## Chapter 16: Battle at the Edge of Night
Aiden stood with a group of adventurers, watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting long shadows over the camp. The air was thick with anticipation. He had joined one of the squads from the Adventurers Guild, a diverse group with varied backgrounds and specialties.
"Alright, everyone, let's introduce ourselves," said the squad leader, a burly man named Garret. "I'll start. I'm Garret, a warrior by trade. I specialize in close combat and defense."
Next to speak was a slender woman with a bow slung over her shoulder. "Name's Lila. I'm an archer and tracker. If it moves, I can hit it."
A hulking man with a giant axe grunted. "Borus. Berserker. Strong and tough."
Aiden listened carefully, making mental notes about each person's abilities and potential usefulness. Some of the adventurers were clearly skilled and experienced, while others seemed arrogant and overconfident.
A young mage named Elena stepped forward. "I can cast various elemental spells. Fire, ice, you name it."
There were also healers, rogues, and other combat specialists, each introducing themselves in turn. Some of them eyed Aiden with curiosity, as he had yet to reveal his full capabilities.
"I'm Aiden," he said simply. "I have some skills in shadow magic and hand-to-hand combat."
The introductions finished, and the group settled into their assigned roles. Aiden observed them, noting who could be an asset and who might be a liability in the coming battle.
---
As night fell, the atmosphere grew tense. The camp was quiet except for the crackling of campfires and the occasional murmur of conversation. Suddenly, a distant rumble echoed through the air, growing louder with each passing moment.
Aiden's eyes narrowed as he scanned the darkness. The sound of war horns blared, and the ground trembled as an army of demons from the Vordrak Stronghold rushed towards the camp.
"To arms!" Garret shouted. "Prepare for battle!"
The adventurers scrambled to their positions, weapons drawn and ready. The clash of steel and the roar of battle filled the night as the demon horde crashed into the camp's defenses.
Aiden fought on the front lines, using his bare hands to dispatch the lower-ranked demon soldiers. He moved with precision and efficiency, careful not to reveal his true strength and abilities. Despite his efforts to blend in, his combat prowess drew the attention of those around him.
---
Throughout the chaos, Aiden took note of the diverse powers and skills displayed by the adventurers. Lila's arrows flew with deadly accuracy, Borus cleaved through demons with his mighty axe, and Elena's spells lit up the battlefield with bursts of fire and ice. Some adventurers stood out more than others, their abilities cutting through the demon ranks with ease.
The battle raged on, the adventurers holding their ground against the relentless demon assault. Aiden moved fluidly, taking down enemies while staying aware of his surroundings. He absorbed everything he saw, gaining valuable knowledge about modern combat techniques and magical abilities.
Just as the adventurers seemed to be gaining the upper hand, a massive figure emerged from the darkness. The demon general, **Rakthor**, towered over the battlefield, his presence radiating power and menace. His skin was a deep crimson, and his eyes glowed with an unholy light.
Rakthor bellowed a challenge, and one of the strongest adventurers, a swordsman named Darian, stepped forward to face him. The two clashed in a flurry of blows, but it quickly became clear that Rakthor was far stronger. With a single, devastating strike, he sent Darian sprawling, broken and defeated.
The sight of their comrade's defeat sent a ripple of fear through the adventurers. The situation grew dire as Rakthor continued his assault, his brutal attacks carving through their ranks.
---
Aiden watched the scene unfold, his mind racing. The adventurers were barely holding on, their forces strained to the breaking point. He knew he had to act, but revealing his true power now would compromise his position.
As the battle reached a critical juncture, a distant horn sounded. The Holy Church soldiers, resplendent in their gleaming armor, charged onto the battlefield. Their arrival brought a temporary reprieve, but Aiden's eyes remained fixed on Rakthor.
The demon general paused, eyeing the new arrivals with disdain. The adventurers regrouped, their hope rekindled by the presence of the Church's forces. However, Aiden knew that this was only the beginning. The true battle for the Vorrath Wastes, and the secrets it held, was far from over.