Chapter 57 : The Crimson One
"We need to move. Fast."
Dirga’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. "If that scout doesn’t return soon, they’ll notice. Worst case—he already reported back."
Saelari, Theryn, and Kaela exchanged nods. No one argued.
The forest around them groaned as if aware of what approached.
"To the castle," Dirga continued. "It’s defensible, high ground. If they’re coming for us, we take the fight there."
No hesitation now. They ran.
...
A different fire burned on the other side of the forest.
"They’ve gone dark, boss," growled the goblin in blackened plate — the same one with a brutal two-handed sword strapped to his back. His name was Snaggra Red-Tooth, and his voice was thick with frustration.
The oni didn’t flinch.
Massive. Towering. His shield was strapped to one arm, an obsidian blade slung lazily across his shoulder. The metal hissed faintly — too hot, too cursed, to touch bare-handed.