The Ambush The first snarl cut through the silence like a blade. The Shadow-Touched emerged from the edges of the outpost, their movements unnatural—almost as if they were gliding rather than walking. Their charred, twisted flesh shifted as they moved, their red eyes glowing with a sickening hunger. Ethan counted three of them. No—four. One had just crawled out from the shadows near the barracks. His pulse quickened. They were surrounded. Kara had already drawn her blade, eyes locked onto the closest creature—the one that had come from her side. Gareth gritted his teeth, adjusting his grip on his spear. Leah stood frozen, torn between reaching for her staff or the injured man at her feet. And Ethan? He took a slow breath and tightened his grip on his daggers. There was no running this time. This was a fight. And they had no idea how many would be left standing when it was over.

  The First Clash The creatures moved first. The one closest to Kara lunged, its limbs bending at unnatural angles. She sidestepped, but the moment she did— The creature’s fingers stretched, extending into thin, whip-like claws. Kara barely dodged in time. “Shit—!” she hissed, rolling to avoid another slash. Gareth moved next, striking at the one to his right. His spear found its mark, stabbing clean through the thing’s shoulder. For a split second, it froze. Then, without hesitation— It grabbed the spear shaft with its bare hands. And pulled. Gareth was yanked forward, off balance, as the creature opened its mouth—too wide—revealing jagged, shifting teeth. Leah reacted fast, thrusting a hand forward. [Barrier Ward – Activated.] A glowing shield of mana slammed into the creature’s chest, sending it stumbling back. Gareth ripped his spear free, spinning it into position. But the moment he did— A second creature was already charging from the left.

  Ethan’s Instincts Kick In Ethan had no time to think. [Shadow Step – Activated.] His body blurred, moving instantly to the side as the third creature swiped at where he had just been. He landed behind it— And struck. [Silent Blade – Activated.] His daggers sliced deep, cutting into the thing’s side. Dark, tar-like blood spilled onto the dirt. It should have been crippling. But instead? The creature twisted unnaturally, as if its body had no bones. And then— It lashed out, faster than before. Ethan barely ducked under the counterattack. His breath caught. It’s adapting. It had already adjusted to his speed. His daggers wouldn’t be enough. Not alone.

  Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  The Tide of Battle Gareth held the front line, blocking two creatures at once. His spear flashed, but the Shadow-Touched were getting faster, avoiding his strikes with inhuman flexibility. Kara was engaging the fourth, moving with fluid precision, her sword cutting through the air. But her opponent was predicting her movements, shifting in ways that should have been impossible. Leah was barely keeping up, her healing magic already draining her mana. And Ethan? His mind raced. They couldn’t just fight these things head-on. They had to change the approach. A New Strategy Ethan’s eyes flicked to the barracks—its entrance wide open. They could funnel the creatures inside. Limit their movement. Make it harder for them to dodge. He called out. “Gareth—fall back toward the barracks!” Gareth didn’t argue. He moved immediately, forcing his two opponents closer to the entrance. Kara caught on, leading hers in the same direction. Ethan slashed at his own enemy, forcing it back. Then— He ran. The others followed. One by one, the creatures pursued them, snarling. And the moment they were all inside— Leah raised her hand. [Barrier Ward – Activated.] A wall of mana sealed the entrance. The creatures were trapped. And now? It was time to finish the fight.

  A Brutal Finish Inside the tight space of the barracks, the Shadow-Touched had no room to move. They were fast—but not faster than steel and magic combined. Gareth drove his spear straight through one’s skull. Kara severed another’s head in a single, clean strike. Leah blasted a third with raw, radiant energy, burning it from the inside out. And Ethan? He faced the last one alone. It lunged at him— And he let it. Then— [Void Lance – Activated.] A bolt of pure shadow energy erupted from his palm, hitting the creature square in the chest. It screamed—louder than before. Its body shuddered violently. Then, finally— It collapsed. The barracks fell silent. And the fight was over.

  The Aftermath For a long moment, no one spoke. Ethan’s chest heaved, sweat dripping from his brow. Kara wiped blood from her cheek, shaking her head. Gareth exhaled. “That was too close.” Leah sank to her knees, completely drained. But then— A soft noise made Ethan’s head snap up. The survivor. He was still on the ground, his breathing shallow. And now? He was staring at them. His lips trembled. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper— “They’re not the worst thing here.” Ethan froze. Gareth narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?” The man’s hands shook violently. “They—” He swallowed hard. “They have a master.” The air felt heavier. Ethan’s blood turned to ice. “…What?” The man’s eyes darted toward the far end of the outpost. Toward a small, ruined building. Then— His voice cracked. “He’s still here.”