Opaque reality ( 40 )

The archers swiftly nocked their arrows, drawing their bows as they sprinted after the fleeing goblins. The others let out fierce war cries, their voices echoing through the night as they charged forward on foot. Rowan and Blaze led the pursuit, their forms a blur as they surged ahead of the rest.

"Don't let them escape into the forest!" Rowan shouted over his shoulder.

Blaze growled in agreement, flames flickering around its paws as it bounded beside him.

Nearby, Captain Roland rallied a group of soldiers. "Cut off their path! Surround them!"

The soldiers split into smaller groups, flanking the goblins to prevent their escape. The air was filled with the twang of bowstrings and the clash of steel as they closed in.

A goblin turned to face Rowan, desperation in its eyes. It lunged with a crude spear, but Rowan sidestepped effortlessly. "Too slow," he muttered, striking it down with a swift slash.