Ahriman found General Fardan by following the trace of mana. He was battling a huge red goblin supported by a squad of insect soldiers. The goblin exhibited dexterity and strength far too odd for his kind. Even the red color of his skin was already proof of the strange demonic mutations happening in the forest. The soldiers that were with him were a weird hybrid of humans and insects. Their arms had turned into sappers or scythes while their skin was covered in sturdy shells or scales of vibrant colors. Their mouths drolled with a yellow slime that could be either poison or acid.
Ahriman observed the exchange of blows from the humans and monsters for a moment. It was evident that Fardan excelled in the use of the sword and magic, but his power paled in contrast with the mutation and the hybrids. They were simply too strong for him.