"That spell he's using… it's the earth spell, 'Cone Spiral'!" Terra said as she slowly began to reach for her wand; sweat started dropping from her head as she watched from the bushes along with the others. She knew these guys were bad news, especially since they seemed to want to take her for their own personal gain rather than bringing her back to the kingdom. She shuddered at the thought as she tried to assess what to do in the situation. Knowing she and Xavien were there would even be the number of fighters, but it would be dangerous, seeing as he's not the most potent fighter out of them. 

"What should we do…" Xavien said in frustration as he put his palm to his forehead. The situation was rough, and they didn't know if they could stand a chance against the adventurers as they were only students. His worries grew with each passing scream in the crowd, and he wished he'd be anywhere but there in the moment. He looked to the side to see Dante sitting and watching closely at the situation and muttering words to himself.

“Assess the situation…look for an opportunity…plan to take action…”

His eyes were intense, a much more fierce look than previous. He was focused entirely on their movements; this was a part of Rita's training he'd never forget as it was beaten into him from an early age. Jumping in without a plan will usually lead to bad things, so assessing and figuring out what to do beforehand was key, especially when fighting a long-range mage.  They watched on as Gordon finally spoke once more.

"I wish it didn't have to come to this…but you lot don't know when to quit, worthless bags. Now enjoy this gift from me for you. I'm sure you both will be able to eat your fill!" 

He finally fired off the spell as the spirals quickly fired in their direction; the two braced for impact before a flash appeared. Rita had dashed off in front of the two and flashed her weapon before parrying many of the spirals. She looked at the surprised Gordon with intense eyes. She breathed heavily before the color of crimson red began to soak her bandages. She looked down to see she was struck in her abdomen by one of the spirals which lodged into her body.

Sweat dropped from her head as she tried to stand firm before the enemy. Her stance was erratic and faltering, but she stood tall as she knew that without her, the town would be desecrated by the likes of the men standing in front of her. Gordon laughed loudly, seeing she stood before the father and son to protect them from his attacks. He couldn't fathom why she'd risk her life for such people. He began to form the spell again, speaking the incantation and preparing to fire.

"Why would you sacrifice yourself for these people? They're hardly worth the trouble; the majority here can't even use magic from what it seems!" he said. Rita shook her head as she held one hand on where she was struck. Pressing tenderly to mend the wound with her limited mana, as she's done multiple times. Yet her magic was fading as she had become fatigued from defending the many attacks and exerting herself quickly.

Rita glanced at the man and the boy as he nodded and grabbed his son, fleeing the scene by Rita's order. With less distraction on the field, she could entirely focus on what was in front of her. The two other men surrounded her from different sides, each wielding their wands proudly and pointing different spells at her. Rita stood firm once more as she looked at her blade. The glint of the blades' silver shined as it reflected her face, showing the uncertainty of her face before the spells were sent off in her direction. She looked forward as the beams of magic were sent her way, tired from all the energy being spent defending; she knew if only she didn't have to worry about so many outer factors, she wouldn't be in the situation she's in now.

She began to swing her sword before a sudden image of someone clouded her vision. Taking on the brunt of the magic, beams headed in her direction. The figure held their arms tightly against their chest to defend the force of the damage. The impact caused a dust cloud to form in the center of the village. Rita covered her eyes as the sudden impact shocked her and those around her; she was sure that she'd have been hit if the figure hadn't stepped in. The dust slowly began to clear as the shadowed figure slowly rose from the impact of the attacks. The sun shone brightly on their jet-black hair, and their scaled arms were as if they took the brunt of the attacks. Smoke burned from them as the boy patted them down softly with his clawed hands. 

"Ouch…that actually hurt you, jackass!" he yelled out as Terra and Xavien turned to see Dante wasn't in the same position he was in beforehand. Causing the two of them to be shocked at how quickly he could jump into action without them noticing.

"When did he-?" Terra exclaimed as she watched his attempt to help Rita. Xavien, on the other hand, was rather more bewildered by the situation.

"THAT was his plan!?" he whispered loudly as he could do nothing but watch from the bush what would transpire in the moment. At that moment, the two looked at each other, knowing that they'd have to jump into action sooner or later if they wanted to help Dante out in this situation. 

"What the...-kid!?" she exclaimed as Dante turned his back to her and faced Gordon. His eyes were as intense as ever. Rita didn't realize he was around at the moment but was even more surprised he could defend himself against a spell like that. Gordon's eyes widened, seeing his appearance as Truman approached him quickly.

"So that made-up rumor was true. A boy is hiding within the village; no wonder the barkeep reacted that way," he said, crossing his arms. Gordon and Henry looked at one another before realizing what he was referring to. Dante began to step forward until a hand grabbed his wrist from behind.

"Dante, what're you doin' here!?" she exclaimed as worry painted her face. Her grip on his wrist was firm as if she didn't want to let go of him. He turned slightly to her, seeing her reaction.

"I couldn't just let them gang up on you. That wouldn't be right."

"Even so, you shouldn't-"

"Family never leaves one another alone." That's what you've always taught me. There's no way I'm leaving you all against these guys," he proclaimed, and small cheers came from the crowd. Gordon looked at Dante intensely with a grin. He aimed his wand at him promptly before speaking. 

"Looks like we've bagged an even bigger score, boys. A Dragonborn has graced us with his presence!" Gordon yelled as he began to clap his hands loudly in amusement. The cheers stopped as they realized the other two adventurers alongside him had already pointed their wands in his direction. Dante's eyes averted to Gordon, who stood confidently given his position. His eyes slowly lowered before continuing his words. 

"You seem to not understand the situation you've gotten yourself into, child." 

"Yeah, you shouldn't even be a thing if the higher-ups found out,"

"Quiet. He doesn't need to know about those things; let's take him and the girl."

The burly man stepped forward, and magic began to surge from his body, slowly reaching his wand. A sudden burst of vines grew from the ground, restraining Dante in his position. He pulled slightly at the vines as they wrapped around his wrists and feet. Noticing that the user's control was at a high level. Suddenly, another barrage of fire came down, the same as what Rita had to deal with before.