Lord Eirik Frozenfang appeared at the edge of the hole, his presence immediately commanding attention. The children gathered below him, a stark contrast in appearances—some had become more fit and strong, while others had grown fatter, succumbing to the temptations of abundant food and inactivity.
With a stern expression, Lord Frozenfang addressed them, his voice cutting through the cold air. "Tomorrow, no more food will be provided," he announced, causing a ripple of murmurs among the children. "You will have to hunt and forage for yourselves."
He let the weight of his words settle before continuing. "Those who have not wasted their time will have an advantage, but let's see how that unfolds. Life is harsh, and you must learn this truth if you are to survive."
His gaze swept over the children, noting their varying reactions—fear, determination, confusion. "Many of you know the harshness of life already, considering most of you were abandoned or sold. Use that knowledge. It will serve you well."
With that, he turned and left, leaving the children alone to ponder the reality of their situation. The gravity of Lord Frozenfang's words hung in the air, and the children dispersed, preparing themselves mentally and physically for the challenge that lay ahead.
As midnight approached, the massive gates at the edge of the hole began to creak open, revealing the snowy forest beyond. Most of the children were asleep, unaware of the impending danger. The cold wind swept in, carrying with it the sounds of the night—a haunting mix of howls and rustling leaves.
Suddenly, the peace was shattered by the growls and screeches of goblins. The monstrous creatures poured through the gates, their eyes gleaming with malice. Panic erupted among the children as they were jolted from their slumber.
Kenshin, blind but alert, sensed the danger before it fully manifested. The subtle shift in the wind's direction, carrying with it an unfamiliar, foul odor, alerted him. His other senses heightened, he picked up the faint rustling of leaves and the soft padding of feet on the forest floor, sounds that were out of place in the stillness of the night.
He stood up, his makeshift weapon in hand, and listened intently. The goblins' guttural growls and high-pitched screeches reverberated through the air, creating an eerie symphony of menace. Kenshin felt the vibrations of their movement through the ground, a rhythmic pulsing that grew more pronounced as they closed in.
The wind carried the goblins' rancid breath and the metallic scent of their weapons. Kenshin's heart pounded in his chest, but he remained focused, letting his heightened senses guide him. He could feel the displacement of air as the goblins moved, their presence like dark shadows against his skin.
Amidst the chaos, Kenshin's training kicked in. He relied on his acute hearing to pinpoint the goblins' locations, the sound of their ragged breathing and the swish of their weapons slicing through the cold air. His movements were precise and controlled, each strike guided by the cacophony of sounds that painted a vivid picture of the battlefield in his mind.
Around him, the scene was one of utter confusion and terror as the children struggled to defend themselves against the unexpected onslaught. Kenshin fought back with determination, his senses finely attuned to the goblins' every move. He could hear the cries of his fellow captives, the clash of metal, and the thud of bodies hitting the ground.
The sounds of battle and cries of pain echoed through the night, but slowly, some of the more fit and trained children began to rally together, pushing back against the goblins. Kenshin, breathing heavily, took a moment to assess the situation, his ears straining to catch any sign of retreat or further danger.
This was the harsh reality Lord Frozenfang had spoken of. It was a brutal test, a lesson in survival that none of them would soon forget. As the goblins retreated, leaving behind a scene of devastation, Kenshin knew that the true challenge had only just begun.