Chapter 8: Shattered Armor

The blinding light faded, leaving me disoriented in the aftermath of Matthew’s dark power. I could feel the ground beneath me, solid and cold, but the weight of uncertainty hung heavily in the air. I blinked against the fading glare, and as my vision cleared, I saw Matthew standing defiantly, shadows swirling around him like a cloak of despair. His armor gleamed ominously, every curve and edge seemingly infused with dark magic.

“Vox!” I heard Raye’s voice call out, and I turned to find her struggling against the shadows, her claws still poised for attack. “We need to break through that armor!”

Pally stood nearby, fidgeting nervously. “Uh, Vox, we need to work together. If we’re going to beat him, I can give you bardic inspiration. It could help you—”

“Don’t remind me,” I shot back, scowling. “We’ve got to find a way to get through that armor first.”

Matthew laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. “You think your little band of misfits can defeat me? You’re all just pawns in a game far beyond your understanding!” His voice reverberated with power, a dark echo of his twisted intentions.

“Let’s see about that!” I growled, gripping my club tighter. “Spellbook, what do you have? Can you get through that armor?”

“Yeah, about that,” he said, his eyes darting around as he gathered his thoughts. “I can try to dispel the magic on his armor, but I’ll need a distraction.”

Pally stepped forward, nervously adjusting his armor. “I can create a diversion, but you’ll have to make sure you hit him hard enough. It’s all about teamwork, Vox.”

“Teamwork,” I scoffed, but I knew we didn’t have a choice. “Fine, but don’t screw it up.”

“Okay, here goes!” Pally took a deep breath, raising his hands dramatically. “By the grace of the god of wine, let my song inspire you!” His voice rang out, a vibrant melody that infused the air with a sense of urgency. As his song washed over me, I felt a rush of energy, a spark igniting within.

“Let’s move!” I shouted, taking a step forward, the music propelling me into action. “Spellbook, get ready!”

As Pally sang, I charged towards Matthew, who sneered at my advance. “Is that the best you’ve got? Your pathetic bard thinks he can inspire a loser like you?”

“Let’s find out!” I retorted, swinging my club with all my might. My muscles burned, but the song pushed me onward, the rhythm igniting my determination. I feigned left, then swung right, aiming for his knee in hopes of throwing him off balance.

Matthew barely sidestepped, the shadows shifting to protect him, but it was enough of a distraction. “Now, Spellbook!” I yelled, and Spellbook’s hands flew through the air, weaving an intricate spell, his voice rising above the chaos.

“Arcane winds, come forth! Break the chains of darkness!” he chanted, and a gust of energy shot toward Matthew, the magic swirling like a tempest.

The shadows around Matthew writhed and screamed, fighting against Spellbook’s incantation, but he held firm. “Focus, Vox! Hit him now!”

Pally moved beside me, his voice blending with Spellbook’s as he urged me onward. “You can do this! Remember your training, Vox!”

I charged, heart pounding, and brought my club down hard against the metal armor. A resonating clang echoed through the clearing, and to my surprise, the armor cracked, splinters flying like shards of glass.

“Yes! Keep going!” Pally shouted, his enthusiasm infectious.

But before I could swing again, Matthew roared in anger. “You think you can stop me? I will bury you in shadows!”

With a wave of his hand, the shadows surged, coiling around me like serpents, pulling me down. “No!” I struggled, fighting against the dark tendrils that constricted my movements.

“Vox!” Raye yelled, desperation in her voice as she rushed forward. “Hold on!”

“Spellbook!” Pally called, his panic rising. “Do something!”

“I’m trying!” Spellbook shouted, eyes narrowed in concentration. The spell he cast began to flicker, but Matthew’s dark energy was pushing back, refusing to yield.

“Focus on the armor! We need to break through!” I managed to shout, my voice strained against the shadows.

With renewed determination, Spellbook redirected his energy, weaving his spell with precision. “Banish the darkness, reveal the truth! Expose the heart hidden beneath the shadows!”

The winds howled as his magic surged toward Matthew, and I could feel the energy shifting, breaking the bonds of darkness that clung to me. The shadows began to falter, releasing their grip, and I took a deep breath, steadying myself.

“Now!” I shouted, swinging my club once more with all the strength I had left. This time, it connected, the impact sending shockwaves through the air as cracks spread across Matthew’s armor.

He staggered back, eyes wide with disbelief. “What—”

“Keep pushing!” Pally encouraged, his voice ringing with renewed vigor. “We’re not done yet!”

As I prepared for another strike, I noticed a glimmer at Matthew’s chest—the magical essence pulsing, vulnerable now. I felt a surge of hope. If we could just break through his defenses, we might have a chance.

“Spellbook, one last push!” I yelled, determination igniting within me. “We can do this!”

“Together!” he affirmed, eyes locked on Matthew, and I nodded, knowing this was it.

As Raye launched herself at Matthew again, claws aimed for the weak point of his armor, I charged, my club ready for the final blow.

The world narrowed to a single moment, the crackling energy of magic and the scent of danger in the air. I could feel the power of Pally’s inspiration coursing through me, and as I swung my club, I let out a primal scream—a battle cry that resonated deep within my soul.

“Now!” I roared, the club connecting with the vulnerable spot at Matthew’s chest.

The armor shattered with a thunderous crash, pieces flying through the air as the dark magic erupted around us.

But in that moment of victory, the shadows began to gather, swirling violently, rising like a storm. Matthew’s face twisted in rage, and I realized we hadn’t defeated him yet.

“Fools!” he shrieked, the dark energy coiling around him, growing stronger. “You may have damaged my armor, but you will never destroy me!”

And with that, the shadows surged forward, darkness enveloping everything.