Chapter 24: Early Attack...


    Afenos'' Point of View.


    _____________


    Throughout the day, I taught the vigers about using their abilities. They did as I told them to do, but these people did not ustom themselves to magic. Since the townspeople''s everyday activities did not include fighting monsters or using spells as a weapon, they did not know how to deal with such abilities.


    Peace was always an option for the town, so nobody ever thought of this to hurt anyone.


    So we used the spare scarecrows and wooden nks as our practice targets, since none of them would be useful. Those dummies stood twenty feet away from us, waiting for the projectiles to hit them.


    My sister and I used the remaining hours to strengthen their fighting capabilities to at least defend themselves in dire times, hoping that they could take down any monster harming their families. We considered all the abilities that these people have. And as soon as we knew their strengths and weaknesses, we went to the next course of action, which included sparring matches against each other.


    However, time was a limited resource. The children and adults also needed rest in between our training course. Some people also fixed their fields and nted their crops during training hours, which consumed a lengthy time. But we could do nothing about it, considering that the livelihood of the townlet was also at stake. Those lessons that Rain and I disclosed were not enough to kill, but it was still something that the citizens could use during dangerous situations.


    We just hoped that these people could use them properly when they have the chance And that day might happen tomorrow.


    "Thank you for attending tonight''s practice! Rest well!" I eximed, while watching the vigers return to their homes.


    The townspeople returned my gesture and waved their hands at me. I waved back and shed them a smile.


    Upon seeing their faces, it made me want to protect the vigers more against those monsters. I would dly risk my life for the sake of others. It was a lesson that my father always told me since I was still a little kid.


    Now that I had abilities, I nned to use them for good and protect the people I love.


    "If you have the power to save someone, save them without doubting yourself," I murmured.


    "Our father is a good man, brother. I''m starting to think that you''ve matured, you know?"


    Rain went beside me and teased me with her little joke. However, instead of feeling annoyed as I would usually do, a grin emerged from my face. She, too, knew that I would protect her no matter what it takes. I also knew that she would be there for me in times of danger.


    Our surroundings had turned grim, and the only source of light that shone upon us was the moon raised in the sky. The leaves also whistled through the sleeping town, which was the only noise that apanied the exhausted vigers to their homes. Despite this gloomy night, we suggested to the chief about night and morning duties. We urged him to choose people that would guard the premises of the town and monitor the monsters. These watchers would notify us if the monsters nned to attack us during the night.


    Our session was around 2 am. Both Rain and I would stand to watch around the fences and fend off feral beasts outside the borders. During that time, wild monsters appear to hunt in packs. Some of themprise dire wolves and wandering goblins. These beasts had never attacked us since then, but that might change right now.


    Since the two of us already had the gist of engaging inbat, the two of us guarding that post would suffice. We could hold our defences and kill those monsters before they could terrorise the vige. And if the monsters pushed us in the corner, Rain and I could always escape and yell for backup.


    "We should head out to the house and get some good night''s rest before attending to that job, brother," Rain suggested, as she went ahead of the road while motioning for me to follow her tail.


    I gave her a nod and walked beside her. During our walk, Rain opened her mouth and struck me for a conversation.


    "Do you think we could protect this vige from the monsters?"


    "Of course, Rain. Of course, we need to protect our people if we won''t, who would?" I retorted.


    "I just really wish that Arthur was here to guide everyone, including us. We have so much to learn about this system We couldn''t properly control our powers-,"


    "Yet!" I retorted. "And we don''t need that son of a bitch. Arthur abandoned us. That''s all we need to know, Rain. Nowe on and don''t you dare talk about him again"


    "You should watch yournguage, brother but, okay. I won''t. Sorry"


    We ended our conversation with a bitter taste in our mouths. But despite that exchange, Rain and I still have our respect for one another. I just did not like Arthur in our topic, since he was a coward who ran away from our vige.


    "Wee home, kids. I cooked you your favourite curries!"


    Our dad weed us in front of the gates. He waited for our return, knowing that the training course would end soon. The three of us entered inside and filled our stomachs with the boiling and delicious curry.


    It was our mother''s recipe


    ..........


    (Third Person Point of View.)


    On the outskirts of the wood, the horde of monsters marched their way towards the vige. They trampled thousands of the trees, obstructing their way as if those nts were just a pile of pebbles meant for them to kick. Some of them even flew above the skies, monitoring thend filled with people below ground.


    As soon as the creatures caught sight of the town, a violent scream echoed through the woond.


    Dozens of vigers who were patrolling the area noticed the figures moving in the shadows. These helpless people tried forcing the beasts from their ce, but failed to do so. Their magic circles and spells were not enough to stop the horde of monsters in their tracks, as these ferocious fiends destroyed the fences.


    The thunderous roar also reverberated through their eardrums as the ring voice sounded the rms. All the vigers could only do was retreat as far away from the scene. But the monsters did not let them escape and devoured them, even their clothes.


    A man wearing tattered clothes entered the gigantic tent near the border. It was thest defence of the vige and the barracks that meant observing the overall wards.


    "Chief, the monsters have finally made their move. They defeated the first post and the scouts it''s midnight, and we expect them to attack around the day! What are we going to do now, chief?"


    An old-looking man widened his eyes upon listening to the messenger. After giving him some time to react, he finally said his instructions.


    "Call the two siblings, Afenos and Rain! We need to, at least, buy time for the rest of the vigers to evacuate from the town! And gather all ability users around the za! Tell them to ready their spells and engage in a long-range attack! We must fend those monsters off before they can reach the town!"


    With thosemands, the farmers acting like soldiers dashed straight towards the adventurer''s guild. It was the house where the two lived, which was the only avable ce for them to stay.


    The farmers did not have the time to knock at the front door. They shattered the wooden gates and shouted for help at those two teenagers.


    "AFENOS! RAIN! THE VILLAGE IS UNDER ATTACK!"


    With a surprised expression, Rain and Afenos, who were sleeping on the mattress, jolted awake. Once they heard and noticed the man before them, they immediately rushed towards the barracks and listened to the updates of the town.


    "No way are they attacking right now?!" Afenos growled, as he shifted his gaze up ahead.


    His eyes met the clouds burning the heavens, with the direction of the scouts that the farmers had mentioned. These vigers told Afenos that the first line of defence got destroyed by these monsters. Only two fences remained before this horde could reach the townlet.


    And that was not all. Thousands of inhumane screams echoed through the sea of trees. It only showed the monsters had surrounded the town.


    As soon as the two reached the tent, the chief addressed them about the situation.


    "Fuck" Afenos cursed, as he clenched his fist, creating a puddle of blood dripping on the ground. "I will try to slow down the monsters. Rain, I want you to help and protect the vige."


    "What do you mean you?! I can defend myself too! Let me apany you, brother!" Rain snarled, as she tried sprinting forward.


    However, Afenos already ordered the farmers to block her sister from advancing. That little boy became the hero of the town as he tried facing a mob of monsters heading in his way.