The mist in Volks Valley swirled in front of the wall gates like a cold barrier, thirsty to consume any fool who dared to cross it.
The shadows of the wall lengthened over the purified land. Ethan remained in the center of the settlement, observing the new residents walking to and fro, looking for a place to stay for the night. Others wandered aimlessly, while some simply observed their new Sovereign and his group of powerful guardians.
Closing his eyes, Ethan sighed and spoke to Seraphina, Goran, Malphas, and Lyra.
"The Seekers found the first scouts from Aleskra this morning." He paused and continued. "The battle will arrive soon—maybe tomorrow, the day after, I don't know. What I do know is that we are taking away their power, and they are desperate to recover it."
"Aleskra has strength and the materials necessary to crush us. That is why we have to prepare for everything that is to come." Ethan smiled slightly.
"The good thing is that Aleskra has lived in a golden cradle for a long time. Now they are just fools carrying weapons, dressed in gold, with an arrogance that blinds them. And we are going to take advantage of it."
Ethan walked slowly among the group, took Malphas by the shoulder, and spoke: "I need you to create underground shelters for the civilians. Then, finish equipping the soldiers and, finally, raise a second gate to resist the siege."
Malphas's shoulders trembled subtly. "My Lord, we—we don't have enough material or time to erect a new floodgate." He lowered his head. "Maybe, if we prioritize the gate and ignore the shelter—"
"Do it in that order, Malphas. If there is not enough Blood Iron, use the rock huts."
Malphas bowed slightly. "As you command, my Lord."
Ethan nodded and turned to Seraphina. "I want you to continue training the new recruits."
Her blue eyes flashed. She placed her hand over her chest and answered, "As my Sovereign orders."
Finally, he stopped in front of Goran and Lyra.
"You look good, Thorne," Lyra interrupted, breaking the atmosphere. A mischievous smile appeared on her face.
When Ethan was about to reply, she spoke again. "Although I preferred you when you weren't wearing a shirt."
Seraphina's spear wrapped itself in electricity while her hands tightened over its hilt.
Lyra's emerald eyes opened with feigned surprise. "What? Did I do something?"
Ethan shook his head. "Lyra, Goran. You will accompany me. We will head to the deepest part of the valley."
"Lord, but there… there are only beasts!"
Ethan turned around and walked toward the north gate.
"Exactly. Goran, prepare your soldiers; we will leave at night."
After a few hours of preparation, the cold night arrived in the valley. The usual sounds of the settlement had been transformed into dull thuds; muffled by the earth, they emerged to the surface like a metallic heartbeat.
The soldiers, guided by Goran, formed rows with their new weapons and armor, ready to depart. At the front, Ethan and Lyra guided the group until they were lost in the fog.
...
By the time the group entered the deepest part, time seemed to stop. Surrounded by darkness and fog, the roars of the beasts that stalked them resonated everywhere, imbuing the soldiers with terror.
"Even with new weapons, they are still inexperienced."
Suddenly, a feline beast jumped with a fierce roar from the fog, its front legs stretching with claws and sharp fangs toward Ethan.
He lifted a blade covered in Void and split the creature in half with ease.
[+ 50 Soul Essence]
He had no time to breathe before a group of the same creatures emerged from the other side; four of them collided against the soldiers' shields.
[+ 50 Soul Essence][+ 50 Soul Essence]
Another group, led by a much larger and fiercer creature of the same race, managed to flank the soldiers.
Each of them shuddered with terror when, suddenly, the shadows moved.
Two sharp daggers cut the air and buried themselves in the leader. Lyra appeared over them, pulling out the daggers and jumping to finish off the rest. She moved, dodging claws and fangs with elegance and cunning. She was like a dancer in the middle of a dance of chaos and blood.
At the same time, Goran protected the other flank using all his strength. Blood soaked his face and armor; his sword vibrated with emotion every time it sliced through one of the abominations like a creature born for violence.
"He has grown much faster than I expected," murmured Ethan.
He looked up and headed to a small opening among the mountains. Upon seeing it, Ethan and Lyra pulled away from the group and submerged into it, finishing off a few defending creatures.
Inside, on a pile of dry leaves, a group of feline cubs faced them with their small, sharp teeth.
Ethan smiled.
"Lyra, tell the soldiers we are beginning the retreat. We will move to the next nest."
She observed him for a few seconds, then nodded before withdrawing without a word.
A few moments later, the sound of chains resonated in the cave.
...
When morning arrived at the settlement, the light from the Altar imbued the surroundings with its dim purple glow. The sound of Malphas's hammer had ceased, and now a thick rock gate with scraps of wood stood right in front of the main one.
Ethan found himself on the wall, appreciating the veins covered in a purple glow, almost alive. Around him, a group of torches rose, their purple flames shining even under the sunlight.
"You have done a good job, Malphas."
Seraphina, a few meters away, rose above the ground with her wings extended, her blue eyes narrowed in a severe expression while she observed the soldiers swinging their swords.
A Seeker emerged from the shadows and leaned against Ethan, seeking attention.
Ethan observed the horizon and murmured, "They have arrived." He turned toward the settlement and locked eyes with Seraphina; that alone was enough to convey the order.
She descended and shouted, "Prepare yourselves!"
At her words, the settlement moved like an anthill. Each of the soldiers headed to their positions, crossing paths. Some climbed the walls, others formed a line in front of the gate, and a few guided the citizens to the shelter.
Goran formed up at the front along with Seraphina and Malphas. Ethan was with them when both floodgates were opened wide.
An enormous army was waiting for them on the other side.
Marcus was at its head.