Battle

[Ramona's POV]


[Interior Wolf West Hall, Imperial Jade Palace]



Ethan hurriedly approached and dispersed the crowd, guiding the Emperor to a secluded area. He whispered something in the Emperor's ear that transformed his sorrowful expression into one of anger. "Quickly close the south and west gates and station troops there. Inform Zenan to enter the palace with his trusted soldiers and safeguard the Empress and the imperial ladies."


Upon reaching the Wolf West Hall, Emperor Daniel and Ethan found themselves surrounded by a group of trusted advisors and military strategists. The atmosphere was tense as everyone anxiously awaited Daniel's explanation for the sudden change in the Emperor's demeanor.


Taking a deep breath, Ethan spoke with a steady voice as he began to disclose the unsettling news he had whispered to the Emperor. "Our tribe is in chaos. The Night Walker pack has taken control and they have retaliated against us for Josh's murder."


"Why do they want to attack us if we didn't kill Josh?" Damein, a senior adviser to the court, asked.


Ethan replied, "They want to attack us because the Seven Dark Forces are behind the Silver Blade Sword, which is under our supervision."


"The Silver Blade Sword?" Damein exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief.


The Emperor Daniel sighed, his face filled with concern. "The Silver Blade Sword feeds on the fear and darkness within a person's heart. It amplifies their deepest fears, transforming them into a weapon of destruction. The more fear it consumes, the stronger it becomes. However, this power comes at a great cost. The wielder gradually loses their sanity, consumed by their own fears until they become nothing more than a puppet of darkness."


Damein shuddered at the thought. "So, the Seven Dark Forces want to obtain this sword to unleash chaos upon the kingdom?"


Ethan nodded solemnly. "Yes, they believe that with the Silver Blade Sword, they can manipulate the minds of the people, spreading fear and discord throughout the land. They aim to overthrow the court and establish their own reign of terror."


Damein clenched his fists, his eyes filled with determination. "We cannot allow that to happen. We must protect the Silver Blade Sword at all costs. We should seek assistance from Gravefur pack and Forestbite pack, as they have been loyal allies for many years."


"It's futile," Ethan said, shaking his head in frustration.


"What do you mean?" Damein barely finished asking the question when someone suddenly opened the door of Wolf West Hall from behind. A soldier, covered in blood and wielding a sword, entered. "Night Walker pack has attacked the west gate."


Feeling a sense of urgency, Ethan took charge and devised a plan to defend their territory against the invading Night Walker Pack's forces.


"Now it's our turn to retaliate," he immediately ordered the Bullock pack students in West West Hall. "Damein, gather your weapons and take twenty students with you to form a defensive line near the west gate."


"Zenan, you lead a small group of people to flank the Night Walker pack's forces from the side while the main force engages them head-on." He bowed to Ethan and left.


"Duan, please swiftly position archers on the rooftops encircling the southern gate. Your objective is to shower the Gravefur pack and Forestbite pack's forces with arrows, thereby diminishing their progress and causing disarray within their ranks."


Recognizing the significance of safeguarding their resources, Ethan commands a team of students to secure the armory, collect extra weapons and supplies, and defend the vulnerable villagers.



[Exterior Imperial Jade Palace Courtyard]



The courtyard is enveloped in darkness, except for the moonlight that filters through the clouds. The warriors emerge from the palace, their armor ominously gleaming. They form a formidable line, raising their weapons, prepared to confront their enemy.


The atmosphere is tense as the warriors from the Night Walker pack, Gravefur pack and Forestbite pack gather, their armor shining faintly in the light. They stand united, their expressions resolute, ready to face their mutual adversary - the Bullock pack.


The warriors unsheathe their swords, their faces determinedly concealed. They move in perfect harmony, their footsteps resonating throughout the expansive courtyard as they advance towards the palace gates. The distant sounds of battle reverberate through the village, a symphony of clashing swords and war cries.


The warriors of the Bullock pack, led by their ruthless senior, Damein, stand on the opposite side of the courtyard. Their eyes meet, and a silent understanding passes between them - this battle will be fought until the bitter end.


"Do you dare challenge the might of the Bullock pack? You will regret this night, for it shall be your last!"


Stepping forward, the leader of the Night Walker pack, Senior Edward, his eyes filled with fury and determination, declares, "Tonight, we face our greatest adversary. James killed our senior Josh, and we brought the case to the Bullock pack. Instead of executing him, they set him free. Why?" he shouts. "Tonight, we fight for our honor, for our families, and for the future of our packs!"


"Bullock pack, you have underestimated our unity. Though we may be outnumbered, we are united in purpose. Tonight, we shall demonstrate the strength of our determination. Prepare yourselves, for the storm is upon you!" Senior Stefen of the Gravefur Pack yells.


"Tonight marks the end of your reign. We have thoroughly studied your tactics and weaknesses, knowing every move you make. Prepare to face the wrath of the united clans!" Lucian, a senior of the Forestbite pack steps forward, his eyes shining with a combination of wisdom and vengeance.


"Attack!" Damein shouts, and the Bullock pack charges forward to initiate the attack.


Warriors from the Night Walker pack, Gravefur pack and Forestbite pack also join the charge, their battle cries piercing the night. The clash of weapons fills the air as the two forces collide, engaged in a deadly dance of swords and bloodshed.


The moon bears witness to the intense battle, its pale light illuminating the bravery and sacrifice of those fighting for their packs. The outcome of this war hangs in the balance, as the fate of the packs becomes intertwined in this midnight clash within the palace.


As the battle begins, Ethan leads the main force in a fierce defense, utilizing their superior combat skills and knowledge of the terrain to their advantage. He encourages his soldiers to fight with unwavering determination and reminds them of the importance of protecting their homeland.


He closely monitors the battlefield, constantly adjusting his strategy based on the movements of the Night Walker pack's forces. "Target their weaknesses that you observe in their formation," he commands the students, aiming to weaken their morale and force them to retreat.


Ethan spotted Caleb entering the palace from an unknown location.


"It's been a while," Ethan said with a sarcastic smile, looking up at him. Chen Jiang visibly gulped upon seeing this.


Rolling his eyes, Chen Jiaxiang replied, "Oh, Ethan, I see your wit is as sharp as ever. Did you come up with that all by yourself?"


Ethan smirked, crossing his arms. "Well, I do make an effort to keep my sarcasm skills sharp, unlike certain individuals I know."


Caleb scoffed, drawing his sword. "Oh, please, Ethan. I've heard better comebacks from an injured squirrel. Let's see if your sword skills are as impressive as your snark."


Ethan chuckled, twirling his own sword. "Oh, don't worry, Caleb. I'll make sure to give you a performance worth remembering. Just try not to stumble over your own arrogance in the process."


Caleb grunted, narrowly dodging a swing from Ethan. "You know, Ethan, I must admit, your insults are almost as annoying as your fighting style."


Ethan smirked, feigning offense. "Why, thank you, Caleb. I always strive to be a well-rounded annoyance."


Caleb chuckled, parrying another attack. "Well, you're certainly succeeding. I can't decide which is worse - your insults or your swordsmanship."


Ethan raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Oh, come on now, Caleb. You're just jealous of my unique blend of clumsiness and incompetence."


Caeb rolled his eyes, lunging forward with a swift strike. "Jealous? Hardly. I wouldn't trade my skill for all the clumsiness in the world."


Ethan blocked the attack, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ah, but you see, Caleb, my clumsiness keeps you on your toes. It's a strategic advantage."


Caleb scoffed, sidestepping a clumsy swing from Ethan. "Strategic advantage? More like a comedy show. I can't believe I'm risking my life fighting alongside you."


Ethan grinned, his sword clashing against Caleb's. "Well, consider it an honor, my friend. Not everyone gets to witness such a spectacular display of incompetence."


Caleb smirked, his movements becoming more precise. "Oh, believe me, Ethan, I'll be sure to tell tales of your incompetence for generations to come. It'll be a cautionary tale for aspiring warriors."

Ethan shook his head as he backed away from his opponent, still holding his sword high above his head. He knew there was no point in continuing with this conversation, as neither of them really expected much out of the other, despite what some would say. As long as they were still alive, that was enough for both of them.

They continued to exchange blows with each other and were soon exchanging blow after blow, their swords clashing against each other, emitting sparks. Suddenly Ethan felt something strike the top of his shield and glanced upwards.
A huge bolt of lightning streaked across the sky accompanied by thunder that roared deafeningly.