SWNOVELXO Chapter 12: Shattered Battlefield
The air was thick with dust and the acrid smell of burning wood. Lucien's body was on fire, every muscle screaming as he stumbled back, narrowly avoiding another swipe from the demon. His golden energy flickered weakly, struggling to keep up with the sheer power of his opponent.
The demon, a towering figure of shadow and malice, towered over him, grinning like a predator sizing up its prey. Its eyes—deep pits of darkness—stared into Lucien with cold amusement.
"Still standing?" The demon's voice was a low growl, carrying a mocking tone. "Impressive. But how long will that last?"
Lucien's breathing was heavy. Not long if I keep fighting like this. His hands were shaking, his body feeling the strain from the relentless attacks. The demon was too fast, its strikes too powerful. It wasn't just a matter of strength; the demon's presence alone was suffocating, like a weight pressing down on him.
But Lucien couldn't afford to lose. Not now.
He gritted his teeth, focusing his golden energy in his hands as he raised them to guard against the next strike. The air around him shimmered, the tension so thick he could almost taste it.
Damn it, think. How do I counter this?
His thoughts were a whirl of strategy and panic. The demon was stronger than he remembered, its movements precise and relentless. Every time Lucien thought he had an opening, the demon was there, exploiting even the slightest hesitation.
Suddenly, the demon lunged forward, claws extended like daggers. Lucien barely reacted in time, twisting his body to the side, but one of the claws scraped across his chest, tearing through his armor with ease. The pain was sharp, blinding, but he bore it.
Focus.
Lucien's teeth clenched as he staggered back, blood dripping down his side. I can't let it overwhelm me. His eyes darted to his family.
Selene, still recovering from the last attack, struggled to her feet, her blue eyes burning with defiance. Behind her, Valeria gripped her sword tightly, watching the fight with a cold, calculating expression. Eris stood a few feet away, her golden eyes flashing with determination.
They were all relying on him.
I can't lose.
The demon's voice broke through his thoughts. "I see it now. You're more than just a child playing at power. But how much longer can you hold out?" It cocked its head, eyes narrowing. "It doesn't matter. You can't win."
Lucien's pulse quickened. I don't have time for this.
The demon attacked again, its movements blindingly fast. Lucien's body reacted instinctively, but his mana reserves were low. Each time he blocked, the demon's sheer force sent ripples of pain through his body. His mind raced, trying to keep up with the chaotic fight.
He barely caught the next strike with his forearms, the force of the blow forcing him to his knees. The demon's shadow loomed over him, mocking. "Pathetic."
Lucien's breath hitched. The demon was toying with him. Every blow weakened him more, every clash of their powers tearing apart the already ruined city around them. Buildings collapsed, dust and rubble filled the air, obscuring his vision. He could barely see. He could barely breathe.
I won't last like this.
But as Lucien stumbled to his feet, a surge of protectiveness surged through him. His family—Selene, Valeria, Eris—they were depending on him. He couldn't let them see him falter. He had to push through.
His golden energy flared, momentarily stabilizing. Focus. I need to be faster. I need to be smarter.
The demon laughed again, low and cruel. "Do you really think you can beat me with that?"
Lucien's mind clicked into place.
No. He couldn't just overpower the demon. He couldn't outlast it. But he could outsmart it.
Suddenly, Lucien's movements changed. He stayed low, dodging instead of blocking. His body flowed like water, weaving through the demon's strikes, just out of reach, always staying a step ahead.
I have to make it bleed.
The next strike came, faster than he expected, but Lucien anticipated it this time. He shifted his weight, using the momentum to push off the ground and flip over the demon, landing behind it. Before the creature could react, Lucien thrust his palm forward, sending a pulse of golden energy directly into the demon's back.
Boom.
The blast sent the demon skidding forward, though it didn't seem to faze it. But Lucien had bought himself a few precious seconds. He turned quickly to check on his family. They were still standing, still in the fight.
Valeria's eyes met his—determined but full of worry. He could see it in her eyes. You have to win, Lucien. Don't make us rely on you only to lose.
Lucien's heart clenched. I won't lose.
The demon roared in anger, turning on Lucien. "You dare?" It swung its claws again, and this time, Lucien couldn't move fast enough. The strike landed, sending him crashing back into the wreckage of a nearby building.
Lucien's vision swam. Blood pooled in his mouth as he gasped for air. His head throbbed painfully, and the world around him spun.
No… I won't die here.
He forced himself to his knees, barely holding himself up. The golden energy around him flickered weakly, but it was enough. Just enough.
"Lucien!" Selene cried out, her voice laced with fear.
I can't fail. Not now.
The battle was only just beginning. The struggle had only started.