Chronicles of the Artisan Nomad

Chapter 13: The Power of Unity

In that tense moment, Samuel's movement defied all reason. With a single, swift step, he closed the gap between us, and I could barely react before he was upon us. He swung down, targeting Vestia first, the woman who had angered him so. Vestia conjured a small light shield to block his swing; it shattered but saved her from the blow. Panic surged through my veins as I desperately retrieved my sleep dagger from my pocket. I thrust the dagger toward him, but it was as futile as a child's toy against an armored knight. The blade made contact, but it might as well have been a mere scratch on his invulnerable surface.

The blade shattered upon making contact with his skin, and my hand was blown back, forcing me onto my back on the ground. Before I could comprehend what was happening, Samuel's vice-like grip enveloped me, lifting me off the ground effortlessly. I dangled helplessly in his grasp, my limbs rendered useless in the face of his unnatural strength. The world around me seemed to blur as fear and desperation coursed through me. Seriously, was this really it? Would I die before I even had a chance to start my journey for real? Samuel laughed, "Shouldn't have done that, kid." He raised his sword to my eye, but right before he could thrust it, a dagger came flying out from one of the alleyways.

He dropped me on the ground like a sack of trash, and I turned my head to see Isabella giving a signal to her gang. My heart pounded in my chest as I realized the extent of Samuel's power, and a profound feeling of powerlessness washed over me. It was clear that our initial plan had failed miserably, and I couldn't bear the thought of witnessing the annihilation of our group. I wondered why Isabella had helped me, but truly, I felt very weak in this moment. I couldn't help a single person, let alone myself.

A voice called out to me as I had just about given up hope; it was Era. She looked down on me with her red eyes and yelled, "Get up; we aren't dead yet." She helped me to my feet, and Vestia looked panicked next to me. Vestia exclaimed, "Guess the ace up his sleeve was just taking the entire town by force."

We watched as Isabella dexterously dashed around the battlefield; it seemed she also used dark magic. Dark magic was rare, but not nearly as rare as light magic. Each person is born with an element they are most attuned to. For example, Era's is life magic, which is somewhat common, and mine which even I don't know. Most people don't know their elemental affinity because most common folk don't study magic. Unless you plan on honing your magical skills, knowing something like that isn't necessary. Most people aren't gifted with powerful enough magic for it to matter, and mine is much the same. I don't really need to know because I just use runes for my magic anyway. People with low ability for magic, like me, can still use runes, as runes themselves don't require a lot of magic affinity.

Isabella bounced off dark spots in the air as she dodged back and forth, trying to gain the upper hand in her battle with Samuel. The dark magic she was using created spaces like launch pads for her to slash at Samuel and quickly dodge backward. I would be impressed if the situation were different. I yelled at Vestia, "Isn't light magic naturally effective against dealing with dark magic? Is there anything you can do?" Vestia shot back, "No fool, my light magic is only good for protecting and healing; I can't use it to fight." She had a point; each type of magic was good for specific kinds of things. For example, dark magic was good for creating space like Isabella did or strengthening one's body. Vestia's light magic was mainly only good for creating barriers or healing. There were tons of spells for each element, but those were the primary functions of the elements.

An idea popped into my head; it could work, but it would require Vestia's aid, and since Samuel was distracted, this could work. Era stepped forward, "I know that look in the short time I have known you; you just thought of something stupid again. Very well, I will cover you." Luna was assembled and ready to fight. Light magic should work to weaken dark magic like Samuel is using. I can provide the means for her light magic to reach Samuel with my runes. I had never tried this before, and I didn't know what would happen, but if this works, Samuel should be affected. Luna flew through the air, slashing at Samuel from behind. He took no damage but bellowed, "Stupid flies! I will teach you a lesson for buzzing around me!" He turned toward Luna, ready to strike.