A cold wind blew over the fortress.
Reed stood atop his castle tower, gazing out over the horizon. The human army was beginning to move.
In the distance, the royal flag was waving.
He could see thousands of soldiers coming. Cavalry, mages, archers—they brought their full strength.
And that made him smile.
"Finally."
Velka and Shia stood behind him, looking at him seriously.
"They brought 20,000 soldiers," Velka said. "Half of them are knights. They also brought two new Heroes."
Reed glanced at her. "Their ranks?"
Velka gulped. "One is B-rank. The other is A-rank."
Shia whistled. "So, twice as tough as Seric?"
Velka gritted her teeth. "No. They're better trained."
Reed chuckled.
"Good."
"They thought I would stay in the castle," Reed said, grinning.
Velka eyed him suspiciously. "You won't?"
"Of course not." Reed turned. "I'll attack first."
Shia grinned. "Now you're talking like a true monster."
Reed raised his hand.
Below, the goblins raised their weapons.
The human knights trembled in their chains of slavery.
They were no longer a chaotic army.
They were an army.
And they thirsted for blood.
Night fell.
The kingdom was not ready. They thought the Goblin Lord would hold out.
They were wrong.
Just before dawn, the goblins stormed their camp.
Tents were burned.
Horses were slaughtered before they could run.
The troops awoke in confusion.
Amidst the chaos, Reed stepped forward.
In his hand, the sword stolen from the royal knight.
In his eyes, the intent to kill.
A man in white armor appeared amidst the flames.
His eyes burned with rage.
"Goblin Lord! I am Sir Aldric! I will end your reign of terror!"
Reed grinned.
"Try it."
They collided.