Chapter 6
Quickly going in and out of the bushes, the pack of giant wolves appeared and disappeared whenever convenient, lunging at unsuspecting carriages, then running away back into the forest when a unit responds to the trouble.
The monsters attacks were so coordinated, it began tiring the guards, as the men kept rushing to protect every single travelers within the caravan.
Also, it didn't help that night had befallen them, making it harder to grasp their surroundings.
The two youngsters and the soldiers were having a hard time fighting the beasts, as they lack the numbers and none of them dared act alone.
This was contrary to their opponents, since a single dire wolf was enough to cause chaos and disarray.
Both animals and people can ran around in panic, a few got stuck in place, unable to move from the sheer terror.
This made defending the convoy much harder, as their forces were being spread too thin as they tried to protect everybody.
With a flick and a swish, Clifford opened several control windows, giving him a better view of the entire terrain. Though he was not keen on multitasking, he didn't want to stand idly on the sides, while the others fought head on.
He can't help but cursed in silence because of his own lacking, with no resources available, there was nothing he can do, he was basically useless in an upfront battle.
Even with the option for character mode was usable, he chose not to take any chances in their current situation, as it will be detrimental since he still hadn't taken the time to study it.
With limited view, he rushed to the nearest carriage, climbing atop of it. That provided an increase in his range of sight, giving him an added vantage of the area.
Giant shadows remained looming at them, mixing with the night like a black curtain. Not even the additional torches were enough to light a portion of it, as their glow only reached a certain degree.
They were at a complete disadvantage, needing to defend and search at the same time. And all the soldiers could do was wait, as there was hardly anything to see in the pitch blackness.
"There's about twenty of them, five in each group. They're moving counterclockwise, circling around us."
From his map, he deduced this much, observing all the blinking red lights all surrounding them.
Thankfully, though their enemies hid in the veil of darkness, locating them was easy, so long as they were within the range of his radar.
"Where? I can't see them!"
Arty kept his trembling hands raised, directing his palms to wherever he'd hear rustling or a growl. Fear had once again gotten the best of him.
Even with their heroic skill, there is no assurance they can win against the enemy, as the monsters are of a higher level than them, and there are only two of them.
"It's too dark. We need some light!"
Jack screams aloud, teeth grinding in utter frustration that he couldn't land a hit, chasing aimlessly without confronting a single one.
He too was getting worn out, rushing from the front, then back to the end, just so he could face off the attacking beasts.
It was here that the veteran warrior step up, having a grasp of the situation after receiving the information.
Sword raised, he ran around to herd his subordinates, who continued to scuffle.
All of them were quick to pause, hearing the whistle coming from their leader. Every one of them was keen to give their attention to the man who was on his steed, moving to where he was.
"Men, form a perimeter! Gather all the people in the middle, and set up a defensive wall using the carriages!"
Sir Malvar's voice boomed into the surrounding, his tone laced with authority and confidence which resonated to the soldiers, increasing the men's morale tenfolds.
Their cheers and roar echoed through the land, causing their enemies to halt for a while, as their blades shined through the veil of the night.
In moments, wheels creaked and horses neighed as they hurried to round up everyone, following their leader's orders.
The soldiers were keen to direct the civilians, carrying and assisting them in moving into the makeshift wall.
After forming an encirclement using every single transport they had, they gathered in the outer area, weapons pointed outward like pikes.
Clifford can't help but nod in approval, seeing as they had turned the tables around, thanks to the officers fast thinking.
Now the beast ended up halting, crouching as they prowled through the thicket. Teeth bared, the pack became wary, remaining steady as their bloodshot eyes gaze at the caravan.
Chill started covering the forest, carried by the evening wind. The sounds of night birds and insects took over the screams and shouts of panic a while ago. As all remained still for a few moments.
Nobody dared to move, sensing the tension arising with each passing second.
It was until a howl reverberated from within the woods that all hell broke loose once more.
Soldiers flinch, taken aback by the power and savagery of the sound, causing some of them to tremble, while many of the civilians screamed in terror, huddling together for safety among each other.
"Jack, on your six!"
Clifford was keen to notice the red moving dot on his Map. He'd not remove his sights on it the minute things calmed.
The single blinking light move with such speed that there was barely any time to make any preparations.
But thanks to the warning, the lad made a quick turn, allowing him to face the enemy upfront.
Crimson orbs glowed from a distant, like rubies shining through the shades. In seconds, a giant beast finally came into view. First it was the claws, then those long sharp fangs, before the wolf entirely revealed itself.
Every single one of them ended up frozen in place, gaping in awe and horror as the dire wolf towered over them, being twice the size of their largest carriage.
"Meteor strike!"
Jack's voice reverberated through the air as he rushed to meet the beast head on. He fearlessly jumped straight with a flying kick directed at the enemy.
His speed increased with each second, calling forth every ounce of energy he had.
The conjured zeal covered him in a shimmering yellow light, adding more strength and power to the attack.
A wind ripple formed the moment the two clashed, their attacks colliding, releasing a shockwave that nearly blasted everyone else, causing some to faint and fall on the ground.
Alas, the wolf's hide proved far superior to the lad's strike, sending the poor youth flying off straight into a tree when his foothold slip through the thick fur.
Wood, dust, and weapons flung into the air the minute the monster came into contact with the makeshift wall.
Shrills of women and children, mixed with some men, cut through the silence, once again enveloping the surroundings with sheer chaos.
It broke their defense in an instant, along with their hopes, assertion, and spirits collapsing into nothingness.
They were now facing the true alpha of the dire wolves, as this one was far larger and powerful than the previous monster.
Not a single soldier had the courage to move. Even Malvar stood gawking, unable to hide his shock from the exchange, especially after losing their ace.
With teary eyes and uncontrolled shaking, Arty ended up turning to the only person close to him.
"Mister Clifford, what are we going to do?"
His voice trembled with each word, as dread slowly began taking over him. With Jack out of the picture, he was the last hero there who can fight this monstrosity.
With his legs frozen, not responding to what he wanted, he got stuck in place. His breathing became erratic, sensing the weight of all the lives at stake at that moment, all of whom rest on his shoulders.
That duty alone prove too much for him, as he began breaking down in fits of panic, sobbing uncontrollably from the thought of failing.
It was only when he saw Clifford's indifferent gaze towards the monster that he stopped.
There was this hollowness within the man's eyes, which made it hard to tell if he had fainted from the shock, or bound by fear just like him.
But then Arty hears a certain murmuring coming from Clifford. His tone was icy, calculated, and in monotone, making it sound as if he was listening to a robot.
Though his expression remained lifeless and empty, the sheer sight of it was enough to send an eerie sensation.
There was this chill emanating that let out an intense dread. It was as if he was looking at a living doll at the moment, sending shivers to run down his spine.