Steel Awakens

The Mudspire snarled, its glowing eyes fixated on Jace and Ronan. Dust swirled through the air as the monstrous beast prowled forward, every step making the earth quake beneath it.

"Jace!" Nick shouted from beyond the fractured barrier. "You idiot! You could’ve been killed!"

Jace ignored him. His hands trembled, but he kept his grip firm on the sword. The strange black energy had vanished, but a lingering warmth pulsed from the weapon  like an ember refusing to die.

"You're reckless, kid," Ronan growled, a hint of approval in his eyes. "But if you're staying, then fight like your life depends on it. Because it does."

The Mudspire roared, its massive form lunging. Ronan reacted first, his axe crashing into the creature's stone hide. The force sent a tremor through the ground, but the beast barely staggered.

"Move, Jace!" Ronan barked.

Jace ducked, narrowly avoiding a swipe of the Mudspire’s claws. The sheer force of the wind left a sting across his face. He swung his sword at the beast’s hind leg, but it barely scratched the hardened stone.

"Damn it," Jace cursed under his breath.

Felix, Selena, and Nick watched from the sidelines, frustration clear in their eyes. They knew they couldn’t breach the remnants of the air barrier without risking the unstable magic.

"Come on, Jace," Nick whispered, clenching his fists. "Find your strength."

The Fight Intensifies

The Mudspire roared once more, gathering earthen magic. Stone spikes erupted from the ground, forcing Ronan and Jace to dodge. Despite his size, Ronan moved swiftly, his axe deflecting shards of rock mid-air.

"That all you’ve got, you oversized pebble?" Ronan taunted.

Jace, struggling to keep up, felt the pressure mounting. Every strike he delivered was ineffective. The beast was too strong.

"Why… why am I so weak?" Jace growled, frustration boiling inside him.

"You're not weak," Ronan countered. "You're inexperienced. There's a difference."

The Mudspire pounced, its jaws snapping just inches from Jace. He stumbled back, the force of the impact sending him to the ground. As the beast’s claws rose for a killing blow, Ronan charged, slamming his axe into the creature’s side. The attack pushed it away, but the Mudspire quickly retaliated, sending a barrage of earth bullets flying.

"Nick!" Ronan roared.

"I’m on it!"

From outside the barrier, Nick’s hands pulsed with light as he conjured protective wards. The barriers absorbed most of the impact, but the force still sent Jace and Ronan reeling.

"Ronan!" Jace cried, struggling to rise.

"Still breathing," Ronan grunted, though blood trickled from his mouth.

The Mudspire loomed over them, its body crackling with surging earth energy. The beast's roar echoed through the battlefield, a monstrous declaration of its dominance.

A Desperate Stand

Ronan blinked toward Nick once more, a silent decision shared.

"Kid," Ronan said, his voice low. "I’m gonna make sure you walk away from this."

"What? No!" Jace’s eyes widened in panic. "We’re in this together!"

But Ronan had already made his move.

With a battle cry, Ronan swung his axe down. A gale of wind erupted, pushing Jace aside as the warrior charged at the beast. His axe gleamed, a cyclone of air encasing the blade. The gust formed a dome of wind, trapping both Ronan and the Mudspire within.

"No!" Jace screamed, "You idiot! Let me help!"

Ronan smiled, blood staining his teeth. "Stay back, rookie. This is my fight now."

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