The Secret Chamber (4) The Practice

"Efficient," I remarked, my voice cutting through the hum of shifting stone and marching feet. My words were not praise, but observation—a simple acknowledgment of their execution.

The Goblin King stepped forward, its towering presence casting a long shadow across the ranks. It raised its rune-etched great sword high, the blade catching the ambient glow of the chamber. With a guttural command, it directed the knights forward. The dozen armored figures advanced, their long spears gleaming with a spectral energy that seemed to hum with restrained violence. The mage variant followed suit, its shadowy frame surrounded by a swarm of summoned creatures. The bats and crows swirled around it like a living storm, their cries echoing faintly in the cavernous space.

"Good," I murmured, my eyes narrowing as I took in the unfolding formations. "But this is only the beginning."

"Defensive formation," I commanded, my voice sharp and unyielding.