The Legend of the Ares: Rise of the Legend

Chapter 4: Into the Fray

The sound of boots pounding against the ground echoed through the narrow streets as Alisa sprinted forward, Jin slung over her shoulder like a duffel bag. Despite the weight, her movements were precise, and her pace didn't falter. The tension in the air was palpable as they approached the Ares base, now under siege. Alisa's sharp eyes scanned the horizon, taking in every detail, her mind already forming a battle plan.

Jin, gripping onto Alisa tightly, could feel the sheer strength and focus radiating from her. His heart raced—not out of fear, but out of excitement. He had never been this close to a real battle before. His admiration for Alisa only grew as he realized just how powerful she truly was.

"You good back there?" Alisa asked, her voice steady even as she raced toward danger.

Jin nodded, though she couldn't see him from this angle. "I'm fine!" he said, trying to sound as composed as possible, though the adrenaline pumping through his veins made his voice shake a little.

Alisa smirked, the corners of her mouth barely twitching. "Good," she replied. "Hold on tight. Things are about to get rough."

Ahead of them, the faint sounds of gunfire and explosions grew louder. Smoke rose from the direction of the base, signaling the intensity of the attack. Alisa's focus sharpened. The Ares faction was under threat, and her duty as one of their finest soldiers was clear—protect the base and neutralize the enemy.

In mere moments, they arrived at the outskirts of the Ares compound. Alisa came to a halt, setting Jin down gently before surveying the situation. The entrance was already in shambles, debris scattered across the ground, and soldiers were fighting fiercely to fend off the attackers.

"Stay close, Jin," Alisa ordered, her voice firm but not unkind. "This is no place to wander off."

Jin's eyes widened as he took in the scene, the chaos of battle unfolding before him. "I'm ready," he said, trying to hide the uncertainty in his voice.

Alisa knelt beside him for a brief moment, her hand resting on his shoulder, steadying him. "This isn't training anymore," she reminded him gently. "But remember what I taught you. Keep your head down, stay alert, and follow my lead."

Jin nodded firmly, though his heart raced faster now. The sight of real danger was far more intense than anything he had imagined.

With a swift motion, Alisa unslung her sniper rifle case from her back and opened it. The sleek weapon gleamed in the dim light. She pulled the rifle out and adjusted its scope with practiced precision.

"Here's the plan," Alisa said, her voice low but commanding. "We need to push through and reach Jincheol. He'll have more intel on the situation. Stay behind me and only engage if you're sure of your shot. Got it?"

"Got it!" Jin replied, his hands trembling slightly, but he clenched them into fists, steadying his nerves.

Without another word, Alisa moved forward, her rifle held at the ready. The sounds of battle surrounded them, but Alisa's calm composure never wavered. She was a force of nature, every step purposeful, every movement controlled.

Suddenly, a group of enemy soldiers appeared, guns raised. Alisa reacted instantly, dropping to one knee and taking aim. In a flash, three shots rang out—each bullet finding its mark. The enemies fell before they even had a chance to fire.

Jin watched in awe, his admiration for Alisa growing with every second. She made it look effortless, like the battlefield was where she belonged.

As they pushed further into the compound, the battle raged on around them. Alisa's senses were razor-sharp, detecting every movement, every threat before it could reach them. She picked off enemies one by one with deadly accuracy, all while keeping Jin safely behind her.

Finally, they reached a more secure area, the gunfire thinning as they neared the command center. Alisa paused for a moment, checking her surroundings before turning to Jin.

"You're doing great," she said, her voice softer now. "But it's not over yet. We need to find Jincheol."

Jin, still catching his breath, nodded eagerly. "I'm with you."

They moved quickly through the compound, heading toward the central command post where Jincheol was likely coordinating the defense. The closer they got, the louder the sounds of battle became. Alisa's instincts were on high alert.

Suddenly, a blast rocked the ground beneath them, an explosion going off nearby. Alisa instinctively shielded Jin, her body covering his as debris rained down around them.

"Are you okay?" she asked urgently, checking him for any signs of injury.

"I'm fine," Jin replied, though his voice trembled slightly. "Just a little shaken."

Alisa gave him a reassuring nod. "Stay close. We're almost there."

As they continued forward, the door to the command center came into view. But before they could reach it, another group of enemy soldiers appeared, this time in greater numbers.

Alisa's eyes narrowed. "Jin, get ready."

Jin's heart pounded in his chest as he reached for the small handgun Alisa had given him earlier. He wasn't used to real combat, but he trusted her with everything he had. She stood tall in front of him, her sniper rifle raised, ready to take on the new wave of enemies.

"Let's go, my boy," Alisa said, her voice steady but filled with purpose.

The next moment, the air filled with gunfire once again, but this time, Jin was by her side, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

End of Chapter 4: Into the Fray