The Storm Breaks

The smoke from the burning supply camp curled into the sky, a black beacon announcing our presence to anyone watching. The bodies of Carridan's men lay scattered among the wreckage, their blood soaking into the dirt. My warriors stood among the flames, breathing hard but victorious. The battle had been quick, decisive. We had taken what we needed and left nothing behind for Carridan to reclaim.

But this was only the beginning.

I stepped away from the wreckage, my mind already turning to what came next. This strike had bought us time, but how much was still unknown. Carridan would see this for what it was—a direct challenge. He wouldn't hesitate now. He would retaliate, and soon.

Gorak wiped blood from his cleaver, his tusks bared in a savage grin. "That was a good fight." He turned to me, eyes gleaming. "But this won't stop him. It will only make him angry."

"That was the point," I said. "Now he has to react to us. We control the pace of this war."

The Shadeborn appeared beside me, her movements fluid as she stepped from the shadows. "A bold move," she murmured. "But you've drawn attention. Not just from Carridan."

I turned to her sharply. "What do you mean?"

She gestured toward the treeline. "We weren't the only ones watching this camp burn."

That sent a chill through me. I followed her gaze, scanning the darkness beyond the firelight. I saw nothing, heard nothing. But I trusted her instincts. If someone was watching, they were good at staying hidden.

"Who?" I asked.

The Shadeborn's expression remained unreadable. "That is the question, isn't it?"

I didn't have time to deal with an unknown enemy right now. Carridan's retaliation was my priority. I turned to my warriors. "We move. Now."

We left the burning camp behind, slipping back into the forest before reinforcements could arrive. The return to the outpost was swift, tension thick in the air. My warriors moved with the confidence of victory, but I could already feel the weight of the next battle pressing down on us.

By the time we reached our fortified outpost, the goblins inside had already seen the smoke rising in the distance. They watched us return, their yellow eyes flickering with a mix of respect and anticipation. They knew what this meant. War was truly upon us now.

I climbed to the top of the newly reinforced walls, scanning the horizon. The rider we had allowed to leave earlier was surely with Carridan by now, delivering the news of the outpost's fall, the scout team's disappearance, and now the destruction of one of his supply lines. He wouldn't ignore this. He couldn't.

I turned to Gorak and the human scout leader, both standing near me as we overlooked the land.

"We have two priorities now," I said. "Reinforce the outpost and find out who else is watching us."

Gorak grunted in agreement. "We need more warriors. More defenses. If Carridan brings a real force, these walls won't hold forever."

The human scout leader crossed his arms. "And if another faction is sniffing around, we need to know if they're potential allies or another enemy waiting to strike."

I opened my system, scanning my gold reserves and available upgrades.

Current Gold: 1,880

Passive Income: 42 Gold per Minute

I needed both strength and information.

[Available Upgrades]

Fortify the Outpost Further (1,200 Gold) – Enhances walls, adds defensive ballistae, increases durability.

Expand Military Training (750 Gold) – Increases unit effectiveness and unlocks advanced battle tactics.

Summon a Second Guardian (1,000 Gold) – Adds another elite defense unit to protect the outpost.

Send Scouts to Investigate (500 Gold) – Uncovers information about nearby factions and threats.

I made my decision.

[1,200 Gold Deducted – Enhancing Outpost Defenses…]

A deep rumbling filled the air as my system activated the upgrade. The wooden walls thickened, reinforced with layers of hardened timber and iron plating. Defensive ballistae materialized atop the watchtowers, their massive bolts ready to tear through approaching enemies. Stone foundations formed at the base of the walls, making them more resistant to siege tactics.

[Outpost Defense Upgraded!]

- Increased Durability

- Added Defensive Ballistae

- Reinforced Gates for Better Hold Against Sieges

The goblins inside the outpost stared in awe as the fortifications changed before their eyes. The human scouts exchanged glances, impressed. We weren't just holding this land. We were turning it into something Carridan would regret attacking.

But I needed to know more about who else was out there.

[500 Gold Deducted – Deploying Scouts…]

The human scout leader raised an eyebrow as the system notification flickered in my vision. "Looks like I have work to do."

I nodded. "Find out who's watching us. If it's another faction, we need to know where they stand before they decide for us."

He nodded and disappeared into the night, his men following.

I turned back to Gorak. "We need to start drilling the goblins for defensive combat. If Carridan comes, we need to hold until we can counterattack."

Gorak grinned. "They will be ready."

I felt the shift happening. A few days ago, I had been an unknown outworlder. Now, I was a force to be reckoned with.

The Shadeborn's voice was soft, but there was something knowing in her tone. "You're playing a dangerous game. If you win, you carve out a kingdom. If you lose, you'll vanish like so many before you."

I met her gaze. "Then I'll just have to make sure I win."

A distant horn echoed through the night.

We all froze.

I turned toward the source of the sound—far in the distance, beyond the trees, flickering torches moved. A lot of them.

Gorak's grip tightened on his weapon. "They're coming."