As Victor moved towards the neighboring village, he realized he might not make it back for his son's first birthday. Nonetheless, as the village elder, he could not ignore a call for help. Inside, Victor seethed with anger and helplessness, yet determination prevailed. He could not show weakness as people's lives depended on him.

- "Squad! Stop! I sense something amiss. Don't you notice the eerie silence?"

Victor asked.

- "Even at night, passing through these paths, one can hear various forest animals,"

He added.

Peering into the woods, Victor called everyone to arms.

- "Squad! Ready for battle!"

Commanded Victor.

Suddenly, the wind rustled through the forest. The rustling of leaves turned into loud growling and footsteps.

- "Prepare yourselves!"

Shouted Victor.

A piercing howl shattered the silence, and the dark silhouettes of Mana-Wolves rapidly approached, instilling fear and tension among the soldiers. The wolves, glowing ominously from their magical eyes, sliced through the darkness, swiftly encircling Victor and his squad.

Maintaining composure in the face of danger, Victor swiftly ordered, "Form a shield wall, mages—prepare protective spells!" The mages quickly got to work, their wands and staffs lighting up, weaving a protective cocoon of glowing runes around the squad.

The Mana-Wolves prepared to attack. They lunged but struck the barrier, repelled back several meters. With each collision, the energy of the magical shield sparked and trembled but held the assault.

Victor ordered the barrier weakened and seizing the moment, commanded an attack!

"Attack! Use everything we have!" yelled Victor, his sword gleaming under the moonlight as he raised it above his head.

The battle was fierce and chaotic. Adventurers and soldiers, coordinated under Victor's command, exploited every opportunity for counterattacks. They fought in groups; others maintained formation, using magical spells to weaken the enemy. Adventurers swiftly took down several Mana-Wolves, even managing to kill one. Victor's squad, aided by mage reinforcements, killed three more.

- "Only one left.."

Victor whispered, swiftly and sharply cleaving his sword through the remaining wolf, splitting it in two. After a brief but intense battle, the air cleared of magical dust, and the last of the Mana-Wolves was defeated.

- "Lord Victor! We knew you were strong, but to kill a Mana-Wolf alone.."

Exclaimed one of the adventurers.

- "Yes! Fully agree! Our Elder deserves his position!"

Shouted someone from the squad.

Victor, catching his breath, turned to his people:

- "Well done, each of you proved yourself as a true warrior. But let's not relax yet, guys. There were only five. They might have been just scouts. We haven't even reached the village yet. It means the Mana-Wolves have advanced further than we anticipated."

- "A short break. Then, we need to keep moving and help the neighboring village, considering the threats we've just encountered, we might face even greater challenges,"

Said Victor.

- "Aye, Elder!"

Chorused the squad members.

After a brief respite, the squad, strengthened by their collective success but remaining vigilant, quickly organized to continue their journey. Victor took one last look at the dark forest, where unseen eyes might still lurk, and with determination in his gaze, led his people deeper into the unknown.

Victor noticed that many from his squad were visibly tired and out of breath, not often having been in real combat. Looking at the adventurers, their condition seemed noticeably better. As they ascended a hill, the village came into view. Situated between the dark forest and rolling plains, bright moonlight illuminated the surroundings, and from above, the damage inflicted by the Mana-Wolves was evident. Fields and huts near the village wall were destroyed. Many who lived and worked in agriculture outside the walls were left without homes and jobs. Barns that were also outside the walls were demolished, and no livestock was visible. Victor and his squad were on high alert.

- "How far have the Mana-Wolves gone?"

Victor wondered. Could it be this bad?

Approaching the village gates, Victor surveyed the destroyed houses, barns, and fields. Everything was ruined.

- "Could such horror reach us if we don't take action?"

Victor thought.

- "No! I won't allow it! We need to stop this chaos here,"

He thought, clenching his fists and gritting his teeth.

Approaching the gates, Victor shouted:

- "Victor Hans! Brought people to help! Open the gates!"

The sound of creaking wood and chains followed. The gates slowly opened, and the commander awaited them.

- "Mr. Hans. We're grateful you heeded our call for help! Please, this way,"

Said the commander.

The commander led Victor and his squad to a small house where the village elder, Walden, was discussing action plans with his people.

- "Victor Hans! I can't tell you how relieved I am to see you!"

Exclaimed Elder Walden.

- "The feeling is mutual, my friend,"

Victor joyfully replied.

Walden and Victor approached each other, shook hands, and embraced warmly, old friends as they were.

- "Walden, I see the damage here is significant. Tell me, how did this start?"

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Asked Victor, looking around the room filled with residents who appeared worried and exhausted.

Elder Walden sighed, seating Victor across from him at an ancient wooden table, a lamp softly lighting their faces.

- "It started a few weeks ago. Initially, we noticed that our livestock pens were being attacked. We thought they were ordinary wolves, but when we organized patrols, it turned out they weren't just wolves but Mana-Wolves, creatures infused with magical energy. Their aggressiveness and strength are unmatched among ordinary beasts,"

He began, his gaze heavy with the burden of recent events.

- "The situation here is getting worse by the hour,"

Continued Walden, leading Victor through the house to a map spread out on a large table. It already had key points of the wolves' attacks and movements marked.

- "Each day they grew bolder and started attacking during the day. We lost many good people trying to defend their homes. Our village, as you see, lies at the crossroads of the forest and open plains, making us vulnerable to such attacks. We couldn't wait any longer and decided to seek help before it was too late,"

Walden said, visibly struggling with his emotions.

- "Look, Victor. These beasts started appearing from the northeast and quickly spread their influence to the very borders of our village. We tried to organize a defense, but our people weren't prepared to fight such creatures. They were ordinary farmers, traders... not warriors."

Victor studied the map carefully, his gaze pausing at several critical points.

- "We need to first reinforce your defenses, strengthen the barricades, and organize patrols. We also need to train your people in the basics of defense—at least so they can protect themselves if the Mana-Wolves attack again".

Walden nodded in agreement, his look one of gratitude and relief.

- "We have a few volunteers who know how to handle weapons, but your help and experience will be invaluable, Victor. You've always been a master of tactics and strategy,"

Victor nodded, aware of the gravity of the situation. He looked at the gathered villagers—their tired yet determined faces spoke of their readiness to fight to the end.

- "We're here not only to help you fend off the attack,"

Victor said, standing up, his voice firm and confident, - "We're here to help you rebuild your village and teach your people how to better defend against such threats in the future. Not just with swords and arrows, but with knowledge on how to use magic for defense and to prevent such attacks."

Hope filled the faces of those gathered. Elder Walden nodded, smiling gratefully at Victor.

- "Let's start planning. We need to organize the defense and begin repair work. We must ensure that when you return to your village, this threat no longer exists,"

Victor concluded, weighing each word.

The rest of the evening was spent discussing plans, distributing tasks, and preparing for the coming days. This night was only the beginning of a new struggle, but now Walden's village had hope and support, which had been sorely lacking before.

The next day, Victor, having written a birthday letter, sent it home. The letter read:

"Dear and Beloved Son. From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you on your first birthday! I deeply apologize for your Father's absence on such an important occasion. I wish you to be as kind and joyful. Joyous and happy. May all your dreams and wishes come true. I understand you are too young to read letters, but I truly hope that at least this way, my congratulations and wishes reach you. I love you and miss you. Your father, Victor Hans.

P.S. Dear and Beloved Wife. Please do not worry. We have arrived in the Neighboring Village and are doing an excellent job. I deeply regret not being present at the most important event for us. I apologize to you both. I'll be home soon!"

After writing and sending the letter, Victor and his squad began training the villagers. They shared their skills, teaching simple farmers the basics of swordsmanship and defense strategy. The mages collaborated with local healers, creating protective potions and amulets.

- "Victor, your help is incredible. Seeing how my people gain confidence and strength from your training is a gift we can never fully appreciate,"

Walden said, watching the training.

A week of intense work and preparation followed. Victor's squad, along with the village volunteers, significantly improved the village's defenses. With each day, a sense of confidence grew among the residents. On the evening before Victor's departure, the village held a feast to honor his squad for their efforts and help.

At the feast, Walden spoke:

- "Let me assure you, Victor and all your people, that your help will not be forgotten. You have not only taught us to defend ourselves but also inspired each of us to become better. For this, we will be eternally grateful."

Feeling the warmth and pride of his efforts, Victor responded:

- "We did everything possible to ensure your safety. Remember, true strength lies in unity and mutual aid. Stick together, and you can overcome any challenge."

The next day, after warm farewells, Victor and his squad headed back to their village, knowing they had left Walden's village strong and ready for any challenges.