The Joint Class [2]

"Swoosh!"

The arrow flew at an incredible speed and aimed right at Emeric.

Emeric's instincts kicked in, and he deftly sidestepped, allowing the arrow to pass harmlessly by. He smirked at Hardin, feeling a rush of satisfaction. "Is that the best you can do, Hardin? You'll need more than that to—"

His words trailed off as he noticed Hardin's smirk widening. A sense of unease crept over Emeric, and he glanced back just in time to see the arrow hit its true target.

The mage behind them, a boy named Luca, let out a gasp of pain as the arrow struck his shoulder, knocking him to the ground. Emeric's heart sank. He realized that he had been played—Hardin had used him as a decoy to hit Luca.

"Damn it." Emeric reluctantly turned back, and his rage started to rise as he looked at Hardin.

'Ironheart Family's Seven Serpent Spearmanship: Three Serpent Strikes!'