Chapter 29: The Final Stand
Srabon's sword clashed against the Goblin King's massive cleaver, sparks flying as metal met metal. The force of the impact reverberated through Srabon's arms, but he gritted his teeth and pushed forward. The Goblin King sneered, his yellow eyes glinting in the dim torchlight.
"You're strong for a little chief," the Goblin King said, his voice a low growl. "But strength alone won't save you."
Srabon slid back, his feet digging into the ground. "I don't need just strength. I have my friends."
Behind him, Mira drew her last arrow, her arms shaking as she took aim. Magnus pushed himself to his feet, blood trickling down his forehead. Despite his injuries, he grabbed his fallen axe and charged forward, roaring with fury.
"Magnus! Now!" Srabon shouted.
Magnus swung his axe with all his might, the blade aimed directly at the Goblin King's side. The Goblin King twisted, grabbing Magnus by the wrist and slamming him into the ground. Mira released her arrow, but the Goblin King caught it mid-air, snapping it in two.
"Pathetic," the Goblin King snarled. "You're nothing but weaklings playing at war."
Srabon clenched his jaw, the system's timer ticking down in his mind.
[Adrenaline Surge - 30 seconds remaining.]
Srabon lunged forward, his sword arcing through the air. The Goblin King met the strike with a powerful kick, sending Srabon crashing into the cavern wall. Pain shot through Srabon's back as he struggled to rise.
"Is this all you've got?" the Goblin King taunted, stalking toward him. "You came all this way just to die in my lair."
Mira crawled to Srabon's side, her face pale and drenched in sweat. "Srabon, we can't beat him... he's too strong."
Srabon shook his head, his fists trembling. "We can't give up. We have to protect the village. We have to save Leto's sister."
[Adrenaline Surge - 10 seconds remaining.]
Srabon's vision blurred as the Goblin King raised his cleaver, a cruel grin spreading across his scarred face. "Goodbye, little chief."
"Not yet!" Srabon roared, summoning the last of his strength. With a burst of speed, he shot forward, ducking beneath the Goblin King's swing. The cleaver slammed into the ground, shattering the stone.
Srabon leaped up, bringing his sword down with all his might. The blade struck the Goblin King's arm, slicing through his flesh. The Goblin King howled, blood spraying as he staggered back.
Magnus seized the opportunity, grabbing his axe and charging forward. "Now!"
With a mighty swing, Magnus buried his axe in the Goblin King's leg. The Goblin King roared in agony, collapsing to one knee. Mira stumbled to her feet, drawing her dagger and rushing forward.
"This is for Leto's sister!" she screamed, driving the dagger into the Goblin King's chest.
The Goblin King gasped, his eyes wide with shock. Blood bubbled from his lips as he reached out, trying to grasp Mira, but his strength was fading.
Srabon stood over him, his chest heaving. "Your reign of terror ends here."
With one final swing, Srabon brought his sword down, severing the Goblin King's head. The chamber fell silent, the only sound the heavy, exhausted breathing of Srabon, Mira, and Magnus.
[Quest Complete: Defeat the Goblin King's Elite Guard. Reward: 2000 Gold, 1500 Elixir.]
[Quest Complete: Rescue the Hostage. Reward: 1500 Gold, 1000 Elixir.]
Srabon fell to his knees, his vision darkening. Mira caught him, her voice soft. "Srabon, you did it."
"Yeah," Srabon whispered, his eyes closing as exhaustion claimed him. "We did it... together."