Chapter 62: Clash of Wizards

By: Asa Montreaux

The battlefield had become a swirling tempest of chaos, the once serene school grounds now a battleground echoing with the sounds of magic and desperation. Hugh’s heart raced as he and his friends pressed through the thick cloud of dust and debris, weaving between flashes of light and shadows.

The elder wizards stood like stalwart guardians at the frontlines, their powerful spells colliding with the dark forces of Crimson Dawn. A surge of hope ignited within Hugh as he spotted Agent Macomb among them, rallying the elder wizards with a commanding presence.

“Stay close!” Hugh shouted to Eliza and Mish as they ducked beneath the low-hanging branches of a nearby tree, barely avoiding a stray bolt of magic that exploded into the ground, sending shards of earth flying.

“Where’s Sam?” Eliza panted, scanning the area with wide eyes. 

“I don’t know! We need to regroup!” Hugh replied, fighting against the rising panic in his chest.

Sam was on the other side of the battlefield, working furiously to maintain the telepathic barrier protecting a cluster of students who had huddled together, fear etched across their faces. He could sense the growing dread around him as the battle raged on, but he focused on the task at hand, digging deep to pull his friends’ thoughts into one cohesive strategy.

Hugh, can you hear me?* Sam projected, trying to cut through the chaos. 

Yeah, we’re trying to regroup! Where are you?

*Near the north entrance! I’ll create a diversion to draw them away!

With resolve, Sam began weaving a complex illusion, conjuring images of magical creatures that soared through the air, distracting the attackers. Spells ricocheted around him, but he held his ground, summoning more power than he thought he had.

Meanwhile, Hugh and the girls reached the frontlines, where the elder wizards were engaged in fierce combat. Macomb’s voice rose above the din. “We need to fall back to the main hall! We can reinforce our defenses there!”

Hugh nodded, catching Eliza’s eye. “We need to get Sam!” he urged.

“I’ll go!” Mish volunteered, determination shining in her eyes. “I can distract them with my flames!”

“No!” Hugh grabbed her wrist, urgency flooding his voice. “It’s too dangerous! We need to stick together!”

Eliza chimed in, “Let’s find him first, then we can regroup with everyone else.”

As they made their way toward the north entrance, the battlefield shifted around them. A sudden explosion rocked the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked them off their feet. Hugh quickly rolled to his side, scrambling to regain his footing. The dust settled slowly, revealing a scene of utter chaos.

Figures darted between them and their goal, spells flying overhead like fireworks on a dark night. Hugh felt the weight of the world pressing on his shoulders, knowing that they had to move quickly. He could sense Sam's presence drawing closer, and they had to act before it was too late.

“Sam!” he shouted, hoping his voice would carry above the chaos. 

Just then, a brilliant flash erupted nearby, illuminating a group of attackers who were converging on Sam. Hugh’s heart dropped as he saw his friend struggling to maintain the illusion, his energy wavering under the relentless assault.

“No!” Hugh shouted, pushing through the haze of chaos, determination fueling every step. Eliza and Mish were right behind him, ready to fight.

“Cover him!” Eliza yelled, her hands glowing with magic as she summoned a protective shield. The barrier expanded around Sam just as a spell flew in his direction, bouncing harmlessly off the shimmering surface.

“Keep going, Hugh!” Sam urged, his voice strained but resolute. “I can hold them off! Just get to the elder wizards!”

Hugh felt a rush of pride for his friend but couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him behind. “We won’t abandon you!” he yelled back, knowing he had to make a choice. 

“Focus on the greater threat! I’ll be fine!” Sam insisted, his telepathic barrier shimmering as he absorbed another blast. 

With a heavy heart, Hugh turned, making the decision to push forward with Eliza and Mish. The trio sprinted toward the main hall, dodging spells and flickering shadows as they went.

Inside the hall, elder wizards gathered, their faces grim and determined. Hugh could see Agent Macomb strategizing with a group, pointing at a large magical map that glowed with energy. 

“Where are the others?” Macomb asked, concern etched on his features as he glanced up at the trio.

“They’re fighting! We have to regroup!” Hugh said, breathless. “Sam’s holding them off at the north entrance!”

“Then we need to create a diversion to help him escape,” Macomb replied. He turned to the gathered wizards, rallying them with urgency. “We need to create a barrier and push back against their forces! We can’t let them overwhelm us!”

As the elder wizards began chanting in unison, a brilliant light enveloped the hall, creating a shimmering shield that pulsed with energy. Hugh felt the air around him crackle, a surge of power rushing through the room.

“Stay close!” Eliza warned, her voice resolute as she took Hugh’s hand. “We’ll fight together!”

“Always,” Hugh replied, feeling the bond between them strengthen as they prepared for the next wave of attackers.

Outside, the battle continued to rage. Crimson Dawn fighters surged forward, but the elder wizards’ shield held strong, pushing back against the chaos. Hugh could feel the energy pulsing around him, a protective barrier that resonated with their combined magic.

“Now!” Macomb commanded, and with a wave of his hand, the shield expanded outward, pushing the attackers back, giving Sam the opening he needed.

Hugh’s heart raced as he sensed Sam moving through the chaos, dodging spells and debris. They had to keep fighting, keep pushing against the darkness that threatened to engulf them all.

As the waves of magic crashed against the shield, the air filled with the scents of burnt earth and the cries of the injured. Hugh felt the weight of every life resting on their shoulders; they couldn’t let despair win. 

“Hold on!” Macomb shouted, rallying the wizards to focus their energies. “We must protect each other! This is our home!”

With a surge of power, they pushed back against the attackers once more, sending a shockwave that reverberated through the ground. Hugh could feel the tide shifting, the balance of power beginning to tilt in their favor.

But even as they fought valiantly, a deep foreboding settled in Hugh’s chest. The reality of their situation was becoming more apparent; the battle was far from over. 

As spells whizzed overhead and darkness loomed, Hugh knew that this was just the beginning. They had to confront the growing threat of Crimson Dawn and uncover their plans before it was too late. 

With determination shining in his eyes, he turned to his friends, knowing they would face whatever lay ahead together. “We’ll stop them. No matter what it takes.”