The Forbidden Element

The night air was thick with the scent of smoke and steel. The Phoenix Rebellion had struck a decisive blow, but the battle was not over yet.

Surya stood over Captain Dravak's fallen form, his golden eyes still glowing faintly from the surge of energy that had ignited his blade moments ago. His heart pounded in his chest, his breath ragged from the fight.

Aaryan kept his dagger at Dravak's throat, waiting for any sign of resistance.

"You made the right choice," Aaryan muttered as he tightened his grip. "You surrender, you live. Fight back, and—"

BANG!

A sudden explosion rocked the garrison.

The ground trembled as a wall caved in, sending debris flying. Dust filled the air, choking the lungs of everyone in the chamber.

Surya shielded his face, his instincts screaming danger.

"An ambush?!" Rohan coughed, flames instinctively flickering around his fists.

From the smog emerged a squad of armored soldiers, their eyes glowing an unnatural red beneath their helmets.

"No..." Aaryan whispered. "They're not just soldiers... They're Blood Sentinels."

Saria paled. "Enforcers of the First Kingdom."

The Blood Sentinels were infamous—elite warriors infused with dark alchemy, loyal only to the King. Their strength, speed, and endurance far surpassed that of ordinary soldiers.

And now, they had come for the rebellion.

Dravak let out a dark chuckle from the floor. "You fools... did you really think I came alone?"

One of the Blood Sentinels stepped forward, his armor reflecting the dim torchlight. His voice was distorted, emotionless.

"By order of the First Kingdom... all traitors shall perish."

In the blink of an eye, he moved.

Faster than Surya expected.

A single strike sent Aaryan flying across the room, crashing into the rubble. Saria barely had time to dodge before another Sentinel lunged at her, its blade slicing through the air where she had stood moments before.

"Damn it!" Rohan roared, unleashing a blast of fire at the approaching enemies.

The flames engulfed two of the Sentinels—but as the fire died down, their forms remained, completely unharmed.

"What?!" Rohan's eyes widened in shock.

One of the Sentinels turned to face him. "Elemental magic is ineffective against us."

Surya gritted his teeth.

This was different. This was worse.

His fingers tightened around his sword.

"Then we don't fight with magic," he said. "We fight with everything else."

He charged.

Blade met steel as Surya clashed against the nearest Sentinel. Their swords locked, sparks flying as Surya pushed with all his might. But the Sentinel didn't budge—it was like striking against an immovable wall.

A punch to the gut sent Surya staggering back. He barely had time to recover before another strike came, forcing him on the defensive.

They're too strong...

A sharp whistle rang through the air.

Aaryan, bleeding but standing, raised two fingers to his lips and whistled again—a signal.

From the shadows, the rebels emerged.

A second explosion erupted outside, lighting up the night. The rebels had set more traps around the garrison, forcing the remaining First Kingdom forces into disarray.

The Sentinels hesitated for a moment.

And in that moment, Surya moved.

With a burst of speed, he weaved past their defenses, his blade slicing through the air. He wasn't aiming for a kill—just a break in their armor.

A single crack. A weak point.

His sword found it.

A chink in the Sentinel's plated shoulder. A small, almost invisible gap.

Surya drove his blade into it.

The Sentinel shuddered.

Its movements slowed.

"They're not invincible!" Surya called out. "Find the gaps in their armor!"

Aaryan smirked through bloodied lips. "You heard him—cut them down!"

The rebels attacked with newfound determination.

Rohan, despite his magic being useless, grabbed a fallen spear and jammed it between a Sentinel's leg joints, bringing the warrior to a knee. Saria moved like a phantom, slipping past their swings and slicing at exposed joints.

One by one, the Sentinels fell.

The battle raged for what felt like an eternity, but eventually, the last Blood Sentinel collapsed to the ground.

Silence filled the chamber.

Bodies of fallen enemies lay scattered, blood soaking the stone floor. The air was thick with exhaustion and victory.

Aaryan exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow. "That was... unpleasant."

Saria knelt next to a wounded rebel, tending to his injuries. "They were prepared for us. This was a warning."

Surya looked around at the destruction.

This victory had come at a cost.

And something told him... the First Kingdom wasn't done with them yet.

A chill ran down his spine.

This is only the beginning.

(TO BE CONTINUED...)