Whoosh... Boom...
In the middle of a cold, pitch-dark night painted in shades of deep indigo, three red signal flares shot up into the sky.
"Three signal flares! The village is under attack! Aelina, prepare for battle!"
Barel shouted toward his wife inside the house, then dashed toward his glass-crafting workshop.
From beneath the workshop floor, he pulled out a massive black metallic hammer — around 1200 pounds in weight and roughly four feet long.
Its structure was smooth and straight, its surface dark and faintly glimmering with blue metallic hues.
The handle was crafted from rare, lightweight star-metal, and at the very center of the hammer's head, a large, glowing brown crystal was embedded — gleaming faintly in the dim light.
From inside the house, Kai watched his father's preparations through his bright, curious eyes, the reflections of the glowing crystal dancing within them.
His mother, Aelina, emerged from the house wearing a robe sewn from fine new silk, decorated with soft green gemstones.
On both her wrists, she fastened silver armbands — each mounted with five slim, curved throwing daggers that shimmered faintly.
The scene before Kai filled him with turmoil.
Because the weapons and ornaments his parents now wore were priceless treasures — far beyond the means of ordinary villagers like them.
"When you come of age, this hammer will be yours, my son," Barel said with a gentle smile, patting Kai's head.
"Aelina, do it."
"My son," Aelina said softly, "I will place a barrier around this house. As long as you stay within it, no one will be able to find you. Stay inside. Don't go out, no matter what happens."
"Yes, Mother."
"We'll return with victory," she whispered, kissing Kai gently on the forehead before stepping out hand in hand with her husband.
"By the sacred name of Sylren, Lord of Wind — grant us your blessing! Gale Mirage!"
She spread both arms wide, and a swirling barrier of air formed around the perimeter of their home.
Moments later, the entire household shimmered and vanished from sight, as though nothing had ever stood there.
"Let's move, Barel. I'll cast Swift — the wind-lightening spell to boost our speed."
" AeIina,I can feel two energy waves on the verge of reaching Rank 5 not far from the village."
"So do I," she replied, her expression hardening. "But since the village still has one Rank-5 knight inside, let's hope they can hold out until we arrive."
Led by Commander Lirion, the able-bodied villagers gathered together and defended from the wooden watchtowers built around the village.
From above those towers, they rained arrows down on the approaching Storm Wolves.
"Elders, women, and children — everyone gather inside the village leader's compound!
The rest of you, help with the defense!"
Lirion commanded, his voice echoing through the night.
"Village Chief, you must keep holding the line! I'll take on the two Rank-4 peak-stage Wolves by myself.
Hold out until I finish them off!"
"All of you — hold your ground for Commander Lirion!
Do not retreat from your assigned positions!
This is the only way our village survives!"
The village leader drew his sword and shouted with fierce resolve.
About thirty Storm Wolves advanced toward them, their movements incredibly swift — so swift that the archers' arrows barely managed to touch them as they closed in.
"Those with light energy — blind them!" Lirion ordered.
Instantly, a group of ten villagers stepped forward, channeling their light energy at once.
Blinding flashes erupted, causing the wolves to stop in confusion.
"They're blinded! Now — fire!"
Arrows flew in volleys. The Storm Wolves howled in pain, several collapsing to the ground.
Only five of them managed to survive, retreating back into the darkness.
The once–colorful night sky, scattered with stars, suddenly darkened as thick clouds rolled in, shrouding even the moon's silver light.
The silence that followed the retreat of the wolves was eerie — a silence so deep it felt like the whole forest was holding its breath.
Then, the wind began to stir again… faint at first, before swelling into a restless gale that swept across the village.
From the nearby hills, bathed faintly in the dim glow of the half–hidden moon, they appeared.
Coated in fur that shimmered like molten silver, two Rank–4 peak-stage Storm Wolf Kings stood at the forefront, their bodies towering and eyes burning with cold fury.
Behind them, hundreds of Storm Wolves surged forward, their growls blending into a thunderous echo that made the earth tremble.
Aelina and Barel exchanged a single glance — no words, just names spoken in unison.
"Aelina."
"Barel."
Their voices merged with the howling wind.
"The real battle had begun."