Hidden Pathways

Shadow Reckoning - Chapter 112

With a fierce determination, Gargeal seized his great sword and charged towards Valoron, unleashing a powerful arc slice in his direction.

Valoron met the attack head-on, swiftly blocking the blow with his long sword, their weapons clashing in a resounding clash of steel.

"Gargeal!" Valoron's voice rang out, a mix of determination and concern for his opponent.

"I will make you pay for this," Gargeal vowed, his words laced with fury as he prepared for another onslaught.

The two warriors engaged in a relentless exchange of strikes, their swords moving with lightning speed as they sought to gain the upper hand in the heated confrontation.

Meanwhile, Jiighual lay on the ground, his strength waning as blood seeped from his abdomen, his consciousness slipping away with each passing moment.

Zach's trembling hand reached for his claymore sword, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination as he beheld the sight of his fallen comrade.

"Jiighual..." Zach's voice quivered with emotion as he whispered the name of his friend, the weight of the moment bearing down on him like a crushing weight.

The warriors around him mocked his distress, Zach's resolve hardened, his grip tightening on his sword as he prepared to join the fray and defend his fallen comrade.

"What's the matter, little guy?" one warrior taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Are you going to shed some tears now?" another jeered, his laughter echoing across the battlefield.

"Looks like the captain's not as tough as he thought!" a third warrior mocked, his words laced with scorn.

"Come on, do something about it!" yet another sneered, his taunts fueling the flames of Zach's fury.

Zach stood amidst the chaos, his breaths heavy and labored, he felt a wave of anguish wash over him. The memory of Ruby'ck's words echoed in his mind, reminding him of the path he had chosen to walk – one of redemption and change.

With a heavy heart, Zach slowly lowered his claymore sword, the weight of his actions weighing heavily on his conscience. He remembered Ruby'ck's wisdom, urging him to break the cycle of violence and embrace a new path towards peace and understanding.

"I can't... I won't let myself become what they want me to be," Zach whispered to himself, his voice barely audible amidst the din of battle.

In a sudden surge of determination, Zach raised his fists, his eyes blazing with resolve as he made a silent vow to protect his comrades without spilling any more blood.

With a swift and calculated precision, Zach began to strike, each blow aimed not to kill, but to incapacitate. His movements were fluid and controlled, a testament to his newfound resolve to change.

The warriors surrounding him were caught off guard by Zach's sudden shift in tactics, their taunts turning to shouts of surprise and confusion as they found themselves overpowered by the captain's unwavering determination.

In the midst of the chaos, Zach fought not with rage, but with a quiet determination to protect those he held dear. Each blow landed with purpose, a testament to his commitment to break free from the cycle of violence and forge a new path towards peace.

The last of the warriors fell to the ground, Zach stood amidst the wreckage, his chest heaving with exertion. Though battered and bruised, he felt a sense of peace wash over him, knowing that he had chosen the path of compassion and empathy over the darkness of vengeance.

Zach hurried to Jiighual's side, his heart pounding with fear as he crouched beside the fallen warrior. Gently, he reached out to feel for a pulse, relief flooding him as he detected the faint throb beneath Jiighual's skin.