Desperate Defense

With the kobold leader's death, the swirling demonic essence dissipated, plunging the cave into a veil of darkness only broken by the few flickering torches.

Their lights cast dancing shadows on his grimacing face as he limped away.

His dented breastplate pressed painfully against his wounded chest, each step an excruciating agony. Still, his narrowed eyes remained fixed on the entrance, the kobold army's rear now in his field of view.

The noise of battle filled his ears a louder, the pungent smell of blood and charred flesh melding into his nostrils as he heard Luna's commands.

"Step back, Zane! Ifrit, you reinforce his side. Ondine, cast more water bubbles to slow them down!"

Despite his confusion as to why she took charge of the battle, he heard the exhaustion and worry in her voice. And soon, he understood why.

A sea of corpses.