Blood and Sorcery: forbidden lineage

Chapter 13 – A Battle Beyond Their Limits

Lyrien and Reynard sprinted through the battlefield, their ragged breaths barely keeping up with their pounding hearts. The Abyssal Tyrant's massive form loomed behind them, its thundering steps shaking the ground with each monstrous stride. The suffocating pressure it exuded was unnatural—an oppressive force that made the air itself feel heavier.

"This thing is relentless!" Reynard gasped, glancing back at the monstrous beast pursuing them.

Lyrien's mind raced. His mana reserves were nearly depleted, and his body screamed for rest, but stopping meant death. His instincts had screamed at him the moment the creature appeared—this wasn't just a King-Tier beast. This was something far beyond what should have been in the simulation.

Suddenly, the terrain ahead opened up into a clearing where a lone figure stood among the remains of several defeated beasts.

Seraphina.

Her silver hair shimmered under the dim battlefield light, her cold gaze scanning the area as she caught sight of them. She was breathing heavily, her battle-worn armor bearing fresh scratches, but she remained composed.

The observers immediately focused on her screen.

"She has already eliminated multiple high-tier threats," a noblewoman observed.

"But this one…" A military commander narrowed his eyes. "Even for her, this might be too much."

Seraphina's gaze flickered to the approaching Abyssal Tyrant, and in an instant, her body tensed. She had fought powerful creatures before—but this one was different. Its movement, its presence, the calculated way its glowing eyes locked onto her—it was intelligent.

She raised her blade, ice forming around her as the temperature dropped drastically. A cold mist spread from her feet as jagged spikes of ice erupted around her.

"Stay back," she ordered sharply.

Lyrien and Reynard skidded to a halt, catching their breaths. Lyrien could barely stand, but he saw it in her stance—Seraphina wasn't underestimating this beast. She was wary.

The Abyssal Tyrant halted as well, lowering its massive body into a prowling stance. It observed Seraphina, as if assessing her, its glowing eyes sharp and calculating.

Then it struck.

It moved faster than any beast she had faced before. A blur of shadow and destruction. Seraphina barely had time to react as the monster swiped its colossal claws at her.

CLANG!

She blocked with her blade, but the sheer force sent her skidding backward, ice shattering beneath her boots. A frown formed on her face. It was testing her—playing with her.

The observers leaned in.

"It's toying with her," one of them murmured.

"She's strong, but this beast is…" A scholar trailed off, unable to find the right words.

Seraphina gritted her teeth, raising a hand. "Freeze."

Instantly, the temperature plummeted, frost spreading across the battlefield as razor-sharp ice shards materialized in the air. With a sharp motion, she launched them all at once.

The Abyssal Tyrant vanished.

Seraphina's eyes widened. She turned sharply—only to be met with a devastating tail swipe.

BOOM!

She was sent crashing through the trees, an explosion of ice and splintered wood following in her wake.

The observers gasped.

"That's—!"

Before anyone could react further, a second explosion roared in the distance. A massive burst of fire, bright and wild, erupted from the forest.

The screen flickered—showing a burning section of the battlefield.

Elyreina turned sharply, her violet eyes narrowing as she saw the distant flames. Something about that fire felt familiar.

Without hesitation, she changed her direction.

The observers followed her movement.

"Is that.. lyrien ?" She muttered to herself.