The spirit's attacks were relentless, but Eelzad's Ripple Magic provided him with the strength and speed needed to counter. He parried another energy burst with a glowing forearm, then countered with a powerful right hook that sent the Tainted Spirit reeling backward.
Eelzad pressed his advantage, launching a flurry of blows that illuminated the riverbank. The Tainted Spirit's form flickered and wavered under the onslaught, but it fought back fiercely, unleashing a storm of energy bolts that forced Eelzad to retreat and regroup.
"This thing is fast," Eelzad muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. He glanced back at Inspector Nilan, who watched with a mix of awe and concern. "I need to end this quickly."
The Tainted Spirit gathered its energy, preparing for another attack. Eelzad saw his opportunity. He summoned every ounce of Ripple Magic he could muster, his gauntlets glowing brighter than ever before.
"Take this!" Eelzad roared, charging forward with a final, decisive strike. His fists connected with the Tainted Spirit, the impact creating a blinding flash of light that enveloped both combatants.
The Tainted Spirit let out a haunting wail as its form began to dissolve. Eelzad's Ripple Magic surged through it, purging the darkness and restoring its true form. As the light faded, a young man with green eyes and blonde hair, wearing a brown trench coat, appeared in the spirit's place. He collapsed, unconscious but peaceful, onto the riverbank.
The cyan spirit boy rushed to his friend's side, relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "You've freed him from his torment."
Eelzad knelt beside the two spirits, his own heart filled with relief. "I'm glad we could help. Who was he?"
The cyan spirit smiled sadly. "He was my friend, lost to darkness long ago. But now, he's free."
WC: 311
TWC: 793