The Absolute and those who can rule it

Chapter 5 [Iron Tempest]

"Iron Tempest? Nice name, I like it. Call me Tempest from now on," the man declared with a theatrical bow, his voice dripping with arrogance. As he straightened, the air around him shimmered, and suddenly, a swarm of gleaming steel projectiles materialized, hovering menacingly around his form like a deadly metallic halo.

His eyes, cold and calculating, bore into Noarin as he spoke, his villainous tone sending chills down my spine. "I'm pretty sure I left you with some pretty bad wounds. Tell me, how did you survive?" The question hung in the air, laced with both curiosity and disappointment. Man, I hate this guy already

Noarin, ever defiant, smirked sarcastically. Her voice was steady, betraying no fear as she retorted, "None of your business. I'm a tough girl, you know?" The bravado in her tone was admirable, but I could see the slight tension in her shoulders, a reminder of the pain she must have endured.

Tempest's laughter echoed through the air, a sound devoid of any real mirth. His gaze shifted, landing on me with predatory interest. "Oooh, I see. You have friends now," he grinned, his eyes glinting with malice.

A shiver ran down my spine, and I felt my heart rate quicken. The way he looked at us, it was as if we were nothing more than prey to him.

Without warning, his demeanor shifted. "Well, I'll just have to make sure I killed you this time!" he snarled, his face contorting with rage. The steel projectiles around him vibrated with deadly intent before hurtling towards us at breakneck speed.

Just as I braced for impact, the impossible happened. The projectiles froze mid-air, hanging suspended for a moment before clattering harmlessly to the ground. I turned to see Kai, his hand outstretched, a look of concentration on his face as he manipulated gravity itself.

A grin spread across Kai's face, a mix of surprise and satisfaction. "Oooh, I learn something new again," he quipped, his confidence growing with each successful use of his power.

Tempest's reaction was unexpected. Instead of anger, his face lit up with twisted glee. "Hahahaha! Great! Another Holder to kill and take their ornament!" he exclaimed, his laughter echoing with malicious intent.

As if summoned by his dark thoughts, a wicked-looking scythe materialized in Tempest's hands. Great, he's in full Grim Reaper mode now.

Pushing past my apprehension, I summoned my bow, the familiar weight materializing in my hands, bringing a small measure of comfort. I quickly took up a defensive stance, my muscles tense and ready for action.

"Hey, how do you do that?" Kai whispered, his eyes wide with curiosity as he pointed at my bow. *Really? At this timing?* I thought incredulously, fighting the urge to roll my eyes.

Before I could respond, Tempest lunged at Kai with inhuman speed. Noarin, ever vigilant, intercepted the attack, her blade meeting Tempest's scythe with a resounding clang that sent sparks flying.

Seizing the opportunity, I nocked an ethereal arrow, its energy humming through my fingers as I took aim. I released, the projectile streaking towards Tempest with deadly accuracy. But he was too quick, twisting out of the way at the last second.

Undeterred, Tempest retaliated, steel projectiles materializing and hurtling towards me. Once again, Kai's newfound mastery over gravity came to our aid, the deadly missiles freezing in mid-air before dropping harmlessly to the ground.

Noarin pressed her attack, her sword a blur of motion as she engaged Tempest in close combat. The air crackled with the intensity of their exchange, each blow parried and countered with inhuman speed. Suddenly, Tempest disengaged, performing an acrobatic backflip to put some distance between them.