Sam sprang from his bed, dressed quickly, and hurried outside with Ethan. It was the middle of the night, yet the full moon lit the darkness almost like day. Soldiers stood in formation before the platform in the barracks square; on the platform the sergeant paced nervously back and forth. Sam and Ethan took their places in their group without wasting a second.
Sam scanned the crowd and strained to catch the whispers behind him, but all he heard was, "I wonder what happened?" Apparently no one knew. Sam himself did not know why they had been roused at this hour, yet the unease gnawing at him felt like a warning that something bad was coming.
When the sergeant saw Captain Troy arrive, he stamped his left foot hard and shouted to the soldiers, "Salute!" In perfect sync the men snapped into a salute. Captain Troy stepped to the center of the platform, clasped his hands behind his back and stood tall, feet shoulder‑width apart. Shoulders back, chin up, his face set in stern seriousness — his posture was like stone. A hawk‑sharp gaze swept over the troops and paused for a few long seconds.
The sergeant stamped his foot again and barked, "Stand ready!" The soldiers immediately assumed the ready position with flawless discipline.
Captain Troy turned to the sergeant:
"Sergeant, is everyone here?"
Sergeant:"Yes, sir. Everyone is present."
Troy then faced the assembled soldiers and, with a voice that thundered like a lion's roar, began:"We've received word that demons attacked three of our villages. Many of you will see battle for the first time, but do not fear. We are the soldiers of Esteria, and we never shy from fighting the wicked. We will split you into several groups and assign each a leader — you will obey your leader's orders without question. Understood?!"
The troops answered as one:
"Yes, sir!"
Troy smiled:
"Well done, soldiers. Your courage strengthens Esteria and honors our King."His expression hardened. "We will show these demons what it means to attack Esteria. Remember: demons are merciless creatures who take pleasure in slaughter. Show them no mercy — for they will show you none!"
Again the soldiers:
"Yes, sir!"
Troy continued, giving orders:
"Groups A, B and C will each deploy with twenty men — proceed to Altın Valley, Ota and Sayam villages respectively. Group D will move with forty men to position behind the villages, intercept fleeing demons, and finish the job."
The groups were formed. Sam and Ethan joined the squad assigned to Sayam. Under a sergeant's command, their group moved toward the village.
The news that demons had attacked the villages struck Sam to the core. He drifted at times, shaking with grief and rage. Ethan tried to soothe him, assuring him everything would be all right and urging him not to be afraid. But Sam was not afraid — thinking of the revenge he had long dreamed of, his anger nearly consumed him.
In the night's darkness the sergeant led, the soldiers followed, and finally they reached the village. From a nearby rise they lay down and watched, waiting for the right moment to strike.
A woman fell to the ground and screamed in despair:Woman:
"Please, someone help!"
A demon lunged at her, intent on killing. The sergeant, fearing a rash move that could cost his men their lives, hesitated still. But the moment Sam heard the woman's cry, he sprang from cover in a fury and ran into the village.
Ethan shouted after him:
"Sam, no!"Sergeant:
"What does that boy think he's doing?!"
Sam heard nothing but the single purpose of killing the demon. He surged forward, drew his sword, and leapt at it with all his strength.
Ethan sprinted after him to protect him. The sergeant, desperate not to lose his men, had no choice but to order the others to advance. They followed: Sam at the front, Ethan close behind, the rest of the soldiers pressing in from farther back.
Just as Sam was about to strike, the demon blocked the attack and landed a brutal kick. Sam was knocked to the ground. Ethan rushed to Sam's aid, but the demon slashed his arm with a heavy claw, sending him down as well. Ethan lay wounded, breathing deeply through pain, while Sam rose with a face full of regret and worry.
Sam attacked again to rescue Ethan, but the demon was strong and Sam still inexperienced. At last the sergeant reached them and finished the demon. The soldiers closed ranks and formed a protective circle around Ethan.Sam threw his sword to the ground and ran to Ethan's side.Sam:
"Ethan — are you okay? I'm sorry, please forgive me!"
Ethan drew a painful breath and spoke:"Sam… first, secure the perimeter. Remember your training, brother."
Sam tried to speak in panic:
"But—"Ethan cut him off, firm:
"You made a mistake. You cannot undo it with another mistake. Get up and prepare for battle."
Sam nodded, gripped his sword, sprang to his feet, and took his place within the soldiers' protective circle.