At the Library
One afternoon, Takashi dragged them into the library. He darted between shelves until his eyes lit up.
Found it! he exclaimed, pulling out a dusty tome. The Lost Art of Elemental Heroes.
Takeru frowned. Takashi, this is fiction.
But Takashi shook his head stubbornly. No, it's real. I know it.
They sat together at a table, flipping through the yellowed pages.
The book spoke of ancient heroes chosen by the elements to save the world. Warriors who stood against the Dark Army centuries ago.
Takashi, this is just a story, Emiko said gently, though her eyes lingered on the illustrations.
Takashi looked up, his eyes gleaming. You don't understand. I'm the hero this world needs.
Takeru sighed, hiding a small smile. Somehow, Takashi's delusion was… comforting.
Suddenly…
The library doors burst open. A teacher stumbled inside, panic etched across his face.
Students, we're under attack! The Dark Army has reached the school grounds!
The words sent a chill through the room. Books dropped, chairs scraped.
Takeru's heart skipped. What? How is that possible? The 7 Great Mage are supposed to protect us!
---
Evacuation
Chaos erupted. Teachers herded students toward the evacuation center.
Takeru stuck close to Emiko and Takashi.
We need to get to safety, Emiko said urgently.
But Takashi planted his feet. I need to fight. I'm the hero.
Takeru grabbed his arm. No way, we're getting out of here together!
---
Fight Scene: Dark Army Invasion
Evacuation Chaos
The hallways became rivers of panic. Students pushed and shoved, spells sparking in fear. Takeru, Emiko, and Takashi were swept away from the main group, shoved into a side corridor.
We need to get out of here! Emiko yelled above the chaos.
Dark Army Appears
Shadows shifted along the walls. From them emerged creatures of pitch-black flesh, their glowing eyes filled with malice.
Takashi, run! Takeru shouted.
But Takashi stood frozen, teeth clenched.
The creatures lunged. Takeru raised his hand, flames bursting forth — but the monsters shrugged off the fire, hissing with laughter.
Students Join the Fight
All around, students fought desperately:
Kazuki conjured a crashing wave, knocking several beasts aside.
Hana stomped the ground, raising jagged walls of earth.
But for every creature they struck down, two more took its place.
Takeru's Group
Emiko's wind sliced through the air, blasting shadows away. Takeru hurled flames, sweat dripping down his brow.
Takashi finally moved, his eyes wild. I'll show you my power! he screamed, charging forward.
But… he had no element.
One of the creatures lunged straight for Takeru. He froze, panic rooting him to the spot.
Move… move! his mind screamed, but his body refused.
Was this really the end takeru thought to himself
At the last second, Takashi shoved him aside.
Takashi! Takeru's cry ripped through the air as his friend fell, blood staining the floor.
The creature turned its gaze back toward him. Emiko tried to intercept, but was struck back, coughing in pain.
Takeru stood there, paralyzed. Fire flickered weakly in his palm, but fear smothered it.
And for the first time, he realized — this wasn't training. This was war.