The Against All Odds

CH 26 - Death Bell

Hearing the name of the Mowldark alone had made their hankers faint, their faces paled instantly, and cold sweat flowed as the night breeze struck their backs up to their necks. Slowly, one by one the villagers who had been excited stepped back with their bodies shaking violently.

"Mr Balf, what are we going to do?" Asked a young man with a fork of earth in his hand.

Balfam just shook his head slowly while continuing to play his long brew.

"Do we have to ask the Kingdom for help"

"Don't talk that no." The village chief's firm reply cut off the man's speech.

Balfam's unequivocal answer is not without reason. Indeed, in reality, Thellidia Kingdom had never again sent any assistance to this village. As if left to die just like that, even though this village is still in the territory of the Kingdom of Thellidia. They do not need to think of gold, silver, or bronze that should be given as tribute. Security services such as when the village was attacked by goblins, Thellidia Kingdom was still reluctant to send troops. Although it used to be, about two years ago, it was just by sending some young people that they called knights.

Mr. Balfam raised his left hand, gesturing for all the trembling citizens to gather. They looked at the eyes of the village chief who was trying to give a spirit.

"My friends!" balfam exclaimed with excitement. "We know who's coming, and we know they won't be easy to beat. But we are Fog Village, we are persistent people, who always rise up even in trouble! We never give up, even without the help of any government!"

The villagers began to listen, their eyes still full of fear, but Balfam's words began to stimulate their spirits.

"We will not ask for help from a kingdom that has only seen us as a place of tax collection. We will protect our own land! Together, we will put up a fight as good as we can. We will protect our homes, our families, and everything we love!"

The spirit grew in the eyes of the citizens. They started to straighten their backs, and even some of them started to prepare with the simple equipment they were holding.

"Remember, we're not cowards! We are the residents of the Fog Village! When the trumpet sign rings, we will withstand their attack! And if anyone falls, we'll help our neighbor! For the sake of the Great God Talos!"

After hearing the spirit from Mr. Balfam, the villagers began to move with a new burning spirit. They flocked to the walls and towers of the village, carrying everything they could weaponize. Wooden spears, crossbows, short swords, and even ground forks became the weapons of choice.

The youths who had previously doubted themselves, now had a strong determination. They formed a defensive line along the village walls, up to the main gate of the village, set up strategies and planned ways to deal with the Mowldark.

Others, tasked with setting traps around the village, tried to slow down the enemy's attack. They burned huge bonfires in the corners of the village, creating an intimidating silhouette in the dark night.

Not only that, women and children help by continuing to accompany prayers for those who struggle on the front lines. A fighting spirit had spread throughout the village, and even though they were afraid, they were ready to stand up and fight together.

Leo and his group approach Mr. Balfam, offering to help as the others prepare. Mr. Balfam patted Leo on the shoulder warmly, his wide smile exuding vigor.

Leo replied with a smile in response to the warm welcome. Not there, Barla, who looks strong and muscular, showed off her right arm muscles vigorously.

"There's nothing you need to worry about. I'm Barla, and this is my sister, Glint," said Barla, pulling the sluggish Glint. "The two of us will protect this village from any threat!"

Mr. Balfam smiled proudly. "Two thumbs up for you, Barla, Glint. Grandpa is very proud of you two. Let's get ready together to face the Mowldark! We won't let those stupid monsters destroy this village without a fight!"

They walked towards the village gate quickly, under the moonlight that illuminated the darkness of the night. Belladona turned towards Leo with a question mark in her eyes.

"What are we going to do, do you have a plan?" ask her with a worried tone.

Leo shook his head slowly, his expression remaining calm despite being faced with an uncertain threat. "No idea, Belladona. Is there any other way than to kill them?" Leo smiled faintly, trying to weaken the tension.

Belladona thought about it for a moment, then nodded. "I understand."

Matilda, whose spirit was not slack, immediately welcomed the idea. "Yes! Aye! Kill it! Kill it! Kill it!"

While Alisha from earlier just followed them with a serious look.

They gathered at the main gate of the village, along with the youths who had prepared for the fight.

They stood near the open gate, looking towards the vast carrot and pumpkin plantations. In the distance, the rows of trees on the edge of the misty forest looked like a natural fortress that the Mowldark was ready to pass through. The night breeze blew slowly, making the leaves tremble gently.

This scene exuded an atmosphere of incredible tension. Leo and his group, plus a portion of the villagers prepare for the upcoming fight. Their faces were filled with anxiety but also a strong determination to protect this village. They all felt tension in the air, waiting for the moment when that terrifying black monster would emerge from within the misty forest.

Slowly, bells began to sound, biting their ears with a creepy vibe. The pine trees in the forest began to display dark figures that were like a 'death row'. In long black robes that covered almost their entire bodies, these sinister figures were up to two meters tall, making them even more terrifying.

Highlighting their invisible eyes from within the black robe, gave off the impression of eternal darkness, even though they did not actually have a single eye on his face. They moved with slow steps, like ghosts coming to haunt. Some of them carried small bells that swayed slowly, producing a melodious but also creepy sound.

Leo and his group held their breaths, their faces filled with tension. For most villagers, this was the first time they faced a threat of this magnitude. In the midst of the foggy forest that kept moving by the wind that night, this line of Mowldarks was getting closer, and they knew the fight was about to start.