Chapter 101 Defending the Stronghold

The stronghold loomed ahead, its walls battered but still standing. The sounds of battle grew louder with each step we took. Our allies were locked in combat, their faces grim and determined. I glanced at Eve, her jaw set with fierce resolve, and felt a surge of pride. This was our moment to prove ourselves.

"Form up!" I shouted, raising my sword. "We need to bolster their defenses!"

We plunged into the fray, our arrival giving our allies a much-needed boost. The puppeteer's forces were relentless, their eyes gleaming with a strange, dark light. They moved with an eerie coordination, their attacks precise and deadly.

"Alex, watch out!" Eve's warning came just in time. I ducked, narrowly avoiding a blow from a massive axe. The wielder, a towering brute with a twisted grin, swung again. This time, I was ready. I parried the blow and drove my sword into his side. He crumpled, and I pressed forward.