The battlefield at Dawn Pass was a maelstrom of chaos as the sun climbed higher, its light dimmed by the unnatural shadow of the approaching Voidspawn. Elian Valorian gripped his Aetherforged Blade, its blue glow pulsing in rhythm with his racing heart. Below, Valoria's soldiers and dwarven allies fought fiercely, their lines bolstered by the Elven Conclave's archers and spellweavers, led by Liora, whose silver bow sang with deadly precision. Ironhold's knights, battered but unrelenting, pressed their attack, unaware of the new threat slithering closer.
Elian's eyes locked on the Voidspawn—twisted, inky forms with glowing red eyes, their shapes shifting between humanoid and beastly. They moved like a tide, clawing across the eastern ridge where Veyra's rogues had disrupted Ironhold's flank. The sight sent a chill through him; these were no mere beasts but demonic entities from ancient rifts, tied to Valoria's darkest legends.
"Liora!" Elian shouted, leaping down to join her amidst the fray. "What do these creatures want?"
The elven emissary nocked another arrow, her emerald eyes narrowing. "The Voidspawn seek Aether, King Valorian. Your mines draw them like moths to flame. We elves have fought them before—they'll consume everything if not stopped."
Elian cursed under his breath. The Faith System interface flickered, a lifeline in the chaos. [Current Belief Points (BP): 300] He needed something to hold the line. "Show me options for 300 BP."
[Gold: 30,000 gold coins] [Aether Crystals: 30 crystals] [Uncommon Aether Ward: 200 BP]
The ward could shield his troops. "Convert 200 BP to Uncommon Aether Ward," he thought. A shimmering disc materialized in his hand, its surface etched with protective runes. Veyra, emerging from the shadows after cutting down another Ironhold scout, caught the act, his brow furrowing. "Another vault relic, sire?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
Elian tucked the ward into his belt, shrugging. "Old treasures for dire times," he said, deflecting. He handed the ward to Lady Seraphine, who stood nearby, her Divine Cleric powers weaving healing light over wounded soldiers. "Activate this at the front line. It'll hold against the Voidspawn."
Seraphine nodded, her silver hair glinting as she rushed forward, the ward's glow spreading a faint barrier over the troops. The soldiers cheered, mistaking it for her magic, their faith in Elian surging. [BP increased to 500 due to rising morale.]
The Voidspawn struck, their claws slashing through armor like paper. Valoria's knights, bolstered by the ward, held firm, while dwarven cannons roared, their Aether blasts scattering the creatures. Liora's spellweavers unleashed Starbolt Barrages, fiery projectiles that burned through the Voidspawn's ranks. But their numbers seemed endless, pouring from the ridge like a black flood.
Elian fought at the forefront, his Aether Slash carving through Voidspawn, each strike fueled by his Expert Realm strength. General Korran battled beside him, his Master Realm skills a whirlwind of steel. "We can't hold forever, sire!" Korran grunted, parrying a claw.
"Then we strike their source," Elian said, spotting a pulsing rift at the ridge's crest, spewing Voidspawn. He turned to Liora. "Can your mages close that rift?"
"It'll take time," she replied, loosing an arrow that felled a Voidspawn. "Cover us."
Elian rallied a squad—knights, rogues, and dwarves—and charged toward the rift. Veyra's traps slowed the enemy, but a massive Voidspawn, a hulking beast with four arms, blocked their path. Elian's blade met its claws, sparks flying. The creature's strength was overwhelming, forcing him back.
As hope wavered, a horn sounded from the south. Banners of crimson and gold appeared—orc warbands, led by a towering chieftain, Krag Bloodaxe. "Valoria fights well!" Krag bellowed. "We join the fray—for a price!"
Elian's mind raced. An orc alliance could tip the scales, but their motives were unclear. With the rift still spewing Voidspawn, he had no choice. "Name it!" he shouted, dodging a claw.
Krag grinned, his tusks gleaming. "A share of your mines, human king."
The rift pulsed, and another wave of Voidspawn surged forth. Elian's decision would shape Valoria's fate.