As the embers of the campfire glowed softly in the night, Tusk, Talon, and Rhae gathered around, their expressions serious but animated by the warmth of camaraderie.

"I think the rumors about that former slave boy turned mercenary who massacred the entire Bandits are true after all," Tusk remarked, his deep voice resonating through the quiet of the night.

"Yes, it certainly seems so," Talon agreed, a hint of admiration in his tone.

Rhae, with her sharp gaze reflecting the firelight, added, "I sense there's something extraordinary about him. But I sensed deep darkness welling inside him,"

Tusk nodded, his brow furrowing in thought. "I noticed he didn't go all out against Baldwin. If he had, Baldwin would have lost. He could likely hold his own against me, and you know I don't often place anyone in such high regard."

Talon's expression shifted to one of intrigue. "It appears we've gained a remarkable addition to our ranks. I believe Fenrir would appreciate his strength."

Rhae chimed in, "He shares a similar personality with Fenrir. There's a certain spark in him."

As the conversation dwindled, they retreated to their chambers for the night, leaving the fire to crackle and pop beneath a canopy of stars.

Morning light filtered gently through the trees as Rhae made her way to Theo's camp. There, she found Theo sleeping soundly on a branch, his frame cradled by the sturdy limbs. A little farther away, she spotted Dan, focused on his failed art of fishing in the lake's glistening waters.

"Hello there," Rhae called out as she approached Dan, who looked up, surprise flashing across his face.

"Hello, ma'am! I didn't notice you," he stammered, his cheeks reddening slightly. "What brings you here?"

"Don't call me ma'am. Remember our second rule?" Rhae reminded him, a playful glint in her eyes.

Dan nodded sheepishly, "Yes, yes, sorry I forgot. So, Rhae, what brings you here?"

"I wanted to check in with you two," she replied, glancing back toward Theo. "Also, it's time to leave for Frostpeak Highlands."

"Oh, is it?" Dan asked, excitement mingling with curiosity. "Let me wake Theo up."

Rhae waved him off. "Don't worry, we still have some time. But tell me, how did you two meet?"

Dan smiled at the memory. "We grew together on a farm since our childhood, and ever since then, we became inseparable. By the time we turned seventeen, we began traveling and sometimes took on battles as mercenaries to earn some coin. That's how we got to where we are now."

Rhae knew he's just giving her the outline of their past not the in-depth story, she thought maybe someday she can get to know them better, just then, Theo stirred awake, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Hey, Rhae! Is it time already?" he called out.

"Yeah, we have some time. Why don't we head to town for breakfast? You can stock up on supplies, too. We'll be crossing some tough terrain filled with snow peaks and mountains," Rhae suggested.

Theo raised an eyebrow. "Why not just go through Frostpeak Highlands?"

"Against the Kingdom of Kaelthor, it wouldn't be an issue. But they have considerable support from our enemy, Kingdom Solgard, and their army is about to join forces with the Kaelthor army. We need to intercept them before that happens," Rhae explained. "Fenrir is already at the highland peaks with Lord Aldric Strome and his army. They'll be engaging the enemy head-on while we set up a pincer attack."

Dan's eyes widened in surprise. "Isn't the group only around fifty and where are the remaining Varghr army"

Rhae chuckled as they began to walk toward the town, packing up their camp. "We've already stationed most of our mercenaries along the route. We'll be around forty thousand troops joining forces, and with Fenrir there are about twenty thousand, and ten thousand on standby as reserves."

"Wow, I knew Varghr Mercenary was the largest and strongest in the kingdom, but I didn't realize it was this massive. It's like an army under a chief general!" Dan exclaimed.

"Fenrir's mercenary group started with just four hundred," Rhae elaborated. "Over the last twenty years, he's gathered and united many mercenaries. Ragnar and Talon have been with Fenrir since the beginning, while Tusk joined later, bringing his eight thousand troops to the fold. Three years ago, Baldwin joined us, too."

Theo tilted his head, curiosity etched on his face. "What about you, Rhae?"

Rhae's expression turned solemn for a moment. "I used to serve a lord in the southern part of our kingdom. When I was thirteen, demons attacked the palace, wiping out nearly everyone and destroying nearby towns. Our king at the time hired a mercenary group led by Fenrir for rescue, but by the time they arrived, everything was in ruins. I was the only survivor. Fenrir took me in, raised me, and I eventually rose to the rank of second commander under him."

Dan and Theo exchanged glances, both astonished. "Wow, you're the second commander?" they said in unison.

Rhae smiled at their surprise. "Yes, I am. Did you think I was last because I'm a woman?"

"No, no! We didn't mean it like that," Theo hastily reassured her. "We just thought that, given your slim physique, you might be weaker compared to the others."

Rhae feigned a pout, teasingly narrowing her eyes at Theo. "So, you were checking me out, huh?"

Theo's face flushed crimson. "No! I didn't mean it like that!" he protested, stammering as he fumbled for words.

Rhae burst into laughter, the sound light and melodic against the backdrop of the morning. "Don't worry; I'm just playing with you!"

The playful banter lightened their spirits as they made their way toward the town.

As dawn broke over the town, Rhae, Theo, and Dan made their way to the bustling market square. The air was crisp, and the hum of vendors setting up for the day filled the streets. They moved among the stalls, selecting essentials for the journey ahead. Theo inspected some dried meat and bread, while Dan stocked up on sturdy leather straps and a small flask of oil for their weapons. After their supplies were gathered, the three of them headed to a modest dining tavern near the edge of town.

Inside, the warmth of the hearth and the scent of freshly baked bread made the room inviting. They shared a meal of bread and roasted meat,

Afterward, they walked to the horse shed, where Theo and Dan had left their horses for cleaning and care. Theo handed a few coins to the shed owner, who nodded in gratitude before leading their horses out, sleek and polished. With saddlebags secured and packs arranged, they took to the road once more, walking their horses alongside them for a while, speaking of lighter things as they left the town behind.

Before long, they reached the outskirts, where a lively tavern marked the meeting point for the other mercenaries. As they arrived, Talon and Ragnar were already mounting up and organizing the ranks. Around them, other mercenaries milled about, checking weapons and making last-minute adjustments. Dan and Theo spotted Cathy among the crowd, and they paused to exchange farewells.

Dan and Cathy exchanged a few words, their interaction tinged with an underlying tension. Baldwin, however, took the opportunity to give Cathy a playful, drunken kiss goodbye, smirking as Dan gave him a sidelong glance. Cathy caught Dan's expression, smirking as she said, "What are you looking at?"

"Nothing," Dan replied, clearly irked.

Cathy grinned. "I think I'm starting to like him; you know. Baldwin's sweet."

"Whatever you say," Dan muttered, turning his focus elsewhere. As Theo started to mount up, Cathy called after him, "Stay safe, Theo!"

Theo gave a quick nod and a smile. "Will do!"

She turned to Dan with a softer look. "And don't die out there, alright?"

Dan, visibly frustrated, shrugged. "I won't, but why do you even care? You've got Baldwin now, right?"

Cathy rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance. "Shut it, Dan. Just keep Theo and yourself out of trouble."

Dan managed a smile. "I always do." With that, he joined the ranks as the group prepared to move out. Cathy watched Dan as he left.

Once the horses were ready and everyone was organized, Talon and Ragnar took the lead at the front of the formation. Tusk and Baldwin held the center, where Baldwin had already begun drinking, much to Dan's mild exasperation. Baldwin, noticing Dan's return, wrapped a heavy arm around him, laughing boisterously, his breath thick with ale. Dan shot an amused but slightly wary glance, realizing he'd likely be spending most of the ride keeping Baldwin in check.

At the rear, Rhae and Theo rode side by side. The rhythm of the horses' hooves, the clinking of armor, and the distant call of birds created a somber cadence, a reminder of the dangerous path ahead. After some time, Theo broke the silence.

"So, when do we reach the mountains?" he asked.

Rhae glanced at the snow-capped peaks visible in the distance. "By evening, we should be near the base."

There was a moment of quiet before she looked over at him, a curious light in her eyes. "Last night, you mentioned you joined for a personal cause. So, tell me, why choose a life as a mercenary?"

Theo looked away for a moment, considering his answer. "I just... I want to rise to a place of power. A place where everyone in the kingdom has no choice but to listen to me."

Rhae raised an eyebrow, smiling knowingly. "If it's power and influence you want, there's always politics at the royal capital. But as a former slave, they'd never let you in the inner circles." She nodded, understanding dawning in her eyes. "So, you took the path of a mercenary instead. Clever choice."

As they continued, the landscape began to change. They traveled until afternoon, joined by waves of soldiers from other mercenary groups and the kingdom's forces. By the time they neared the foothills of the Frostpeak Highlands, their number had swelled, a force of 20,000 strong. Ahead of them, a massive encampment sprawled across the snowy landscape at the mountain's edge. Thousands of soldiers were setting up tents, lighting fires, and preparing for the night.

Dan, looking out over the gathered troops, gave a low whistle. "I knew the Varghr Mercenary was big," he said, "but I didn't realize we were this massive. It's like a full army."

Rhae nodded with a glint of pride. "The Varghr Mercenaries have grown in the past two decades under Fenrir's leadership. What started as a small band of 400 is now one of the most formidable forces in the kingdom." She gestured towards the sea of tents. "And this is major part of it. By the time we move on the highlands, we'll be a force of 60,000, with 10,000 in reserve."

Theo's gaze shifted to the mountains, where the first signs of snow dusted the rocky terrain. He could feel the thrill and anticipation building within him. This wasn't just another battle for survival. It was an opportunity—a chance to prove himself, to climb the ranks, to gain the power he'd always dreamed of.

As evening settled over the camp, fires flickered across the snowy landscape, casting a warm glow on the rows of tents spread out in neat formations. Theo and Dan were settled in their own tent, exchanging thoughts about the enormity of what lay ahead. Dan, with a hint of wonder in his voice, said, "I never thought we'd be part of a war this massive. If we make a name for ourselves here, we might even be summoned to the Royal Palace."

Theo, always the quieter of the two, simply gave him a nod, deep in thought. Just then, the tent flap rustled, and a young boy appeared, looking at them with wide eyes.

"Talon is calling for you both," he said.

Dan looked at the boy, curious. "Do you know why? And what's a little kid doing her?"

The boy shrugged. "I don't know, just that he wants you there, and I'm not a kid you old had"

Theo let out a smile and stood up, adjusting his armor, and without a word, headed towards Talon's tent, with Dan following close behind bantering with the kid.

Inside Talon's large command tent, a circle of hardened leaders gathered around a central table marked with a detailed map of the terrain. Tusk, Rhae, Ragnar, Baldwin, and a group of other commanders waited for the meeting to start. The air was tense, yet the seasoned warriors exuded a calm, calculating presence. As Theo and Dan stepped in, Talon looked up and greeted them with a welcoming nod.

"I wanted you both present for this meeting," Talon said.

Theo hesitated, glancing at the gathered leaders. "Are you sure? We only joined a day ago."

Tusk spoke up, his deep voice reassuring. "It's not about rank. We're going to need every ounce of strength we can muster to pull this off."

Talon nodded. "Don't worry, Theo. I trust you—don't ask why. Just know that."

Talon then leaned over the table, gesturing to the map before them. "We're traveling through treacherous terrain," he began. "We're 40,000 strong, but I won't lie to you. There's no guarantee all of us will make it. We're facing a brutal 500-mile trek, and we need to cover it in eight days. Nearly impossible, but if we're to strike a decisive blow in the coming war, we have no choice."

He pointed to various points on the map as he detailed the plan. "The elite forces can cross in two days, and the aerial unit should make it in a day. Baldwin," he turned to the towering mercenary, "you'll lead the aerial team of 3,000. You'll reach the other side in one day and scout the area, guarding our route. Report any threats coming our way."

Baldwin gave a determined nod, his usual swagger replaced with a serious resolve.

"Rhae," Talon continued, "you'll lead 15,000 on foot through the narrow pass. It's a tight, dangerous path, but it's the most direct route. You'll need to reach the other side in eight days. Theo, you'll accompany Rhae's unit."

Rhae and Theo exchanged glances, understanding the challenge ahead.

"The second group of 15,000," Talon went on, "will follow the path around the snowy mountains. This longer route is the only one that will allow horses and supply carts to pass. It's going to be grueling, but you need to arrive at the same time as Rhae's group. Tusk and Alcyon will lead this unit. Dan," Talon looked at him, "you'll be with Tusk and Alcyon."

Dan felt a surge of adrenaline, realizing the responsibility that now rested on his shoulders, also he's relieved he don't have to babysit Baldmin.

"I'll be taking a smaller unit of 2,000 through the Frostpeak Highlands to meet Fenrir in three days," Talon added, his tone hardening. "We'll be fighting at the front lines when we reach him."

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Finally, he turned to Ragnar. "Ragnar, you'll lead a group of 5,000 Therians through the mountains. I know you and your people can handle the rugged terrain better than anyone."

Ragnar gave a fierce smile. "We'll be there."

Talon stepped back from the table, addressing everyone in the tent. "We leave at first light. Get some rest tonight. The war ahead will test every one of us." He dismissed the meeting, leaving Rhae and the other leaders to assign people to their groups.

As the commanders and leaders began to file out of the tent, each looked thoughtful and weighed down by the task ahead. Outside, the camp was already quieting as the troops prepared for the march at dawn.

Theo and Dan lingered a moment longer, absorbing the weight of their assignments. They shared a quick look, both understanding that tomorrow would be the beginning of a journey unlike anything they had ever known.

In the quiet of the meeting chamber, the only people present were Rhae, Talon, Baldwin, Ragnar, Tusk, Alcyon, Theo, and Dan. Alcyon strode over to Theo, an inquisitive gleam in his eye, and said to Talon, "You didn't introduce me to this kid."

Talon chuckled, waving off the formality. "You've already heard about him. He challenged Baldwin and held his ground—no doubts left, I imagine."

Alcyon, a man almost exactly Theo's height, positioned himself directly in front of him, staring into his eyes with a probing intensity. But Theo stood his ground, unflinching. After a moment, Alcyon smirked, then turned to Talon, a sly grin on his face. "Have I ever doubted your judgment, Talon? It's just... I've heard a lot about this one. Maybe not you, since you're usually at the far end of the kingdom. But being closer to the Royal Capital and the northern parts, I hear things. Like stories of a boy who killed more than fifty bandits—without a hint of mercy. And not just killed them, but crucified their bodies." He paused, gauging Theo's reaction, then added, "The witnesses call it the work of a devil. The bodies were so mangled, no one could even tell the bandits' body parts apart."

Alcyon looked back at Theo, his curiosity unabated. "So, tell me, how does a boy this young carry out such ruthless acts?"

Theo met his gaze, calm and steady. "They were bandits who took a village hostage. No one else did anything to help them."

Alcyon tilted his head. "I'm not saying killing them was wrong. I'm asking how you could do it."

Theo looked slightly away. "I didn't do anything but what was necessary. The stories make me into something I'm not."

Rhae's voice broke through the tension, firm and unyielding. "Theo doesn't need to answer. And Alcyon, enough with your antics."

Alcyon flinched slightly, an unexpected reaction for someone with his swagger. Though Talon seemed to lead, Rhae clearly commanded a level of respect that struck a nerve. No one would dare raise their voice against her.

"Fine, whatever." Alcyon huffed, then turned and left, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

Dan, meanwhile, was sweating nervously, stealing glances at the intimidating figures around him. Tusk noticed and chuckled softly before turning to Rhae. "Go easy on Alcyon, Rhae. You know he always has the group's best interest at heart."

Rhae shrugged, her expression calm yet resolute. "I didn't say anything harsh—I simply asked him to stop."

Talon, Baldwin, and Ragnar exchanged glances, each wearing the same amused poker face, well aware of the underlying power in Rhae's words. Her voice may have been calm, but her presence was formidable.

Theo took a breath and asked Talon, "Who exactly is Alcyon?"

"He's Fenrir's brother, and he ranks third among the Varghr commanders," Talon explained.

Dan, still trying to follow the hierarchy, looked at the others. "So, Talon, you're the Chief Commander, then Rhae is second, Alcyon's third, Tusk fourth, Ragnar sixth, and Baldwin seventh. Who's fifth?"

Baldwin grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Ah, the fifth commander is Lara. She's fierce as fire—a true beauty. We call her the thunder Demon."

Rhae's gaze sharpened at Baldwin, who quickly added, chuckling, "But not as beautiful as you, Rhae."

Talon nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Lara is Fenrir's daughter, currently stationed with him in the Frostpeak Highlands."

Theo took it all in. "So, all the commanders are Therians?"

Talon shook his head. "Not all of us. Ragnar, Rhae, and I aren't Therians."

Rhae glanced at Theo, an understanding look in her eyes. "I'm human, but people often mistake me for a fox Therian because my spirit animal is the snow fox. That's the essence I carry."

Ragnar nodded. "Same with me. I'm human, but my spirit animal is the black panther."

Talon smiled. "And mine is the eagle."

Theo looked intrigued. "So, how do I find out my own spirit?"

Rhae gave him a thoughtful look. "You already have a spirit animal within you, Theo. But only a few people awaken theirs. To discover yours, you need purpose. It takes inner strength to draw it out."

With the meeting adjourned, the commanders drifted back to their respective tents. Dan and Theo exchanged glances as they left the chamber, the weight of their encounters lingering.

As they returned to their tent, Dan exhaled in relief. "I'm not sure what I just witnessed. But one thing's clear—they don't mess around."

Theo nodded, already deep in thought, considering the words of the seasoned warriors. They had a long road ahead, but this felt like the beginning of something greater.

The camp was nearly silent now, save for the soft crackling of campfires and the occasional low murmur from groups discussing recent events in the kingdom. Theo, unable to sleep, slipped out of his tent and walked past one such group of soldiers gathered around a fire, drinking and swapping stories.

As he walked by, one of them whispered but his voice was just enough for Theo to catch. "Hey, that's the kid who challenged Baldwin—and held his ground against him!"

Another chimed in, "Isn't he the one from the Bandit Massacre?"

A third leaned forward, eyes wide with curiosity. "I heard he fought a demon and got that black sword of his. Supposedly saved a whole tribe of elves doing it."

Theo continued walking, allowing the rumors to drift into the night behind him. He wandered deeper into the forest, finding solitude beneath the wide expanse of stars. Looking up, he was lost in thought, staring at the sky as if searching for answers—or perhaps memories. Slowly, he closed his eyes, concentrating deeply, feeling a stirring within.

Dark and crimson waves began to pulse around him, his Reikon—his inner spirit—unleashing its raw, almost chaotic energy. The aura swirled fiercely, spreading through the forest, nearly reaching the edge of the camp. Theo pushed himself to search for his spirit animal, hoping to discover its form in the depths of his being.

But just as he reached deeper within, a vision struck him—a man drenched in blood, lying on a bed, his own hands-stained crimson. Theo's eyes flew open, snapping him back to the present. He took a shaky breath, disoriented by the sudden image. Regaining his composure, this is not the first time this kind image appeared to him, but every time it sent shivers down his spine, he began making his way back to the camp, though an unsettling feeling lingered.

As he moved, he sensed someone—or something—following him. He stopped, turning to scan the dark forest, but there was nothing, only patches of moonlight filtering through the trees. Shaking it off, he continued toward camp.

Emerging from the woods, Theo froze. Standing just at the edge of the forest, waiting as though he'd been expecting him, was Alcyon. Their eyes met, and Alcyon's expression was unreadable.

"What were you doing out here at this hour?" Alcyon asked, a subtle edge to his tone.

"Just went for a walk," Theo replied evenly.

Alcyon smirked, crossing his arms. "How about a spar? I'm curious to see your strength. Talon—and especially Rhae—seem to hold you in high regard. Let's see if you live up to it."

Theo felt a flicker of excitement mixed with challenge. He grinned darkly. "I'd love to—but what would Talon think?"

Alcyon waved him off. "Don't worry. I'll go easy on you."

Theo's grin grew sharper. "You might not want to see my real self."

They were both tensing, preparing to fight, when Tusk appeared behind them. "Alcyon, maybe I should officiate this sparring session?"

Alcyon scoffed. "No, I want to see his real self. If you're here, he might hold back."

Theo shot Alcyon a dangerous look. "Trust me, you don't want to see it."

A tense silence hung between them, their energy crackling like the campfire embers. Alcyon finally shrugged, turning away. "Fine," he muttered, and stalked off into the night.

Tusk gave Theo a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't let him get under your skin. Alcyon's always wary of newcomers. It took him three years to trust me. But he's solid. Don't take it personally."

Theo nodded, appreciating the advice. "I get it. Don't worry."

With that, they headed back to their chambers, the firelit camp slowly fading behind them as the night's strange tension began to settle.

In the early morning, just before sunrise, Theo was called out of his tent by Rhae. He stepped outside, blinking in the soft dawn light, and saw her already geared up and ready to go.

"Sorry, I couldn't sleep last night," Theo said, stifling a yawn. "Just give me a few minutes to pack up and I'll join you."

Rhae smiled. "Don't worry, I'm just an early bird. Take your time. I'll be waiting at the start of the narrow path. Baldwin and his aerial therian group already flew out, and all other groups will set off soon."

With that, Rhae left, and Theo hurried back to his tent, gathering his essentials for the journey ahead. Handing his horse over to Dan, who would be joining Tusk and Alcyon's group with the carts, he said his goodbyes and watched as Dan led the horses away.

Once Theo was ready, he made his way to the narrow path where Rhae waited, along with Talon's and Ragnar's groups. Ragnar nodded to them. "I'll scout ahead through the mountains. We'll meet at the battlefield."

Talon added, "We'll rendezvous when we're in position," and departed with his troops.

Rhae, now joined by 15,000-foot soldiers and Theo, prepared to lead her contingent through the rugged, narrow snow path. As they set out, she introduced her lieutenants: Gabriel, her first lieutenant; Kristen and Amber, the Nyx sisters are second and third lieutenants; Stark, the fourth; and Ariel, her fifth lieutenant and an aerial therian.

With a commanding voice, Rhae addressed her troops. "We'll be going through treacherous terrain, and I'll be leading with the lieutenants. Gabriel, you'll stay up front with me. Kristen, and Amber, keeps to the rear. Stark, hold the middle, and Ariel, take to the skies. Form five lines and follow closely; the path will narrow as we go, and we'll shift to three lines. We're traveling day and night, with only four hours of rest daily. We need to reach the other end in four days to secure a rest period before the battle. Now, let's move!"

As they began the march, Theo could see why Alcyon had spoken so highly of Rhae. She exuded power and command, inspiring respect and confidence in her troops. Everyone seemed to move with purpose, synchronized in their shared dedication.

Marching beside Stark in the middle of the formation, Theo soon found himself the center of curiosity.

"So, Theo," Stark began, a smirk on his face, "I heard you fought Baldwin. You know, I once challenged Rhae myself—and got absolutely destroyed. Same for Gabriel. Baldwin might not be as strong as Rhae, but I know I wouldn't stand a chance against him. You must be strong."

Theo chuckled. "I like to think so. Baldwin is incredibly powerful."

Stark raised an eyebrow. "So, all those rumors about you are true?"

Theo grinned. "Depends on what you've heard."

Stark smirked knowingly. "So...you like Rhae, huh?"

Theo, caught off guard, blinked. "What? No—"

A soldier behind them laughed. "What, you're saying you don't like Madam Rhae?"

Another joined in. "Is there anyone who wouldn't admire her?"

Theo sputtered, "I didn't mean it like that!"

Stark burst out laughing. "Relax, they're just teasing. These are my subordinates." He pointed them out one by one, starting with the first who had spoken. "That's Steven, been with me since I was a kid. The guy next to him is Eric, my second subordinate. And this here is Isabelle—she's been with Rhae since before I joined Varghr."

Theo nodded in greeting. "So, you all used to be mercenaries before joining Varghr?"

Stark grinned. "Yeah. Gabriel, Steven, and I were small-time mercenaries. One day, we heard about Varghr and decided to join up—they were a big name even back then. I challenged Rhae, but she defeated all three of us at once without breaking a sweat."

Isabelle laughed. "Not just 'defeated'—she completely destroyed them. Brought them down from their high horses."

Stark shot her a look. "Enough, Isa. I didn't expect a girl that beautiful to be so deadly."

Isabelle laughed harder. "Please, you only thought that because you thought women were weak. Rhae proved you wrong in record time."

Stark rolled his eyes. "And look who's talking, Isa. You've lost to me more than once."

Isabelle shot back, "I'm only your subordinate because Rhae wanted to help you out."

Theo, curious, asked, "So Rhae has more female lieutenants than men?"

Isabelle nodded. "Yes. She's always helped women who were in rough situations—slaves, servants. I used to be one myself, and she took me in. The Nyx sisters were women only mercenaries too, and after they met Rhae, they joined Varghr. Ariel's a noble from the capital. Her parents were killed in a civil war, and she was enslaved before Rhae freed her. She's been with Rhae ever since."

Theo turned to Eric. "What about you?"

Eric sighed. "My parents were farmers in the north. One day, bandits raided our village and looted everything. With no other options, I joined Stark's group just before he joined Varghr."

They continued their march, the afternoon slowly giving way to evening as stories and laughter filled the air. The group moved forward with a shared sense of purpose, following Rhae's lead through the winding path and preparing for the days of travel and battles that lay ahead.

The air grew tense as the soldiers tried to catch their breath, resting briefly after two grueling days of travel through the treacherous mountain path. Just as they prepared to set off again, a dark, chilling energy permeated the air—a sinister force that weighed heavily on their spirits. Theo felt a cold shiver run down his spine as he noticed a thick black smoke seeping through the path ahead, swirling and expanding until it veiled everything in darkness. Alarmed, he nudged Stark, Steven, Eric, and Isabelle awake, and Rhae, already on high alert, looked out at the ominous sight.

Ariel descended swiftly from above, her expression grim. "This darkness is covering the path and extends over the mountains. It's unlike anything I've seen—it's alive, malevolent." Her warning sent a ripple of anxiety through the group.

Rhae wasted no time. "Stay close, everyone!" she commanded, her voice firm and unwavering. Gabriel and the rest of the soldiers roused; their faces etched with unease as skeletal figures began to materialize from the black smoke. The air felt thick and foul, like decay and ashes, as these creatures emerged from both the path and the snowy cliffs above, leaping down into their midst. They were twisted, tree-like monstrosities cloaked in darkness, with crimson eyes glowing in the smoky haze.

Without hesitation, Rhae drew her gleaming white sword, its blade cutting through the encroaching shadows. She unleashed a powerful circular slash, the luminous arc cleaving through the skeletal figures and momentarily halting their advance. But as she looked forward, clearing a part of the path, her eyes widened at the sight of a horde of demonic creatures amassed ahead, stretching as far as she could see.

"Form a defensive line!" Rhae shouted. "We fight until the last of them is dust!" With fluid, deadly precision, she leaped into the smoke, swinging her sword in swift arcs that scattered the creatures around her. Theo, alongside Stark and the others, rallied the soldiers, each wielding their weapons with determined resolve, knowing there was no escape from this narrow path between the mountains.

But Rhae couldn't ignore a troubling thought: How did these creatures get here? Ragnar and Baldwin were meant to monitor for exactly this type of threat, and Ariel, who scouted the area just hours before, hadn't sensed anything unusual. A chill realization struck her—these creatures might have come through a portal. But opening portals was supposed to be impossible; it hadn't been done in centuries, and yet here they were, surrounded by unmistakable entities from the demon world.

Suddenly, Ariel, who had shifted into her full bird form and was whipping up fierce winds to keep the creatures at bay, was blindsided. A massive, dragon-like creature, cloaked in the same dark energy, swooped out from the smoke and struck her with brutal force. She let out a pained cry as she plummeted, wounded, toward the ground. Gabriel, shifting into his powerful half-beast(chimpanzee) form, leapt with incredible agility, catching Ariel just in time and bringing her to safety.

"Hold the line!" Rhae roared, as soldiers fought valiantly against the dark horde. She clenched her sword tighter, her mind racing for a strategy to break through. Whatever force had unleashed these monsters was powerful, and she knew they'd have to harness all their strength—and every ounce of bravery—to survive this treacherous encounter.

As fury surged within Rhae, her power, Reikon, burst forth in an awe-inspiring display. The pure, white energy radiated around her, obliterating the dark creatures upon contact. Rising into the air with her white sword in hand, she closed in on the monstrous demonic dragon. With a single, powerful swing, she cleaved it in two, and the creature's rider plummeted to the ground, revealing a human form. As she descended, her expression hardened; she was ready to end him.

But just as she raised her sword, Kristen and Amber stepped in. "Rhae, wait! We need to find out who he is and how they knew our position," Kristen insisted, placing a steady hand on her shoulder.

Rhae exhaled sharply, lowering her blade, though her eyes still blazed with fury. "Fine, but make it quick," she commanded. Amber lifted the fallen soldier, her grip firm as she demanded, "Who are you, and how did you know we'd be here?"

The soldier, dazed and battered, stammered, "I... I'm just a foot soldier, taken over by this dark energy. I'm from Kaelthor Kingdom. Our king made a deal with Solgard to help in the war, but Solgard was already under demonic control, though we didn't know. They turned us—our soldiers—into these... things and sent us here to fight. I don't know how your location was leaked."

Rhae's eyes narrowed. "Our plan was made only three days ago, so deploying such a force this quickly should've been impossible."

"We came through a portal," the soldier replied. "It was like two minutes for us to arrive here."

Rhae's gaze darkened. "Who's leading you, and where?"

"Wraith," he said in a fearful whisper. "He commands from the back with an army of about 30,000."

Rhae clenched her jaw. "Wraith... That man is powerful. If he has access to this dark energy, we're in serious trouble." She turned to Kristen and Amber. "Get back to the others, send Theo and Stark up front. We need to push forward as fast as possible and clear the path. We may be outnumbered, but our strength can hold. Our only issue is Wraith and his subordinates; I'll need help facing them."

Kristen and Amber nodded, dashing back to pass on her orders. Within moments, Theo and Stark appeared at the front, joining her amidst the chaos. Theo's sword gleamed as he moved with blinding speed, slashing through the dark creatures effortlessly. Stark marveled at Theo's strength, realizing he was nearly Rhae's equal in skill. Stark quickly took up position behind them, providing cover as they tore through the horde.

Rhae was a vision of ethereal power, her Reikon swirling around her, illuminating her with a white radiance. Her pointed ears and sharp features gave her an otherworldly beauty, a pure, striking presence like an Elven princess. For a brief moment, Theo found himself captivated by her appearance, but he quickly refocused, his own black blade slicing through the dense dark energy, creating a path.

Then, emerging from the shadows ahead, Wraith became visible, sitting on a fiery horse, his five dark subordinates flanking him. With a chilling calm, Wraith drew his sword, sweeping it horizontally. The dark energy in the air seemed to retract, sucked into his blade. As the sun began to rise, the remaining creatures recoiled, fleeing into newly formed portals as daylight washed over the battlefield. The soldiers gave chase, slaying as many as they could before they vanished.

Seeing their chance, Rhae and Theo leaped towards Wraith, but just as they closed in, he smirked. Dark energy swirled around him, enveloping him and his subordinates until they disappeared. Rhae cursed, swinging her sword in frustration, her white aura fading as she returned to her normal state.

Theo turned to her, his expression grave. "Who was that? What just happened?"

"That was Wraith," Rhae replied, her voice steadying. "The King of Kaelthor Kingdom and the Chief General of the Kaelthor's army."

Theo looked at her in disbelief. "Kaelthor? But isn't it just a kingdom of rogues?"

"It was," Rhae said, her tone grim. "But it seems they've made a deal with the Demon World. They've become something far more dangerous."

As they stood amidst the dissipating darkness, the soldiers gathered around them, waiting for their next move. Rhae knew this was only the beginning, and that their journey would be far more perilous than they had anticipated.