🔥 Chapter 37 — The Counter-Trap
Kael and Rhyne moved swiftly through the eastern forests, following the residual currents of magic left by the King's response forces. The ambush had scattered them, but now the King was attempting a counterstrike, sending units to recover lost ground and reestablish control.
Rhyne glanced at Kael. "They're coming in waves, but they're predictable. He's consolidating his forces along the main routes toward the hub ruins."
Kael extended the Ember, threads of fire weaving through the trees like delicate sensors. "Good. That's exactly where we want them. We'll set traps, guide their movements, and create a bottleneck. When they march into it, the King's forces will face chaos instead of coordination."
They moved through the shadows, marking weak points in the terrain, magical currents, and patrol routes. Fallen trees, concealed pits, and warded snares were arranged subtly—designed to delay and confuse, not destroy immediately. Kael's Ember pulses synchronized with the traps, ready to redirect magical energy toward the intruders at the precise moment.
Rhyne whispered, "This is brilliant. They'll think they're advancing safely, but every step plays into our hands."
Kael's flames flared, Ember coiling protectively. "Exactly. Timing is everything. The moment they enter the corridor, we unleash controlled magical discharges and distractions. Confusion will ripple through their ranks, giving us the upper hand without exposing ourselves directly."
As they finished preparations, faint green traces signaled the approach of the first enemy units. Kael and Rhyne crouched, silent and ready. The wind carried the distant hum of marching soldiers, and the forest seemed to hold its breath.
Rhyne grinned subtly. "The King thinks he's reacting, but he's walking straight into our design."
Kael's eyes glowed, Ember pulsing like a heartbeat. "Let's see how well he adapts. This counter-trap will weaken his eastern forces significantly—and buy us time to strike at his network elsewhere."
The first wave entered the corridor, unaware of the deadly precision awaiting them. Shadows shifted, traps waited, and the Ember's fire flickered in anticipation. The King's retaliation was about to be met with a force he had not predicted.