Resident warrior

Chapter 12 first battle

Rico spotted Ethan outside, gazing up at the stars. "Can't sleep, huh?" he asked. Ethan turned, surprised. "Oh, I thought you were out cold!"

Rico smirked. "I was, until you woke me up. Ready for training tomorrow?"

Ethan nodded, a hint of nerves in his voice. "Yeah, kind of. But Rico..."

Rico leaned in closer. "Once we finish our training, our first battle awaits. It's going to be intense."

Ethan's determination flared. "When we go into battle, don't let your guard down. One slip-up could cost us everything."

"Got it," Rico replied, stepping back. "See you in the morning. Good night!"

Ethan turned to head back inside, but his mind raced. Sleep was elusive, and soon he was plunged back into darkness. Suddenly, the sinister figure crept into view again.

"What do you want?" Ethan challenged, his heart pounding.

The shadowy figure sneered. "So, Dustin didn't kill your mother."

Confusion washed over him. "Wait, what do you mean? Who did then?"

"Answers will come soon, boy," the darkness hissed, before disappearing into the night.

Rico jolted him awake. "Ethan! You okay?"

"I'm fine, just... nightmares," Ethan muttered, still shaken.

"C'mon, we're going to be late!" Rico urged. "See you on the battlefield!"

Ethan shook his head, the dream still haunting him.

The dawn broke, and the air was electric with anticipation. Clad in armor and gripping their weapons, the troops—ready for war—gathered to capture the castle. The commander bellowed, "Everyone take your positions! Group 1, stay sharp! On my mark... charge!!!"

"Yhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" The knights of the coast surged forward against their foes, the Iron Guardians, as the first War of the Americas erupted into chaos.

To be continued...