As I awaken, the battle had already begun. Defenders sallied forth to meet the invaders, seeing no other option as the only terms for this clash is either victory or Valhalla.

"There's currently 13 enemies on the field, a Rider leading the front, 8 soldiers and 4 archers. We have 39 millitas in battle formation, 28 spearmen, 5 archers and 6 spotters. We have great advantage in numbers, but I'm concerned about the presence of the Rider... " (Andrzej)

Sitting down on the open field overlooking the belligrents below, I stay silent and didn't bother to reply him, nor even bothered to give a nod of affirmation.

Looking down, I raised my arms that was placed above my laps, examining them in detail. Cuts and abrasions filled all edges of my arms, leaving no spot untouched. My all out attempt in succeeding when crawling for my life is not given without a price.

I have completely worn myself down, hence being able to only watch the battle that was about to unfold.

Both sides have stationed themselves, halting themselves to a complete standstill facing off each other in an intense stareoff, creating a minature no man's land right between them.

Even from a distance, I could feel the intense aura emanated from both parties. Home team is greatly compelled to defend their homes. Anxiety and fear runs rampant among the forces. Away team displays a show of bloodlust and pride that I have never seen before, blinded by only the act to slaughter the opposing team, they show no signs of fear although outnumbered and outplayed tactically.

It would seem like an easy victory on all aspects, except the fact that they have a fucking strong freak riding something scary taking the lead.

A skilled warrior can never amount to an entire army, as any mortal would not fight indefinitely and tire out somehow. But if it's against 39 people, that super freak might just tip the scales and complicate the situation.

"Captain?" (Andrzej)

"Go on, I'll join you later."

"Alright.. you ought to rest though, you're as burned out as Jarek." (Andrzej)

"I can manage.."

"No worries, it will be fine." (Andrzej)

As if not wanting to continue this pointless debate about my participation in the battle, he left swiftly and returned to the frontlines.

Jarek on the other side was fast asleep, laying down on the ground somewhere distant of the battlefield. Poor little queer got pretty worn out, I suppose he deserves at least some time to rest.

"Charge!" (Andrzej)

"Ryaaaaa!" (Rider)

Hence, both forces clashed. Goblins ran up the slope raising swords and bucklers, while our spearmen marched steadily foward with their pikes braced. Archers on both sides launching light, limiting volleys towards each other. The closely identical numbers produces almost the same volume of output throughout the battle.

Only difference is, the goblins are much better. Excellent compared to our archers, at missing targets.

Poor idiots standing still like a log, and with no personnel defending their rear, has been wiped out in a matter of a few breaths. Having superior numbers, our main forces kept the offence at bay by "pikefont" while the left wing detached and decimated the rear.

While being detained by the pikes, their reluctance on advancing foward had stalled them, enough for their numbers to dwindle by well placed arrow shots by our archers.

One by one, they fell.

Our superior control and illumination of the dark slope had also paid off immensely. The Rider whom spearheaded the raiding party was supressed by our impressive spearwall. it retreated swiftly and attempted a flank attack directed to our archers.

Luckily, the Alpha with a brain no better than a dry biscuit had attempted a close quarters flanking manuever: By itself(and warthog), on a barren landscape with barely any vegetation for cover, on a lower terrain, in an area that is brightly lit and constantly surveyed by 6 pair of eyes.

The archers are alerted to its fantastic tactical choice and decided to reward it with arrows. It didn't deter it at all, but still managed to prevent it from executing a cavarly charge, which is decimating when paired with its iron lance.

The warthog advanced slowly as it's preventing arrows from invading its orifices, as tough as its hide may be, its intelligent enough to protect the squishy parts on its face(eyes).

The mightly Alpha Goblin hunched down and shielded its face with the lance, trying to deflect the arrows that are aimed at its unarmoured head.

Meanwhile, Andrzej had detached himself from the main force and had made his way to confront the Rider.

The mighty archers of the raiders are properly finished off by now. The detached forces are charging up into the rear of their soldiers, skewering many of them.

"HAH.. Hehehehe..."

A tinge of reassurance and happiness made its way to my mind as I see the bastards being encircled.

Oh yes, the encirclement of annihilation~.

An oval shape has formed, surrounding the goblin soldiers. Wall of pikes facing inwards of said shape, extended towards those who were encircled by it. As if seeing a jaw full of fangs, slowly crunching its food, the goblins had themselves placed in the worst situation.

Any amateur in strategy would argue, that cornering an army with zero passages to rout will instead, bolster their morale and prowess, essentially turning them into "death soldiers" that are forced to either fight or die in this ruthless setup.

I wholeheartedly agree, yet our enemies are halfwits disorganized as any could get,and possessing swords barely an arm's length. In a nutshell, they can't do anything when our weapon range is three times superior. The pikes would penetrate their bodies before they could come near enough to shank our men.

Readjusting my gaze towards Andrzej that's confronting the genius tactician, my sense of assurance plummeted drastically. The scene that unfolds before my eyes is harrowing to watch.

"FUCK!"

I underestimated it, underestimated badly.. Disgraceful of me to commit such an obvious mistake...

Andrzej got completely overpowered by that freak.. The warthog poking its tusks constantly disrupts his footing while the Rider with its brutal strikes forced him to devote himself solely on the defensive side.

The Rider, although lacking skill and agility, carries such brute force in every strike, the resoundings of an iron lance crashing into Andrzej's halberd can be heard even from here.

Picking up my sword laying beside, I quickly stood up and ran my way towards Andrzej.

"I hate this already.."

My entire body hurts, every strand of my muscles yelled at my in protest in response to be used again right after an ubercharged full body workout.

To my horror, Andrzej was forced to an unpleasant situation. The warthog has munched one of his ankle, nibbling on it and refusing to let go. His armour's iron plating had prevented any injuries, the dull teeth of the giant hog was suited to munch on grass, not iron plates.

The Rider raised his lance to its side, swinging it towards the immobilized Andrzej..

(SPLAAAT) (CLAAAANG)

He blocked it with the halberd by its haft(handle), yet the haft splattered into two. The remaining momentum smashed into his cuirass, his breastplate bent and cracked terribly.

Though resulting without any internal damage, the blunt force was enough to throw him down on the ground, knocking him out cold. The warthog had released him from its maws, simply standing by and idled.

Ignoring my almost broken body, my panicking self forced me to keep running.

"AHH FUCK!" (Andrzej)

(thud thud thud thud)

I have almost reached him.. just within the length of an arm.. so.. close..

The Rider raised its lance and tucked in under its shoulders, tensing its arms, holding it backwards further.

Damn it, it's bracing for a full thrust.. If the tip if that thing touches him, his organs will be mashed up...

FUCK! COME ON!!

(THUD THUD THUD THUD)

In the blink of an eye...

(CLAAANG)

"Urrgh!"

I managed to parry the thrust, I smashed the lance with the stark of my longsword, redirecting it at the very last moment..

Fuck. The pure force exerted by that freak was so much, I got almost threw off. Readjusting my footwork, I am forced to face off against this freak of nature.

"RYAAAAA" (Rider)

It roared right in front of me, I could feel its rotting breath, it's an arm's length for fucks sake! How stinky can goblins ever get?!

Without waiting for a response, I raised my sword and did consecutive strikes towards its sword-arm.

(CLANG CLANG CLANG)

Leaving various dents on its armguard, I managed to spot a gap between plates and thrusted my sword through it.

(SWICK)

"FUCK!"

"HYAAAHAAAHAAA" (Rider)

Is... is it laughing at me?

My full thrust, from the tip of a longsword was deflected by its underlying chainmail coat.

What the fuckery is this? How is this so strong?!

(THUD) (SPLAT)

Bewildered at the situation, it quickly swung the lance and smashed my side.

"UGH"

I landed on the ground, staring at it with wide eyes..

It shedded its battered plates of its sword-arm, revealing the intricate chainmail sleeve that's underneath it. Shedding off its bracer and armguard, it raise the lance up high, directing the tip towards the centre of my vision.

Scared stiff.. and frozen... My body couldn't react... and as swift as lightning.. the lance descended....

(SCHWIIIK)

"ARRRRRRGH..GGGRRAAAH~!!!"

There was nothing but pain..

I could fucking feel it.. gaping hole between my kidneys....

I can feel crimson blood.. flowing out of the wound...

Can't.. even put strength in my arm...

Sword in my hands.. Can't even use it..

FUCK ME...

It hurts..

Ouch..

It hurts so much..

I can't believe it..

IT FUCKING HURTS!!

THAT FUCKING THING!!

"Hyahh..haaahaa" (Rider)

GAVE ME A FUCKING SMIRK!!

AND LEFT ME!!

YOU FUCKING...

"ARRRGHHHHHHH!!"

CURSE YOU!! I FUCKING CURSE YOU!!

(STOMP STOMP STOMP STOMP)

Oh no... it's running towards the encirclement...

"HEEELP MEEEE!" (?)

"NOOOOOO!!" (?)

"LAILA!! NOOOO!!" (?)

"HEEEELP!!!" (?)

"ARRRGHHH!!" (?)

"WHAT IS THAT THING?" (?)

As I lay on the gentle incline, basking in the harrowing screams of my own kin..

Stabbed, battered, trampled.. Slaughtered by that freak...

"cough.. cough..."

"SAAAVE MEEE!!" (?)

Blood gushed out of my mouth, clouding my already fading vision..

I can't.. hold on...

"WHERE'S CAPTAIN!?" (?)

"RUN RUN RUNNNN!" (?)

My dear brethren, kinsmen whom I treasure...

I failed you all.....

"PLEASEE HEEELP!!" (?)

"AHHHHHH!" (?)

Forgive me... please...

And now... darkness desends on me...

Nothing.. but darkness....