Spirit Game

At the first light of dawn, the Hobgoblins emerged. Their numbers stretched across the barren wasteland, a sea of twisted, monstrous forms as far as the eye could see.

However, what had once been an intimidating force was now reduced to merely half its original strength. Many were on the verge of collapse, their bodies ravaged by the relentless plague.

Yet, the two Hobgoblin Generals stood unscathed amidst the chaos.

Perhaps they had evolved beyond the rest, or maybe the venom took longer to affect them. No one knew for sure.

Rain and the others waited, their resolve tested by the sight before them. Though stricken with the deadly disease, the Hobgoblins still had overwhelming numbers.

If he had to be honest, Rain hadn't expected the illness to be so potent, reducing the Hobgoblins' ranks to such a degree. He was grateful that Pup had found that beetle and used it as a weapon. This time, he owed everything to Pup and Hana.

Now it was their turn to hold the line, ensuring that everyone had enough time to evacuate to the warship. It would be disastrous if the Hobgoblins reached them, especially since they had mounts known as Battlehogs, while the villagers still had to carry the sick.

The two imposing figures at the forefront caught Rain's eye. He deduced they were the Generals.

One was a hulking brute mounted on a giant Battlehog, wielding a massive axe that gleamed menacingly in the dawn light. Enjoy exclusive adventures from m-v l'e|m,p-y r

The other was a leaner figure, riding a smaller but equally fierce Battlehog, a large bow in hand, and a quiver of deadly arrows at his side.

"Are you the lord of this place?! Where are those seadwellers?!" one of the generals' voices boomed over the battlefield.

Though they spoke a different language, Rain could oddly understand them.

He bitterly smiled. Of course, they hadn't done any research on him. In their eyes, he didn't amount to much. The seadwellers might have caught them off guard, but it seemed they weren't overly concerned about them that they didn't exert any effort to know their enemy. While he had Chi to spy at them every night.

They were either arrogant or had the power to justify their lack of concern for their enemies.

Rain stepped forward. He steeled himself, his grip tightening on his weapon. This would be a battle like no other, and they would need every ounce of strength and courage to survive.

"Isn't it common manners to introduce yourself before asking for someone else's name?" Rain said, calmly hiding the shaking of his nerves.

One of the Generals growled. "We don't need the name of a dead man!"

Then you shouldn't have asked the name of the lord of this place in the first place, Rain thought. Everyone was right when they said Hobgoblins weren't that smart. They were capable of thinking but weren't exactly intelligent.

The scrawny one stepped forward and spoke calmly. Unlike the boorish bigger one, the leaner Hobgoblin General seemed more composed despite the situation.

"My name is Varkis, and this is General Gralnor! We stand here in the name of our mighty King, commanded to purge all who dare to oppose his rule.

"Listen well, for I will say this only once. Join us, swear fealty to our King, and we will grant you mercy. Pledge your loyalty, and you shall live to see another day, spared from the wrath of our army. Refuse, and you will face the full force of our might, your lives extinguished in a tide of blood and fire.

"The choice is yours. Consider it carefully, for your fate hangs in the balance."

General Gralnor stared at Varkis. He frowned but didn't say anything. He knew their predicament. Though there were only five enemies outside and the village seemed empty, the threat of the seadwellers couldn't be denied.

Their orders were to annihilate everyone in the south. However, with the disease plaguing them and claiming hundreds of Hobgoblins each day, they were in no condition to fight for long.

The best they could do was to make the other side surrender and join their King, to minimize casualties on their part, and then return immediately to find a cure. They could kill them after that.

They were in no condition for war right now.

A low growl rumbled in General Gralnor's throat. If only this cursed disease hadn't struck them, they wouldn't have to lower their heads and negotiate like weaklings.

On the other hand, Rain was aware of the Hobgoblins' predicament, but he was more surprised that General Varkis could speak like a noble in war. He was sure they were only offering negotiations because of the disease. However, he knew better than to trust them.

Moreover, what he wanted wasn't an alliance with Hobgoblins, known for their ruthless and untrustworthy nature. What Rain wanted was to defeat them so they wouldn't pose any problem to him and his people once and for all.

"Sorry, but we're not interested in your offer," Rain said calmly.

General Varkis remained composed on the surface, but inside, he seethed with rage. General Gralnor, unable to contain his fury, roared and signaled the start of the battle.

"Enough of this! Everyone charge! Kill them! Kill them all!" General Gralnor bellowed, and the Hobgoblin army surged forward, rushing towards Rain and his companions.

Nearly five thousand Hobgoblins charged, a tidal wave of malevolence. Rain, Chill, Chin, and Thraigar all went to their positions.

Thraigar hurled boulders with immense strength in the safety of the village, crushing Hobgoblins beneath their weight. Chill, Chin, and Chick fired cannons and ballistas on the battlement, their projectiles tearing through the advancing ranks.

Rain retreated into the village, closing the gate behind him. He joined the others in manning the watchtowers and battlements, coordinating their defenses with haste.

The air was filled with the deafening sounds of battle — explosions, war cries, and the clash of steel. Rain's heart pounded in his chest as he shouted orders, ensuring everyone held their positions.

As Thraigar continued to rain down destruction, and the cannons and ballistas unleashed their deadly barrage, Rain knew this would be a fight for time. The Hobgoblins were relentless, but so were they.

Different traps were triggered as the Hobgoblins circled the village. Hidden pits suddenly opened beneath their feet, swallowing unlucky soldiers into sharp spikes. Explosive snares detonated, sending Hobgoblins flying, their cries of agony mingling with the din of battle. Spiked barricades shot up from the ground, impaling those who ventured too close.

The walls of the village stood sturdy and unyielding, crafted to withstand assaults. However, General Gralnor's powerful swings with his massive axe made the sturdy gate rattle and shake. Each swing brought the gate closer to splintering. A few more swings and the village would be breached.

Despite the impending threat, Rain and the others held their ground, defending their home with every ounce of their strength. They knew the walls weren't designed to withstand an onslaught from five thousand Hobgoblins, but they had to hold the fort for as long as possible.