Chapter 31- Frozen Wasteland

Chapter 31: Chapter 31- Frozen Wasteland

Suddenly, frosty mist exploded from its palms, shooting straight up into the air. The mist escaping its hands began to travel, soaking into streets and buildings, instantly freezing them over. Alaric and Arthur had to move before the entire city began a frozen wasteland. If that happens, many people could lose their lives, not to mention it would be hard for Arthur to run through mountains of ice and frozen ground. Alaric quickly activated his newest skill [Cloud Step]. His body went transparent, leaving behind a cloud of mist in his wake. He launched up and after the Alien.

The monster flew above the city, its aimless eyes staring down as more of its deadly mist began to coat the city. Alaric aimed his staff pointblank and extended the length, making it crash against its chest. It barely reeled as it flew into the air. Alaric continued after it.

The fight was escalating at this point, the boys were holding their own against the Alien, but it didn’t seem like it was bothered by them... almost as if it was focused on some other mission. Alaric was engaged, swinging his flame enhanced staff. Arthur felt himself burning out, ever since the fight started he hasn’t stopped moving, and it was clearly costing him... he looked up and watched as Alaric fought, he just hoped Alaric could handle himself while he caught his breath. He blinked and turned, tires screeching on the ground. Police were here... probably to escort everyone. He stood and sucked in his breath, Alaric and him weren’t supposed to be here, students aren’t meant to fight Aliens outside of dungeons... they could get in some trouble if they’re caught... He looked forward and people began to evacuate their homes, making their way towards the police vehicles. He jogged and was ready to reenter the battle. Smoke filled the air, making his ability to breath hard... which would definitely prove to be an issue. His speed slowly picked up.

But, a call for help sounded nearby and he took his eyes off the fight. He looked around and spotted them, a family trapped in some rumble, no doubt a result of their fight through the city... He looked towards Alaric and pressed his lips thin, before staring a jog towards them.

"Hang on just a little longer..." he whispered softly as he came to a stop and lifted the rumble off the family, using a bit of his [Strength Boost] skill to make lifting the rumble much easier. Letting out a breath of relief, he quickly got them to their feet, before letting the rumble drop back into its original spot, this time without the family underneath it.

"Hurry towards the police vehicles! You’ll be safe then!" He shouted, pointing out towards the encompassing sirens before turning and jogging, eventually shooting into a full sprint.

The family watched as the boy took off. They were thankful, but noted that he was... young, no older than 20. What was he doing out here? The father quickly shook his head and took the lead of the family, moving towards the police vehicles, follwing the sound of the sirens, as they silently thanked the student.

Arthur launched off the ground, the air getting increasingly colder, piercing his skin. He clenched his teeth, they need to end this now, or else the city will freeze over!

Alaric soared forward, dragging his fist back and slamming it against the Alien’s jaw, sending it down towards the ground. Arthur’s eyes widened as the alleyloop was heading straight for him. He pulled back and threw his leg out, a large wind burst raced towards his stomach. Alien’s eyes remained aimless, the wind crashing into its gut. Alaric grew his staff, swinging it full force into its body, sending it spiraling away. They couldn’t let up. They rushed, Alaric flying on Sky, who had flown in nearby to catch him, and Arthur raced along the ground.

As Arthur ran, another chill ran up his body, as a large burst of mist raced in their direction. He quickly pivots, hiding behind a small mail box.

Alaric on the other hand narrowed his eyes, now was the perfect time to try out his other new skill. He froze in place, him and the sky went solid, rock forming over their surface.

[Rock Soild]

The icy wind spilled over him and the city below. The rock surface was protecting him from the searing cold, but the city was crumbling. Its power was off the charts, entire buildings began to crumble, the rocks were slippery enough for vehicles to slip and would prove difficult for Arthur to run on. Once the mist passed him by, the rock crumbled and fell away. He turned... and the mist hadn’t stopped!

It was close to covering the entire city itself!

They can’t play around anymore. He turned and was ready to turn on [Flame Enhancement], but, in an instant, the Alien had appeared right in front of him. He could hardly react, the Ice Alien grabbed him by the face, the freezing cold seeping into his body, and frostbite began to cover his cheeks and face. He felt his eyes bulge, his lungs began to dry out due to the cold air escaping its palms.

He tried to use strength boost and escape, but the Alien loosened his grip on him, before opening its hand and an icicle grew from his palm. He shot forward, Alaric tried to react with a [Barrier], but it easily shattered the translucent barrier, the blade of ice nearing his shoulder.

[Immbolize]!

He froze, but like before it was only for a second, but that was all he needed. He used his skill [Cloud Step], and disappeared from sight, as the Ice Alien swung at the area around him. Arthur jumped and used his momentum to use a burst, sending him soaring through the air.

Alaric’s eyes darted towards Arthur, who was closing the distance. He whistled for Sky, jerking his head towards his friend. The Alien reacted to the sound, his long ears twitching. He turned and shot the icicle from his palm directly at him. Alaric couldn’t react in time, the icicle clipping his shoulder, blood escaping the wound. His skill went down as he was attacked, his form revealed to the world.

The Alien turned its attention towards Arthur, aiming his hand forward as mist escaped its palm.

But, Sky had moved faster, aiming itself right in front of the mist, creating a shield in front of Arthur. The boy smirked and placed a hand on its surface. He tightened the hold, pulling himself to the side as he used stored momentum for explosive force, propelling him towards the side. He flipped and was about to use another burst, his eyes glowing silver.

But... then the glow faded. He was out of his stored momentum! He could barely react when the Alien was on his trail. He twisted his body and struck his chin with a kick.

Alaric tried to catch up, using his staff for mobility but the cold air in his lungs made it hard to move.

He couldn’t stop it.

The Alien then grabbed Arthur by the collar and threw him down towards the ground.

He flew after him and when his body crashed into the ground, the Alien grabbed him by the ankles. Its icy grip began to seep deep into his bones, frost biting into his legs. If it held Arthur any longer, it could freeze his legs completely!

But, the Alien turned its head and a punch cracked against its skull, sending it flying away. Arthur fell to the ground, and... he couldn’t even feel his legs. How...?

Alaric quickly crouched down, "Arthur!" He cried as he grabbed his staff and used [Flame Enhancement], holding it out, "Here, j-just press this into your legs... a-and you’ll be fine!"

Arthur looked towards it and grabbed the flaming staff, pressing the tip into his legs... and there was still no feeling at all. "W-What... are you gonna do without... your staff...?" He asked softly as he felt his vision going blurry.

Alaric stood up and Sky flew around to help keep Arthur’s head up. "I still have my hands. I may be a weapon master... but I can still hold my own with my fists." He looked ahead and wiggled his fingers, "J-Just stay safe... okay? Let me handle everything...!" He said, a beat of sweat rolling down his nose, despite the cold air surrounding them. He let out a breath and using [Dash], he launched off, the frozen ground completely shattering under his weight.

Arthur tried blinking away the vision in his eyes, but it was no use. He looked off, and despite everything, his legs freezing over... the danger... everything.

He didn’t want to be useless. Not to Alaric, not to the civilians that might still be around... and not to himself.

He might not be able to run... but that didn’t mean he was out...!