Conquerors Will 

Jahad grasped the pike beside him, its handle slick with blood. Suddenly, one of the attackers darted toward him, brandishing a dagger in each hand. With a swift motion, Jahad waved the spear, effectively denying the man the distance he needed to strike. The assailant retreated, skittering back two steps, showcasing his agility. Behind them, the sorcerer trailed ominously, his presence looming as he prepared to unleash his arcane power. Jahad knew he needed to reduce their numbers before the sorcerer arrived. The second man thrust a spearhead toward him, but Jahad ducked to the side just in time, feeling the rush of air as it narrowly skimmed past him. He grabbed the outstretched spear and yanked the man forward, using his weight and momentum to his advantage. With a swift movement, he stuck out his foot, sending the attacker sprawling in a tangle of limbs and weaponry. Before the man could regain his footing, Jahad hurled the pike like a javelin, and it buried itself into the man's shoulder blade. A piercing scream of agony echoed as he was pinned to the rooftop tiles, the fight clearly leaving him.

The man wielding the daggers charged at Jahad with fierce determination. Jahad raised his sword just in time, and sparks erupted from the collision. He could feel the impact reverberate through the handle, a jolt of energy coursing through him as he braced for the next move. The intensity of the fight heightened, and Jahad knew he had to stay sharp to counter this agile opponent. He had to keep distance, he sent out wild lacerations in quick succession, the assailant responding with rapid backsteps but Jahad applied the pressure, at this point the sorcerer had entered the fray. the wind howls around him, whipping through his hair and clothes. The sorcerer, standing a few feet away, raises his hands, summoning gusts of wind that swirl like a tempest. With a flick of his wrist, he sends a powerful blast toward Jahad, forcing him to dodge just in time, but the momentum nearly sends him teetering off the edge.Meanwhile, the man with the dual daggers closed in, his movements swift and fluid. The glint of the blades catches the light as he lunges at Jahad, slashing with precision. Jahad barely manages to parry one dagger with his weapon, but the second catches him off guard, grazing his side. The pain is sharp, and he can feel the pressure mounting. 

The sorcerer took advantage of Jahad's distraction, unleashing a series of wind blades that slice through the air like knives. Jahad's heart races as he narrowly avoids one, but the relentless assault keeps coming, forcing him to stay on the defensive. He feels the weight of the situation pressing down on him, the rooftops beneath him becoming a precarious battleground where one misstep could lead to disaster. Each slice of wind sliced his arms and legs, his trenchcoat was reinforced, saving him from the brunt of the attack; however the damage was still done. With both enemies closing in, Jahad knew he had to find a way to turn the tide before it was too late. The odds were stacked against him, and every second counted as he fought to stay one step ahead.

The sorcerer waved his wooden staff in a circular motion, the circular pattern forming again, he was going to send a condensed blast of wind. The dagger man leapt forward, slicing into air with his two knives, all this time Jahad had been biding his time for the right moment, keeping the dagger man at a distance whilst the sorcerer chipped away at him from far. All for this one moment. The runic spells pulsed with a vibrant glow, but just before the gust of wind surged forth, Jahad executed a swift slide toward the man wielding the knives. The sudden movement caught the dagger-wielder off guard, forcing him to instinctively retreat with rapid backsteps. However, before he could regain his footing, Jahad seized the moment and launched a ferocious low kick. His shin collided violently with the man's front calf, sending him sprawling to the side from the impact. The force of the blow sent him tumbling directly into the path of the swirling wind spell, leaving him vulnerable and disoriented amidst the chaos. The gust of condensed wind whistled as it shot forward, the sorcerer mumbled "fuck". The shot buried deep into his back, twisting him as it sent him flying several meters before he crashed down off the roof, each impact resonating with a sickening crunch. Jahad dashed away trying to keep distance again, but the sorcerer glided towards him maliciously. There was nowhere to run for Jahad and the rooftops were too open, any sort of spell would hit him, he had made a mistake, he should have closed the distance. Or so the sorcerer thought. He twirled his wooden staff, a smirk escaping his face.

"end of the line kid". He said, laughing tauntingly as a spell formation appeared, but a shadow cast above him. The one Jahad had vanquished and taken control, the one that had punched him at the start of the rooftop, stood looming over the man, his eyes glistening with a menacing purple hue. Before the sorcerer realized what was happening, it was already too late. Jahad had cunningly orchestrated the situation, making it appear as though his ally was still on their side. He had to be sly to outmaneuver a sorcerer. As the one he had subdued swung his sword, it plunged deep into the sorcerer's side, unleashing a chilling scream that reverberated across the rooftops and echoed through the alleyways. The intricate spell formation shattered as the sorcerer struggled to comprehend the sudden betrayal. Jahad then commanded his ally to wrap him in a bear hug, their arms constricting around the sorcerer with a strength that seemed almost superhuman, the sword still lodged in the mage's side. Jahad sprang toward the two, his voice low but resolute as he uttered, "Asper-Shah." He advanced slowly, observing the terror that washed over the sorcerer's face, his lips quivering in a desperate attempt to plead for mercy. In the final meter, Jahad dashed forward, seizing him by the throat, allowing the dark wisps to claim yet another soul. The tension of the moment was palpable, a testament to Jahad's strategic brilliance and ruthless determination.

Jahad looked into his eyes, the scarlet, purple hue enveloping his pupils. The swordsmen unbounded the sorcerer. They both stood, idle blank faces etched. Jahad collapsed to one knee, the wounds catching up to him but he looked up to them and smiled. Having a sorcerer in his arsenal was big. The swordsman helped him up, his strength unruly as he hoisted up Jahad it sent shivers of pain down his body. "Gently" Jahad tutted to him annoyingly, his reply was the same idle blank face, although Jahad thought he had imagined it, he thought he sensed a hint of confusion. He pointed at the sorcerer "Your name will be Airva". He snickered a bit at the name before pointing up to the swordsman, his arm still helping Jahad stand. "Your Gladius". Jahad thought he heard a grunt and spun around. "Fuck, contact," he thought to himself, feeling the weight of the situation. He wasn't in the best shape to fight; the black wisps were still mending the sorcerer's wounds. Gladius pulled the sword from Airva, and Jahad ordered him to prepare for battle. Gladius assumed a high stance, his slightly bulkier frame giving him an imposing presence. Though he had an ordinary face, his brute strength was undeniable. Meanwhile, Airva stood guard, raising his staff as a few low-class spells swirled around him, readying for the impending confrontation. The air was thick with tension, each warrior poised for the clash that was about to unfold.

The atmosphere felt heavy, Jahad felt a sense of dread, the figure hoisted himself up to the roof, approaching them slowly, Jahad couldn't make out his face, blood from cuts above his eyebrow obscured his vision. "Airva don't let him get close" Jahad shouted urgently but before the spells could fire a dagger cut through the circles, the symbols dissipated into the air. It was Lepic. A sigh of relief washed through Jahads soul, a wide smile escaped his face. The smile disappeared once he saw the state of Lepic. Lepic limped towards him, lacerations and cuts all over him, his trenchcoat was charred, his blonde hair soaked with blood and sweat. Jahad could not form any words. Lepic was the strongest he knew, seeing him like this was shocking. Lepic coughed, his voice tinged with a wheeze as he said "Worse than it looks". He pointed towards the bodies on the roof "you did good". He slumped down as he said that, his hand delicately pulling out his gilded stopwatch, he clicked it before pulling out two Vestra vials. He signalled Jahad to come, Airus and Gladius helped him hobble towards Lepic. Lepic glanced at the two new allies, before chucking a VV (Vestra Vial) at Jahad who ordered gladius to catch it for him. The two slumped down exhausted, applying the ointment on their harshest wounds, it stung, but it was a relieving pain.

Lepic stood up, a few cuts remained on him, his blonde silky hair still tinged with blood. He patted himself down, willows of ash falling from his clothes. Jahad straightened himself out as well, his wounds were healed, although the marks and cuts still left. The pain did not subside. Lepic wafted his hands towards the trio "They'll be in groups, get used to it". Jahad replied curiously "how many did you kill?". Lepic, engrossed in his stopwatch, breathed tiredly "twenty five, give or take, most are classed now so be careful, use your minions". Jahad nodded. "The cargos in place". He clicked his stopwatch after he said this. "We will be following in a carriage, no ones going to try and destroy the cargo, too precious but they're gonna try and hijack it, it's why we're here so gear up, we need to move, it's just outside the gates". Jahad moved towards the edge of the factory to peer down.

The spectral steed loomed before them, an imposing figure the size of a truck. Its metallic cuboid form, reinforced with shimmering mana and intricate runic carvings, pulsed with a dark sapphire hue, giving it an otherworldly presence. It felt alive, as if it possessed a will of its own. Multiple cobalt, dagger-like legs extended from its base, resembling the segmented body of a centipede. These legs dug into the ground with a fierce grip, allowing the steed to navigate its surroundings with an eerie grace. The legs lifted the reinforced metal cuboid effortlessly, showcasing its strength and agility, while the glowing runes along its surface hinted at the powerful enchantments that protected the precious merchandise contained within. This amalgamation of technology and magic created a mesmerizing sight, a true marvel of craftsmanship and mystique. Four carriages guarded the beast. Two up front and two behind. Airus waved his staff, a wind magical circle formed below, the stars and galaxies swirling in the intricate rune designs. "Useful" remarked Lepic, as the wind spell glided the group down. 

Lepic led the way, walking to the carriage at the back, each carriage had the same mystical beasts Jahad had seen before, long, muscular legs like a raptor, built for speed. Their limbs ending in three pointed toes, while their sleek horse-like bodies featured majestic heads. Instead of hooves, they had small talons for arms, giving their striking appearance. "Who's a good little Reever" Lepic whispered, petting the head affectionately. "Reevers?" Jahad questioned, Lepic replied "Yep, it's the name of these beasts" before glancing at the driver. The driver's rough hands encased the reins, the man wore a weathered leather jacket, the same wide brimmed hat, casting a dark shadow over his marred face, obscuring any facial features. Jahad thought it was the same driver they used back at their district, however he looked at the other drivers of each carrier, they wore the same uniform, had the same features, giving an air of mystery. Lepic stared at the driver "took you carriers long enough" he said, his gaze not breaking once. The driver did not reply. Lepic tutted as the group entered the carriage. The rhythmic ticking of Lepics stopwatch filled the silence as they waited for the carriage to move. Jahad curiously asked about the carriers. "We've got a couple in our district, an unbiased organisation used to move around cargo, people, anything. Some people say they aren't human, can never really see their faces but they do the job". 

After a few moments, a low humming sound resonated through the air, signaling the spectral steed's activation. Its powerful legs dug into the earth, propelling it forward with a rhythmic precision, each limb working in perfect harmony. The sound of the ground being disturbed echoed around them as they surged ahead. 

The two carriages led the procession, with Jahad and Lepic carriage closely trailing behind. As half an hour slipped by, Lepic remained engrossed in his stopwatch, as was his habit, while Jahad flicked his powers on and off, honing his skills. The sorcerer in his arsenal was a G minus rank, limited to wind spells, while Gladius was a standard G rank. Yet, he understood that the black wisps enhanced their combat abilities, pushing them to their utmost limits. Feeling restless, Jahad swept aside the carriage cloth that concealed them and gazed into the whispering pines. They were deep within the forest, where only a few structures remained visible, overshadowed by the towering, swaying trees that surrounded them. The atmosphere was thick with mystery, the forest alive with the rustling of leaves and the soft whispers of the wind. Lepic stopwatch clicked, he tucked it into the crevices of his jacket before handing Jahad three VVs. Lepics voice was stern as he spoke "There's an ambush"