Ethaendra: Rise of the Storm Mage

Chapter 5: Champion of the Storm

Valley of the Storm
Fissure Camp
Sunset
Arlon

An abundant camp resides at the edge of the behemoth crack on the ground. This is conspicuous, seeing the campers aren't even humans. They are goblin settlers. Upon sight, we slowly approached and hid behind the large rocks.

"How did they get in here?" I asked. "I thought the king forbid any goblin to immigrate in the land?"

"Goblin explorers," replied Abigail. "They are illegal settlers who dwell within Ethaendran borders, for research and experimental purposes. They have been around our kingdom for quite a while since Viktor issued an attack, possibly studying the land to use it against us. It is still a mystery how they surpassed the steep mountains.

"Recon groups meander all over the land," said Archmage Toval. "Their main purposes were to exile illegal goblin camps, or forcefully eradicate them completely cooperation is not present."

"So what's our plan?" I asked. "This is a hostile goblin camp only us have discovered. May I ask the strategy for our next move?"

"Hostile defenses are utterly intimidating I say," replied Archmage Toval. "These goblins outnumber us three to one, specific tactics shall be initiated. That mechanized walker is our crux target here, as when it is down to ashes, tis efficient to slaughter 'em."

Ethaendra's special military unit is the Ethaendran Warship, while these goblins have their authentic Mechanized Walkers. Due to their superior tech, they were able to construct these gargantuan automatons as tall as three adult humans standing on top of each other.

Dual goblins are in control, as one is responsible for the mobility and another one for the armaments. Both must have very deep synergies within each other, for sufficient teamwork is required in order to engage in combat fluently.

Mechanized Walkers have twain combat schemes, melee and ranged. The left arm is equipped with a lethal and ample blade, while a high caliber cannon is on the right arm. These steam powered metallic titans have the sole purpose of turning humongous walls into piles of rubble and compel devastation to everything in their way. It takes cunning and firepower to take down an extravagant robot.

Observing these goblins do their mysterious activities in this fissure camp drive me inquisitive. They are working on to what seems like a large prototype weapon, which makes me assume it is an attachment for a Mechanized Walker. There is no way we can get beneath the fissure without getting rid of these researchers, as they will attack humans on sight.

"I have a plan," suggested Abigail. "I brought with me this small chemical bomb that combusts upon being exposed to heat, steam or smoke. If someone can sneak up to that Mechanized Walker and implant this flask in the tube where steam comes out, we shall be able to handle the rest of the goblins."

"I have no idea why you have that in the first place," I said." But let's be grateful you actually carried a bomb for emergency purposes. I'll sneak up, sow the explosive, and return unharmed."

I hoisted the bomb inside my pocket, equipped a dagger, and prowled to the camp, cautiously moving through the rocks and tents. As I carefully roved, I was almost caught by a lone goblin wandering around. Using my dexterity, I sneaked towards him, muffled his scream, and slit his throat open. I dragged the carcass to a concealed area.