16 Unexpected Attack (3)

In the eerie aftermath of the intense battle, Sigrid stood transfixed, her gaze unwavering upon the grotesque aftermath. Jerome's brutal prowess against the trolls left her stunned and unnerved, a haunting mix of terror and fascination. His silhouette, aglow in her husband's magic, loomed amidst the scattered troll remains—a terrifying testament to strength and brutality. The shimmer of his onyx skin in that strange light both captivated and disturbed her, revealing an unsettling blend of power and mercilessness.

A shiver ran through Sigrid, not just from the grim scene but also from the stark realization of Jerome's formidable might. Her breath hitched, a muddled surge of emotions—fear, intrigue, and an unexpected respect for the dark-skinned mage. Seeing one of their brethren being slaughtered by this human in such a way caused the trolls to become more alert. As they looked at the headless body sadness and frustration were etched on their faces. The biggest troll grumbled something to others as they started circling around Jerome.

Sigrid broke out of the spell noticing that the trolls were focusing their attention on Jerome asked Oliver to open up the branches for her to leave. "Even if they are highly resistant to dark magic if they are focusing on Jerome I can gather enough to pierce a few of them". Sigrid told Oliver in a calm voice.

Oliver nodded, observing his rival taking the spotlight, ironically overshadowing him under his own magical radiance. "I'll concentrate on safeguarding you and lending support to him," he stated, wary of any potential lurking threat awaiting its chance to strike.

Sigrid smiled as she began condensing darkness, forming two bitch black balls in her hand. "I'll show him," Sigrid cutely fumed as the black balls in her hand began to emit terrible power around her. 

While Sigrid was casting her magic and Oliver was on the lookout Jerome continued to face the trolls. The trolls slowly decreased their distance, moving closer to the lone human. Jerome feeling the encroaching trolls did not take even a single step back. His face was now serene, his eyes scanning the movements of the trolls. Suddenly the leader of the trolls jumped in the air brandishing his spear downwards Jerome's head. Bracing for the impact Jerome's body started releasing even more steam. Instead of dodging Jerome decided to take it head-on and took a defensive position his arms defending his head from above. As soon as the spear's tip touched Jerome's arm he understood that he severely underestimated his opponent. A heavy sound of something breaking and crunching echoed through the forest Jerome's arm near the wrist was crushed and almost completely severed. He winced in pain and for the first time backed away. However, he was too late because two trolls were already a few steps away from him. Jerome braced for the incoming impact but suddenly two wide trees sprouted in front of the incoming trolls giving him time to back away safely.

Sigrid seeing Jerome in this precarious situation laughed loudly as Oliver's trees grew and obstructed the trolls. "I'm ready to fire at any time Oli," Sigrid turned and winked at Oliver.

"Leave this to me," Oliver declared as he knelt, his palms touching the fertile ground of the forest. A radiant green light emanated from his hands, a blend of order and chaos, the very essence of nature. From beneath Jerome's defensive stance, a wall of vibrant trees surged upward, weaving and stretching towards the trolls, ensnaring them in a lush embrace. Simultaneously, a slender, brilliant green vine wound its way around Jerome's leg, gradually climbing toward his injured arm. Upon reaching the mangled limb, the vine emitted a warm, healing green glow, swiftly mending the damaged nerves, bones, and muscles in the blink of an eye.

Jerome stared at his restored arm, clenching his fist, feeling a surge of power coursing through it, enough to crush the trolls with his bare strength. "His healing has made me stronger, even if only temporarily... or perhaps he's strengthened my arm permanently?" Jerome pondered in shock as he experienced the prowess of Oliver's nature magic firsthand. "They won't just abandon me and let me die," he thought, grinning to himself. "With his support and healing, I can focus on and fight without worrying about defence," he decided, calling out to the couple behind him. "You two, stay back and support—"

Jerome's commanding voice echoed through the forest, interrupted by a chilling sensation from two sources of potent magic speeding past him. Two enormous black meteors soared past him, hurtling towards the foes. The trolls, on the verge of breaching the tree barrier, were suddenly stricken with cold. Peering down, they discovered their chests riddled with empty holes, spilling crimson. As Sigrid's dark meteors pierced through the trolls' bodies, they exploded, shattering into shards that penetrated the incoming adversaries. Despite their resistance, Sigrid's concentrated magic breached the trolls' defences. The remaining ten trolls and their leader were riddled with small openings, crimson blood gushing from their wounds. Witnessing the grim spectacle, even Jerome felt a little pity for the trolls, knowing firsthand the devastation dark magic could inflict upon its victims.

Unaware of Sigrid's approach, Jerome was startled when she appeared beside him. Her dark hair swirled in the wind, shining light accentuating her toned physique, making her look like a wicked goddess. Meanwhile, Oliver moved closer to Sigrid, and she turned her emerald eyes toward her husband's bully, casting a sly, provocative smile.