The clash between Lee Jun's forces and the Nyxwraith's shadow-bound beasts reached its peak. Screams of battle and the thundering steps of enraged creatures shook the entire grove.
Lee Jun tightened his grip on his weapon, his eyes following the faint, thread-like currents of dark mana extending from the Nyxwraith's outstretched hand. Each thread connected to a frenzied beast, its eyes glowing with unnatural malice.
Moji, his runic staff glowing with shifting symbols, unleashed bursts of runic energy, attempting to disrupt the Nyxwraith's control. Godon roared, cutting through the enemy ranks with his stolen elite weapon, but the waves of beasts kept coming.
Far from the frontlines, inside the fortified heart of Goblin's Grove, Kang Minho was not idle.While Lee Jun and the combat goblins fought outside, Minho stood guard over the non-combat goblins — gatherers, farmers, and younglings. His bow was drawn, eyes sharp as he scanned every shadow near the supply depot.The defensive barriers glowed faintly, but Minho knew that if even one beast broke through, the unarmed goblins would be slaughtered. "Don't panic. Stay together. If anything comes in, I'll be the first to know," he reassured them, his voice steady despite the distant echoes of war.
Back at the front, Draksra darted between the beasts' legs, cutting the Nyxwraith's mana threads whenever he could reach them. But for every link severed, two more seemed to take its place.
Lee Jun's mind raced — he had to find the Nyxwraith's true body. The monster's form flickered and shifted like smoke, never staying in one place long enough for a direct strike. The eerie green glow in its palm pulsed in time with the beasts' roars, an ominous heartbeat fueling the battle.
The air thickened with killing intent. Moji's runes began to falter, his mana draining fast. Godon took a heavy hit, stumbling back with a grunt. Lee Jun's heart pounded — if this continued, their line would break.
He gritted his teeth. "We're not losing this grove. Not to a shadow."With a sharp command, he rallied his goblins, preparing for a decisive maneuver.
The battle for Goblin's Grove was far from over — and the Nyxwraith was just beginning to show its true power.