Taking Over

Kyle and his team arrived at the eastern edge of the village, where the forest loomed like an ominous shadow in the distance.

The area had been hastily fortified with wooden barricades, sharpened stakes, and trenches filled with rudimentary traps.

The men stationed there were the village's last line of defense—farmers and laborers turned soldiers overnight.

Their weapons ranged from rusted swords to farming tools like pitchforks and scythes. Despite their determination, it was clear they were exhausted.

As Kyle approached, a muscular, dark-skinned man stepped forward to greet them.

His broad shoulders and commanding presence marked him as the leader of this ragtag group.

His expression was one of immense gratitude, though his eyes betrayed the fatigue of someone who had borne the weight of responsibility for too long.