I Built a Beast Empire After Reincarnation

The wind howled across the Greystone battlements as the gray light of dawn filtered through the overcast sky. The air carried the scent of metal, dirt, and distant tension. In the heart of the Barony, soldiers trained, shouting commands and striking at straw dummies. Steel rang against steel. Archers strung their bows and checked arrowheads. The distant crackle of runes echoed through the stone as magical defenses began humming to life.

Reynard stood atop the newly fortified wall, his arms crossed, surveying the preparations with a hawk's eye. Beneath him, the last of the pit traps were being disguised with grass and netting. Defensive stakes jutted from the trenches like jagged teeth, and barrels of tar and oil lined the inner walkway, ready to be ignited.

"All stations are active," a guard reported, saluting smartly. "Watchposts one through three confirm no movement near the forest's edge. Local militia is fully trained—fifty men and women, armed and armored."

Reynard nodded. "And the beastkin?"

"Thirty Stormfang warriors stand ready under Kaela's command."

"Good. Let's just hope it's enough."

...

Outside the walls, deep within the southern woods, Lucas moved silently through the trees. Umbra crouched beside him, barely a whisper of shadow, while Zephyra circled above in wide, silent arcs. Elira followed closely, her bow drawn and ready. Kaela flanked them on the opposite side, her great thunder saber, Thunderfang, padding forward with keen eyes.

They had ventured out at first light, Lucas wanting one last look before the storm descended.

"See anything yet?" Elira asked, her voice low.

Lucas shook his head, then raised his hand. "Wait."