In the sky, the sun gave off a blood-red glow. Though it was not particularly dazzling, it carried an eerie feeling.
Under that red light, waves of blood-colored tides rolled across the ground. Looking closely, they were not waves at all, but surging "tides"—a monster tide.
Faint flames rose from the bodies of these monsters. They were not particularly large, nor was their attack power especially strong; only their leaping ability was astonishing. Yet their numbers were terrifying beyond measure. Everywhere they passed became scorched earth, without a trace of life left behind.
On a small hill far ahead along the monster tide's route stood a tiny city. There were only around a dozen people within it: mages clad in light armor and holding staffs, heavily armored warriors, and two enormous metal puppets nearly ten meters tall. Perched on the puppets' shoulders were, unbelievably, two Dark Goblins.
Every one of them was far stronger than those little monsters. Yet before the dreadful monster tide, a mere small "wave crest" would be enough to wipe them from existence. Faced with such a horrifying number of enemies, every face was etched with tension and gravity.
"Captain, why is there still no word from Nalu's side?" a mage asked anxiously.
The captain was a burly man, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness. Clearly, he was no simple-minded brute. "Don't panic yet. Our mission is to hold out for three hours. Earlier, the beast tide was too strong, and we were forced to abandon Kata Town. This isolated mountain city is our final line of defense. Whether Nalu succeeds or not, we have to hold this place. Otherwise, all our previous efforts will have been wasted. Regis, how long until the monsters reach us?"
A compact, tough-looking warrior replied, "Five minutes at most."
"Everyone, take