[System Warning: Necrotic Damage.]
[HP: -150.] [Status: Cursed (Minor).]
"Ugh!" I grunted, hitting the ground. My skin felt like it was burning.
"Alex!" Alicia fell next to me. "You... you blocked it?"
"Get up," I coughed blood. "Finish the Bear."
Alicia looked at me. At the blood on my lips.
Her eyes changed. The fear vanished, replaced by fury.
"You dare hurt my... my meat shield?!"
She stood up. Her mana flared. Her hair floated up, turning into a halo of fire.
"[Hellfire Pillar]!"
She didn't use a chant. She just screamed.
A massive column of spiraling fire descended from the sky, engulfing the corrupted Bear.
ROAAAAR—
The roar was cut short as the bear was incinerated instantly.
Silence returned to the forest.
The mist cleared.
Three dead Cultists. One pile of ash that used to be a Bear. And four traumatized students.
I tried to stand up, but my legs gave out.
"Alex!"
Emily and Alicia both rushed to me.
