The early morning fog blanketed the countryside as Salvus and Kaelen approached the small town at the edge of the empire. Scouts had reported that a battalion led by another imperial general, this one specializing in sharp weapons and brute force, was marching directly toward them. The villagers had evacuated, leaving the streets empty and eerily silent.
Salvus, flexing his fingers, felt electricity thrumming beneath his skin. "We need a plan," he said, his voice a mix of nervousness and determination. "If we just throw sparks around, we'll either win… or burn half the countryside."
Kaelen smirked, his usually stern expression softened by a rare hint of humor. "You mean, we'll either win or create chaos in the name of heroism," he corrected dryly.
They began surveying the battlefield. The town square was uneven, with stone fountains, carts, and debris that could be used strategically. Salvus' mind raced—not only as a fighter, but as someone who had once studied electrical engineering, his understanding of currents and conductors guiding his strategy.
"Watch this," he muttered, sending a thin arc of electricity through a metal cart wheel. The wheel spun uncontrollably, rolling toward a narrow alley. Kaelen nodded in approval. "Good. Use the terrain. Make them fight where you want, not where they want."
As the enemy soldiers advanced, Kaelen moved with calculated precision, manipulating the blood in the environment to create subtle barriers and distractions. One soldier reached for a hidden blade, only to find a thread of blood tugging his sleeve, throwing him off balance. Another tripped over a cart that seemed to move on its own.
Salvus, seizing the moment, sent controlled bursts of electricity along the ground. Sparks leapt between stones, forcing the soldiers to jump back or risk minor shocks. Each move was calculated, a combination of his instincts, engineering knowledge, and raw power.
At one point, Salvus attempted a dramatic leap, aiming to send a massive bolt into the enemy lines—but tripped on a cobblestone. Sparks shot unpredictably, narrowly missing Kaelen. "Careful!" Kaelen shouted, though his eyes twitched with amusement. Salvus, flustered, muttered, "Professional hero, remember?"
Despite the comic mishaps, their teamwork was flawless. Kaelen would predict enemy movements, using blood threads to redirect or immobilize soldiers, while Salvus used electricity to control the environment, creating barriers, traps, and diversions. The enemy general, confident at first, began to falter, unable to adapt to the clever combination of powers.
Finally, Salvus and Kaelen found themselves facing the general directly. The man's weapons glinted menacingly, but Salvus' eyes sparkled with determination. He tapped into the full potential of his electricity, sending subtle currents through the ground to anticipate the general's footwork. Kaelen manipulated the general's blood just enough to slow reactions without causing permanent harm.
"Yield," Salvus shouted, sparks dancing harmlessly around him. "You can fight bravely, but there's no need for more bloodshed today."
The general, surprised by the combination of strategy, power, and surprisingly precise humor in Salvus' approach, realized he was outmatched. Breathing heavily, he lowered his weapons, conceding not out of fear, but respect. Kaelen gave a subtle nod of approval, acknowledging Salvus' growth and the clever use of both their powers.
As the sun broke through the fog, Salvus grinned, electricity humming softly along his arms. Kaelen, ever the stoic but now slightly more relaxed, muttered, "Perhaps there is hope for you yet… hero."
Salvus laughed, nearly tripping on his own feet again. Sparks flickered harmlessly across the stones. "Professional hero," he corrected, puffing out his chest. Kaelen only shook his head, though the faintest smile played at the corner of his lips.
For the first time, Salvus realized that heroism wasn't just about power or courage—it was about wit, strategy, and sometimes, a little chaotic comedy. And with Kaelen by his side, even the most dangerous battles could be won… with style.