Shadows of Ascension

61. Unexpected Allies

The two figures emerged from the shadows, their presence immediately catching Riona’s attention. They moved swiftly, intercepting Erebus’ blade just as he was about to deliver a final blow to Luca. The force of their intervention sent Erebus stumbling back, his eyes widening in surprise as he recognized them.

"I-It’s you… Hrie, Oeifi…" Erebus muttered, his voice filled with shock and confusion.

Hrie, the taller of the two, grinned proudly. "We were able to defeat the monsters that were guarding us, brother!" he announced, his voice brimming with excitement.

Oeifi, the younger brother, nodded in agreement. "We’re here to help."

Shadowbane, locked in his fierce battle with Aiden, glanced over at the scene unfolding with a mix of disbelief and anger. "No way…" he hissed, his calm demeanor faltering for the first time.

"Don’t get distracted!" Aiden roared, seizing the moment. With a swift, powerful strike, he cut into Shadowbane’s defenses, forcing the dark hunter back. Their fight continued, the intensity only growing as Aiden pressed his advantage.

Meanwhile, Luca took a step back, catching his breath as he greeted the brothers. Luca took a deep breath, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle over him. Despite the fatigue, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Erebus… you don’t have to fight me anymore. Your brothers are free."

Oeifi nodded eagerly. "That’s right. Look, brother!" He and Hrie both lifted their shirts slightly, revealing fresh marks on their chests.

Erebus' eyes widened as he saw the symbols. "D rank?" he murmured in disbelief.

"We’ve ascended," Oeifi confirmed, pride evident in his voice. "We may be many steps behind you, brother, but we’re catching up."

"Our difference in strength is still insane, but we’re getting stronger," Hrie added, his determination shining through.

Erebus looked at his brothers, a mix of pride and relief washing over him. "You’re progressing… more than I could have hoped." He took a shaky breath, clearly struggling to stay on his feet. "I don’t have much strength left in me. Please, assist Aiden in his battle with your new strength."

Luca nodded at the brothers. "I don’t have much left either. I used everything against you, Erebus. If your brothers hadn’t stepped in, I would’ve lost."

Riona, still struggling to get up, managed to speak between gasps. "Me neither… I’m at my limit."

Erebus looked at Luca, then at Riona. "I never wanted to fight you. But Shadowbane… he left me no choice."

Luca nodded in understanding. "You did what you had to, to protect your family. We all would."

Hrie and Oeifi exchanged a determined look before turning toward Aiden and Shadowbane’s battle. "We’ll help him," Oeifi said, his voice resolute.