The dawn broke over Elderhaven, its golden rays stretching across the fields and casting long shadows over the bustling village. Kaito stood atop the newly constructed watchtower, surveying the lands beyond. The encounter at Silverspire Mines had left him restless. With every passing day, Elderhaven grew stronger, but so too did the challenges it faced.

"Another sleepless night?" Seren’s voice drifted up from the ladder as she climbed to join him.

Kaito sighed. "Something’s coming, Seren. I can feel it. The more we achieve, the more eyes turn toward us."

She leaned against the wooden railing, her violet eyes scanning the horizon. "You’re not wrong. The Queen's visit was just the beginning. Now that Elderhaven is known, it's only a matter of time before others come seeking alliances… or control."

A sharp whistle cut through the morning air. Down in the village square, a group of scouts had returned, their expressions grim. Without hesitation, Kaito and Seren descended the tower and met them at the guild hall.

"Report," Kaito commanded.

The lead scout, a wiry man named Garric, nodded. "Sir, there’s movement near the northern woods. At least three separate encampments. Banners of different factions—mercenaries, nobles, and even a group bearing the sigil of the Crescent Fang."

Seren inhaled sharply. "Crescent Fang? They’re no mere bandits. They’re a slaver syndicate. If they’re setting up near Elderhaven—"

Kaito’s expression darkened. "They plan to raid us."

Liora, who had been listening from the shadows, stepped forward, her tail flicking. "We should strike first. They won’t expect it."

Elara, seated nearby, shook her head. "A direct attack would risk drawing even more attention. We need information first."

Kaito nodded. "Agreed. We gather intelligence. If we move too soon, we might trigger something larger."

Seren crossed her arms. "Then we should send scouts to infiltrate their ranks. Learn their numbers, their objectives. If we find out they mean to attack, we crush them before they get the chance."

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Liora grinned. "I’ll handle that part. Stealth is my specialty."

As night fell, Liora and a small team slipped through the northern forests, shadows among the trees. The slaver camp was the largest of the three, its perimeter lined with wooden spikes and patrolled by heavily armed men. Torches flickered within, revealing crude cages filled with captives—men, women, even children.

Liora’s ears flattened. Slavery was outlawed in most kingdoms, but groups like the Crescent Fang operated in the shadows, selling their captives to the highest bidder.

One of her scouts, a nimble elf named Variel, whispered, "They have over fifty fighters. Some are ex-soldiers. There’s a leader—calls himself Vexar. Claims he has backing from a noble house."

Liora’s tail flicked. "Which house?"

"Couldn’t hear. But he’s expecting a buyer soon. If we wait too long, these people will be gone."

Liora clenched her fists. "Then we don’t wait. We return and tell Kaito. This ends tonight."

Back in Elderhaven, the war council assembled within the guild hall. Maps were laid out, strategies debated. Kaito listened to every suggestion, but his decision was already made.

"We strike at dawn. A full-scale assault will draw too much attention, so we keep it quick and precise. We disable their sentries, free the captives, and cut down their leaders before they can retaliate."

Seren nodded. "A swift, surgical strike. But if Vexar has noble backing, killing him might bring more trouble."

Kaito’s jaw tightened. "Then we take him alive. If he has powerful allies, we’ll need information."

Elara looked uneasy. "Be careful, Kaito. There’s more at play here than just slavers. I can feel it."

He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know. That’s why we end this fast."

The assault was executed with precision. Under the cover of darkness, Elderhaven’s forces infiltrated the slaver camp. Liora led the initial strike, eliminating the outer guards before they could raise an alarm. Kaito, Seren, and a group of warriors breached the wooden barricades, cutting through the slavers like a storm.

Elara, protected by a squad of rangers, worked to free the captives. Tears and whispers of gratitude filled the air as shackles were broken and cages torn open.

In the center of the camp, Vexar stood, his blade dripping with the blood of a fallen captive. A tall man with scars crisscrossing his face, he sneered at Kaito. "Fools. Do you think killing me will end this? We are just one branch of a greater force."

Kaito parried Vexar’s attack, their blades clashing in the firelight. "Then we’ll burn every branch to the ground."

The fight was brutal, but Vexar was no match for Kaito’s speed and precision. Within moments, Kaito disarmed him, driving him to his knees.

Seren pressed a dagger to his throat. "Who backs you? Name them."

Vexar spat blood. "You’ll find out soon enough. Elderhaven will never be safe."

Kaito exchanged a glance with Seren before striking Vexar unconscious. "Then we’ll be ready."

As dawn rose over Elderhaven, the villagers welcomed the freed captives, offering them sanctuary. The battle was won, but Kaito knew this was just the beginning. More enemies would come. More challenges would arise.

But Elderhaven would stand. No matter what.