Chapter 6: The Calm Before the Storm
Adam awoke before dawn, the faint light of the rising sun casting a shadow over his small room. The village was quiet, but the silence was ominous—an eerie silence that reminded him of the impending chaos.
He quickly stood up, grabbed the wolf knife from his belt, and inserted the **Shadowfang Core Shard**. His body was still buzzing with the energy from the core extraction the night before. His cultivation had reached **Qi Gathering Stage 3**, a system An upgrade that made him stronger, faster, and more agile than ever.
<**System Message: Final preparation phase has started. Attack time: 1 day and 6 hours **>
<**Objective:**>
1. Best friend.
2. Strengthening the village defenses (90% complete).
3. Prepare the defense.
Adam shook his head in dismay and walked straight to the village square.
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Now his villagers had admitted their mistake. Adam's Warnings and Elders' Warnings The order was given to secure the gates. Despite the fear in their eyes, people did their best to prepare for the worst.
The guards, led by Garrett, sharpen their weapons and make trenches along the main roads. The peasants carried oil drums and stone boxes to the upper walls, creating a temporary barricade.
"Man!" Elder Bai's voice broke from the noise. Adam approached. The old man stood by the gate, watching with Elf expressive
Adam bowed and said: Sir.
Bai said, "The defense is almost complete, but there is no coordination. The guards are strong, but there is no one to lead them to the battlefield. . . . "
Adam's face is touched. We need a strategy. "
Elder Bai nodded. I have sent a messenger to the forest in the east. A hermit, a retired general after the Great War. If anyone can help us protect it, it's him. He is
Adam's eyes widened. Forest expert of Eastern Norway? I have heard from him and he wants to go. . . Well, that sounds weird. "
Bai cries. Strange or not, we need him. I think you should go ahead. He might be more willing to help if you ask. "
<** Updated mission: Identify the friend. Objective - Accept Hermit's Link Bonus: Strategy for all levels. **>
Adam didn't hesitate. He turned and ran into the forest. Heading east, he sped as he crossed the rough terrain.
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The forest was dense and quiet, the only sound breaking the silence was the faint chirping of birds. Adam followed a narrow path deep into the forest until he reached a small clearing. In the middle was a simple garden with garden walls. In moss and vines
Adam approached cautiously, his eyes scanning the area for signs of life.
"Give your case or leave it." a high voice called in
Adam stopped in his tracks. "I am here to ask for your help," he said. The village and your expertise are under attack. "
The door opened, and a tall, broad-shouldered man emerged. His hair was wild, his beard was ragged, his clothes were little more than tattered rags. But his eyes - eager and calculating - spoke of a mind used in many battles.
"What do I think of your house?" the man said, his voice rising without hesitation.
"A Without this, the entire region will fall, Adam said, "You are a hero. You know why chaos can spread out of control. This is your chance to stop it before it starts."
The man studied him for a long time, and sighed. "Are you really brave? Or are you a foolish boy, I'll bite you anyway. Let's see if you're worth my time."
<**Subquest triggered: Show your power to the hermit. Aim - it will hit you. The reward: a friend gained, a strategic location freed up. **>
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The hermits 4,444 moved faster than anyone had expected. At one point he was standing, and at another in front of Adam he extended his hand like lightning. Adam barely escaped and fell back.
Is everything yours?" Zahid said wearily.
Adam's teeth hit, and the fire thing called *roar**. The flame shot out of his hand and moved forward to hit the hermit.
The man ran, his movements smooth and precise. push and Adam blocked it, and his kick landed on the floor.
Zahid said: You are sharp. But you don't think that if you just rely on brute force, you will always lose."
Adam clasped his hands together and drew attention. He activated **Shadowmeld**, his body fading into the shadows around him. The hermit blinked, his sharp eyes staring into the void.
"Yes, that's interesting,"
whispered.
Adam used the hole to shoot at the back of the head and hit the chest. hermit At the last second he turned and blocked the attack, but Adam continued to lunge, and Zari's hand touched the man's shoulder.
The hermit stumbled a little and laughed. "Not bad. You must be a child"
<**Request Completion: Show your power to the hermit. Items won: **>
- **Choose a Friend:** General Feng (Eastern Forest Enemy).
- ** Unlock: ** Strategy Strategy (+ 10% combat power for all allies). **
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The sun has set and will return House Feng wasted no time, he ordered the guards and carefully prepared the defense like a wise leader. The villagers seemed to gather under his leadership, their fear replaced with determination.
<**System Message: Final Update - House Defense: 100%. Time remaining: 12 hours **>
A lamp stands atop the village wall and looks out into the dark forest beyond. The soldiers arrive in the morning and the battle begins.
<**System Message: Anchor Set>