The distant cries of panic echoed through the rain-soaked streets as Kael and Draven stood frozen on the balcony. A guard's desperate scream pierced through the night before being silenced by the unmistakable sound of steel meeting flesh. Moments later, a grotesque Goblin leaped into view, its jagged dagger glinting under the faint moonlight.
"They're inside the town!" Kael exclaimed, gripping the hilt of his sword.
Draven's sharp eyes scanned the streets below. "No time to waste. Arm up!"
They dashed back inside, hurriedly strapping on their armor and grabbing their weapons. The clinking of steel against leather filled the room as they prepared for battle.
The rain poured relentlessly as they stepped into the chaotic streets. Goblins were flooding through the front gate, overwhelming the town's guards. Chaos reigned—fires sparked in the heavy rain, adventurers clashed steel against crooked goblin weapons, and terrified townsfolk ran for their lives.
Kael drew his sword and charged forward, slashing through a smaller goblin. "Stay close, Draven!"
Draven nocked an arrow and let it loose, striking a goblin through the eye. "I'm with you, don't slow down!"
A loud horn blast echoed across the town—a signal to the castle. Moments later, Tharian and his team joined the fray. The spear-wielding leader roared as he impaled a goblin mid-leap, his team spreading out to support the guards.
The goblins, though small, fought with ferocity, their crude weapons striking fear into the unprepared defenders. But something else stirred the air—a heavy presence.
From the broken gate emerged the Goblin Commander, towering over two meters tall. Its broad shoulders carried a massive war axe, and its yellow eyes glowed with cruel intent.
"Kael! That one's different!" Draven shouted, firing an arrow towards the commander. The projectile bounced harmlessly off its thick hide.
The massive goblin let out a guttural roar, swinging its axe and sending several guards flying with a single sweep.
Kael tightened his grip on his sword. "We can't let it reach the townspeople. Draven, cover me!"
He charged forward, meeting the towering goblin in combat. The axe came crashing down, and Kael barely rolled aside in time. Sparks flew as his sword clashed against the goblin's weapon. Draven circled from a distance, firing precise arrows to distract the beast.
The fight raged on, Kael narrowly avoiding deadly blows while delivering his own strikes. Blood dripped from a wound on his arm, but he remained steadfast.
But then, the goblin commander roared again, using sheer brute force to send Kael sprawling across the muddy ground.
The creature raised its axe, ready to deliver a finishing blow.
At that moment, a voice rang out. "Enough!"
A blinding flash of fire illuminated the stormy night. A knight in gleaming armor, adorned with fiery patterns, appeared between Kael and the commander. Her sword, wreathed in crimson flames, met the goblin's axe with immense force.
Draven gasped. "Who is that?"
The knight, her face partially hidden behind her helmet, pushed the goblin back with a wave of searing fire.
"Fall, beast!" she commanded, her voice firm and commanding.
With a series of precise strikes, her fiery blade tore through the goblin commander's defenses. The monster let out one final roar before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.
The remaining goblins, seeing their leader fall, scattered in panic and retreated into the night.
The streets fell silent except for the sound of the rain and the exhausted breaths of the defenders.
The Lady Knight turned to the guards. "Send me a full report on this incident immediately."
She then faced the adventurers, her fiery sword now extinguished. "You all fought bravely tonight. The kingdom owes you its thanks."
Without another word, she mounted her horse and galloped back towards the castle, leaving the adventurers in awe.
The rain continued as Kael and Draven dragged themselves back home, their armor soaked and their muscles aching.
Lyriel rushed out of her house as they approached. "Kael! Draven! Are you both alright? What happened out there?"
Kael sighed as he removed his helmet. "The goblins broke through the front gate. It was chaos, Lyriel."
Draven nodded solemnly. "But we held them back. With help."
They entered Kael's house, where warmth greeted them. Lyriel went back to her home and returned shortly with bowls of hot soup.
As they sat around the table, steam rising from their bowls, Draven turned to Kael. "I noticed something during the fight... you didn't use any magic. Why?"
Silence filled the room.
Kael set down his spoon. "I... was born without magic."
Draven's eyes widened. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean—"
Kael smiled faintly. "It's fine. I've made peace with it. Magic or not, I can still fight."
Lyriel placed a hand on Kael's shoulder. "And you fight better than most mages I know."
They finished their meal in quiet camaraderie, the warmth of the soup easing their exhaustion.
At the castle, the Lady Knight entered the war room. She removed her helmet, revealing her sharp, determined features. Her name was Seraphina Flameheart.
She addressed the commanders gathered around the map table, including Rorik.
"Report. How are the gates holding?"
One by one, the commanders spoke. Each reported that while the attacks were resisted, the gates remained vulnerable.
Seraphina's brows furrowed. "We cannot leave the gates as they are. Double the guards, and restrict all travel in and out of the city. Adventurers and traders are to remain inside until further notice. Prepare your men for an all-out war. The Goblin King is making his move."
The commanders saluted. "Yes, Commander Seraphina!"
She stared at the map, her eyes fixed on the mountains.
"This ends soon. One way or another."
The next morning, Kael, Lyriel, and Draven arrived at the Adventurer's Guild. A tense atmosphere hung in the air as Brunhild addressed the gathered adventurers.
"All trade and quests outside the city are suspended. The Goblin threat has grown beyond control. Prepare yourselves, adventurers. War is coming. And we will fight side-by-side with the kingdom's soldiers."
The trio exchanged glances. The weight of responsibility hung heavy on their shoulders.
Nearby, Tharian and his team approached. "Looks like we're in this together," Tharian said with a grin.
Kael extended his hand. "Let's work together and end this threat."
Tharian clasped it firmly. "Together."
The adventurers looked out towards the horizon. The storm had passed, but a darker one loomed on the edges of the kingdom.
The war against the Goblins had begun.