The Forsaken Arts

Chapter 3: Leading By Example

Unable to keep up or match the phantasm's power and agility, Dai began taking heavy and consecutive damage. As blood trickled down from a cut above his eye, he stumbled back and noticed that Osyrus stood unmoved from the same place as before.

Osyrus continued to look on, dazed with awe -Unbelievable, those two are fighting at capacities thought capable only in stories of old. I just don't understand, Krinx doesn't even seem like the same person. He's completely different from what I remember and to make matters worse, it doesn't look like he's even trying.

As he weaved through the attacks, JinX saw the opening he had hoped for. He made a swift dash and leaped into the air to deliver maximum damage. However Krinx quickly grabbed a hold of his calf and delivered a stunning blow that forced him crashing into the ground.

The antagonist watched as this experienced fighter reeled in excruciating pain as a smile of satisfaction escaped from beneath his hood. While his opponent rolled in agony, clenching himself, Krinx directed his attention to Dai who was barely holding his own against his clones.

Krinx folded his arms across his chest once more as his eyes began to glow a brilliant amber, causing the phantasms to stop attacking Dai. They then shattered and were absorbed back into his body. In the distance, Osyrus observed and verified the thought that they had come unprepared.

"Snap out of it, he's strong, we knew this before we came to confront him!" yelled JinX, noticing the young warrior frozen with fear.

While this was true, Osyrus nor any member of Legion could have known just how powerful Krinx had become. Seeing this drastic spike in power was terrifying and displayed how ultimately incapable the kingdom would be at handling this threat.

Realizing how futile the situation had become, JinX directed Dai to take Osyrus and retreat.

"Huh, are you crazy!? There's no way I'm leaving you to face him alone!" he replied coughing up blood while trying to catch his breath.

JinX's expression was clear, he was desperate and at that moment it suddenly occurred to Dai that he did not plan on returning to Faxon with them.

Disgusted by watching them squabble among themselves, Krinx Interjected, "How pathetic, all of your heroics for nothing. All of your lectures for nothing, you came merely to waste my time! Leave while you can, your lives already belong to me. " he said while turning his back to his foes.

Dai quickly motioned that they should accept his crude and arrogant gesture of hospitality and retreat, but his body no longer felt like his own as he draped one arm over Osyrus' shoulder.

Though significantly smaller in stature, Osyrus supported most of his weight the best he could as the two inched back towards the woods for safety.

With the Legion's attention still fixated on the enemy, JinX was the last to join the retreat, "Very well, let us leave." he whispered while staring down his mentor.

Casually walking away, hands clasped behind his back with nothing to fear, Krinx began to sweat profusely. He suddenly jolted forward, panting as if he were out of breath. His crimson eyes evolved into a deep shade of mauve and a sinister grin formed on his face.

After noticing the change in Krinx's ki, which alone he had mastered, JinX turned and ran towards his comrades who both thought they were out of harm's way.

"Get down!" JinX shouted as life hung in the balance.

Dai and Osyrus turned in time to witness their leader pushing them to safety. While looking up from the ground they saw a massive wave of energy quickly engulf his person.

In the distance the evil hooded foe was in utter joy, laughing with sheer pleasure as he walked through a dark rift which closed behind him.

Stunned and trying to comprehend what had just unfolded, both remaining members of the Legion couldn't help but watch in disbelief as the energy that once encompassed JinX slowly dissipated, leaving nothing behind.