Royena had lost count of how many cultists she had defeated.
The pain from her wounds had long since dulled, growing numb with each new injury, while her magic power was nearing depletion from the relentless battle.
She knew she had reached her limit. Since becoming a favored warrior, she had never felt death looming so closely.
But she knew she mustn't fall.
Her gaze swept over the trembling children behind her, and she tightened her grip on the sword in her hand, now covered with cracks.
She was the last favored warrior defending Black Water Village.
She had to keep fighting.
She... needed to be.
Wild magic surged forward as the cultist swung his great sword, roaring as he slashed at Royena.
With a crisp sound, her sword finally reached its limit and shattered.
Royena felt a dull pain on the left side of her body as blood sprayed into the air, and she couldn't suppress the iron taste in her throat, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
"Lord Royena!"
