Chapter 25: Into the Fire

Leon stood before his assembled soldiers, their faces grim but resolute. He had gone over the scout's report multiple times, weighing their options, searching for an opening. But the numbers were undeniable.

Even with 46 trained soldiers, sending his entire force would be a death sentence. A thousand Hollowborn? Even the strongest army would struggle against that.

A direct battle wasn't an option.

Which meant they needed to be smarter.

He turned to his warriors. "We're taking an elite strike force. Fifteen of our best. Our goal isn't to fight the undead head-on. If these Hollowborn are anything like the ones we fought, then there are necromancers hiding behind them—controlling the horde." His eyes hardened. "We kill the necromancers, we kill the army."

A murmur ran through the group. The soldiers who had fought in the last battle knew firsthand how the Hollowborn didn't stay dead when their masters were still standing.

Garrick stepped forward. "I'll lead the defense while you're gone."

Leon nodded, placing a firm hand on his captain's shoulder. "Hold the fort. If we fail, they'll come for us next."

With that, he turned back to his squad—his best soldiers.

Robin was at his side, bow slung over his back. Garrick's best warriors stood behind him—men who had survived the first siege, proving their worth in blood and fire.

The rare necromancer, Doran, stood at the back of the group, hood drawn. His presence alone had made some of the soldiers uneasy, but Leon had given his word that Doran was loyal.

Now was the time to prove it.

Leon raised a fist. "Move out."

---

They traveled fast.

Leon set a brutal pace, pushing forward without rest.

By the time they crested the final hill, half a day had passed.

And the stench of death hit them immediately.

Smoke and fire choked the air. The sounds of battle—screams, the clash of steel, the guttural moans of the undead—echoed through the valley.

Then they saw it.

A fortified settlement loomed ahead, easily four or five times the size of Leon's own. The walls were scorched, covered in blackened claw marks. Defenders stood on the ramparts, firing arrows and hurling spears, but it was clear—they were losing.

The gates—the last line of defense—were seconds away from collapsing.

And the enemy?

A sea of Hollowborn.

Hundreds, if not over a thousand, pressed against the walls like a living tide of death.

Leon clenched his jaw. This was worse than he expected.

Then—

FOOOOM!

A column of fire erupted from the top of the gate, sweeping across the undead, turning dozens to ash in an instant.

Leon's eyes widened.

A man stood at the center of the flames, arms outstretched, magic crackling around him.

The Lord of the Castle.

A fire mage.

Leon's system suddenly flickered, a new prompt appearing.

> [System Communication Link Established]

[Would you like to send a message to Lord Edric?]

Leon didn't hesitate. He focused on the prompt and sent a simple message.

[Hello.]

The flames died down for a brief moment.

A response came almost instantly.

[Who is this?]

Leon smirked. He could almost hear the suspicion in the man's voice.

[Leon, Lord of a nearby territory. I'm here with fifteen of my best men to assist you.]

There was a long pause.

Then—

[Are you insane?]

Leon arched an eyebrow.

[You should be running back to defend your own settlement before we're overrun. This battle is lost.]

Robin leaned in. "Not the most encouraging response."

Leon just smiled. He typed again.

[My settlement was already attacked. I won't sit and wait for the next one. If I'm going to die, I'd rather take the fight to them.]

Silence.

Then—

[Ha! You're either a fool or a madman. Suit yourself. If you want to die with me, so be it.]

The connection cut.

Leon exhaled. That was the closest thing to an invitation he was going to get.

But he wasn't done yet.

Because even now, the sigil around his neck was vibrating—pulling in a specific direction.

Leon's eyes followed the sensation.

His heart hardened.

The real enemy wasn't at the walls.

It was hiding—just out of sight, in the outskirts of the settlement.

He gripped his weapon and turned to his squad. "The necromancers are near. We move now."