Chapter 85 – The Start of the War of Attrition
Chapter 85
The Start of the War of Attrition
Date : Day 7 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
The initial adrenaline of discovery faded into a state of focused, patient vigilance. The ledge became their entire world. A small, secure platform overlooking a sea of enemies. They settled into a comfortable routine. Taking turns observing the goblin settlement.
"Their movement is still and organized, Elise."
Hyoren's voice was quiet. Observational.
"Their patrol path is strict."
Hyoren watched. His Aethell Sense and his natural analytical skills working in tandem. He noted the paths the goblins used most frequently. The areas they avoided. The times when activity was at its peak.
"And despite being primitive, their activity mirrors humans."
He saw them dragging in scavenged logs for their fires. Hauling water from a murky pit in the corner of the quarry. Engaging in the loud, squabbling fights that seemed to be their primary form of social interaction. The noise carried faintly on the wind. Distant. Discordant.
"You're right, Hyoren."
Elise sipped another hot tea. The steam curled around her face.
"Look at the goblin near the watchtower of the south entrance, Hyoren."
She pointed with her free hand. Her finger traced a line toward the southern edge of the quarry. Hyoren followed the direction. Squinting.
"That is definitely a Warrior, not a Fighter."
Her voice was certain. Knowledgeable.
"Its weapon gleams in sunlight. And its height is way too tall."
She pointed out the subtle differences in the goblins' armor and weapons. Identifying which groups were likely Warriors or Fighters. She watched the guards around the largest central structure. Noting their shift changes. Their levels of alertness.
They shared their observations. Their quiet conversation formed a constant stream of tactical data. They were building a mental map of the enemy's routines. Looking for the weak points in their schedule.
The hours passed slowly. The dual suns started to descend. Indicating afternoon had already come. But their patience never wavered.
This was the part of the hunt they both enjoyed—the silent observation before the violent battle.
After nearly two hours of waiting, Hyoren stiffened. He noticed a change in the goblin settlement. Movement near the southern entrance.
"Elise, I saw movement."
He looked back at Elise. She had been resting against the tarp, her eyes closed.
"South quarry entrance."
His voice was low. Alert.
"Same composition as before. Six normals, one Fighter. They're moving south, along the main path."
Elise sat up. She looked at the settlement. Noting the movement of goblins. Her emerald eyes traced their path.
"I see it, Hyoren."
She nodded slowly.
"Same formation, same pace."
Her lips curled slightly.
"They're predictable. Arrogant. They think this territory is theirs."
She looked at him. Her emerald eyes met with Hyoren's predatory eyes. A silent understanding passed between them.
He grinned. His mind was already shifting from observation to action.
"Arrogance is a weakness. Let's go teach them a lesson."
He rose to his feet. His movements were fluid and silent.
Elise was right behind him. Taking her bow from nearby. Checking her quiver. The plan was already formed in their minds. A seamless execution of the strategy they had just devised.
"Let's head out, Elise..."
Hyoren said. His voice was a low, commanding whisper.
"Time to go to work."
Elise nodded.
"Let's go, Hyoren."
They moved with practiced stealth. Leaving their small base. Melting back into the rugged terrain. They didn't go down the cliff face—that would be too obvious. Instead, they circled around again. Using the ridges to their advantage. Aiming to get ahead of the patrol and set up another ambush.
The hunters were once again on the move. Their shadows lengthened before them as they descended to meet their prey.
They moved like ghosts through the rocky terrain. Their intimate knowledge of each other's movements allowed them to communicate and coordinate without a single word. A glance. A gesture. A shift in posture.
Elise scouted the path ahead. Finding the perfect ambush point—a narrow choke point between two large boulders. The goblins would be funneled through. Unable to use their numbers effectively.
"Let's ambush them here, Hyoren."
Hyoren nodded. Agreeing with her assessment.
"Alright, Elise, this is perfect."
He scanned the area.
"Let's set up our ambush."
Elise then scaled a nearby ridge. Finding a concealed perch with a clear line of sight to the choke point. She nocked an arrow. Her breathing slowed. Her body became one with the wind and the rock. They were in position long before the goblin patrol arrived.
Meanwhile, Hyoren took his stance nearby. Behind an overgrown bush. His spear was ready in his hand. The Mithril-alloy Yari gleamed in the afternoon light.
They didn't wait long.
The predictable clatter and guttural chatter of the goblin patrol soon echoed through the surrounding area. The sound was rough. Discordant. Carried on the wind.
They walked with the same false confidence as the last group. The Fighter in the lead. Its rusty sword resting on its shoulder. The normal goblins followed behind.
They strolled into the kill zone. Completely unaware of the eyes watching them from above. The spear waiting for them in the shadows.
Hyoren could hear Elise activating her skill.
"Double Shot!"
The first arrow struck the goblin at the rear of the pack. Punching through its skull and dropping it silently. The second arrow took out the one next to it. Two bodies crumpled to the ground. Before the remaining five could even register the attack, a third arrow flew. Killing a third goblin.
Panic erupted. The Fighter and the three remaining normal goblins spun around. Their beady eyes wide with confusion and fear. They saw nothing but rocks and shadows.
That was when Hyoren started his own attack.
He burst from his concealment. His spear a blur of motion. He dispatched one goblin with an efficient thrust. The blade pierced through the chest. Another fell to a throw of his Cinder-maw Daggers. The weapon spun through the air. Striking true to goblins forehead.
The fight was over in seconds.
Only the Goblin Fighter and another normal goblins remained. The fighter snarling in rage and it lunged. It was a repeat of the last encounter. But this time, Hyoren was even more prepared.
He met the Fighter's clumsy charge. Parried its sword with the Yari crossguard. Metal clashed against metal. Sparks flew. The Fighter staggered from the impact.
Hyoren pull his spear, then with efficient thrust, then drove it through its heart. The Fighter crumpled.
He spun around. Trying to find the last goblin. But it was already downed with a thud. An arrow jutted from its forehead.
Silence returned to the surrounding area. Broken only by the sound of Hyoren's steady breathing.
At this moment, notification chimes rang in his head again.
“Spear Mastery - Leveled up to Three.”
“Throwing - Level up to Two”
“Precision Throw - Active Skill of Throwing Acquired.”
A new knowledge washed over Hyoren. The images formed on his mind. He understood the active skill of throwing, unlocked at level two. It was a simple, but deadly skill. The skill gave his throws perfect accuracy. It could even home slightly if the target moved. It wouldn't completely chase a quick opponent, but it was good enough.
He smiled widely. The rush of progress. Of growth.
"They are so predictable, Elise."
His voice was calm as he wiped the blood from his spear with the goblin rag. The fabric was coarse.
"Same path, same formation, same arrogance."
He shook his head.
"They're not soldiers. They're just a mob with a leader who thinks he's a general."
Elise descended from her perch.
"Predictability makes them easy to kill, Hyoren. We should be thankful."
A wide smile spread across her face. Her movement was graceful.
"You are right, Elise.”
He smiled at her.
“The problem is indeed the number."
Hyoren conceded. Looking toward the quarry.
"Two or four hundred is a lot of predictable mobs."
He straightened.
"But we can do this."
He looked at the seven bodies at their feet. Then at Elise. A slow, confident smile spread across his face. It wasn't a smile of bloodlust. But of analytical certainty. This was a puzzle to be solved. And he was very, very good at solving puzzles.
"One patrol down, Elise."
He looked around the seven goblin corpses.
"There are way more to go. Let's go back to our vantage spot. They'll send another one out soon."
He then looked at Elise. Smiled. Want to share his growth.
"And Elise, this encounter leveled up two of my skills. Throwing and Spear Mastery."
Elise beamed. Happy for her lover too.
"That's good."
Her emerald eyes sparkled.
"You leveled your skills in quick succession, Hyoren. It seems it was the best decision to take this quest. You keep getting stronger."
The contented feeling washed over them for a moment. Warm. Satisfying.
She then looked over the seven bodies. Practicality returned to her features.
"Let's extract the magic stones quickly, and go back to our basecamp."
Hyoren nodded. He and Elise then worked in practiced motions. Extracting their loot from the goblins' bodies. Cutting open the chest cavities. Pulling out the glowing cores. Wiping them clean. They also took back their arrows and dagger.
After they were done, they moved back to their cliffside perch. The same silent efficiency they had left it with. The same purpose. The hunt continued.
***
The last rays of the dual suns painted the western sky in brilliant strokes of orange and silver. Casting long, dramatic shadows across the quarry. The colors bled into each other. A masterpiece of nature unfolding above them.
The goblin settlement below began to stir with evening activity. The glow of numerous campfires began to dot the dusty basin like fallen embers. Small points of light. Scattered across the darkness.
Once back in the relative safety of their concealed base, Elise took a long drink from their waterskin. She scanned the quarry one last time as the light faded. Her emerald eyes traced the movement below.
"I think that's it for the day, Hyoren. Two patrols total."
Her voice was a soft murmur in the quiet evening air.
"They've sent out their morning and afternoon patrols."
She lowered the waterskin.
"I think they won't risk another one this close to dark. They're too cowardly for that."
Hyoren faced her. Agreeing with her assessment.
"Yeah. Even goblins won't be stupid enough to wander in the dark."
He stretched his shoulders.
"They'll just do night watch and night patrol around the settlements. They won't send patrols to far places like in the morning and afternoon."
A satisfied but tired smile appeared on his lips.
"We've disrupted their schedule. They'll be missing two patrols now. The Lord will be furious. And his commanders will be nervous. That's a good start."
He leaned back against the rock. His muscles relaxed. The tension of the day began to ease.
"Now, we rest. We eat. We conserve our energy."
He looked up at the darkening sky.
"The next phase of our plan begins when the moon is high."
Elise nodded. Her mind was already shifting to the next objective.
"The night sentries, right?"
Hyoren nodded.
"Exactly, Elise."
He grinned. He straightened his posture.
"They'll be complacent. They'll expect danger to come from the quarry floor, not from the cliffs above."
His eyes gleamed with predatory intent.
"We'll pick off the outermost ones, one by one."
He lowered his voice.
"We'll make them afraid of the dark."
As the last sliver of golden Sol and silver Luna disappeared below the horizon, darkness began to descend around them. The sky transformed. Blue became purple. Purple became black. Stars emerged one by one.
Elise reached into their bag. She brought out their portable magic stove and lamp.
She set the lamp to dim. Just enough light to see. Not enough to give away their location from the basin. She then arranged the magic stove on the flat ground. Preparing the cooking area.
"Let's eat, Hyoren. We need energy for our night raid."
Hyoren smiled at her. Warm. Appreciative.
"I'd love to. Can't wait to eat another of your cooking, Elise."
Elise giggled. A soft, musical sound.
"Fufu. Be patient..."
She shooed him with her hand.
"Now, go back to the edge and observe while I cook."
Hyoren nodded. He went over to the edge. Activating his Aethell Sense again to observe the situation of the settlement.
He also did not forget to keep training his skill. While he was observing, he poured Aethell into his spear. In and out. In and out. The energy flowed. Coated the metal. Faded. Coated again. His control was growing. More precise.
Meanwhile, his eyes scanned the basin. The atmosphere in the quarry changed. The situation in the settlement started to shift. The raucous noise of the day faded. Replaced by the low, guttural murmur of hundreds of goblins settling in for the night. The campfires burned brighter. Casting a flickering light on the stone walls around the basin. Shadows danced. Twisted.
Not long after, Elise sat at Hyoren's side. Carrying two bowls of hearty stew. Rich and savory aroma rose from the bowls.
Hyoren stopped his training. He set aside his spear. He took one of the bowls from Elise.
"Thank you, Elise."
The smell of the stew brought out his appetite. His stomach growled. A low rumble.
"Fufu, you're welcome."
She settled beside him.
"Let's eat, Hyoren."
They then started to eat. Spooning the stew. The warmth spread through them. Conversation was minimal between them. Talking about the goblins' movement. About the stew. The squirrel meat she used. Small things. Comfortable things.
The warmth of the meal settled over them. Filling. Satisfying. Not long after, their bowls were empty.
"Delicious as usual, Elise."
He placed his bowl down.
"I love you and your cooking."
Elise giggled. Her cheeks flushed slightly.
"Thank you, Hyoren."
She smiled warmly.
"Cooking becomes way more fun if it's appreciated like this. Fufu."
She then went to the stove to pour another tea for them. The chilly autumn air made them crave something warm. The kettle hissed softly. Steam rose into the cool air.
"Here, Hyoren. Another tea."
She handed him a mug.
"Our temperature-controlled cloak is enough to combat the cold. But there's nothing better than drinking warm tea on a chilly night like this."
Hyoren took the mug from her. Thankful. The ceramic was warm against his palms.
"Appreciate it, Elise."
He sipped. The warmth spread through his chest.
"And you're right. Love this tea."
Both of them then settled on the edge of the cliff. Sat side by side. Shoulders touching. Drinking the warm tea while watching the goblin settlement below.
They were two predators resting in their lair. Conserving their energy for the night's hunt. The long, patient wait began again. But this time, it was different. The darkness was their ally. The shadows were their cloak. They were no longer just observing. They were waiting for the perfect moment to strike again.
The twilight deepened into night. The three moons—Crimson, Azure, and Ebony—hung in the sky. Bathing the quarry in an eerie, tri-colored light that made the shadows dance and twist. The air grew cold. Carrying the faint, unpleasant scent of the goblin campfire smoke and unwashed bodies.
They rested. The day's tension slowly draining from their muscles. The tea warmed them from within. The night wrapped around them like a blanket.
***
They took turns keeping watch. One sleeping while the other observed the goblin settlement.
The camp was quieter now. The loud squabbling was replaced by low, guttural conversations. And the occasional, piercing shriek that cut through the night. A few sentries were posted at key points. But as Elise had predicted, they were lazy and inattentive. Their gazes fixed on the quarry floor or the tunnel entrances. Never upwards.
Elise looked at the three moons above. They were at their zenith. Indicating the night was already deep. The moons cast their tri-colored glow across the landscape. Painting the world in eerie hues.
She turned to the stove. She started boiling water again. Preparing for tea. The quiet hiss of the kettle was the only sound in their hidden perch.
Not long after, she came back. Carrying two mugs.
"Hyoren."
She touched his shoulder.
"I think it's time. Here, we drink tea to calm our minds first."
Hyoren took the tea. The ceramic was warm against his palms. He looked at the sky.
"You're right."
He inhaled the aroma.
"Let's discuss our strategy."
Elise then sat beside him. Watching the settlement. Shoulder touching. The contact was grounding. Comforting.
"The sentry on the western tower is already asleep, Hyoren. Look at that."
Elise reported between sips of tea. She pointed with her free hand toward the western edge of the quarry.
"I saw his head slumping."
She lowered her voice.
"The one by the main gate is more alert, but the goblins keep pacing the same ten-foot stretch. Their pattern is predictable."
Hyoren nodded. His mind was already filing the information away. He sipped his tea first. The warmth spread through his chest. Then he spoke.
"Good."
He set his mug down.
"We'll take the western one first. It's the easiest target. We'll use the ridge as cover and approach from the north. Those goblins will never see or hear us coming."
Their conversation was a quiet, clinical dissection of the night's prospects. A stark contrast to the intimate chatter they had shared by the lake. This was the other side of their partnership—the cold, professional synergy of two skilled operatives planning a mission. Yet, even in this businesslike discussion, there was an undercurrent of comfort and trust.
Elise took another sip. The tea was warm. Soothing.
"Once we take out the first one, the others might get spooked, Hyoren."
She then looked at him. Her emerald eyes reflected the moonlight.
"We should be prepared for them to become more alert."
Hyoren nodded. Slow. Thoughtful.
"Let them be..."
He said. Confidence in his voice.
"A scared enemy makes mistakes."
He smiled coldly.
"We'll be gone before they even realize where the attack came from."
They drank their tea in quiet peace before the night raid began.
The warmth of it lingered in their hands, a small comfort against the chill of the coming night.