'There must be at least 20 of them...'

I became serious.

'I might have found their weaknesses, but fighting one is already a difficult task...'

'Indeed, if ever I am cornered by several of them, it would mean certain death... So, I have to avoid them as much as possible and continue my road to the Palace...'

'And if that yellow helmet man was well responsible for summoning these controlled guardians... '

'As a conclusion... the highest priority to prevent both the ritual and the only way to stop spreading their number of guardians... is to neutralize the man with the Yellow helmet !'

'But... I couldn't put Therese in danger... She has already been through many things...'

I watched at my student.

"Therese... They have already started the evacuation of the city, and I would like to ask you to join them and be put in safety."

"No !... I refuse to leave you alone ! And neither Mary !", she gripped my hand, as she looked quite serious.

"And I refuse to put yourself in danger !... It's up to me to go to the castle and stop him ! You can count on me !..."

I was about to leave, but Therese retained me.

"P-professor !...", she continued to retain my arm, so hard like my life meant a lot for her when she begged. "It's way too dangerous for you to go there alone !... Indeed... there is something I have to show you."

She stared at me calmly, as the look of her eyes means that she had something important to say.

I stayed in place, pretty intrigued by her, and asked.

"Hmm ?... And what is it, Therese ?"

~A little further~

GZZZZZ !!! GZZZZZ !!! GZZZ !!!

~Travis' POV~

'LIGHTNTING SPEED !!!!'

I was running so fast through the streets that I let my arms stretched behind me !

That was quite weird, but strangely, it was more agreable than swinging my arms while sprinting !

GZZZZZ !!! GZZZZZZ !!!

My body covered of electricity emitted a blue light which illuminated the area around me, as the city was dark, but I didn't have any trouble to see.

'Gee !... That city is really big !'

I continued to keep running while letting a trail of lightning behind me and wondered where would be the fastest way to reach the castle.

"!!!..."

GZZZZZ !!!

I immediately stopped after reaching the top of the ascending streets, with still my lightning powers activated when I was so shocked.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHH !!!"

CRACKLE !!!

SBRAAAAAAM !!!

I had a shocking view of Atlasdam which was partially destroyed: many houses were burning, others have collapsed, and there were many people screaming of fears...

It really broke my heart to see and hear all of these things happening right now...

"HHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

'!!!... What is that ?!!!'

In the distance, there was a giant knight with lanthorn head destroying a bunch of houses. I also noticed more scattered across the city as some were breaking everything, and other were attacking some guards !

That really reminded me of H'aanit's village attack...

All that because of him.

GZZZ !!!

I clenched my fists and felt so furious inside.

'I was sure that he was preparing something !'

'There's no way I will let him explode one of his magic balls again !'

GZZZZZ !!!

I dashed again, full of determination, as I needed to stop that bad guy because if I don't, no one else would be able to !

"AAAAAHHH !!!"

"!!!..."

Suddenly, I saw many people fleeing in the opposite direction a front of me !

'Oh no ! If I keep running like that, I might electrocute some innocent people !'

'But my legs are running so fast that I couldn't stop !'

"!!!!..."

GZZZZZZZ !!!

I quickly jumped high in the airs, a little bit at the left when I had a better view at Atlasdam where I could see much more houses and more of those giant knights as well !

"HA !"

SCRAAAAAAAAATCH !!

GZZZZZZ !!

I finally started back to run again, but now... I was running on the roofs !

I knew it could be forbidden to walk on someone else's roof like I did the other time when I was in the chimney of Sir Olberic's house, but I felt like it was better than I expected, especially since I had a better view !

While running, I watched down at the alley and observed all these families running away, probably from these giant monsters. They were so terrified that I doubt they have ever noticed me, or perhaps because I was too fast !

Thought, I felt awfully bad for them, so I wanted to help them and fight these giants to prevent them attacking these poor villagers.

'I would like so much to help but...'

GZZZZ !!!

I jumped further and reached another roof when I watched again at the castle where I believed the yellow helmet man would be.

'I'm sorry... but I have to stop him first !'

GZZZZZ !!!

If I try to fight all of these giants, I would lose so much time and the city could explode soon and kill everyone !

I swear I wanted to help them, but there were thankfully a lot of guards leading them to the exit !... So, I guess they must be safe for now.

GZZZZZZ !!!

'Just keep runnin', Travis !'

SBRAAAAAMMM !

I heard a violent blow from not far, as there was one of the giants who just hit a tower with a giant axe, and noticed some flying rocks which were about to fall right inside the...

"!!!!..."

"Aaaaahhh !"

I just watched a boy who fell on the streets when other kids stopped to run and helped him to get up.

"HURRY UP ! ELSE THEY WILL CATCH YOU !"

"WATCH OUT !!!", screamed one of them !

The rocks were about to crush all of them when

GZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAAAATCH !!!

SBROOOOCK !!!

I quickly jumped out of the roof and hit the rocks with my lightning kicks, destroying them in time !

I then landed on the floor, with still blue lightnings around me and quickly watched them to make sure they were okay.

"?!!..."

They looked so surprised to see me while they were all fine.

So, I quickly jumped back on the roof from the right and continued to run at lightning speed !

GZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAATCH !!

I know I wanted mostly to go after the yellow helmet man, but I just couldn't let them being flattened like pancakes !

Anyway, I was glad to have saved them, so I continued to go fast !

GZZZZZ !!!

~3rd POV~

The four kids who were just saved in time were stunned to have witnessed Travis who continued to run on the roofs, leaving a blue trail of electricity behind him.

"Is that... a blue lightning ?!"

"I TOLD YOU I WAS RIGHT !", exclaimed Jane with excitement.

~Meanwhile, more at the south~

"AAAAAAAAHHH !!!"

"JUST KEEP RUNNING ! WOMEN, DISABLED AND CHILDREN FIRST !!", yelled one guard.

People were still being guided by guards, as there were many citizens living at Atlasdam, so it would take a good while to evacuate everyone...

CRAAAAAACKK !!

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!"

A guardian with a lanthorn filled of ice suddenly appeared from the broken house and cornered a few guards !

"ANOTHER ONE !"

"DON'T LET HIM..."

SBRAAAAAAM !!!

"AAAAARGH !"

They were wiped out by its giant axe and repelled immediately !

"hhhhhhhh..."

The creature made a menacing sound as its thirst of destruction was still high.

"Please, Amanda !... Go away !"

"NO FATHER !... I won't leave you alone !"

The guardian turned to the source of the noise and saw a woman tried to rescue her old and hurt father who was half buried by their home's debris.

STOMP !

STOMP !

It then started to walk menacingly towards the small family.

"hhhhhhh..."

"Just go !... I will find a way to get out by myself !..."

"I WON'T GO WITHOUT YOU !", screamed the desperate girl when she saw the guardian. "!!!..."

"HHHHHHH !!!"

The guardian was ready to attack the defenseless people...

TING !!!

Suddenly, the creature stopped and felt something hitting him from behind !

"hhhhhhhh !!!..."

"!!!...."

There was a young guard, holding tightly his spear towards the guardian, who was trembling of fear with his face full of sweat after realizing the blow was completely useless against him.

It was no other but the one with the stain of milk on his pants !

STOMP !

"HHHHHHHHH !!"

The guardian turned at the small attacker and finally walked menacingly towards him.

"AAAAARGH !", the guard quickly stepped back in fear while still holding his axe. "IMSOSORRY ! IMSOSORRRY ! IMSOSORRRY !"

He was screaming of fear while the giant advanced towards him and prepared to strike him with his giant axe !

The guard was then cornered with a blow on his back, his eyes full of tears and fear as he was so close to die !

"IMSOSORRY !!! IMSORRRRY !!! IMSORRRRY !!!!"

The giant raised his axe as he closed his eyes before the fatal blow !

CRAAAAAAAACKLEEE !!

But instead of getting hit, he heard a spell of fire being thrown !

"HHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

The ice guardian screamed of pain with his lanthorn head being burned and fell heavily on the floor, revealing Cyrus standing behind, his hands still producing flames !

~Cyrus' POV~

GRUUMBLE !!

After I used a fireball spell on its head, the ice guardian collapsed on the floor while also dropping his giant weapon.

Thankfully, I was there, else there would be nothing left of that poor guard.

I watched at him falling on his back onto the wall out of fear, still traumatized as he was about to get killed.

FSHHHHHHHHHH !!!

The guardian's corpse disappeared into blue smoke when my hands stopped to burn, and I asked to the guard.

"Are you alright, sir ?..."

He breathed calmly and mumbled.

"I.... I.... He was about to... !"

"You know... I watched you attempting to attack that guardian. And even if you were not able to give him serious damage...", I watched at the woman who managed to remove a few rocks and started to help her father going up before I smiled to him. "...you managed to save some lives by putting your life in danger and drawing his attention, and I must congratulate you."

Despite his lack of attention, it was good to see that young guard doing such a heroic act.

"Oh !.... R-really ?!", he mumbled nervously before he smiled quietly and babbled. "T-that makes me a hero ?!... Right ?!... You know, like the ones we speak a lot about and all the things they managed to..."

"Err... I think she still needs some help.", interrupted calmly a voice.

Therese pointed out at the lady who had trouble carrying her father's arm over her shoulders, as she also looked slightly hurt.

"AH ! Y-yeah !... I FORGOT !"

The guard quickly dashed nervously towards the family and helped the lady to carry her father and lead them to safety.

'What a man...'

Now they were gone, I watched at the ascending streets on our right, as we still have a long way to go before reaching the castle.

"It's over here, Professor !", told me Therese while she started to run.

"I'm following you, Therese !"

Although I wanted basically that she joined the evacuation, my student finally convinced me to let her accompany me. Indeed, I also believed that it would be pretty useful to catch back the man with the yellow helmet and prevent the ritual in time !

However, we have still to run for a long time and we were only at foot...

'If only we could find something to go faster....'

NEEEEEEEEIGHH !!!!!

"Professor, look !"

CATACLOP ! CATACLOP ! CATACLOP !

We stopped a brown horse crossing the street at full gallop !

He was fleeing away from the danger, and he seemed to belong to the Royal Palace's stable as one of the royal guard's mount. This mounting could have been left behind during the chaos...

"Ha ! I could say that horse come at the right time !", I smiled a bit while watching the horse going in our direction before I told to Therese. "With that, we could reach our destination faster than expected ! All we have to do is to catch him back and..."

SBRAAAAAAAM !!!!

GRUUUUUUUMMBLE !

CRAAAACKLE !!

Suddenly, the horse was violently wiped out by a fire explosion !

We both stopped, completely shocked, as the animal was being buried out by rocks.

And now... I feared that he was now dead.

STOMP ! STOMP !

"HHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

The responsible was a fire guardian, another one, who was coming from the right and finally stood in our way !

"No way !", exclaimed Therese.

That wasn't good... We were now cornered by a guardian, and fleeing wasn't an option...

I have no choice but to fight it.

Fwiiii !!!

Ice appeared in my hands as I warned Therese.

"Therese !... Stay close to me no matter..."

"WATCH OUT !"

"!!!..."

SBRAAAAAM !!!

KRRRRRRRR !!

An explosion of ice occurred at our left, as we quickly have to jump behind to avoid the blow !

I cancelled the preparation of my ice spell when I saw another guardian appearing to the next one !

STOMP ! STOMP !

"Hhhhhhhhhhh..."

An ice guardian, this time.

He was as tall and imposing than his fellow the fire one, but instead of a fire flame, an ice flame was burning inside his lanthorn head, as the atmosphere looked cold around him.

Both guardians were staring at us menacingly, ready to fight.

Right now, I got such a bad feeling about the oncoming situation...

GRUUUUMBLE !!

"!!!..."

We turned back of surprise and noticed something appearing by breaking a few buildings !

"There's another one !", exclaimed Therese.

"HHHHHHHH !!! "

Another guardian, whose the flame burning inside the lanthorn was a normal one, was now blocking the road from where we come from !

'The flame takes me !'

'Everything comes in threes, as we say !'

We were now surrounded from both sides !

And even if I know how to defeat them, they were already too many and I wouldn't have enough time to throw my spells if they keep attacking me !

Indeed, I have also to protect my student, so they have clearly the advantage !

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAAAMM !!!

KRRRRRRRR !!!

I gripped Therese's arm and ran at the left before the ice guardian's attack hit us !

"DON'T STOP, THERESE !"

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

"HHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

The Ice guardian started to chase us, followed by his 2 fellows while we keep running away from them, and hoping to not meet another one !

"How are we going to escape them, Professor ?!", exclaimed Therese to me.

"To be honest, my dear student... There is no way we could !"

"!!!..."

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

I stopped in my run and extended my hands towards the attackers.

"HAAAA !!!"

KRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !!!!

I summoned a giant wall of ice, bigger than the one I used inside the underground studies, which blocked the entire street and prevented the guardians to pass !

Then, I continued to run again !

SBRAAAAAAAM !!!

CRAAAACK !

However, despite it seems to have slowed them down a bit, one of them manage to break the wall of ice in thousand pieces and pass alongside with the 2 others !

We keep running through the streets and turned at the right when I told to Therese.

"No matter how long we run at foot... These things will catch us back..."

Crackle !

Fire appeared in my hands when felt determined and added.

"... as long as they aren't destroyed !"

~Further ~

GZZZZZZZ !!!

GZZZZZZZ !!!

~Travis'POV~

I continued to run on the roof the fastest I could, but because these giant knights have destroyed so many houses, there were much less roofs, and so less space to run.

Of course, I could still run through the streets, but between these giants roaming through the streets, and some roads who were turned into dead ends because of them breaking everything, I thought it was easier to run above the houses.

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

Sbram !

A bit far away on the right, I noticed quickly one of these knights breaking a house and setting it on fire, making me slightly concerned.

In fact, it really reminded me of the giant statue that me and Ophilia has fought in the Cave of Origins which was quite tough to beat... Just imagine with many of them...

"..."

GZZZZZ !!!

I jumped on another building with a bigger and higher roof and thought.

'I hope everyone was able to escape !...'

I then looked a front of me and spotted the castle.

"!!!... There's the castle !"

GZZZZZZZ !!!

I smiled and ran a little bit faster when I was ready to jump on another roof a front of me.

I had to stop that damn ritual ! Else, the yellow helmet man will blow up the city !

Quick !

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH !!!"

"?????!!!!!"

GZZZZZzzzzz

SCRAAAAATCH !

Right before I jump, I quickly turned away at the last moment and stopped in my tricks, deactivating my powers while I slipped !

"Woah !"

I was about to fall from the roof, but I moved quickly my arms back and forth to permit me regain balance !

I then stopped in my tracks.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH !!"

I became concerned about what I was hearing.

'Is that the cry of a... baby ?!'

I looked at the left and looked for the source of the sound when I finally spotted a small house, half destroyed, but there was still the first floor.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH !!!"

There was a baby inside a wooden cradle at the floor !

But what was doing a baby here alone ?!!

"hhhhhhhhhhhhh..."

"!!!"

STOMP ! STOMP !

"Hoc ! WAAAAAAAAAAAAH !"

My eyes widened when I saw one giant who arrived on the right, walking slowly through the street, as it was attracted by the noise !

'Oh no !'

'He wouldn't dare harming a poor baby ?!'

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAH !!"

"HHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

STOMP ! STOMP !

The baby still cried when I saw another giant who arrived from behind the building !

He started to rise his giant axe, ready to strike the building where was trapped the baby !

"WAAAAAAAAAAHHHH !!!"

SCRAAAAAAATCH !!!

SBUNK !!!

SBRAAAAAAM !

I ran and gave him a lightning kick on his leg, making him lose his balance and hitting the building next door instead !

GZZZZZ !!!!

I then landed on the ground again, with many electricity covering me, and watched seriously at this evil giant knight.

He started to stand up again and now looked down at me menacingly, his lanthorn burning with an orange flame inside...

"hhhhhhhhhhh !..."

Now, it was s me whom he wanted to attack.

STOMP ! STOMP !

I could hear the one from behind arriving, and spotted another one arriving behind the one a front of me !

GZZZZZZZZZ !!!

A bit more lightnings covered my body, as I looked at the one a front of me and was determined to kick his butt.

Indeed, I was ready to fight the other two if I have to !

"WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH !!!"

I think the yellow helmet man will have to wait a little before I come to stop him...

Even if I really wanted to save the world, there was no way I would do it by letting them harming a baby !

'Here we go !'

GZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

I jumped a front of the guardian and started to push him with bare hands !

SCRAAAAAAATCH !

I also electrocuted him with my blue lightnings, using more electricity than when I electrocuted a pirate the other day !

"???!!!..."

The electricity just covered his entire armored body but didn't seem to hurt him !

SBUNK !

"AAAAAHHHH !!"

CRAAACK !

He punched my body and send me flying in another house, breaking the walls as I fell inside.

"Ngh !!!..."

GZZZZ ! GZZZZZ !

It didn't do anything to him ?! But how ?!

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!"

"!!!..."

I quickly stood up and left the broken house !

SBRAAAAAM !!!

FWIIIIIII !!!

GRUMBLE !!!!

I ran away with my lightnings and saw the house I fell inside being destroyed by a green tornado, making some debris flying around as I managed to avoid them !

"HHHHHHHHHH !"

I saw the first guardian rising his axe, as this one has a green flame burning inside his lanthorn head !

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

The one with the orange flame started to pursue me, but thankfully I was too quick for him !

So, I tried to run away to distract him away from the baby, but I also have to stop the 2 others who started to approach the building !

"WAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAHAAAAAA !!!!"

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

The 2 others guardians heard the baby's cries and were about to attack him !

'The baby !'

GZZ !!! GZZZZ !!!

SBRAM !

I bypassed the guardian with the orange flame with my lightning speed, avoiding his powerful axe strike, and saw the third one who started to rush towards the building !

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

GZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAAAAAATCH !!!

I kicked him in the stomach, making him lose his balance and fall on his back !

GRUMBLE !!

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

Fwiiiii !!!

"!!!..."

I saw the one with the green flame inside his head rising his axe, as I could see a green wind forming around his axe and blowing a few things around, and aiming the house !

GZZZZ !!!

I dashed towards him, jumped, and aimed his axe !

KLANG !

SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH !!!!

I kicked right into his blade, releasing as many electricity as I could around me and screamed.

"aaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH !!!"

CRACK !

One of the axe's two blades broke due to the impact !

"HHHHHHH !!!"

I fell on the ground and found myself facing the guardian.

"!!!..."

SBRAAAM !

GZZZZZ !! GZZZZ !!!

I quickly avoided and bypassed him again !

'Few... that was close !...'

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

SBRAAAAM !

"AAAARGH !"

The guardian with the orange flame reappeared again and tried to strike me, his blow hitting the ground so hard !

It missed me, but I was taken by the blew of the attack !

"HHHHHHH !!!"

While being in the airs, I saw the third one with the blue flame rising his axe when I saw yellow lightning around it !

SBRAAM !!

SCRAAAAAATCH !

A yellow thunder was shoot in my direction, but I narrowly avoided it.

GZZZZ ! GZZZ !

GRUMBLE !

The lightning hit another house while I fell on the ground.

"Ngh !..."

GZZZZ ! GZZZZ ! Gzzzz !

"Hhhhhhhhhhh !..."

I was slowly catching my breath while the 3 giants were menacingly observing me.

'They're so tough !'

It was so hard to fight 3 of these things at once, especially when one would attack me while I avoided another blow !

That was really three against one battle !

"Waaaaaaaaah !"

I still heard the baby crying, as I remembered I must save them.

But with these things who keep attacking me, it won't be easy at all...

However, there was something concerning me about the 3 giants: they all have a flame of different color, and I had the feeling that they have different.

'The one with the blue flame...'

"Hhhhhhhhhh !..."

'I saw him using electricity to attack me... Just like my superpowers !'

'But why was it yellow lightnings instead of blue like his flame ?...'

'...Whatever.'

STOMP ! STOMP !

'And there's the green one... it can create wind by magic !...'

'I didn't know such a power would exist !'

'And now, the last one...'

"Hhhhhhhhhhh..."

It was the one with the orange flame, but...

'Fire, maybe ?...'

'I haven't seen him using some kind of magic stuff, like that...'

If I have well understood, these 3 guardians must have different powers depending on the color of their flame !

So, I could use that to figure out their attacks !

"WAAAAAAAAAAAH !!!"

The baby keep crying, when the guardian with the blue flame turned at the building where they was trapped !

"!!!..."

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

STOMP ! STOMP !

The 2 other guardians ran towards me when the one with the green flame raised his axe.

SBRAAAAAAAM !!!

FWWWWWWIIIIIIIII !!!!

'Now !'

GZZZZZZZZZ !!!!

I quickly avoided by running to the right.

"HHHHHHHH !!!!"

The orange guardian swung his axe from left to right, trying to hit me.

SBRAAAAAM !!!

GZZ ! GZZ !

I quickly jumped walls by walls on the buildings at quick speed, from left to right, until I reached the blue guardian and

"YAAAAAAAH !!"

SCRAAAAAATCH !!

I gave him a powerful lightning kick, pushing him far enough from the building !

GRUMBLE !

He landed on another broken house, as thankfully there was no one else inside.

GZZZ ! GZZZ !!!

I landed on my feet as I felt so surprised.

'Is that me who did this ?!'

To avoid a blow with my lightning powers, I just bounced walls to walls by reflex like how would do Super Mario !

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

The 2 other guardians ran back at high speed towards me !

"!!!"

SBRAAAM !

"WOOOOH !"

I avoided in time the blow from one of them while jumping when the other green one aimed to me while I was in the airs !

"!!!..."

FWIIIIIII !!!

"AAAAAAAHHH !"

CRACK !

His blow made a green wind which made me fly away and land hardly on a building's roof, breaking the tiles a little.

"Ngh !"

"WAAAAAAAAAHHH !!"

The 2 giants came towards me and both attacked me at the same time !

SBRAAAAAAAAAAAAAM !!!

FWIIIIIIII !

I got up quickly and avoided in time with difficulty, bypassing them !

'Damn !... They're too strong... !!!'

"WAAAAAAAAAAHHH !!!"

SBRAAAAM !!!

SCRAAAAAATCH !

I saw the blue guardian from earlier hitting the ground and releasing a yellow lightning towards the house were the baby was stuck !

"NO !!!"

GZZZZZZZZ !!!

I ran at lightning speed, jumped forward and was about to land inside the building at the same time as the yellow lightning !

SCRAAAAAATCH !!!

"AAAARGH !

I was electrocuted by the blue guardian thunder instead of the baby and landed on the floor.

"Ngh !... ?!"

However... I just realized... it didn't hurt me ?!

It was like the lightning shoot by the giant gave me more an itchy feeling instead of harming me !

"Woah..."

I was quite surprised... that means other lightnings couldn't hurt me ?!

"Hoc !... Hoc !..."

I watched at the baby, still inside their crib, who looked at me innocently while they were about to cry.

"Err... Hey... It's okay... I'm here to save... !!!"

"HHHHHHHHHH !!"

I saw the green guardian about to strike the house we were !

GZZZZZZ !!!

CRACK !!

SCRAAAAATCH !!!!

I kicked him right in his lanthorn head, unleashing many blue thunder at the impact !

"HHHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

The guardian screamed in pain when I saw his lanthorn cracking and breaking !

CRAAAACK !

GRRRRUMBLE !

The green guardian fell heavily on another broken house !

'I got him !... I got him !'

So we need to break their lanthorn to beat them ?!

SBUNK !

"AAAAAHHHH !"

I got suddenly hit by another guardian who dashed towards me and made me land on the ground !

"NGH !"

GZZZZ ! GZZZZ !

The landing hurt me... but it could be worse if I wasn't covered by lightning !

"!!!..."

I saw again the guardian who was about to slice me in half with his axe, but I quickly rolled to avoid !

SBRAAAAAAM !

"OUCH !"

The impact was powerful enough to make me bounce, so I quickly stood up when I noticed the blue guardian behind me.

SBRAAAAM !

SCRAAAATCH !

He shoot another lightning at me, but I dashed towards him at quick speed, bypassing the orange one, jumped and kicked him right into the head !

"TAKE THAT !!! GLASS HEAD !"

SCRAAAAAAATCH !!

I hit the hardest I could... but strangely, the guardian didn't seem to flinch...

"Huh ?!"

SBUNK !

"ARGH !"

He headbutted me and I landed again in someone's else house !

"Ngh !!..."

'But how ?! I thought it was their weakness !!'

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAAAAAM !!!!

They both attacked the house where I was inside, making me repealed !

"WOAAAAH !..."

GZZZZZZ !!!

I landed in another streets, as I noticed I got bruises from the fight and started to breath heavily.

"Ha.... Ha..."

GRUMBLE !

STOMP ! STOMP !

The 2 giants appeared from the broken me and started to chase me !

'Here they come !'

~Meanwhile~

SBRAAAAAAM !!

~Cyrus' POV~

"!!!... GET DOWN !", I yelled to my student !

The flame guardian threw a fire spell in our direction, as me and Therese had to quickly duck to avoid the spell !

CRAAAAAAAACKLE !!!

It hit a nearby armory, creating an explosion of fire which immediately incinerated the building !

We turned in another street, in the hope to hide from them, but they would still catch us back !

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

"HHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAM !

KRRRRRRRRR !!!

The Ice guardian struck violently his axe on the floor, creating a powerful wave of ice when I decided to turn back and fight back !

"RAAAAAAAHHH !!!"

CRAAAAAACKLE !!!!

I threw a fire storm spell to counter the guardian's elemental spell !

KRRRRRAAAAAAAAAACKLE !

SBRRRRROOOM !!!

Both attacks clashed until it created an explosion, as me and Therese continued to run away from our chasers !

No matter how much we gain distance from them, the elemental guardians could still reach us with their good range spells. Indeed, their defense was incredibly impressive, and even thought their head were their weakness, they were more mobile than we could believe. So, it was harder to target them, especially if they were at least 2.

I also needed to protect Therese at all cost while fighting them, so that was not as simple as we could think.

While running, I looked behind me.

'These 2 elemental guardians are still chasing us...'

'?!!... Where is the third one ?!'

"PROFESSOR !"

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

"!!!...."

SBRAAAAAAAAM !

Therese immediately pulled me on the left right before the blow was about to hit me while I was in my thoughts !

We looked up to see the normal guardian who picked up his axe and screeched !

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

"The Flame takes me !... He walked around the area to catch us back !"

We were now in the middle of a small square, looking up at the guardian who was dangerously approaching us.

"!!!"

STOMP ! STOMP !

The ice guardian arrived from behind us when I quickly prepared my fire spells and throw a fire ball towards him !

CRAAAAAACKLE !!

CLAAAAAAASH !!!

"!!!..."

The Flame guardian appeared a front of him and took the attack at his place, but he nearly flinched as he was immunized by fire spells !

"hhhhhhhhhhh..."

Me and Therese were surrounded by the 3 guardians who were observing us menacingly...

"!!!... That doesn't look good !...", I muttered while staring seriously at the creatures.

Therese also looked slightly frightened, as she was not used to find herself in such a situation before, but she still stayed calm.

Right now, I have to find a plan to get us out of this situation and defeat these 3 guardians !

Else, this will be the end of us !

"HHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

The 2 elemental guardian from behind were about to attack us, but I prepared another spell.

"YAAAAAAAAHHHHH !!!"

SCRAAAAAATCHH !!!

I shoot a lightning blast on the 2 at the same time, pushing them slightly and making them fall !

"HHHHHH !!!"

STOMP ! STOMP !

The normal guardian charged a front of us when I exclaimed.

"THERESE ! AT THE RIGHT !"

"!!!"

SBRAAAAAAM !

The creature hit the ground violently on the ground, making the earth shaking at my feet !

I was able to side step on the right but, at my surprise, Therese went at the left !

"THERESE ! WHAT ARE YOU DOING ?!"

"LET ME HELP YOU, PROFESSOR ! I'LL DISTRACT THIS ONE !", she exclaimed while she started to run at the left.

"?!!!... BUT THERESE !!!..."

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME, PROFESSOR ! I'LL FIND A WAY TO HIDE, AND THEN I WILL TRY TO JOIN YOU BACK LATER !", she then picked up a rock, threw it to the normal guardian, and exclaimed. "HEY YOU ! OVER HERE !"

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!"

The guardian looked at her and started to chase her !

However, Therese was running through a narrow street, and the creature was so angered that he instinctively followed her, but his enormous body made his run difficult through the path, allowing Therese to distract him with a decent distance.

I watched at her slowly disappearing from my view with a certain worry...

'Therese...'

She was taking a huge risk to provide me help...

My student might not have any feats in battle, but she looked so confident to her plan and, in my opinion, she was fighting in her own way.

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!"

"!!!..."

I saw the flame guardian who was back on its feet and struck his axe !

SBRAAAAAM !

CRAAAAAACKLE !!

He created a wave of fire, but I managed to dodge it when I saw the Ice guardian standing next to him !

"HHHHH ! "

"HA !"

CRAAACKLE !

I threw a fireball spell at him before he had the time to attack, aiming his torso and making him fall again !

GRUMBLE !

"HAAA !!"

KRRRRRRRR !!!

I then created a wall of ice covering half of the square, separating me from the guardians !

Fwiii !!!

My hands were still emitting a cold and white light, as I prepared myself to counterattack again.

That might be a difficult fight, but thanks to Therese's help, there was one less guardian to fight !

But it was necessary to defeat them quick enough before joining back Therese and helping her. All I need to do is to find a good strategy...

CRAAACK !!

The Flame guardian broke his side of the ice wall with his giant axe, but I was ready to deal with both of these creatures !

So, I spoke to him.

"You will see, my friend... I'll show you my focus is unparalleled !... HAAAA !!!"

KRRRRRR !!!

~Travis' POV~

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAAAAAM !!!

SBRAAAAAAM !!!

SCRAAAATCH !!

The guardians were destroying everything on their ways and running through the broken houses, making debris and rocks flying around them. They really looked to be giant truck !

GZZZZZ !!! GZZZ !! GZZZ !!

I ran through the streets at full speed, zigzagging to avoid the rocks, and fleeing away from the guardians !

'Now !'

I saw a street going at the right, and decided to turn at quick speed !

GZZZZZZZZ !!!

SCRAAAAATCH !!!

I bypassed some buildings and turned again so fast when I found myself right behind the 2 giants !

'Take that !'

"RAAAAAAAAAHHH !"

SCRAAAATCH !!!!

GZZZZZZZZZ !!!

I jumped and kicked the blue guardian's back, making him fall !

GRUMBLE !!

GZZZZZ !!

By reflex, I pushed so hard with my feet while pushing the giant that I jumped again in the hair backwards !

"WOOH !"

GZZZZ !!

Electricity surrounded me as strangely, I noticed that the whole city was upside down !

Wait, no... I am the one who was upside down !

I spun around in the air for a short while but I finally landed on my feet by drifting a little !

"Whoah !"

I quickly regained my balance when I saw the other guardian charging towards me !

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

"HHHHHHHHHHH !"

He arrived so fast that he was ready to slice me in half from the side !

WOOSH !

SBRAAAAM !!

GZZZZZZZ !!!

I quickly jumped to avoid the blow, as he destroyed a building instead while his head was still a front of me.

'Again ! '

SBUNK !

SCRAAAATCH !

I kicked him in the torso, making him fall on his knees !

STOMP !

While he was now on his knees, I tried to push my feet on the giant to get momentum, but he trembled a little and

"Ouch !"

I fall on my feet after slipping, as I felt a bit upset that I failed.

'No !... Not like that... I have to do the same thing like before !'

In fact, I wanted to do the same stunt where I jumped over the guardian like how I bounce over a wall.

The stunt I did was so interesting to me that I wanted to try again while hitting the guardian, but that doesn't look easy at all !

"Hhhhhhhh..."

"Oh oh !..."

I watched at the guardian slowly standing up and he was about to strike me again !

"HA !..."

SCRAAAAATCH !

I jumped again and kicked him in the foot, making me stumble but

SBRAAAAAAM !!!

GRUUUMBLE !!

"WOOOOAAAAHHH !!"

I was repealed by his blow, but I managed to land on the edge of a window without being too hurt.

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

The guardian looked so mad that it screeched louder than before and keep attacking the building I was standing with his axe !

SBRAM ! SBRAM ! SBRAM !

"Woah !..."

I stumbled a bit and ran a little further on the roof before the ground collapsed under my feet !

He really wanted to make me fall !...

'!!!...'

SCRAAAAAATCH !!!

GRUMBLE !

"HHHHHHHHHH !

The other blue guardian, instead of targeting me, just shot another lightning on the large building I was standing, making him collapse a little !

'DO SOMETHING, TRAVIS !'

"Waaaaaaahhh !"

"!!!..."

I heard the baby again and turned back to see the building where he was trapped !

I also checked if there weren't other monsters around it, but...

Grumble !

I saw some rocks from the roof starting to fall in the street !

'Oh no !!!'

'If I don't hurry, the house will soon fall apart and the child will be crushed !'

"HHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAAM !!

'!!!...'

'I have an idea !'

GZZZZ !!!

I went down the building, found myself behind it, and kicked the wall with my full strength !

"HAAAAAAAA !!!"

SCRAAAATCH !

GRUMBLE !!!!

I kicked so hard that I broke the wall in pieces, creating a big hole, and throwing rocks forward !

SBRAAAAAAM !!

GRUMBLE !!

The guardian also hit the other side of the broken building which immediately collapsed and suddenly

"HHHHHH !!!"

Many rocks were falling above the giant, so many rocks as the building was pretty big which collapsed on him and made him fall on his back !

GRUMBLE !! GRUMBLE ! GRUMBLE !!

All the rocks completely burying him, making him stuck under a mountain of rocks !

However, his head could still be seen a little, and his flame was still burning...

"Hhhhhh !..."

Thankfully, his large and heavy body couldn't move due to all these heavy rocks.

GZZZZZZ !!!

I dashed back at the streets, saw his head being easy to hit, and smiled.

'YES ! Now, I just have the time to hit his head and break that lanthorn !...'

'!!!...'

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

SBRAAAAAMM !!!

"WOAH !!!"

I quickly avoided in time the blue guardian attack, as I felt quite surprised by his appearance !

GZZZZZZZ !!!!

I run away from him as he started to chase me.

'Damn ! I still have to deal with his bud !'

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

STOMP ! STOMP !

GZZZZ !!

I would like to finish off the one with the orange flame, but I doubt the other will let me doing it, and I had no choice but run away from him because my thunders were useless against him !

Indeed, my super strong punch and kicks weren't strong enough to hurt him ! If only my blows were much stronger !

'!...'

I was thinking about something while being still chased.

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAH !"

I heard the baby crying again as we went back towards their house !

~3rd POV~

"HHHHHHHH !"

SBRAAAM !

SCRAAAAATCH !

GZZZZ !

GRUMBLE !

The thunder guardian was close to hit Travis who avoided again with difficulty, still running towards another building a front of the one where was trapped the baby when he bounced on the wall and jumped towards the giant !

"YAAAAAAAH "

SBUNK !

SCRAAAATCH !

"HHHH !"

GRUMBLE !

The guardian was repealed by Travis' blow, not enough to neutralize him, but he was still determinate to defeat it !

~Meanwhile, on Cyrus' side~

"HAAAA ! HAAAA !"

CRAACKLE ! CRACKLE !

The scholar threw several fireballs to the Ice guardian who defended himself with his axe, before trying to fight back !

"HHHHHHHHHHHHH !!"

While he raised his axe, Cyrus extended his two burning hands toward the giant.

"HAAAAAAAAAA !!!!"

CRAAAAAACKLE !

A wave of fire was unleashed towards the giant, the blew of the spell pushing him so hard that the creature fell on a building !

GRUMBLE !

"HHHHHHHHHH !"

"!!!..."

The Flame guardian, immunized by the fire spell, attempted to attack him !

SBRAAAAM !

CRAAAACKLE !

"WOAAAAH !"

Cyrus quickly avoided in time, as he started to be pretty exhausted from his fight, as he tried to analyze his foes.

"HHHHHHH !"

SBRAAAAM !

CRAAAAACKLE !

The giant sent a wave of fire towards the Cyrus !

"HAAAAAA !"

FWIIIIIII !

With his icy hands, the scholar created a spell of ice wind towards the guardian attack which both collided.

CRAAAACKLE !

FWIIIII !

SBROOOOM !

The clash of the 2 elemental spells finished in an explosion burning and freezing the buildings around !

"HHHHHHHHHHH !"

STOMP ! STOMP ! STOMP !

While the Flame guardian stepped back due to the blew of the explosion, the Ice guardian dashed through the icy mist and raised his huge axe !

SBRAAAAAAAAAAAM !!!

KRRRRRRR !!!!

GRUMBLE !!!!

The weapon violently hit the ground, creating a large ring of ice at the impact which destroyed the street around it !

"Hhhhhhhhhhh !..."

Strangely, the Ice guardian noticed that Cyrus was gone...

But where was he ?

The guardian curiously looked down and noticed, among all the debris caused by his powerful attacks, that there were a lot of broken barrels which probably came from an inn.

They were all spreading a strange viscous and yellowish liquid on the destroyed ground. It also reached the confused giant's feet, and it was none other than... oil.

"YAAAAAAHHH !!"

Cyrus suddenly appeared from the side after bypassing the building at quick speed and prepared a spell of fire !

CRAAAAAAACKLE !

He threw a fireball towards the ground and

BROAAAAAAAAAM !!!

CRAAAAAAAACKLE !!!

"HHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

An explosion of fire occurred a front of the guardian which screeched in pain and fell on another house !

We could say that Cyrus really tricked him !

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!"

The other guardian screeched as he was about to charge, but Cyrus decided to act quickly.

KRRRRRRRR !!!

With his hands, he created a wall of ice which surrounded the Flame guardian, preventing him to move freely !

However, they didn't look to be defeated yet and he had still to destroy their lanthorn head.

"Quick !"

Cyrus then ran a few meter behind, making sure to be at a decent distance from them, and stopped right in the middle of a street !

He extended his hands towards the ground and focused himself.

KRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !

He created another wall of ice which covered the whole width of the street he was, bigger than the previous one !

"Nghhhhh !!!!!!!"

He continued to cover the wall of solid ice even more, making it harder and thicker, as he looked to have a plan in mind to face these 2 creatures...

"HHHHHHHHHH !!"

~On Travis' side !~

"HHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

The Thunder guardian screeched while standing up while Travis headed towards the tall building at quick speed.

GZZZZZZ ! GZZZZZ !!!

"IF YOU THINK I WILL LET YOU PASS !!!", the boy exclaimed angrily to the creature when he jumped on the right.

GZZZZZ !!!

He bounced on the right building and jumped on the left, leaving a blue trail behind him at quick speed and

GZZZZZ !!

He bounced again on the left building in a blink, pushing his feet so hard against the wall to support himself with many blue lightnings unleashed around them and

GZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

"!!!..."

He then jumped so high that he was about the reach the rooftop of a building, and remained determined despite he wasn't used to wall jump like that !

Still in the airs, he turned back and saw the guardian.

"!!!..."

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAAAAAAAAM !!

SCRAAAAAAATCH !

GRUMBLE !!

He shoots a yellow lighting on the building to make it, creating a big hole inside, but not enough to make it collapsing.

GZZZZ ! GZZZZ !

"!!!..."

Travis landed on a tended roof, still covered by blue lightning while he quickly rotated his arms back and forth to not fall.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAh !"

He heard the baby crying from the building behind the one where he was standing and felt concerned, but he was so focused to not slip from the roof that his feet were pushing so hard on the surface and

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !!

They released many blue electricity around them, unleashing such a great power as the boy started to feel such a strength in his feet.

"HHHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

~On Cyrus' side~

"HAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!"

KRRRRRRRRRRRR !!!!

The tension was so high on the scholar's side, as Cyrus continued to create a thick wall of ice with his hand when he finally stopped.

CRAAAAASH !

"HHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

The Flame guardian broke free from his ice prison...

"HHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!"

And the Ice guardian finally got up !

Both were ready to strike again as they raised their large axe and aimed at the wall of ice...

SBRAAAAAM !! SBRAAAAAAAM !!

CRAAAAAAAACKLE !

KRRRRRRRRRRRR !

CRAAAAACK !

The guardian 'spells destroyed half of Cyrus's wall of ice, making him concerned when he focused himself and extended his hands towards the wall.

CRAAAAACKLE !

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!"

CRAAAAAAACKLE !

Cyrus then summoned a large fire storm spell towards the wall of ice which was so powerful the side walls were roasted !

Though, the wall of ice was thick enough to resist at the high heat and power of the fire spell, but not for so long as it started to crack !

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

The 2 guardians charged towards the wall of ice, ready to break it.

But what was preparing Cyrus ?!

~On Travis' side~

SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH !

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !"

Travis screamed the hardest he could while unleashing his lightning powers on his feet, pushing the roof so hard that it started to break it !

"HHHHHHHHHH !"

SBRAAAAAAAAAAAAM !

SCRAAAAAAAATCH !!!

The guardian slammed the ground again by shooting another lightning towards the roof, which was already about to collapse due to Travis' power when

SCRAAAAAAATCH !

WOOOOOOSH !!!

At a lightning speed, the boy quickly bounced downwards in direction of the guardian !

His body spun like a projectile shoot from a cannonball while being covered of blue lightnings !

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !

SBUUUUUUUUUUUNK !!

SCRAAAAAAAAATCH !

His body hit right into the guardian torso by unleashing many lightning around him !

"HHHHHHHHHHHH !"

The Thunder guardian, caught off guard, screeched in pain as the shock was so powerful that it damaged his armor, made him fall away backwards a few dozens of meter until he reached the other guardian still lying on the ground and !...

SBRAAAAAM !

CRAAAAACK !

The Thunder guardian's lanthorn head just hit his fellow's lanthorn, making break them both in several pieces !

SBRAAAAAM !

GRUMMMMBLE !!!!

~On Cyrus' side~

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!"

Cyrus was screaming while unleashing with effort a larger wave of fire, trying to break the wall of ice he made !

"HHHHHHHHHHHHHH !"

The 2 guardians were close to destroy the wall when

CRAAAAAACK !

SBROOOOOM !!!

It destroyed itself, due to the power of the fire storm spell, making several big ice debris flying forward like small meteorites !

CRAAAAAACK !

"HHHHHHHHHH !"

The Flame guardian's lanthorn was hit by several sharp ice debris, breaking it on the impact while

CRAAAAAAACKLE !

"HHHHHHHHHH !"

The Ice guardian's lanthorn couldn't support the heat of Cyrus' firestorm spell and broke as well !

SBRAAAAAAAAAAAAAM !!!

The 2 spells combined destroyed the whole street, and the 2 guardians were finally destroyed.

"Ha..."

~Cyrus's POV~

I collapsed on my knees after the huge spell I used, as I must have used a lot of magic powers in this one.

"Ha... Ha..."

I breathed heavily while I reminded that I shouldn't always use such magic power like that, because I have still to keep my magic flow for future battles.

But at least, thanks to that combined spell, I was able to defeat 2 elemental guardians at the same time.

I just hoped the attack didn't draw the attention of other guardians around... and that Travis and Therese were fine.

'Therese !'

I remembered about my student who left me, as I quickly left the place to look for her before something bad happen to her...

~Travis' POV~

"Ha... Ha..."

GZZZ ! GZZZZ !

I breather heavily, a bit exhausted, as I was lying on the ground after I fell, but my body was still covered with electricity.

FSSSSSSSSHHHHHH !!

I saw the 2 giants bodies disappearing into ashes, just like how the yellow helmet man would do, but I think I was able to beat them.

Though, I couldn't believe I was able to do this !

'I just beat that guardian... by mimicking a basketball ?!'

'It's like what I did at Sunshade while I was training and... !!!'

GRUMBLE !!!

I heard a building which started to collapse !

"!!!... The baby !!"

GRUMBLE !!!

GZZZZZ !!! GZZZZ !!!

I quickly stood up, bypassed the building and dashed towards the baby's home !

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH !!"

GZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

I jumped quickly towards the bedroom up there and !...

GRRRRUUUUUUUUMBLE !!

GRUUUUMBLE !!!

The building has finally collapsed and there was nothing left !...

It really smelled like dust, many stuffs which belonged to the owners were buried by countless bricks, and even the wooden cradle was crushed by a big piece of roof...

That was really shocking for me to see such a home being destroyed like this... It reminded me of my old home, who was destroyed as well...

I sighed annoyingly.

"Waaaaaaaaaaah !"

"Phew... that was close !..."

I was now holding the baby in my arms, as I thankfully managed to save it in time before it was too late !

"hoc !"

The child was covered by a sort of blanket, kinda like a caterpillar in a cocoon, and wore a small bonnet. Indeed, his clothes were well different compared to the ones I saw in the real world, as they were often sleeping inside a stroller pushed by their moms.

Perhaps it was because it was a middle age video game...

"hhhhhh !!!"

"!..."

I heard another sound from a guardian and turned to look for one.

Thankfully, he was too far to see us and too busy destroying another house.

"Waaaaaaahhh !"

I turned again and watched at the castle where I should be.

'I still have to go there !... I have to stop the yellow helmet man before he...'

"WAAAAAAAAHHH !"

"!!!..."

The baby I was carrying was still crying, as I looked down at them.

"Err !... What's wrong ?!..."

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH !!!"

The baby cried louder, making me completely nervous as I tried to rock them like how would do a mother !

Indeed, it was the first time I was dealing with a baby like this one, so I didn't really know what to do !

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH !!!"

"Shh ! Shh ! Shh ! W-why are you still crying ?!... The monsters aren't there anymore, you know !..."

"Hoc ! Hoc !... Waaaaaaaah !"

I still continued to rock the infant, but they was still crying !

I tried to calm them down while walking and shushing some words.

"H-hey !... H-hey !... What do you want, little baby ?! Are you hungry ? Do you wanna sleep ?..."

"Waaaaaaaaaaaah !... hoc !... Waaaaaaah !"

"I can't know, if you don't tell me what's wrong !...", I tried to reassure them the best I could when I had an idea. "Do you want your mommy ?!..."

"Waaaaah ! hoc !..."

The baby slowly calmed down, as I sighed in relief and smiled a bit.

"You want your mommy, right ?", I asked them in a soft tone.

"Hoc !..."

I'll take that as a "Yes", I believe !

'But where could I find its mommy, by the way ?!'

I turned around to see if there were still people around, but it seemed we were the only ones wandering in that place.

'I have to find her quickly !...'

'But wait !... I have still to go at the castle to stop that ritual ! Else, the city will explode, and everyone will...'

"Mmmh..."

I heard the baby mumbling, as they looked tired and innocent.

It gave me some pity, so much that I didn't want to leave them alone...

I sighed a bit.

'Maybe I'll have enough time...'

I looked down at the baby and told them.

"It's alright... I'm gonna find your mommy, okay ?"

"hoc !"

So, I held him in my arms tightly to make sure he wouldn't fall, as he looked a bit heavier than I expected.

"hhhhhhhhhhh !!!..."

Grumble !

I heard many noises from far and saw another guardian destroying a few buildings, but he was thankfully too far to notice us.

'There are still so many of them !...'

I already understood that these things were obeying to the man with the yellow helmet, just like how he did with the snakes and the eagles before ! With the weird noise he made when he touched his helmet !

So, I believed we have to stop him to make sure he wouldn't control these things anymore !

"Hmmm !!!", the baby mumbled again.

"Don't worry !... I'll find your mommy right now !..."

So, I carried them above my shoulder to hold them easily, and I was ready to run again.

I crossed my fingers again while focusing my legs and

SCRAAAAAATCH !

GZZZ !! GZZZ !!

My legs were now covered by blue sparks around them, much more than my whole body.

GZZZZZZZZZ !!!

I then dashed through the streets in the opposite direction from the castle while holding the baby tightly.

Strangely, there was so much less electricity covering the rest of my body that the lightings didn't harm the baby at all. But I didn't really care because I didn't want to electrocute them.

'By the way !!... Is the baby a boy or a girl ?!...'

'Whatever !...'

~Meanwhile in another streets~

"Hhhhhhhhhh !"

'!!!... He's getting closer !...'

~Therese's POV~

I was actually hiding inside an inn after running for so long to escape that guardian.

STOMP !! STOMP !!

"hhhhhhhhhh !..."

I could hear him walking past the building where I was hiding, so I made sure to stay as silent as possible, by covering my mouth, and I could tell he was frightening me a little.

Indeed, I distracted that guardian to help the Professor and make sure he wasn't too overwhelmed by these creatures, but I was still hoping if he was fine.

STOMP ! STOMP !

The guardian finally walked away from my hiding spot, as he didn't seem to have found me.

I sighed quietly and decided to stare at the window to make sure the way was clear but

"!!!..."

"hhhhhh !!!"

I spotted another guardian who arrived from the left !

SBRAAAM !!

I watched at him destroying another building with his large axe, as he looked surprisingly mad !

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAAAAAM !!

He wiped out the building, making flying some debris in my direction and

"!!!..."

GRUUUUUMBLE !!!

"KYAAAAAAAHHH !!!"

The flying rock destroyed the building where I hid, making me screaming as I fell backwards, and there was huge hole which revealed my position !

'!!!... Oh no !'

I covered my mouth quickly, but I saw the guardian staring to me !

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

STOMP !!! STOMP !!!

"HHHHHH !!!"

Even worse, I also heard the other one coming back !

The Flame takes me ! I was trapped and I'll be killed if I stay here !

I looked behind me and spotted another door, so I ran and tried to open it, but it was locked !

"N-no !...."

GRUUUUMBLE !!!!

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

The guardian suddenly appeared a front of me after wiping out most of the building, leaving me speechless as he was about to attack me and

CRAAAAAAACKLE !!!

His head was hit by a fireball spell which came out from nowhere, breaking his head and making him falling down !

"HHHHHHH !!!"

GRUUUUMBLE !!!

"THERESE ! Are you alright ?!"

"Professor !"

The Professor Albright just helped me to get up after defeating the guardian !

I noticed he was covered of bruises which made me concerned... As he managed to defeat the 2 guardians from earlier ?

He took my hand and told me.

"It's too dangerous, here ! Come with me !"

"HHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

We both left the building by running when I yelled.

"WATCH OUT !"

SBRAAAAAM !!!

The guardian just hit the floor next to us as he was blocking the road !

"HAAAAAA !!!"

CRAAAACKLE !

The Professor casted a fireball spell which repealed the guardian a few meters away !

GRUMBLE !!

"Ha... Stay close to me, Therese !", told me the Professor, as he looked exhausted.

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

"hhhhhhhh !!!"

"hhhhhhh !!!"

"!!!..."

We just heard several screeches around us, making us concerned.

STOMP !! STOMP !! STOMP !!

"hhhhhhh !!!"

"hhhhhh !!!"

Then, we observed several guardians approaching slowly the area, all staring at us as they were at least a dozen !

'No way !...'

We were completely surrounded ! They must have been attracted by all the noises made during the fight !

I started to be very worried for us, as I watched at the Professor who frowned and became very serious.

"HAAAAAAA !!"

KRRRRRR !!!

He started to cast a wall of ice around us to separate us from the guardians when suddenly

SBRAAAAAAM !!!

CRAAAAAAACKLE !!

"!!!"

A Flame guardian struck the wall of ice, surprising the Professor who had no choice to interrupt his spell cast !

"HAAA !!"

FWIIII !!!

He instead casted an icy wind on the guardian's head to repeal him !

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

GRUMBLE !

The guardian fell when another one quickly arrived !

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAAAAAM !!

"!!!"

He was repealed by the blow of the attack !

"PROFESSOR !"

"Ngh !"

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

The same guardian aimed his axe again but the Professor casted quickly another spell !

CRAAAAACKLE !!!

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

GRUMBLE !!!

A fire ball git the guardian and pushed him violently, as he landed on some of his fellows guardian !

"Ha !!"

KRRR !!!

The Professor created another wall of ice around us, but he looked well exhausted.

He was about to stumble, but I quickly made sure to catch his arm before he fell.

"P-professor !... Do you really intend to fight all of them at once ?!...", I asked him in a very worried tone.

"Ha... Ha...", he just breathed hardly, as I could see in his eyes that he noticed how concerned I was.

"hhhhhhhh...."

The guardians keep watching especially at the Professor, and the more I watched at them, the more the situation seemed hopeless...

If only I could do something to help him, as I couldn't let him fight own his one, even if I didn't have any experience in sword fighting or magic... But I felt like a burden for him, and that was me that he was protecting now...

CRAAACKLE !

The professor's hands burned, ready to cast a spell, as he glared at the tall humanoid creatures with determination. No matter how many guardians surrounded us, he was willing to defeat them all if he must.

"HHHHHHH !!!"

We watched one thunder guardian rising his axe, his sword covered by lightning, and aiming dangerously towards us, as the Professor was ready to counter his blow !...

FWWWWWIIII !!!

CRAAAAACK !!

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

Suddenly, a blast of green wind came from nowhere and hit the guardian's head, destroying it !

"??!!!"

CRAAAAACKLE !!!

"HHHHHHH !!!"

Then, a fireball spell came from nowhere and hit another guardian close to us !

SCRAAAAAAAATCH !!!

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

And then, a lightning spell hit 2 guardian at once and repealed them !

But where did these attack came from ?!

"Cyrus !!", yelled someone !

"?!!!"

We both turned and saw a few scholars arriving in the streets and casting spells towards the creatures !!

CRAAAAACKLE !!!

KRRRRRRR !!!

"HHHHHHH !!!"

They surprised the guardian in group and keep throwing them spells !

"Over there !"

A scholar woman appeared from the right side and alongside a few other scholars, they attacked the guardians by surprise !

CRAAAACKLE ! CRAAAACKLE !! CRAAAAACKLE !!

A flock of fireballs were sent towards the guardians !

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

They were so many scholars throwing spells at the guardians that spells keep being thrown as a rapid pace !

We saw another scholar appearing next to us and casting a wind spell towards the giants !

"Ha !!!"

FWIIIIII !!!!

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

The wind repealed some of them when the man told us.

"Are you alright, you two ?!"

We were both quite surprised as the Professor shouted curiously.

"I-I could say we didn't expect to get so many allies right now !"

"You know, Cyrus, some of us always believed in you !", shouted a lady scholar while casting an icy wind spell to freeze some guardians.

So, despite all the accusations he was framed for, there were still people in the scholar community faithful in his ideas ?!

I sighed in relief when the Professor , who looked quite relieved as well, added.

"How could we thank you for the help ?!"

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

SBRAAAAAAM !!! SBRAAAAAAM !!

Of course, some guardians tried to attack the scholars, but I noticed more were coming and keep attacking the guardians who started to be outnumbered !

That was really impressive: I've never seen so many scholars together like an army ready to bravely defend harmless people !

CRAAACKLE !!! KRRRRR !!!

FWIIIII !!! SCRAAAAATCH !!!

"Just do what you were up to, Cyrus !", answered one scholar while throwing a lightning spell !

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

A wind guardian charged towards us !

"Please, allow me to help you !", shouted the Professor while he was about to cast a spell. "HAAAAAA !!!"

SCRAAAAAAATCH !!!

He casted a lighting blast spell and aimed directly on the foe's head, breaking it !

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

The guardian collapsed in the middle of other fallen guardians who started to disappear in ashes.

CRACKLE ! CRACKLE !

"HAAAAA !!!"

"HHHHH !!!"

Thankfully, there was so many scholars on our side, else we would have never been able to face a large group of guardians.

Though, I still have to show the way to the Professor Albright, and it's been a while since Travis left us.

I hoped that he was fine.

~Meanwhile, in another area of the city~

"AAAAAAAAHHH !!"

"RUN FOR YOUR LIFE ! DON'T STOP !", yelled someone in the crowd.

Many people were fleeing the angered guardians, including lots of families among them !

"WAAAAAAAAAH !"

~Travis' POV~

I was still carrying the small baby in my arms and moved through the crowd to look for their mother.

I deactivated my powers earlier to make sure no one notices my powers, but also trying to not be too fast to spot the mom.

"WAAAAAAAAH !!

People were still rushing through the streets when I spoke nervously to a man alone in the crowd.

"Err... Excuse me, Sir !... It is your baby ?!"

"I DON'T HAVE KIDS !...", yelled the man who was scared by the situation before running away with the crowd.

"WAAAAAAAHH !"

I nervously tried to rock the crying baby, as it was difficult to find their parents.

Indeed, I have no idea how they look like, especially if that baby doesn't tell me anything !

I continued to run and spotted a woman in the crowd.

"Excuse me, miss !... Is that your baby ?!", I called her.

"WAAAAAAAAAH !"

"N-no ! I'm only 20 !", told me the woman nervously before leaving.

I felt quite confused by her answer, but that wasn't the mom anyway.

I tried also to call some people among the crowd, but there were so frightened by the giants that they keep ignoring me !

"WAAAAAAH !"

"H-hey ! It's alright !...", I rocked the baby again, feeling quite embarrassed.

That wasn't good ! I couldn't find their parents anywhere, and I have still to go back to the castle as quickly as possible !

Should I let the baby somewhere and write "LOST BABY" on a paper and make sure someone would pick him up ?!

Bad idea... I didn't want to leave them alone...

Perhaps I could find Cyrus and give him the baby, and with his detective skills, he could find their mother !... But I couldn't see him anywhere...

I hoped that he and Therese were fine, as it's been a time since I've left them...

"WAAAAAAH !!!"

Suddenly, I bumped into a woman who looked down at the baby.

"ISIA !!!"

~3rd POV~

A woman in her late 20 finally crossed Travis' path and looked to be the mother.

The baby calmed down at her sight and grinned, recognizing her while Travis looked concerned.

"Is she yours, miss ?"

She happily took the baby in her arms, and cuddled her tightly, as she looked completely relieved while letting a few tears escaping her eyes.

"Areuh !...", the baby mumbled happily while seeing her mother.

"Oh, my sweet girl !.... Thanks the twelve gods, you are safe !...", she kissed her forehead while crying, really happy to have retrieved her daughter when she looked down at her savior. "How could I thank you, little one ?... ?!!"

Strangely, the boy was missing, and she looked curiously for him, while still cuddling her baby in her arms.

"Areuuuh !"

GZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

Travis was now dashing at full speed with his lightning powers, letting a blue trail behind him as he was smiling, happy to have brought the baby to her mother.

GZZZZZZZZZ !!

He was bow running in the opposite direction on the left side to avoid the moving crowd and jumped high.

GZZZZZZ !!!

He jumped on a roof and keep running on the buildings.

"!!!.... Have you heard that ?!", yelled someone in the crowd while stopping in place.

He watched from far a small figure running at lightning speed on the roofs !

GZZZZZZZZ !!!

Travis still ran and was so preoccupied to go to the castle that he ignored all the witnesses seeing him in the crowd !

"!!!... By the Sacred Flame and the twelve gods !"

While they were still running from their life, some of them became surprised of what they saw !

"What is that thing ?!"

"Have you seen this boy ?!"

GZZZZZZZZZ !!

"He had blue lightnings all around him and was running at an incredible speed ! It was like a supernatural being !"

"I can't believe it !... It's just like... he was a god !"

SCRAAAAATCH !

Travis was running so fast that he disappeared from their view, but many people from the crowd would stare in direction of where he left !

Indeed, despite all the destruction which was occurring everywhere in the city, people were so concerned and amazed by that boy that he was like a ray of hope from them.

A certain message from what seemed to be a "god".

~Meanwhile~

CRAACKLE ! CRAAAACKLR !

"HHHHHHHHHHH !!!"

"EVERYONE ! ALL WITH ME !", yelled a scholar to some of his fellows.

KRRRRRR !!! FWIIIIII !!!

"HHHHHHHH !!!"

Many scholars were bravely fighting the guardians in certain areas of the city, making sure to prevent them going after civilians.

"HHHHHHHHH !"

CRAAAAACKLE !

SBRAAAAAAM !!!

A flame guardian managed to hurt a few scholars by unleashing an explosion of fire, as he didn't look to be simple to fight !

KRRRRRRR !!!

CRAAACKLE !!

However, they were still determined to protect the great city of Atlasdam and its inhabitants.

There were also soldiers and guards who assisted the scholars against the giants, even though they were less powerful than them...

However...

ROLL !! ROLL !

A couple of soldiers were pushing a wheeled cannon and arrived in the middle of a streets where 2 other cannons were present.

"HURRY UP ! ", yelled one of the soldiers.

"Hhhhhhhh !!"

STOMP ! STOMP !

A guardian noticed the soldiers and charged menacingly towards them !

On each cannon, one soldier was putting a cannon ball inside the machine while another one was litting the fuse and one of them yelled...

"Ready !!!... FIRE !"

SBROM ! SBROM !

"HHHHHHHHHH !!!"

The guardian screeched in pain while receiving the projectiles shoot at him !

SBROM ! SBROM ! SBROM ! SBROM !

Several cannonballs were repeatedly shoot towards the guardian, who could only step back and

CRAAAACK !!!

His lanthorn head was hit several times, and the guardian fainted on the ground !

GRUMBLE !

The soldiers cheered their victory against the creature, happy to have found a weapon useful against the guardians !

GRUMBLE !!

CRACKLE !

Somewhere in the middle of the assault, Lucia was still carrying the Headmaster Yvon above her shoulder, as she looked with concern at all the destruction around her.

CRAAAACKLE !!

"PROFESSOR LUCIA ! ARE YOU ALRIGHT ?!"

A few scholars went towards her worryingly.

"I'm fine... But the headmaster is severely hurt... During the ritual... We all have been fooled by that man...", she explained coldly.

The scholars just carried the Headmaster.

"We'll bring the Headmaster out of the battefield ! Do you want us to..."

"No, no... Just go...", she declared to her fellows.

The scholars left her while carrying the Headmaster who fainted due to his deep wound, and Lucia just stayed in the middle of a destroyed street.

"WATCH OUT !"

SBRAAAM !!!

SCRAAAATCH !!

She noticed from far a thunder guardian who shoot a lightning towards a group of scholars who barely dodged it !

Despite the reinforcements against the guardians, they were still numerous enough to give trouble to the scholars who have to be several to defeat a single one easily...

STOMP ! STOMP !

"HHHHHHHHH !!!"

A guardian suddenly appeared behind her, ready to attach, when she just stayed cold and

FWIIIIIIIIII

CRAAAAAAACK !!

At an incredible speed, she casted a dark magic rope around the guardian's neck and broke his lanthorn !

GRUUUMBLE !!

The creature was ultimately defeated by her, as she just stayed calm and sighed.

"Ha... All that carnage wasn't supposed to happen... Not right now..."

~Meanwhile, at the castle~

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLLLEEEEE !!!

At the shrine, the Sacred Flame was violently burning as it continued to become even more unstable and started to rot the ceiling.

"..."

Someone was actually casting a spell to amplify its behavior while holding the book 'The Church of the Flame: A complete Historie'.

The man with the yellow helmet.

He checked the pages of the book one more time, reading attentively the details, and extended his hand to influence the flame with a sort of blue magic which came from his hand.

The sacred Flame returned to his soft side and was burning calmly.

"..."

The man observed calmly the phenomenon and read the book again.

STOMP ! STOMP !

Not far from him, a guardian was walking past the palace's entrance, which was completely locked and well watched now.

He wanted to make sure no one was interfering in his plans, so he could continue the ritual.

That was the fourth and last bomb to activate the "expansion", but unlike the 3 first which were alimented by a magic crystal balls enhanced by magic, the source of the last pillar of light will be this time...

The sacred Flame itself.

If he managed to activate it, it would be probably the most powerful explosion ever provoked by him...

The yellow helmet man closed his book and sighed calmly.

"... may I know who allowed you to leave your apartments...", he declared calmly to someone before adding. "...your Highness ?"

"..."

At the entrance of the room, the Princess Mary was standing alone and watched seriously at the intruder.

This time... she was the real princess.

"Myself... Do you really believe I would prefer to stay hidden in my room and pray for my safety ?"

The young golden-haired woman stayed calm towards the yellow helmet man, aware that he was scheming something unpleasant with the original Sacred Flame.

The intruder sighed again but he didn't seem to be disturbed by her presence at all.

"Listen, I would advise you to not stay here... Shouldn't your place be with your people to reassure with all the mess occurring outside ?"

"My place belong here.", she answered directly, walking a few steps before adding. "If I want to assure the best for my people, it's my duty to face the one who provoked that "mess" instead of running away from it..."

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLLLLLEEEEE !!!

The sacred Flame burned violently again, rotting slightly the ceiling, but none of the 2 persons were impressed by its power.

It then calmed down when Mary replied again.

"So... I must deduce that, instead of the Professor Albright, you are the real one responsible of that ritual ? And all these similar incidents in the country ?"

The man coldly smirked before answering her.

"You are mistaken, my lady, if you believe that I'm doing all of that just for the sheer pleasure. In fact, I am just someone who is following his own ambitions..."

"For what cost ?! I am sure that you are aware but are you ready to risk the life of thousands of people for your short-sighed aims by using the power of the Sacred Flame ?!", the Princess shouted, as the Yellow helmet man finally turned to listen to her. "I've read and heard countless stories about the Sacred Flames, that it is a beneficial symbol respected since generations... Indeed, it doesn't only represent the pride of the Church of the Flame... It is also a glimmer of hope and freedom to others !"

As she still walked quietly towards him, she was secretly hiding a sword behind her sleeve, which was probably abandoned by a royal guard during the assault.

He didn't seem to have noticed yet...

The princess finally stopped in the middle of the room when she declared with determination.

"What kind of ruler would I be if I let one tarnish the reputation of that symbol of peace ?!"

Bravery could be seen in her emerald eyes, but the man didn't seem to be impressed by her at all.

"Fine words... I must say that you really deserve to become a queen someday.", answered him coldly when he turned back to the flame. "Sadly, I don't have enough time to deal with you... I have better things to do."

He ignored the lady while he extended his hands and

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEE !!!

He used his magic to unleash the Sacred Flame which burned a bright blue and illuminated the entire room !

As he looked to be busy influencing the Sacred Flame, Mary looked quite angrier when she decided to go into action !

"haaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!"

She was about to slice his back when

KLAAAAAANG !!!

He suddenly turned and countered the sword with his arm, covered by a green shield magic !

"!!!..."

Mary's eyes widened of surprise when the yellow helmet man declared coldly.

"Not bad... I'm pleased to see that you are more than a simple lady of the court...", his arm pushed a little her sword when he stared at her. "Though, I've promised myself to not let someone getting in my way... No matter who."

KLAAAAAAANG !!!

"!!!!"

He quickly repealed the princess, disarming her in the process as she felt a few meters away.

"Ngh !..."

He then extended his hands towards some debris of rocks which came from the assault and

GRUUUUUUUMBLE !!!

The rocks were covered by a green mist, which moved by themselves and rolled until they stuck the princess' legs, preventing her to escape !

"AAAHH !!!..."

She winced due to the pain of the rocks, trying to escape his grasp at her best, but it looked to be useless.

The man then looked down at her and told her.

"What an ironic situation... You said that you're here to protect your people, but now... it's you who need help the most... Am I wrong ?"

"..."

The princess menacingly glared at him, but she couldn't do anything to stop him as her sword was out of her reach.

CRAAAAASSH !!!

Something just broke the stained glass from the entrance and fell from a few heights.

"Ouch !..."

"?!..."

Mary watched curiously in direction from the entrance, wondering who this new intruder might be, as the yellow helmet man said in a cold but amused tone.

"Hey... Look who's here !..."

~Travis' POV~

"Ouch !..."

'I shouldn't have entered from that window !...'

'Thankfully I don't have any big bruises !'

Even if I was running as fast as lightning, there were too many giants to pass the entrance.

So, instead of fighting all of them, I decided to stand on a roof and with my powers, I did probably the biggest jump I ever could !

I tried to just jump on the roofs, but I think I jumped too far where I landed right into the window and that's why I'm here !

I looked around me, as my powers were deactivated after I landed, and I was really impressed by how huge looked the palace from the inside.

'Woah !... It's even bigger than Lady Ravus' Palace !...'

I also noticed all these shards of colored glass around me, which came from the window I broke to enter inside the castle.

'Woops !... I guess the King will really gonna be mad at me !'

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZLLLLLLLLEE !!!

"?!!..."

Suddenly, I heard like the sound of a burning Flame when I saw a blue light which came from the front room !

'!!!... I have to hurry !'

I quickly stood up, ran inside the room...

"!!!..."

And then I stopped when I saw him.

The man with the Yellow Helmet.

"..."

He watched at me seriously, standing in the middle of a red carpet, and stayed still.

But me too... I became serious...

"It's you !... I was sure that it was you who did all these things !", I shouted to him seriously.

I was standing at the entrance of the room, as I keep staring at him.

Honestly, I was a little nervous right now while seeing him again... but it looks like he wasn't scaring me anymore.

I noticed there was a big blue Flame burning behind him, but I was mostly concerned about him, as he finally spoke.

"I must congratulate you for such a spectacular entrance, my boy... But do you know that what you're doing right now is such suicide ?..."

His voice was so calm that it made me shiver a little, but I was less scared than before.

"First, I'm not your boy... And two... do you really thing I've made all that way for nothing else than kicking your butt ?!...", I shouted angrily.

Woah... I didn't expect I would talk to him like that... But it was so natural and frank to me.

In fact, I came here to stop him for good, and even if there was possibly no turning back for me...

I won't run away from him anymore.

Not like the last time...

I watched at him crossing his arms as he declared.

"Well... You're really became so bold to talk to me with such a tone..."

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZLLLLLLLLLLLE !!!

The flame burned dangerously again behind him as we were staring at each other.

So, the Professor Albright was right: he was really the one who has rekindled it...

What was he trying to do with it for blowing up the city ?...

"!!!..."

I noticed on the left that there was a pretty girl lying on the ground and felt bad for her because her legs were stuck under a few heavy rocks.

She was wearing a beautiful white dress, looked quite worried and she watched especially at me.

"Who... who are you ?!... And what are you doing here ?!...", she called me.

"Ah ! So... you must be definitely the Princess, right ?", I asked her curiously, trying to be nice with her when I added. "I... I'm sorry if I don't really know how to speak with a princess properly ! He he !...", I calmly chuckled to her, but I watched at the yellow helmet man again and became serious. "But what I can tell you... Is that as long as this guy want to harm people like you with his evil plan and all... I won't run away from him anymore..."

"..."

We both stared at each other again, as I felt so angry because he harmed the Princess... like how he harmed my friends, and how he wanted to do more harm now.

No way that I let people protecting me from him... It was me who have to protect them from him now, and I was ready to fight him again if I have to...

He was also like a final boss for me, and there was also that princess I needed to save...

'That's crazy... It's just like I was in a Super Mario game !'

~

A/N: only 2 chapters left !

Thank you again for those following my story since the beginning, and I hope y'all impatient to discover the ending of the first book !

That's all !