As dawn broke over Valewood, Void stood on a hill overlooking the village. The calm morning air was a stark contrast to the storm of events that were rapidly unfolding around him. His mind was set on one thing—the upcoming assault on the Blightwood Ruins.
He glanced at the map ShadeHawk had given him, tracing the route they'd need to take through the forest to reach the ruins. Ironclad's forces would be arriving soon, and if Void and MiraNight didn't act fast, the Silver Fangs would have a strategic stronghold that could tip the balance of power in the region.
But Void wasn't about to face them alone.
MiraNight appeared beside him, her Shadow Dagger gleaming in the early light. "You ready for this?" she asked, her eyes scanning the horizon.
"Not yet," Void replied. "We still need allies."
"Who do you have in mind?"
Void folded the map and tucked it into his inventory. "I've been thinking. We need smaller guilds that have a stake in this region. They won't want the Silver Fangs controlling the ruins any more than we do. If we can convince them to join us, we'll stand a chance."
MiraNight nodded thoughtfully. "And what about the Nightfall Syndicate? You think they'll show up?"
Void frowned. "I'm not sure. They're a wildcard. ShadeHawk said they're after something valuable in the ruins, but he didn't know what. They might ignore us, or they might be a bigger threat than the Silver Fangs."
"We can't afford to underestimate them," MiraNight warned.
"I know," Void said. "But first things first—let's talk to the guilds."
-----
The first stop on their list was a small guild called the Iron Vipers. They weren't as large or as well-known as the Silver Fangs, but they had a reputation for being fiercely independent and skilled in guerrilla warfare. If anyone could help them navigate the Blightwood Forest and hold off an attack, it was the Iron Vipers.
Void and MiraNight approached the Iron Vipers' base—a modest fort on the outskirts of the forest. The fort was well-guarded, with archers stationed at every corner and patrols regularly walking the perimeter.
As they reached the gate, a guard stepped forward. "State your business."
"We're here to speak with your leader," Void said, his voice steady. "We have information about the Silver Fangs that I think he'll want to hear."
The guard raised an eyebrow, but after a moment's hesitation, he nodded and motioned for them to follow him. They were led through the fort to a central building, where the leader of the Iron Vipers, a grizzled warrior named Ragnar, sat at a large table covered in maps and battle plans.
Ragnar looked up as they entered, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Who are you, and why should I care about the Silver Fangs?"
Void stepped forward. "My name's Void, and this is MiraNight. We've come to warn you about an upcoming attack. In two days, the Silver Fangs are planning to take the Blightwood Ruins. If they succeed, they'll have control over this entire region—and you'll be their next target."
Ragnar grunted, leaning back in his chair. "You expect me to believe that? Why would Ironclad target us?"
"Because he's greedy," MiraNight chimed in. "He wants control over everything in the area, and your guild is one of the last obstacles in his way."
Ragnar stroked his beard thoughtfully. "And what's in it for you? Why warn us?"
"Because we're fighting them too," Void said. "We don't want the Silver Fangs to control the ruins any more than you do. We're putting together a coalition to stop them, and we need your help."
Ragnar stared at Void for a long moment, his eyes unreadable. Finally, he spoke. "What makes you think we'll join you? We've fought the Silver Fangs before, and we've held our own. We don't need anyone's help."
Void clenched his fists, trying to stay calm. "I'm not asking you to rely on us. I'm asking you to consider what happens if we fail. The Silver Fangs are bigger than they've ever been. They're recruiting mercenaries, and they're moving fast. If they take the ruins, they'll fortify it, and no one in this region will be safe. Not even you."
Ragnar's expression softened slightly, though his eyes still held suspicion. "You've got a point. But you're asking a lot of us. What guarantee do we have that this isn't some trick to get us caught in the middle of a war we don't want?"
Void glanced at MiraNight before answering. "You don't. But think of the alternative—if you stand by and let them take the ruins, it won't matter. Sooner or later, Ironclad will come for you. And by then, it might be too late."
Ragnar fell silent, the weight of Void's words sinking in. After what felt like an eternity, he finally nodded. "Alright. We'll join you. But I expect you to keep your end of the deal. If you betray us, we'll crush you just like we'll crush the Silver Fangs."
Void let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "We won't betray you. We're in this together."
Ragnar stood, signaling the meeting was over. "Gather your forces and meet us at the edge of the Blightwood in two days. We'll be ready."
-----
As they left the Iron Vipers' fort, MiraNight let out a low whistle. "That went better than expected."
"Barely," Void muttered, his mind already racing with the next step. "We've got one guild. Now we need more."
Over the course of the next day, Void and MiraNight traveled from guild to guild, spreading the word about the Silver Fangs' impending attack. They met with leaders from the Shadow Wolves, a guild known for their stealth and assassins; the Crimson Blades, a small but highly skilled group of warriors; and the Eagle's Talon, an archer guild with a reputation for being deadly at long range.
Each meeting was a delicate dance of persuasion, negotiation, and promises. Void had to convince each guild that working together was their best chance of survival, and while some were more reluctant than others, by the end of the day, they had a coalition of five guilds ready to stand against the Silver Fangs.
As night fell, Void and MiraNight returned to Valewood, exhausted but satisfied with their progress. They sat by the fire in the village inn, going over their plans for the battle.
"I can't believe we actually pulled it off," MiraNight said, a smile tugging at her lips.
Void nodded, though his thoughts were still focused on what was to come. "We've got the numbers now, but it's still going to be a tough fight. Ironclad's forces are bigger, and they'll be expecting resistance."
"So what's the plan?" MiraNight asked.
Void stared into the flames, his mind working through the possibilities. "We split up. The Iron Vipers and Crimson Blades will hold the front, keeping the Silver Fangs busy. Meanwhile, the Shadow Wolves and Eagle's Talon will flank them, picking off their forces from the sides. You and I will head straight for Ironclad and his lieutenants. If we can take him out early, the rest of the guild will fall apart."
MiraNight's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Sounds risky. I like it."
Void smirked. "It'll be more than risky. But we have to hit them where it hurts. Take out the head, and the body will crumble."
-----
Two days later, as the first rays of sunlight broke through the canopy of the Blightwood Forest, Void stood at the edge of the battlefield. The ruins loomed in the distance, shrouded in mist and ancient decay. His coalition of guilds was assembled, their members hidden in the shadows of the trees, waiting for the signal to strike.
Void's heart pounded in his chest, the weight of the coming battle pressing down on him. This was it. The moment everything would change.
"Ready?" MiraNight asked, her voice calm but laced with excitement.
Void nodded, gripping the hilt of his Whispered Blade tightly. "Let's finish this."
In the distance, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the forest. The Silver Fangs were coming.
Void raised his hand, signaling to the coalition.
The battle for the Blightwood Ruins had begun.