After some moments of reflection, Leon finally returned to the inn.
He told Elena he needed rest and made his way upstairs to his room.
The weight of the situation pressed on his mind, but he knew he had to conserve his energy for what was to come.
The village was on edge, and the knights were preparing for an attack that could come at any moment.
Leon, however, had his own plans brewing.
He closed the door behind him, sat on the edge of the bed, and let out a slow breath.
His eyes narrowed as he stared at the wall, his mind racing through strategies, weaknesses, and possibilities.
The Shadow Wolves were no ordinary threat, and he needed to be ready.
–[Knight's Camp-Outside the Village]
The scene shifted to the knights' camp, located just outside the village.
The atmosphere was tense, thick with unease.
The forest loomed nearby, its dark canopy hiding the unseen danger that lurked within.
The sound of growling echoed from the trees, a constant reminder of the threat that lay in wait.
The knights, though armored and armed, were far from calm.
Some paced back and forth, their hands gripping the hilts of their swords tightly. Others sat in small groups, their voices low as they discussed the situation.
The growls from the forest seemed to grow louder with each passing hour, gnawing at their nerves.
Among the knights, there was a growing divide. Some, particularly the younger and less experienced ones, were eager to charge into the forest and drive the Shadow Wolves away.
They argued that waiting was only giving the creatures more time to gather their strength. Others, however, were less enthusiastic. Fear was etched on their faces as they whispered about the possibility of death.
They wanted to retreat to the safety of the castle, far from the dangers of the forest.
The tension between the two groups was palpable, but no one dared to act without the captain's orders.
Captain Alexander stood at the center of the camp, his presence commanding respect. His silver armor gleamed in the sunlight, the emblem of the roaring lion on his chest plate a symbol of his authority.
His expression was calm, but his eyes betrayed the weight of his responsibility. He knew the knights were on edge, and he understood their fears.
But he also knew that acting rashly could lead to disaster. He needed a plan, and he needed it soon.
Among the knights, two veterans stood out. Cal and Velen, both seasoned warriors who had served under the former Count, were now responsible for the safety of the county.
Cal was a burly man with a thick beard and a deep, gruff voice.
His armor bore the scars of countless battles, and his presence was a source of reassurance for the younger knights.
Velen, on the other hand, was lean and sharp-eyed, his movements precise and calculated.
He was known for his keen sense of strategy and his ability to remain calm under pressure. Together, they were a formidable pair, their experience and skills invaluable in times of crisis.
Cal leaned against a wooden post, his arms crossed as he surveyed the camp. "here's really something strange on these wolves," he muttered, his voice low. "They're hunting in daylight, and they're not afraid of us. I suspect that something must have happened to their habitat."
Velen nodded, his eyes fixed on the forest. "You're right. This isn't natural. They're organized, coordinated like they are looking for their new habitat ."
The two veterans exchanged a glance, their expressions grim. They had seen their fair share of battles, but this was different. The Shadow Wolves were a mystery, and mysteries were dangerous.
---
Among the high-ranking knights, a woman stood out. Her name was Lira, and she was unlike any other knight in the camp.
While most knights excelled in combat, Lira's strength lay in her mind. She was a strategist, a master of tactics and planning.
Her role was crucial, as she was the one who decided the best course of action for the knights, ensuring they had the upper hand in any situation.
Her position was not one of brute force but of calculated precision, and her decisions often meant the difference between victory and defeat.
Lira sat at a makeshift table in the center of the camp, a map of the village and surrounding forest spread out before her.
Her sharp eyes scanned the map, her mind working tirelessly to devise a plan. She was in her late twenties, with short, white hair that framed her face and a pair of piercing azure eyes that seemed to see through everything. Her armor was lighter than the others, designed for mobility rather than defense. A quill rested in her hand, and she occasionally marked the map with notes and symbols.
The knights respected Lira, though some were wary of her. Her intellect was intimidating, and her ability to predict the enemy's movements was almost uncanny.
She had earned her position through years of dedication and hard work, and her strategies had saved countless lives.
But with great power comes with great responsibility, and the weight of her decisions was not lost on her.
Lira's mind raced as she considered the situation. The Shadow Wolves were a formidable enemy, and their unnatural behavior was a cause for concern.
She knew that a direct confrontation would be risky, especially with the knights' current state of morale.
She needed a plan that would minimize casualties while maximizing their chances of success.
Her eyes flicked to the forest on the map, her brow furrowing in thought. "If we can lure them into a trap," she murmured to herself, "we might stand a chance. But we need bait. Something they can't resist."
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. She looked up to see Captain Alexander standing before her, his expression serious. "Lira," he said, his voice steady, "we need a plan. The men are restless, and the wolves won't wait forever."
Lira nodded, her gaze returning to the map. "I know. I'm working on it. But this isn't going to be easy. Especially the way these Shadow Wolves move, they are always on pack, coolporate and also fast.... This will be hard"
Alexander's eyes narrowed.
Sigh...
Alexander sighed when he heard the statement of Lira.
"It's possible," Lira replied. "Or something. Either way, we need to be careful. One wrong move, and we could be walking into a trap ourselves."
The captain nodded, his expression grim. "Do what you can. We're counting on you."
As Alexander walked away, Lira let out a slow breath. The pressure was mounting, but she couldn't afford to falter.
She glanced at the map once more, her mind racing through possibilities. The growls from the forest seemed to grow louder, a constant reminder of the danger that loomed just beyond the trees.
---
The camp was a hive of activity, but beneath the surface, fear and uncertainty simmered. The knights were trained for battle, but the Shadow Wolves were an enemy unlike any they had faced before. The veterans, Cal and Velen, did their best to keep the younger knights focused, but even they couldn't completely mask their unease.
Lira, meanwhile, continued to work on her strategy. She knew that time was running out, and the wolves could attack at any moment. Her quill moved across the map, marking potential ambush points and escape routes. She needed to be prepared for every possible scenario.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the camp, Lira finally leaned back in her chair. Her plan was taking shape, but it was far from perfect.
She knew that no amount of preparation could guarantee victory, but it was the best they had.
The growls from the forest grew louder, echoing through the camp like a warning. The knights tensed, their hands tightening on their weapons.
----
Then near the camp, a beauty appeared.