Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

Chapter 67 Ancient Ruins Expedition (5) - Fierce Battle for Survival

reaching the island required a cautious approach. swimming was out of the question; the frigid water and the unknown depths posed too great a risk."we need to find a boat," william declared, scanning the shoreline. "there has to be a way for them to have reached the island."

his words sparked a renewed sense of purpose. the students spread out,

"do you really think i'll tell you that?" the attacker sneered, their voice dripping with malice. "just know that we didn't intend to kill your students. they were simply...in the wrong place at the wrong time."

fury surged through james. he drew his sword, its blade igniting with fiery energy. with a speed that belied his scholarly appearance, he lunged towards the attacker, his movements a blur.

the attacker, caught off guard, couldn't react in time. james's blade sliced through the air, connecting with the attacker's left arm, leaving a deep, cauterized wound.

"agh!" the attacker screamed, their voice raw with pain. the smell of burning flesh filled the air. your next read awaits at empire

james, momentarily distracted by his initial victory, felt a surge of heat at his back. he turned to see a blazing fireball hurtling towards him.

"trying to hit me with fire?" he scoffed, his voice laced with arrogance. "foolish."

the attacker grinned, a cruel glint in his eyes. "actually," he replied, his voice a chilling whisper, "i'm just distracting you."

suddenly, a figure materialized from the shadows behind james. this attacker, cloaked in darkness, wielded the rare and deadly power of shadow magic. james, his senses attuned to fire, hadn't even registered their presence. a dagger, tipped with a sinister black energy, plunged deep into his chest. blood blossomed, staining his pristine robes crimson.

"james!" martha's scream echoed through the cavern.

the silence that followed the abrupt end of the battle was deafening. the students, huddled within the opulent walls of the elven palace, exchanged terrified glances. the echoes of magical combat had ceased, leaving a chilling void in their wake. a wave of despair washed over them. their protectors, their mentors, had fallen.

"damn it!" one of the students cried, slamming his fist against the wall in frustration.

the impact dislodged a painting, sending it crashing to the floor. behind it, they found something.