Kaen's eyes widened, fire flickering even stronger as his heart pounded. "A Dragon Knight… you mean like Khael?!"
Moe's eyes widened, disbelief cutting through his fatigue. "What? What do you mean… Khael?"
Juno smirked slightly, dodging a swing from the monster. "I knew it… you're jealous."
"I am not!!" Ceyla snapped, lightning flaring brighter, crackling across her arms like twin storms ready to strike.
Lira moved between the Pearl Guardians, hands glowing softly as her Bloom Echo Art wrapped wounded soldiers in warmth and vitality. "Steady, everyone! Focus!" Her voice was a calm anchor amidst the chaos, each motion precise, mending shattered arms and burned flesh.
Captain Roan, battle-scarred and unyielding, raised his Weapon, every scar on his sun-tanned arms telling a story of battles survived. "Focus, everyone! These monsters won't wait for hesitation!" His voice carried over the roar of the tide and the chaos of battle.
The sea monster lunged, its massive claws tearing the dock as Rael leapt forward, Lumen Blade spinning in a dazzling arc. Each swing carved through water and scaled flesh alike, cutting deep furrows into the beast. Sparks of Shinrei flared along the blade with each impact. "(I have to assess its pattern… its movement… faster, sharper… precise.)"
Ceyla shouted, "Echo art: Chain Lightning!" and the bolts leapt from her hands, striking the monster across its scaled hide. The air sizzled, and the water around it steamed as lightning seared through muscle and bone. Yet the creature only roared louder, seemingly feeding off the chaos.
Juno, feet sliding across the splintered wood, twisted his body, his veins and muscles thrumming with Sense, predicting the monster's strikes before they happened. He dodged a claw swipe with uncanny precision, countering with a titanic punch that sent a shockwave rippling through the water. "(Taishin… control the flow… anticipate its strength… don't overextend!)"
Lira's hands never stopped glowing, weaving Echo Arts of Hope, reinforcing weakened shields and healing broken bones among the Pearl Guardians. "You can do this… hold the line!"
The other sea monster, larger than any tide beast seen before, emerged from the black waters, its sheer size dwarfing the first. Its maw opened wide, dripping brine and corruption, eyes glowing like molten gold. The frontline shivered.
Rael crouched again, eyes narrowing. "(This… this is no ordinary beast. It's intelligent… calculating… I have to strike where it least expects…)" He pivoted, spinning through the air with the Lumen Blade flashing emerald, cutting a swath through the monster's leg. Sparks and water exploded everywhere, deafening the battlefield.
Ceyla zipped across the debris, each footfall leaving scorched marks on broken wood. "You can't hide from me!" She shouted as she sent a chain of lightning to bind the monster's limbs, forcing it into an awkward stance.
The Pearl Guardians, inspired by the strength and coordination of the young warriors, fought with renewed vigor. Spears and tridents clashed against scales, shielded bodies pushed forward, and Lira's continual healing kept the frontline from breaking.
Captain Roan barked orders, "Form a wedge! Push it back to the docks, don't let it reach the village!"
The sea monster's tail smashed a section of the pier, sending water and debris flying. Kaen and Khael were nowhere in sight, and Ceyla's sparks dimmed for a moment as worry gnawed at her. "(They better get here soon… this thing… it's unlike anything we've fought.)"
Rael's eyes flicked to the horizon, searching for Khael's presence, "(Tsk khael… where are you? Damnit)"
The storm of water, Shinrei, and chaos swirled, the frontline shaking but unbroken. Each fighter knew this would not be an easy night. The monsters were just the beginning, and Pearlbay's safety rested on their combined strength.
As The salty wind whipped through the narrow passage leading to Elder Neria's hall, carrying the faint cries of the wounded and the distant roar of the sea. Kaen's fists clenched, fire flickering lightly along his knuckles, as he half-carried, half-supported Moe toward safety. Toren, Lys, and Kiro followed closely, their bare feet slapping against the wet stones.
Suddenly, a deep, calm voice cut through the chaos:
"There you are, Kaen…"
Kaen froze, eyes widening as he looked up. "Khael!!" His voice cracked, a mix of relief and disbelief.
From the shadows, Khael emerged, his scaled arm catching the weak light, glinting faintly like moonlit metal. The aura of a Dragon Knight radiated from him, calm yet overwhelming, and it pressed against the hearts of those nearby.
Moe, still pale and trembling from his wounds, raised his head. His eyes locked onto Khael's figure, and recognition flickered like lightning in the depths of his exhausted soul. "(It… it can't be… could it really be… another Dragon Knight…?)"
Tears streaked Moe's battered face as he forced himself upright, his body shaking violently. "After all these years… another Dragon Knight is born… I… I…"
Neria moved forward, placing a hand on Moe's shoulder. "Elder Moe, don't—"
"Don't stop me, you brat!" Moe snapped weakly, voice raw with emotion. His tears continued to flow freely, mixing with the blood and salt on his cheeks. Despite his injuries, he staggered to his knees before Khael, shaking slightly but unbowed.
He bowed deeply, trembling yet filled with awe. "The hope of the universe… the hero… the strongest… the light… the one who carries the dragon blood… the first creature of this world… the dragon…"
Moe's voice broke, quivering with reverence and desperation. "My hero… save us…"
Kaen, Toren, Lys, and Kiro watched in silent awe. Even the children could feel the weight of history and legend pressing down in that moment, the air thick with Shinrei, hope, and the tangible presence of a power that could change the tide of the world.
To be continue