Under the cover of night, the flames of battle burned ever brighter. With the sudden arrival of the Holy Knights, the morale of the entire camp was instantly boosted. The newly arrived soldiers skillfully engaged in combat against Vester's men, quickly reversing the previous disadvantage.
"My God, where did these people come from? They're like saviors!" The villagers watching couldn't help but discuss excitedly after seeing the situation improve.
A middle-aged woman looked at the brave figures with a hint of envy and said, "It looks like we won't have to live in fear tonight! We're so lucky to have such protectors."
The young guard wiped the sweat from his brow and, taking a brief moment to catch his breath, surveyed his surroundings. "Thank you for the timely reinforcements. Everyone, maintain formation and stay vigilant. We must hold out until we completely defeat the enemy!"
Aiden fought alongside the mysterious, silver-masked knight, who, with his help, repeatedly repelled powerful attacks launched by West and his henchmen. "You are indeed strong, my friend," he said, gesturing with his sword to express his admiration for his new companion.
Behind the silver mask, a resolute gaze appeared as he replied, "Likewise, Lord Aiden is also quite admirable. Let us protect this land together! As long as we are united, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome."
However, the good times didn't last long. Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, West suddenly let out a low, eerie laugh, drawing everyone's attention. "Haha... What a magnificent duel! Unfortunately, tonight's story ends here—" With that, his figure began to blur and gradually disappeared into the darkness. "Don't forget our unfinished match~ See you again soon!" These challenging words left everyone in suspense.
The group exchanged bewildered glances, unable to believe that what had just happened had ended so easily. At least they had gained a precious period of calm to process their thoughts and recover their strength. "We must quickly ascertain the true intentions of the Eye of Darkness and strengthen our defenses to avoid falling into danger again!" Aiden stated firmly, outlining his next course of action.
Sophia, standing close to him, nodded in support: "That's right. And we also need to further understand this newly emerged envoy of the Council of Light's stance and the significance he represents..."
Leah swung her twin blades, brushing off the enemy's blood that stained them, and said, "Why worry about it? We're all on the same side now. Let's rest up and get our energy back. We can set off again tomorrow!"
“Well said.” Hank smiled slightly and added, “In any case, I believe that no matter how great the difficulties and obstacles we encounter in the future, as long as we are here, there will be no difficulty that cannot be overcome.”
In this relaxed atmosphere, the weary yet hopeful team sat around the campfire, resting and preparing for the challenges of the new day. In the distance, the sound of wind rustling through leaves seemed to foreshadow the approach of something unknown…
Aiden gazed thoughtfully at the crescent moon rising in the distance: "When will the secret of the Heart of Light be revealed? And who is the big boss who is hiding in the shadows and manipulating everything?" These questions, like a fog, troubled everyone's mind, and only time could provide the final answer.
Aiden's thoughts were interrupted by a commotion. On the other side of the battlefield, villagers were discussing a new warrior who had just joined the fight. The man wore armor similar to, but far more exquisite and ornate than, that of the silver-masked knight, reflecting a cold yet dazzling light in the moonlight. He stood there quietly, a longsword in his hand, seemingly contemplating something important.
"Look at that person! He's just like a legendary hero!" the little girl in the village exclaimed excitedly, pulling on her mother's hand.
"Shh—keep your voice down, don't let him hear." The mother gently patted her daughter's back and answered with a tender smile, "He really is very handsome! I wish I had a daughter-in-law like him."
Just then, the warrior finally moved, slowly walking to Aiden's side and bowing slightly. "Honorable Guardian, please allow me to introduce myself: My name is Keith Brightwood, from the icy lands of the north. Upon learning of the Council of Light's call, I have come here humbly to serve you!"
Upon hearing this, Aiden immediately extended his hand and shook hands with the other person in a friendly manner: "It's great to have such strong reinforcements. I believe your arrival will inject new vitality into our operations. Now, please follow us..."
However, just as everyone was immersed in the joy of victory and welcoming new comrades, a soldier on night watch suddenly ran frantically from the edge of the camp, interrupting the pleasant atmosphere. "Report, sir! A large number of unidentified forces have been spotted approaching from the southeast. Preliminary estimates suggest that the previously scattered hostile elements have regrouped and are launching a counterattack! They are less than a kilometer away from here."
The sudden turn of events instantly put everyone on edge, turning the previously calm and warm atmosphere into one of heaviness. "Looks like we can't rest for now," Sofia said, drawing her short sword from her waist, ready to rejoin the battle. "Lia, go and help Hank set up the first line of defense against the enemy attack."
Despite their worries, everyone faced the impending threat with courage. Case quickly stepped forward: "How about I lead some soldiers to scout ahead? I believe I can personally ensure the safety of the entire team; there's no need to be overly concerned."
Aiden nodded in agreement with his suggestion. "Then you must be extra careful. We will be ready to provide support at any time. Remember, never venture out alone to avoid unnecessary losses."
Case quickly assembled a small team of experienced fighters familiar with the terrain and disappeared into the darkness. The remaining members threw themselves into preparations. The air was thick with the unsettling scent of an impending storm.
Just as all the preparations were proceeding smoothly, Sophia suddenly stopped her busy pace and came to Aiden's side, whispering, "Do you think this Mr. Case can be trusted? After all, we don't know him very well, and the situation is so urgent that we can't afford to make any mistakes."
Aiden took a deep breath, looked at the starry sky in the distance, and said firmly, "Although I inevitably have some doubts, I am willing to trust everyone and give them a chance. Because we have a common goal to pursue. Only by joining hands can we overcome the difficulties we face."
The words had barely left her lips when Leah's urgent cry rang out: "Look over there!" Everyone immediately became alert and looked in the direction she was pointing. From the depths of the darkness, countless silhouettes of people were faintly visible, surging towards the small village like a tide…
"Everyone, get ready for battle! No matter where they come from, since they dare to offend us at our doorstep, we'll show them what we're made of!" Aiden shouted, trying to boost morale.
With a resounding bugle call echoing across the sky, the night once again descended into chaos and carnage...
Just then, Case's figure suddenly appeared at the front of the group. "Don't worry, everyone. I have already ascertained the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, and I have a perfect countermeasure. I will implement it when the time is right to defeat these villains in one fell swoop."
But at this critical moment, a sinister and chilling voice came from afar. "Oh? Is that so? I really don't know who gave you this confidence... Heh..."
The sound drew ever closer, and the surrounding air seemed to be distorted by a suppressed force. Everyone's gaze involuntarily turned towards the direction from which the sound originated…
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