The first day of their five‐day preparation had arrived.

  "Orcs, listen up!" a voice called out. "As you all know, we had a meeting at midnight, and I was tasked with preparing logs and building a barrier. There will be an announcement at noon, so make sure everyone attends. Now, let’s get to work!"

  The orcs set to work while the dwarves had already begun. Dalangpan, fully aware that the monster wave was coming, wasted no time.

  "There’s an additional task for us," he announced. "My nephew, Lakan, has asked the dwarves to construct a pillbox. Since our numbers are small, continue making weapons while I have the orcs help with construction."

  "Yes! Elder brother!" the three remaining dwarves replied with a nod. Meanwhile, Thorgana busied herself recruiting other children to help by bringing refreshments and running errands for the workers.

  "Alright, everyone! Since the workers are already busy, let’s do our part to make things easier for them," Thorgana said enthusiastically. "Even though we’re still kids, we can help in our own way!"

  The children eagerly joined in, assisting the workers however they could.

  "Oh! Thank you, kid. Is this citricus juice?" Orrin asked as he took a drink.

  "Yes, sir! We found citricus fruit in the nearby forest and made juice for the workers," a young beastman replied proudly.

  Meanwhile, Orrin and the other Terrakins began setting up a network of animals, while the rest followed Lakan to start digging the moat and scouting for a temporary base where the group could evacuate during the monster wave.

  "I think this spot would be ideal for our base," Lakan said thoughtfully as he surveyed the area. "It’s close to our current encampment and steep enough to be difficult to climb. There's a small flat area at the top, and to the right we have a natural stone wall from the neighboring mountain that could serve as an impenetrable barrier. That means we can focus on fortifying our barricade on the left side. What do you think, Mosswick?"

  "Umm… yes," Mosswick replied, a little overwhelmed by Lakan’s quick analysis.

  "Then let’s make this our base," Lakan decided. "I’ll go inform Elder Ulganar so we can start evacuating here after his announcement. Meanwhile, you should begin digging the moat parallel to the base—make sure it extends slightly past the stone wall on the right and a little beyond the barricade on the left."

  "Alright, I’ll do my best. Leader Orrin told me to follow your orders," Mosswick said determinedly.

  As Lakan made his way to Elder Ulganar, he spotted Zarik and Baloga training the warriors. A sudden realization struck him—he had forgotten to mention something important during the meeting.

  "Ah, I just remembered!" he muttered before calling out, "Sir Zarik! Sir Baloga! Can I talk to you for a moment?"

  Hearing their names, the two warriors paused their training and approached him.

  "What is it, Lakan?" Zarik asked.

  "There’s something I forgot to mention during the meeting," Lakan admitted. "I have an additional task for both of you." He had been so focused on battle strategies that he’d overlooked a crucial part of the preparations.

  "Will the monsters attack and eat each other when the monster wave happens?" Lakan asked, realizing he didn’t fully understand the behavior of the incoming threat.

  "No," Baloga replied. "They don’t turn on each other. Instead, they band together in a chain reaction, drawing in more monsters from farther away and then attack at night. We’re not sure why, but once they gather, they’ll devour any animals or living beings in their path."

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  "Ah, I see," Lakan said, thinking quickly. "Then I have a task for you and your trainees. I want the beastmen to hunt monsters during the day and the demonkin to hunt at night. It’ll serve as great training while also reducing the number of monsters in the upcoming wave."

  "Another great idea, Lakan. We'll let them know—it’ll be excellent training," Zarik said.

  "Also, Sir Baloga, I want you to command us along with the other trusted demonkin when the monster wave is underway," Lakan added.

  "Why isn’t that your job?" Baloga asked.

  "We’re going to use the demonkins night vision for better command and a faster response to the monster onslaught," Lakan replied.

  "Ooh, I thought you’d chicken out of taking command," Baloga teased.

  "Thank you. I’ll be going now," Lakan said.

  The preparations were going well as the group worked together efficiently, uniting to make the work easier and faster. When noon arrived, the announcement began.

  "Hello, everyone. Now that you're all here, I want to announce that we will evacuate to another place, as you already know what will happen after five days," Elder Ulganar said calmly, deliberately avoiding the term "Monster Wave" to prevent alarming the children.

  The adults already knew that a monster wave was coming, which is why they refrained from causing a commotion and scaring the kids.

  "Then I want all of us to evacuate to the location Lakan has chosen as our temporary base," Elder Ulganar continued.

  "Is the new base really safe for us when the monster wave happens? What will happen to us if the base can’t protect us?" an elderly beastman called out.

  The mention of monsters agitated the children, as some of them had been used for hunting—and even as bait—when they were still slaves.

  "Ma! What is a monster wave? Are we going to hunt monsters? What does it mean?" one child cried. "Are we going to die?" another asked.

  "Is what that elder beastman said true? “Aren’t monster waves when a huge swarm of monsters attack and devour everything in their path?" a third child asked, his voice trembling.

  "Back when we were slaves, I heard the masters talk about them... they said no one survives if they get caught in one."

  "Then... that's why they're so busy?" a young girl murmured, her eyes widening with realization. "I thought the adults were just building our home..." Her voice trembled slightly as she clutched the hem of her tunic, anxiety creeping into her expression.

  While the children caused a commotion, Lakan's eyes darkened as he glared menacingly at the beastman who had stirred their fears.

  "How do I get rid of these troublemakers?" he muttered under his breath, his fingers curling into fists. "They’re nothing but a pain in the ass. People like them will only hinder our progress."

  Elder Ulganar, noticing Lakan’s expression, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

  "Don’t worry, Lakan," he said in a calm but firm voice. "I expected this, which is why I gathered the warriors here."

  Taking a deep breath, Elder Ulganar stepped forward, raising his hands to quiet the children.

  "Listen up, kids!" he called out with a warm smile. "Yes, it’s true that a monster wave is coming. That’s why your parents are working so hard—to protect you. But you’re not alone in this." He gestured toward the gathered warriors, his voice brimming with confidence.

  "We have some of the greatest warriors standing with us! The Sharpest Fang of the Beastmen, Zarik, the Orc King of War, Drogath, the Dwarves Mighty Hammer, Dalangpan, and the Demonkin Brawler, Baloga!"

  Gasps of recognition rippled through the crowd, the children’s fearful eyes now shimmering with awe. Elder Ulganar’s leadership shone through as he swiftly turned the situation around, easing their fears with confidence and reassurance.

  "You all know them, don’t you?" Elder Ulganar continued, his voice full of encouragement. "These warriors will fight to protect us. In fact, how would you like to see these legendary heroes in action, crushing the monsters before they can even reach us?"

  The children hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances—until one of them raised a fist in excitement.

  "Really? We can watch?"

  "That’s right!" Elder Ulganar nodded. "Are you excited?"

  The mood slowly shifted as the children, now filled with admiration rather than fear, began murmuring excitedly among themselves. With that, the great warriors began preparing for the monster hunt, ready to showcase their skills to the children. Even Lakan couldn't hide his excitement—after all, he idolized these legendary warriors himself.

  Zarik whispered, embarrassed by the elder’s childish act of stirring trouble, “After this monster hunt, I’ll make sure they’re never respected as elders again. A beastman who lets his pride blind him will only lead his people to ruin.”

  Hearing this, Baloga smirked and muttered with a hint of amusement, "You used to be like that too, you know."

  "Shut up," Zarik replied flatly, his tone indifferent as if the comment didn’t bother him.

  The preparations for the monster wave were progressing smoothly, with each group carrying out their assigned tasks. The orcs were busy logging and constructing the barricade, also clearing the trees in front of the base to create an open field for better visibility. Meanwhile, the dwarves were melting down old swords to forge sturdy spear tips. Zarik and Baloga’s trainees remained focused on their training, while their mentors joined Drogath and Dalangpan on monster hunt.

  Congrats! On reaching Chapter 10!

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