[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 39: The Ambush in the Valley of Shadows

The day was barely breaking when Jun, Calla, Miranda, Sora, and Miiko resumed their march, their new runes infusing each of their steps with palpable energy. Their destination was the Valley of Shadows, a sinister place known for its treacherous ambushes. Intelligence gathered indicated that the Güldenstern Order was planning a surprise attack in this region.

«We must remain vigilant,» Calla warned. «This valley is known for its deadly traps.»

Jun nodded, the merged grimoire clutched tightly against him. «We have the advantage of the runes, but that doesn't mean we should let our guard down.»

As they advanced, the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive. The trees seemed to close in around them, their twisted and clawed branches like specter's hands. Sora, in his animal form to conserve energy, sniffed the air warily.

«There's something in the air,» he growled. «A scent of death.»

Suddenly, shadows moved among the trees. A group of Güldenstern mercenaries emerged, their weapons ready, their eyes gleaming with malevolent intent.

«You shall not pass,» declared their leader, a rugged man with numerous scars, brandishing a sword adorned with dark runes.

Combat erupted in an instant. Jun summoned light barriers to protect his companions, while Calla melded into the shadows, striking with lethal precision. Miranda used her rune to create light shields around the group, deflecting enemy attacks.

Sora, with his enhanced strength, cleaved through the enemy ranks with impressive ferocity. Miiko, meanwhile, manipulated the minds of the mercenaries, sowing confusion and doubt among them.

«Focus on their leader!» Jun shouted. «If he falls, the others will follow.»

Miiko seized an opening to approach the mercenaries' leader. Using her rune, she bewitched the man, plunging him into a state of confusion. Calla took advantage to strike, her daggers gleaming in the dim light of the valley.

The leader collapsed, and as expected, the mercenaries lost their cohesion. Sora and Jun quickly dispatched them, putting an end to the threat.

«We did it,» Calla declared, breathless but unscathed. «But we must expect more ambushes.»

Jun nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. «The Order knows we're here. They won't let us progress easily.»

The group continued their journey, vigilant and ready to face the looming dangers. Each step brought them closer to their goal, and each battle made them more determined.

The Valley of Shadows seemed to stretch on indefinitely, each turn revealing new threats. As they progressed, they encountered more groups of mercenaries and magical traps, each one more complex than the last.

«We must find a safe place to rest,» Miranda suggested after yet another exhausting confrontation. «We can't keep going at this pace for much longer.»

«There's an ancient cave on the other side of the valley,» Jun said, consulting an old map from the grimoire. «It could offer us temporary shelter.»

Heading towards the cave, the group encountered one last obstacle: a Güldenstern defensive line, much more organized and equipped than the previous ones. They had been expected.

«Prepare yourselves,» ordered Sora, transforming into his human form. «This is their last line of defense before the cave. We must defeat them to rest.»

Jun nodded and opened the merged grimoire. «Let's use the runes strategically. If we combine our powers, we can break through their defenses.»

The ensuing battle was intense. Jun summoned ethereal creatures to distract the mercenaries, while Calla and Sora led swift assaults. Miranda and Miiko used their powers to disrupt enemy lines and bolster their allies.

The runes shone with a supernatural light, increasing the group's power and coordination. Every move seemed orchestrated by an invisible force, guiding them to victory.

Finally, after a fierce fight, the defensive line crumbled. The remaining mercenaries fled, leaving the path clear to the cave.

«We made it,» Jun said, looking at the cave entrance. «Let's rest and prepare. The Güldenstern Order won't stop here.»

The group entered the cave, their spirits slightly lighter despite the trials ahead. They knew the real battle lay ahead of them, but they were ready to face it together, strengthened by their new runes and unwavering determination.