Two days had passed since the warning of the impending human attack. The air was thick with anticipation and tension, the calm before the storm. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting long shadows over the settlement, when the human forces finally arrived. They came at dawn, a formidable force marching towards the guard settlement with grim determination.Respecting an unspoken code of honor, neither side made a move until the command was given. During this brief moment of grace, Kuro, Raga, and Lyra gathered their men and solidified their war tactics. The Empress, deemed too valuable to risk, was escorted back to the capital by Lyra herself, who had trained her personally.The walls of the settlement bristled with prepared defenders, every one of them ready to fight to their last breath. Kuro, Raga, and Lyra stood atop the wall, their faces obscured by custom masks they had acquired from a local shop. These masks were more than just protection; they were symbols of their defiance and superiority over the invading humans.A human commander stepped forward, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "We're going to take over this wall, this settlement, and then your cities beyond!" he shouted, his voice dripping with venomous intent.Kuro leapt from the wall, landing gracefully before the human commander. He walked forward with deliberate steps, his eyes locked onto the enemy leader. "Do you really wish to fight us?" Kuro asked, his voice calm but firm."We want revenge!" the commander spat back, his eyes burning with a mix of hatred and desperation."So be it," Kuro responded, his tone icy and resolute.With that, the battle began. The clash of steel rang out as the two forces collided. Kuro moved through the fray like a shadow, his movements swift and precise. Each strike was delivered with skill and determination, driven by the need to protect his home and those he cared about.Raga was a whirlwind of destruction beside him, his two-handed sword carving through enemies with brutal efficiency. His blue hair, a stark contrast against the chaos, made him a beacon on the battlefield. Lyra commanded the defenders with unwavering resolve, her voice a steadying force amidst the chaos.Kuro's mind was focused and sharp. He fought not just for survival but for the future of his people, his actions driven by a desire to protect and to push back against those who sought to harm them. He slashed through enemy lines, his mask adding an eerie presence to his already fearsome demeanor.At the height of the battle, Kuro's eyes locked onto the human commander. With a determined roar, he charged forward, cutting down anyone who dared to stand in his way. He reached the commander, their blades clashing in a furious exchange."You think you can defeat us?" the commander sneered.Kuro's response was a cold, steady gaze as he overpowered the commander, his sword cutting through the man's defenses. In a final, decisive strike, Kuro knocked the commander to the ground, his blade poised for the finishing blow.But just as Kuro was about to end it, a piercing whistle cut through the air. He paused, his senses on high alert. From the trees emerged a figure, cloaked in shadows. The figure stepped forward, revealing a young woman with striking, crimson eyes and a dark aura that seemed to ripple around her."Kuro Tenebrax," she said, her voice a chilling melody. "I've been looking for you."Kuro narrowed his eyes, his grip tightening on his sword. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice laced with suspicion and curiosity.The woman smiled, a cold and enigmatic expression. "My name is Nyxara, and I bring a message from someone who holds your fate in their hands."Nyxara was a young woman of slender build, yet her stance exuded an aura of strength and confidence. Her long, dark hair flowed freely down her back, the strands so black they seemed to absorb the light around her. Her eyes were a striking crimson, glowing faintly in the dim light, and they seemed to hold an unsettling depth of knowledge and power. They pierced through the chaos of the battlefield, locking onto Kuro with an intensity that was both captivating and intimidating.Her skin was pale, almost ethereal, adding to her otherworldly appearance. Her facial features were sharp and symmetrical, giving her an almost regal look. Her expression was calm and composed, with a hint of a knowing smile playing on her lips.Nyxara was dressed in a dark, form-fitting outfit made of a material that seemed to blend with the shadows. The outfit was both practical and stylish, allowing for ease of movement while also conveying a sense of elegance. A long, black cloak hung from her shoulders, the edges embroidered with subtle, intricate patterns that shimmered in the light.Around her neck, she wore a pendant with a dark red gem that seemed to pulse with its own inner light, casting a faint glow on her pale skin. Her hands were covered in black gloves, and a slender, curved dagger was strapped to her thigh, the hilt encrusted with small, dark stones.The battlefield seemed to still, all eyes drawn to this new player. Kuro felt a chill run down his spine as he faced her, his determination momentarily overshadowed by the mystery of this unexpected arrival.Will Kuro and the demi-humans prevail, or will they fall to the human onslaught? And who is this mysterious Nyxara, and what does she want with Kuro? Find out in Chapter Eleven: "Who are you and who am I?"