[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 35: The Unexpected Assault

As darkness began to envelop the dense forest, Jun, Calla, Sora, Miranda, and Miiko gathered around an improvised campfire. The flames danced, casting flickering shadows on their determined faces. They knew their enemies were lurking somewhere, but the exact nature of the imminent threat remained unknown.

Jun sat, engrossed in the pages of his grimoire, searching for clues on how to thwart their enemies' plans. Calla, ever vigilant, kept watch over the surroundings, her sharpened senses alert for any suspicious movement. Miranda, meanwhile, studied an ancient map drawn from her own book, attempting to anticipate the next moves of the Güldenstern Order. Miiko stood slightly apart, her piercing purple eyes scanning the darkness, an expression of mystery and determination on her face.

Sora, now in his animal form, sniffed the air, sensing a growing tension in the atmosphere. His amber eyes turned to Jun. «They're coming,» he growled in a deep voice. «I can feel their presence.»

Jun straightened, closing his grimoire. «Prepare yourselves,» he said calmly. «We must be ready for anything.»

The minutes that followed were fraught with tension. Each checked their weapons and powers, preparing to face the dark forces looming on the horizon. Suddenly, a howl pierced the night, followed by heavy footsteps and guttural voices. The minions of the Güldenstern Order were here, sent by the Master of Shadows.

The Master of Shadows' minions emerged from the shadows, their menacing silhouettes standing out in the firelight. These mercenaries were known for their brutality and unwavering loyalty to the Order. At their head stood an imposing figure, his face concealed beneath a dark hood, bearing the distinctive symbol of the Order.

«Jun Park,» called out the gruff voice of the band's leader. «It's time for you and your friends to pay for daring to defy our master.»

Jun clenched his fists, preparing to fight back. «We will never surrender,» he declared with determination. «Your reign of terror ends here.»

The battle erupted in a clash of metal and magic. Calla, invisible in the shadows, struck with deadly precision, using her agility and spells from her grimoire to destabilize their enemies. Miranda conjured bewildering illusions, creating mirages that disrupted the assailants and made them hesitate. Miiko, with her seductive powers from her ancient grimoire, sowed confusion and doubt among the ranks of the mercenaries, using every glance and gesture to influence their minds.

Sora, in his humanoid form, displayed colossal strength, pushing back assailants with brute force. His claws and fangs wreaked havoc, but he had to conserve his energy to avoid weakening.

Jun, at the center of the melee, drew upon the power of his grimoire of ancient warriors, executing combat moves worthy of legends. He felt the presence of the souls who had come before him, guiding his actions and strengthening his will.

The leader of the mercenaries cast a powerful spell, creating a shockwave that knocked Jun to the ground. As he rose, shaken but determined, he saw Miiko slipping behind the enemy, ready to strike.

«Now, Miiko!» Jun shouted.

Miiko used all her strength to materialize a shimmering dagger and plunged it into the back of the mercenary leader. The man let out a cry of pain and turned, his eyes burning with hatred.

«You... cannot... stop us...» he growled before collapsing.

With their leader's fall, the mercenaries began to scatter, disorganized and panicked. Our heroes, exhausted but victorious, watched their enemies flee into the night.

As silence fell over the forest, Jun turned to his companions, his face marked by fatigue but illuminated by determination. «This is but one battle,» he said. «The war is not yet over. We must continue to fight, together.»

The others nodded, ready to face the challenges ahead. With Miiko now by their side, their team was stronger and more united than ever. They knew that as long as they stood together, nothing could stop them.

And so, our heroes prepared for the trials to come, determined to protect their world from the darkness threatening to engulf it. For even though the future was uncertain, one thing was certain: as long as they remained united, they would always be the last readers standing.