The ruins trembled as the coalition forces pushed forward, undeterred by the traps and explosions. Dust and smoke filled the air, but through it, the obsidian-armored commander advanced, his sword gleaming in the morning light.
Kai's pulse quickened. He had seen skilled warriors before, but something about this man radiated sheer, unshakable power.
The enemy surged through the rubble, closing the distance. Kai raised his blade. "Hold the line!"
The battle erupted in brutal chaos.
Steel clashed against steel as the coalition's soldiers slammed into Kai's forces. Screams echoed as blades found flesh. The ruins became a battlefield of dust, blood, and fire.
Lyra fought near the barricades, her twin daggers flashing as she cut down enemies who climbed over the fallen walls. Solis led a countercharge, driving his spear through an enemy knight before bashing another with his shield.
But they were being pushed back.
Kai knew they couldn't hold forever. He locked eyes with Elira, who stood atop the broken tower. She nodded.
It was time for their last gambit.
"Fall back to the inner keep!" Kai shouted. "Draw them in!"
His soldiers retreated deeper into the ruins, luring the enemy into the narrow corridors. The coalition, thinking they had the advantage, poured in after them.
That was their mistake.
Elira raised a torch and hurled it down into the debris-filled passages. A second later, fire roared to life. The hidden oil kegs ignited, engulfing the enemy in flames. Screams of burning soldiers filled the air as the blaze cut through their ranks.
For a moment, it seemed like victory was within reach.
Then, the obsidian-armored commander stepped through the fire.
His cloak burned away, revealing dark plate armor marked with deep scars from countless battles. He swung his greatsword, sending two of Kai's men flying backward like ragdolls. The flames did nothing to stop him.
Kai clenched his jaw. This was no ordinary soldier.
This was a monster.
And now, it was coming straight for him.