“It looks like we’ve rested well enough… gather around, people. It’s time for the second round!” Daniel declared with vigor.
The crowd was somewhat excited. After their first victory against the Demons, they all thought they had a chance.
With more combat experience, they had built enough confidence in themselves and had the strength to raise their blades against the monsters they once feared.
A part of me wanted to squash the hopes everyone had built up, but I resisted the urge.
“We will strike them after taking positions. The same strategy used in the morning will be repeated. Since these will be a new set of Hobgoblins, they won’t be aware of our tactics. By cornering them like we did the last time, we will kill them off once again.”
The plan sounded easy enough for everyone to understand. They were all prepared to move out. With restored strength, we all marched to our positions. The close combatants followed Daniel to lure the Hobgoblins to where the rest of us would be staying.
As we moved, I had some thoughts.
‘I’ve cleaned through the first compound, but if I’m right, at this point, Hobgoblins should be filling the compound again.’
After all, quite some hours had passed. At least a hundred should have come out. If that was the case, then Daniel and his group would have Demons to lure into their trap..
Since I had already informed Tasha of my actions earlier, she must have raised the issue of probing within the compound in case there were no guards stationed outside.
I had nothing to worry about!
Following the second group, we all lay in ambush, waiting for Daniel’s group to return with the prey. Looking around, my eyes accidentally met Melissa’s, and she gave me a deep glare the moment we saw each other.
I could tell that what happened earlier still bothered her. However, at the moment she was the least of my worries. I had achieved what I wanted and had my fun, but now was the time for action.
Fortunately, she didn’t approach me or say any words to me, intentionally keeping her distance. And so, with the little wave of tension enveloping everyone, we waited patiently for Daniel’s signal.
***************************************
“That’s strange… It’s just as you predicted, Tasha. There are no guards stationed outside.” Daniel muttered, looking at the unguarded fence and gate.
Tasha slightly nodded, also staring attentively at the tall structure.
“It looks like we’ll have to go with plan B, then. We’ll open the gate and draw in the ones within to us.” Daniel added.
It was a risky venture since they had no idea how many of their forces would be waiting for them. Still, Tasha was confident about what Jeremy told her, so she wasn’t too worried.
“Our Stealth Gifted plays a very crucial role in this battle. We’ll open the gate and have her take a look inside. It’ll be a little peek. If we determine that their forces aren’t too much for us to handle, we’ll lure them to us.” Daniel spoke to everyone with him.
They nodded in response, moving closer to the large structure to enact the plan.
Now arranged accordingly, evenly splitting the forces of their Gifteds both left and right, they waited for Daniel’s signal.
“Now!” The leader commanded.
They opened the bulky gate bars, shifting both left and right sides so the Stealth Gifted could take a little look inside.
And so, Catherine, under her [Veil], took slow steps closer to the opening made by her allies. She took a peek, her head already touching the cold wood that served as the gate.
A moment of silence ensued as everyone waited for her verdict. Their next actions would be determined by her response.
“T-this is-?!” Catherine gasped.
However, before she could utter another word, a low whistling sound, like passing wind sounded.
>WHOOOOOSSSHHHH<
In a flash, the Gifteds beside Catherine, all looking at her with expectations, were met with a gory sight.
A sharp arrow pierced Catherine’s head, already protruding out of the other end of her skull. Blood splashed around, splattering on those close to the poor girl.
“Catherine!!!” Daniel shouted, being the first to regain his speech after witnessing the shocking sight.
For a moment, he forgot the fact that he had to remain silent. Only one thing was on his mind, the bleeding head of his ally.
“R-run…”
Catherine’s lips uttered, her body twitching before she lifelessly flailed back and died instantly.
“Catherine!!!” Daniel yelled again, this time his voice peaking more than before.
His sudden shout roused the others who were still stunned by the first death they experienced in the Subjugation.
They all moved away from the gate, hurriedly shutting it back.
Daniel rushed to Catherine’s dead body, already being drowned in her own pool of blood.
He knelt, not caring for the crimson stain on himself. Crying, he held the corpse of his close comrade.
His mourning didn’t last for long, as the earth vegan trembling at a disturbing level.
Tasha’s eyes bulged as she realized what this meant.
The rattling earth was caused by an effect that originated from behind the tall walls before them. The trembling ground continued, followed by the roar of a multitude behind the closed gates. That meant only one thing. The Hobs within the compound were so numerous that they caused such a large commotion.
‘Shit!’ Tasha’s mind rang.
This was different from what Jeremy had told her. Still, she had no time to even think about the boy. The Gifted which provides them with cover was now dead, everyone was stunned as a result of the sudden death that occurred, and Daniel was devastated.
The situation was worse than anyone could have expected.
“Shit! Shit!! Shit!!!” She growled, moving closer to Daniel as she grabbed him by the arms
“Daniel, get a grip!”
Daniel was so lost in grief that he didn’t feel the tremors or hear the cries of Demons hurriedly approaching them.
“W-wha-?! Tasha, Catherine is dead. Catherine is-” Daniel spoke in a panic, flustered beyond any semblance of rationality.
Tasha’s eyes widened, seeing their leader broken down beyond belief. He bore no resemblance to the charismatic person who led them properly just a few moments ago.
There was only one thing Tasha could resort to at this point!
‘God, please let this work!’
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