The Malzar Empire was in the throes of a brutal civil war. The three sons of Emperor Malzar waged relentless battles against one another, each vying for the throne.

  Two weeks before the Monster Wave.

  In the grand halls of Ardenhold, the chamber was adorned with lavish decorations, a magnificent chandelier hanging overhead. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense and aged parchment. At the far end of the hall, a man clad in a jeweled robe and crown sat upon a grand throne. Chief Minister Percival Montclair, an aged yet sharp-eyed man with a long, silver-streaked beard, stepped forward and bowed.

  “Your Majesty, King of Ardenhold, the warring factions of the Malzar Empire have declared a ceasefire. It is set to last for two years,” he announced, his voice measured, though amusement flickered in his cunning gaze.

  King Ardenhold, a rotund man with a calculating glint in his eyes, scoffed. He leaned back in his throne, rubbing his round belly absentmindedly.

  “I suppose they’ve exhausted their resources,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Typical.” He was against to the war of Malzar Empire, as he know that the war will not profitable and will just exhaust their resources.

  Montclair cleared his throat. “There is another matter. The Empire’s astrologists have predicted that the Monster Wave will arrive the week after next, Your Majesty. On that very day, we are to launch an attack on the Kingdom of Themura—by the order of His Highness Droskar, the Emperor’s third son.”

  The Monster Wave occurred once a year, coinciding with the appearance of the red moon and changes in monster movements. In the past, kingdoms collaborated to establish an astrologist association to predict the Monster Wave and prepare in advance. However, before this collaboration, the Kingdom of Malzar was the first to pioneer astrology, giving them a significant advantage in predicting the Monster Wave.

  Using this advantage, Malzar hoarded information about the Monster Wave and prepared for it while other kingdoms suffered due to their lack of knowledge. Seizing the opportunity, the Malzar Kingdom exploited the weakened states and launched invasions, eventually leading to the founding of the Malzar Empire.

  King Ardenhold’s expression darkened. “Ah! He orders us to strike Themura? When the Monster Wave is nearly upon us?” His voice dripped with disbelief. “What in the abyss is he thinking?”

  Montclair's lips curled into a knowing smirk, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "According to our reports, he’s seeking to expand his influence. Of the three princes, he holds the weakest position, and he knows it. That’s why he plans to use the Monster Wave as a diversion—turning the chaos into his advantage. While everyone is busy fighting for survival, he’ll make his move and invade Themura of the Varkzar Empire."

  His voice carried a quiet amusement, as if he admired the audacity of such a bold scheme. "A desperate gamble, but perhaps… a clever one.”

  The King let out a dry chuckle. “These imperial whelps think they can play gods just because they carry royal blood. They push kingdoms into war as if moving pieces on a board. If this madness continues, the Malzar Empire will crumble under their arrogance.”

  The war already cost the citizen of both the empire suffer from needless war of domination, the economy of both empire has fallen that they choose to ceasefire. But In the Malzar Empire a Civil War was happening and already reached a boiling point. The three princes were no longer mere rivals—they were locked in a ruthless struggle, ready to slit each other’s throats at the slightest provocation.

  King Ardenhold drummed his fingers against the armrest of his throne, his mind racing through the possibilities. Finally, he turned to Montclair. “Summon the nobles. We must strike swiftly before Themura can muster its defenses—and before the monsters encircle us. We will not be caught between two enemies.”

  Montclair gave a slight bow, his voice laced with satisfaction. “As you command, you’re Majesty. This war will expand our territory, influence, and wealth. The profits will be sky-high. Now, let us make use of a noble whose lands have only recently expanded—Viscount Beaufort.” He leaned in and whispered the last part with a sly grin.

  A week and a half before the Monster Wave.

  Meanwhile, in Viscount Beaufort’s estate…

  “What?! They want us to be on the front lines against Themura what’s the basis of this order? And we’re going to have a war with Themura? This is the first I’m hearing of it!” Viscount Beaufort exclaimed, his expression filled with disbelief, an order that was suddenly impose, a little to no preparation will be result.

  “Yes, my lord,” his steward confirmed grimly. “The report just arrived this morning, the King Ardenhold want us to be the frontlines in the upcoming war, with the reason of our territory’s expansion. A messenger pigeon delivered the message, and they expect us to begin preparations immediately.”

  Beaufort clenched his fists, realization sinking in. He had little choice. The war is fast approaching, and now, he was being dragged into it. “This wouldn’t have happened if that bastard Capet hadn’t gone bankrupt. The only thing I gained from him was his barren territory.” He let out a frustrated sigh before continuing. “Begin preparations immediately. Use the baits and war slaves to minimize our losses—and make sure not another escape happens.”

  The steward bowed deeply. “Understood, my lord. Then, I shall take my leave.”

  Creeeak!

  The heavy doors of the hall swung open, their echoing groan filling the chamber. To the side, the messenger remained bowed, stepping aside to make way for the approaching figure. A middle-aged man strode in with an air of quiet authority, his refined garments and measured steps marking him as someone of importance. His sharp gaze swept across the room, assessing those present with practiced ease. A noble of another house had remained in the territory, but his sudden arrival suggested urgent business.

  Beaufort’s eyes flickered with recognition before he smirked, masking the unease creeping into his expression. “Oh! Count Evermont. What brings you here? Are you satisfied with the new batch of slaves? Did you sleep well yesterday? And how about your accommodations—are they to your liking?” His voice carried an air of forced politeness, but beneath it, his nerves betrayed him. The presence of the man before him unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

  Count Evermont crossed his arms, his gaze sharp and unwavering. “No need for the formalities, Beaufort. My brother’s execution was justified—he brought it upon himself.” His tone was smooth, devoid of any lingering resentment, as if the matter were nothing more than a trivial inconvenience. He took a step forward, his expression unreadable. “However, I do hope such disruptions won’t occur again. Stability benefits us both, after all.”

  “We’ll I’ve just do what I’m supposed to do he was doing an atrocious act, so I need to report him.” Viscount Beaufort said.

  “Let’s just forget about it, and the slave you have added to your collection, they are in good quality I want to buy some, but before that have you receive the order of King Ardenhold?.” Count said.

  “Yeah, what’s about it?” Viscount Beaufort ask.

  “Well, I want the both of us to form an alliance, since I was also sent to the frontlines and it would be dangerous without help” Count Evermont said.

  Evermont leaned in slightly, his expression turning serious. “I want us to form an alliance. I’ve been assigned to the frontlines as well, and facing the Monster Wave without proper support would be reckless.”

  A look of relief crossed Beaufort’s face. “That’s excellent news! I’ve been struggling with the thought of holding the front alone. Your support would be greatly appreciated.” Evermont nodded with a smirk. “Then it’s settled. Let’s give it our all in the upcoming Monster Wave.”

  The preparations of both nobles were coming along well. After two weeks, everything was complete, and the alliance now awaited the arrival of the Monster Wave. Soldiers trained relentlessly, fortifications were reinforced, and supplies were stockpiled in anticipation of the oncoming siege. The air was thick with tension, a silent dread settling over the encampments as scouts reported increased monster activity at the borders.

  **********************************

  The last day of preparation had begun. All tasks had been completed through the unity of the people, each one helping the other, desperate to survive the impending Monster Wave. The air was thick with tension, yet beneath the anxiety lay a hardened determination. Blacksmiths hammered away at the final pieces of armor, their forges glowing like embers of resilience. Scouts patrolled the perimeter, their sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the approaching threat. On this final day, Elder Ulganar and Lakan made their rounds to ensure that nothing had been overlooked.

  “Is the barricade finished? Have all the reinforcements been put in place? Is anything still missing?” Elder Ulganar asked, his tone firm yet expectant.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  “The barricade is fully completed,” Drogath responded with a nod. “We even sought the guidance of the dwarves to ensure it was built with the strongest reinforcements possible. They made some adjustments to our original design, reinforcing the weak points and making sure it can withstand heavy impact.”

  Ulganar stroked his beard, his sharp eyes scanning the sturdy structure before him. “And the defensive enhancements?” he pressed.

  “It even has spiked logs attached to it,” Drogath confirmed. “Anyone trying to breach it will have a hard time climbing over without impaling themselves first.”

  The elder hummed in approval. “Good. That should slow down any creatures foolish enough to charge straight in.” He turned to Drogath and gave a nod. “You and your team have done well. I expected nothing less.”

  “Thank you, Elder,” Drogath replied with pride.

  Lakan took a moment to walk along the barricade, running his hand across the solid wood and stone, carefully observing the craftsmanship. Finding no faults, he turned his gaze toward the Terrakins’ worksite. “Everything here looks well-fortified. Now, let’s check on Mosswick and his team.”

  Elder Ulganar gestured toward the distance. “Mosswick should be near the front of the wall. Let’s see if his part of the preparations is also complete.”

  As they approached, Lakan greeted him. “Mosswick, how’s the moat coming along? Were there any issues with the excavation?”

  Mosswick wiped his hands on a cloth before responding, “It was actually completed by the third day of preparations. I’ve been overseeing final inspections and double-checking the foundation. The last thing we want is for it to collapse when we need it most.”

  Lakan crouched down near the edge of the moat, carefully studying the structure. He ran his fingers along the dirt, noting its compactness, then examined the embedded spears placed along the bottom. “It’s deep enough, the spikes are positioned correctly, and the length matches the layout from our defense plans.” He stood up, giving Mosswick an approving look. “You’ve done a great job. If anything tries to charge in, they’ll be in for a nasty surprise.”

  Mosswick let out a satisfied chuckle. “That’s the idea. Let them try—we’ll make sure they regret it.”

  After checking Orrin’s work, they proceeded to him to verify the supply of paralyzing powder.

  Lakan greeted him with a respectful nod. “Good day, Leader Orrin. Were you able to meet the quota for the paralyzing powder?”

  Orrin crossed his arms, a satisfied smirk on his face. “We didn’t just meet it—we exceeded it by a fair margin. We prepared more than enough to last through an extended battle, just in case the Monster Wave drags on longer than expected.”

  Lakan let out a breath of relief. “That’s excellent news. With that much supply, we’ll have a stronger chance of defending ourselves, especially if things take a turn for the worse. Well done, Leader Orrin.” He paused before continuing, “What about the Animal Network? Were you able to expand its reach?”

  Orrin nodded. “Yes. We’ve gathered a thousand different kinds of insects, a hundred birds, and fifty land animals, all spread out in a wide radius. They’ll serve as our eyes and ears, keeping watch for anything unusual before it even reaches our defenses.”

  Lakan’s brows lifted in admiration. “That’s impressive. With such a vast network, our response time will be almost immediate. This gives us an edge against any surprise attacks.”

  Orrin allowed himself a small smile. “It’s what we do best. Speed and information are just as important as strength on the battlefield.”

  “Agreed. You and your team have done an incredible job. This will be a game-changer for us,” Lakan said sincerely.

  Orrin inclined his head in thanks but then hesitated, his eyes shifting toward Elder Ulganar. After a brief pause, he turned back to Lakan. “Elder, I need to speak with Lakan privately. Would you mind going ahead?”

  Ulganar raised an eyebrow but didn’t question it. “Very well. I’ll check in with Zarik and Baloga first. Lakan, catch up once you’re finished.” With that, the elder turned and walked off, leaving the two alone.

  Orrin's expression hardened as he fixed Lakan with a serious look. “Lakan… do you really need to go through with this? You’re contradicting yourself, and you know it.”

  Lakan’s expression darkened. “I know.” His voice was calm, yet there was a weight to it. “But if I hadn’t done it, we could have been on the brink of civil war. I needed to act before things spiraled out of control.” He let out a slow breath, his gaze steady. “If I hadn’t killed Rhaegor and his company, they might have turned against us in the worst possible moment. The beastmen have the highest chances of surviving in the forest—if they fled, they could have regrouped and become a threat later.”

  Orrin clicked his tongue, his usual bashful demeanor replaced with something sterner. “I figured as much. The Animal Network told me everything. Even if you tried to keep it hidden, I would have found out.” He exhaled sharply before shaking his head. “But even so… you should’ve told me. We’re not just following you blindly, Lakan. We’re here to support you.”

  Lakan held Orrin’s gaze before bowing slightly. “I trust you, Leader Orrin. I always have. That’s why I didn’t try to hide it from you.”

  Orrin studied him for a moment before sighing. “You’ll carry this burden as you grow, Lakan. But don’t bear it alone. You have us. Rely on the adults, too. Leadership isn’t just about making the hard decisions—it’s about knowing when to share the weight.”

  Lakan’s lips curled into a faint, grateful smile. “I’ll remember that. Thank you, Leader Orrin.”

  Orrin nodded in approval, and with that, Lakan turned and hurried off to rejoin Elder Ulganar.

  He found the elder speaking with Zarik and Baloga. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he approached them. “Sir Zarik, Sir Baloga,” he called out. “Are the reports ready?”

  ""Yes," Zarik replied. "While hunting monsters, we also surveyed the forest. Since we're deep in the woods, we can expect to encounter high-tier enemies on the first day. After that, things should get easier as we clear out the immediate threats. We’ve come across mimics, long-arm goblins, hobgoblins, and night stalkers. Those are the most notable ones so far."

  Lakan nodded, intrigued. “Can you describe them in more detail? I’ve heard of most, but I’ve never fought them myself. Back when we were slaves, I only faced monsters near the forest entrance, and those were just the weaker variants.”

  Zarik smirked. “Well, you’re still a kid, so that’s to be expected. The ones we encountered are all evolved versions of common monsters, meaning they’re more dangerous and have better survival instincts.” He crossed his arms and continued, “Mimics are evolved dire chameleons—they don’t just blend into their surroundings, they can actually change their appearance to mimic other creatures. If you’re not careful, you might mistake one for a wounded ally.”

  Lakan’s eyes narrowed in thought. “That’s going to be a problem. We’ll need a way to distinguish them quickly in battle.”

  “Exactly,” Zarik agreed. “Next, we have long-arm goblins. Pretty self-explanatory—they’re goblins with absurdly long arms. The extra reach lets them fight from unexpected angles, and they can hurl rocks or weapons with incredible force. They usually stay in groups, making them even more annoying to deal with.”

  “What monsters are bipedal or quadrupedal?” Lakan asked, his tone serious as he looked between Zarik and Baloga.

  Baloga raised an eyebrow. “Planning a counterattack already?”

  Lakan nodded without hesitation. “Yes. That’s exactly why I assigned you to the monster scouting task. Knowing how they move will help us set up the best defenses.”

  Zarik chuckled, shaking his head. “You’ve got a sharp mind, kid. You’d be a terrifying enemy if you were on the other side.”

  Lakan smirked. “Funny hearing that from you. You used to hate me, though.”

  Baloga let out a booming laugh. “Hah! Even the kid noticed how much you disliked him.”

  “Shut up, man,” Zarik grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Anyway, all of them are bipedal except for the night stalkers. Those things can switch between walking on two legs and running on all fours when they need to move fast.”

  Lakan’s expression sharpened. “Oh! That’s good.” He crossed his arms in thought. “We can use that to our advantage. We should set up potholes and monster pits.”

  Zarik frowned slightly. “And what’s your reasoning behind that?”

  Lakan’s gaze remained unwavering as he explained. “For the potholes, since most of them are bipedal, they’ll be easier to trip. That will slow their charge, giving us time to react. As for the monster pits, they serve as an extra precaution. Bipedal creatures are usually more agile and can dodge pits, but if they stumble into a pothole first, they’ll have a much higher chance of falling in. It might sound simple, but I’ve used this strategy before while hunting. It works.”

  Baloga exhaled, shaking his head in amusement. “We’re really getting outdone by a child here. If we don’t step up, we’ll be embarrassed tomorrow.”

  "That’s a given," Zarik added with a smirk. "I wonder about you, though—since you’re the weakest one here.”

  Baloga blinked in surprise before a slow grin spread across his face. “Oh? That’s a first. You actually have the guts to throw insults now? Do you want a piece of me, Zarik?”

  Zarik snorted. “Like I’d waste my energy on that.”

  “Hey, enough you two,” Elder Ulganar’s voice cut through their banter, his expression firm. “Lakan, are you finished speaking with them? It’s already noon, and if we’re going to implement your strategy, we should get started.”

  Lakan straightened and nodded. “Yes, Elder. We need to ask the Terrakins again to use wild boars for our impromptu plan. Their strength will help us make quick work of the pit digging.”

  Ulganar gave an approving nod. “Then let’s not waste any more time. We move now.”

  The talk with Zarik and Baloga has done with a new strategy that they come up. Without delay they work with the Terrakins to impose the strategy. Elder Ulganar called the group for announcement he want to make except those who are involve with the strategy Lakan come up with just now.

  "Everyone, I know some of you might be scared of the upcoming Monster Waves, but don’t worry—we’ve done all we could. Be confident that we will survive. I promise you, if we endure this catastrophe, we will step into a future of prosperity and strength!" Elder Ulganar announce.

  "For survival! For our future!" the crowd chanted, their fear replaced by determination.

  A roar of approval erupted from the crowd, voices rising in unity. The future the monster wave will hold was enough to make the group determined to survive.

  The final day of preparation was complete. Every trap was set, every weapon sharpened, and every warrior trained. Now, all that remained was to face the Monster Wave—and to survive.