First Light of a New Age

Chapter 99: Humans vs Dwarves

Kingdom of Edgellaf, Snowy Region, In the Forest.

1st Year of God, Thursday, 3rd Week, Month Of Jonah.

Holding onto a snow-laden branch, Angelo steadied himself, feeling his knuckles whitening as he dangled precariously from the tree. The icy wind bit at his cheeks, and his breath fogged the air as he struggled to regain his bearings after being thrown from the Peacemaker.

Finally, with a deep breath and a resigned sigh, he released his grip and dropped to the snow-covered ground below. His boots crunched softly against the frost as he straightened and began to walk, each step heavy with frustration.

"Why… why does everything have to go to hell? I hate this goddamned fantasy world," Angelo muttered in a low but bitter voice. He lashed out and punch a nearby tree, colliding his fist with its bark, only for the impact to sent a cascade of snow from the branches above and land on his head and shoulders, blanketing him in icy powder.

"…Brilliant," he muttered darkly, brushing the snow from his shoulders and shaking it from his hair.

As he prepared to move deeper into the forest, a tremor rippled through the ground, making him pause. Turning sharply, his eyes widened at the sight of a colossal tank-like machine emerging from the trees. Its massive drill gleamed in the pale light, while a cannon perched menacingly on top of its hulking frame. Surrounding it were hundreds of dwarves armed with magic muskets, their sharp eyes scanning the forest as they spread out in search.

"Fantastic. They're combing the area now," Angelo grumbled under his breath. Keeping low, he slipped between the trees, moving quickly and cautiously as he evaded the Iron Kingdom's forces.

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Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, Nathan was holding tightly to a tree, feeling his breath coming in short with visible puffs against the cold. A moment later, his grip faltered, and he dropped to the snow-covered ground below, landing with a muffled thud.

"I hope the others are okay," he murmured to himself, feeling slightly worried for them. Still, he pushed the thought aside, knowing emotions were not the appropriate time yet.

He was about to move when a deep guttural roar echoed through the frosty air, freezing him in place. The sound sent a chill down his spine, sharper than the cold itself.

Instinctively, Nathan ducked beneath a low-hanging, snow-laden tree, pressing his body against the trunk.

Looking up through the canopy, he caught sight of the massive dragon that had destroyed the Peacemaker, its enormous wings slicing through the air as it passed overhead. The shadow it cast lingered even after it disappeared into the distance.

Once the danger had passed, Nathan exhaled slowly and rose to his feet. With renewed urgency, he set off and weaved through the snow-draped forest as he attempted to contact command. Reinforcements and an extraction were vital, if they wanted any chance of survival, he needed to find the others fast.

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Marco's eyes fluttered open, and he became aware of the cold biting at his skin. He lay sprawled on his back in the snow, feeling the soft powder mercifully cushioning his fall. 

Groaning softly, he pushed himself upright before the sharp chill seeping through his gloves as he steadied himself. Suddenly, a guttural roar shattered the stillness, making his pulse spike. Instinctively, Marco scrambled behind a nearby snow-covered boulder and pressed his back against the icy surface.