Chapter 65: Werewolves

Thirty minutes earlier, in the great forest of Nymenor...

The great forest of Nymenor usually a haven of peace where life flourished freely, was today shrouded in an oppressive darkness.

A sinister presence seeped through the woods, erasing all traces of serenity innumerable army, one hundred thousand strong, advanced in silence bringing an imminent threat to the land.

These individuals, who at first glance appeared human, revealed a beastly aspect upon closer inspection.

Their yellow eyes gleamed with a predatory light, and their pointed, wolf-like ears twitched at the slightest noise.

Their claw-like nails glimmered faintly, while their silver-gray hair floated behind them like a spectral aura.

They were werewolves, a race feared for their brutality and cunning.

At the forefront of this fearsome army stood their leader, Pryzor.

Imposing and intimidating, Pryzor wore gladiator armor that accentuated his impressive musculature.

His light purple hair wild and unkempt, added a touch of savage nobility to his appearance.

His fangs gleamed as he grinned, and in his powerful hands, he held a spiked iron mace exuding an aura of raw, primal energy.

A lieutenant knelt before him, bowing respectfully."

Lord Pryzor, the preparations are complete we are ready to launch the assault."

Pryzor let out a guttural laugh and made a sharp gesture.

 "Perfect. Let the different battalions advance today Etrakios will bring down Elunezor and with it the great Confederation of Azulferia!"

Atop the ramparts of the fortress of Elunezor...

The fortress of Elunezor was a marvel of defensive architecture. Its pristine white walls towered high, protected by ramparts engraved with magical runes.

Guarded by dwarves, elves, and goblins it symbolized the unity and resistance of Azulferia's races.

Wivlyon, a gray-bearded dwarf, stood atop the ramparts, observing the forest his massive axe rested on his shoulder.

"There have been strange movements in the Nymenor forest lately," he grumbled, gripping his axe tightly.

"The werewolves leave behind carcasses of beasts this isn't their usual behavior."

Usalk, a red-haired elf, approached silently, his expression grave.

 "Yes" he replied his gaze focused and sometimes during their incursions, they stop at the forest's edge and seem to take position, as if observing us."

Godeb an imposing goblin standing at 1.72 meters, let out a hearty laugh upon hearing this. He carried a long axe and wore a warrior's cuisse adorned with goblin carvings.

"Hahaha! Those stupid dog can't think they always charge headfirst. Why do you bother ?"

However, his laughter was abruptly cut off by a low, rumbling sound emanating from the depths of the forest.

All eyes elves, dwarves, and goblins alike turned toward the source of the noise.

Slowly, shadows shifted, emerging from the forest's edge to reveal an army of werewolves clad in light armor their massive silhouettes advanced like a silent and unstoppable tide.

Usalk used a spyglass to observe the enemy's movements more closely.

A colossal Nandi Bear, a monstrous beast with crimson fur and a crushing frame his gaze froze in a figure atop that beast.

 "The beast king Pryzor the conqueror..." he murmured, sweat dripping down his face as his throat went dry.

Beside Pryzor stood a strange, humanoid demon that also caught his attention.

The demon displayed a twisted evil smile, its dark skin and piercing yellow eyes exuding a malevolent aura.

It rode a Cù Sìth, a giant dog-like creature with light purple fur and fangs that seemed capable of crushing anything.

Usalk frowned slightly, confused.

 "H-how could they gather so many different beasts living in Nymenor?" he murmured to himself.

But another sound heavier and deeper echoed vibrations rippled through the ground slightly shaking the ramparts.

"W-What was that?" Wivlyon asked, a bead of sweat forming on his brow.

His astonishment turned to terror as the rumbling stopped, and from behind the enemy lines, a monstrous creature emerged from the forest of Nymenor.

A Mapinguari a colossal creature nearly 17 meters tall appeared its thick, rugged skin resembled bark and stone. In its enormous clawed hands, it carried a massive block of compacted earth shaped like a cube.

Usalk realized with horror that this abomination was part of the werewolves' plan.

"No... They wouldn't do..." he murmured.

He quickly realize turned to his companions, shouting at the top of his lungs:

 "R-Run! You must evacuate the fortress immediately!"

But it was too late.

With a mighty roar, the Mapinguari hurled the block of earth with titanic force.

The projectile struck the fortress with a deafening crash, creating a massive breach in the ramparts for the first time in its history Elunezor have been dammage.

At the forest's edge, Pryzor raised his mace, a victorious grin on his lips.

"Charge!" he bellowed fiercely.

The werewolves surged forward, their howls piercing the air.

The dark-skinned demon let out a sadistic laugh, and the Mapinguari advanced slowly its heavy steps shaking the ground as it roared.

The siege of Elunezor had begun, and the defenders of the Confederation were about to face an unimaginable nightmare.