Chapter 87: In This Night of Chaos

On the continent of Alderia, beneath a night sky darkened by heavy, menacing clouds, Azulferia burned.

A few meters from the majestic entrance of Elsihore Castle, the beating heart of the Azulferia Confederation, two imposing goblins stood guard before the massive wrought-iron gates.

Towering at nearly 2.7 meters, their yellow eyes gleamed in the darkness, and their halberds glinted under the flickering torchlight.

Not far away, a massive werewolf observed the scene through a spyglass.

Zoltov, a towering muscular figure with dark gray hair falling over his scarred face, stood proudly atop a quadriga chariot pulled by infernal stallions.

His yellow eyes pierced the night with a predatory gleam, and a savage grin stretched across his beastly lips.

Beside him stood an elf with piercing green eyes, clad in a long red coat inscribed with elven runes.

He silently analyzed the castle's defenses, his stern features illuminated by the light of Alderia's twin moons.

Without taking his gaze off the castle, Zoltov addressed his soldiers—a battalion of werewolves lined up behind him, their fur bristling and muscles tensed in anticipation.

"Look, soldiers!" Zoltov thundered, his deep, resonant voice cutting through the night's silence. "

Behold Elsihore Castle, the nerve center of these pathetic creatures.

Once this fortress is reduced to ashes, Azulferia will be ours, and the children of Etrakios will sing of the glorious deeds of Lord Pryzor's mighty warriors for generations to come."

He swept his gaze over the surroundings with disdain, already savoring his impending victory.

"Tonight this mere nation will become nothing more than a memory swept away by the winds of our dominion."

The elf beside him, Holmerion nodded silently.

His green eyes scanned the sentries, pinpointing the castle's weaknesses.

With a sharp motion, Zoltov raised his hand, and his battalion of werewolves began advancing toward the gates.

As they approached, Zoltov suddenly halted the assault.

His massive hand shot up again, commanding an immediate stop.

One of the werewolves, confused, stepped forward:"Is there a problem, Master Zoltov?"

Zoltov narrowed his eyes and murmured: "Humans... I smell their presence."

Holmerion lowered his hood revealing his long, pointed ears and a face etched with the weight of years.

"Yes, the fairies have cast an invisibility spell to mask their movements."

He whispered an incantation in the elven tongue, and a volley of small, radiant energy arrows—Dordio—shot from his hands, piercing the hidden fairies.

Bursts of light shattered their illusion, revealing a group of human figures near the goblins.

Zoltov chuckled darkly: "Hahaha, apologies, dear fairies, but only elves can see through your spells."

The gates of Elsihore creaked open, and two figures emerged from the shadows.

The first a young woman with an elegant silhouette, wore a long black nightgown.

Her dark skin and fiery red hair gave her an aura of mystery.

Beside her, a man clad in a dark coat advanced with confident strides.

His face was concealed behind a black raven-shaped mask, adding to his ominous presence.

Zoltov placed a massive hand over his face and let out a deep, guttural laugh.

"Wahaha! So much fine company! I must admit,i wasn't keen on conducting a siege without a little entertainment."

Holmerion studied the newcomers with curiosity.

"Why are humans fighting alongside the Confederation? Who are you?"

The woman spoke first, her voice calm yet resolute.

"My name is Nilynia head chambermaid of the royal palace of the Kingdom of Ednia. As for the man beside me his name is Katran."

An elf armed with a bow stepped forward behind Katran,his eyes locking onto Holmerion. "You… I recognize you sir Holmerion, how are you still alive?"

Katran turned an inquisitive gaze toward the elf. "You know him?"

The elf nodded grimly. "Yes. Twenty-five years ago, he was part of the Council of Sages.

He attempted a coup but failed.

He fled into the Nymenor Forest, where he was supposedly killed by monsters."

Katran, deep in thought, remarked,

"I see so it was with your help that the warrior of Etrakios infiltrated Iselehein so easily. I did find it odd how well the werewolves knew Azulferia's layout."

Holmerion let out a chilling laugh.

"Me, dead? The great Holmerion? Impossible.I faked my death and found refuge in Etrakios. King Pryzor recognized my talents and welcomed me as his humble servant."

He gave an exaggerated bow before fixing a cold stare on the elf. "

I do not appreciate a mere soldier addressing me with such impudence."

With a flick of his finger, a violet energy spear pierced the elf's chest killing him instantly.

Unfazed by the scene Zoltov roared, "Warriors of Etrakios slay these intruders!And seize the Elsihore castle!"

The werewolves howled in unison, "Glory to Pryzor!"

Katran unsheathed his black blade, Shadow Raven and assumed a battle stance.

The battle for Elsihore had begun.