The night was deep, its hazy darkness shrouding the land.
Several hundred people quietly approached Hammerfall. Rex walked at the front, the Ashbringer in hand, his expression solemn. As time ticked by, they drew closer and closer to the town.
Gazing at the fires burning by Hammerfall's main gate, their dim light spilling out to illuminate the surroundings, Rex spoke to Douglas beside him in a low voice. "Douglas."
Douglas gave Rex a firm nod, took a few steps forward, then vanished. The twenty-odd Rogues behind him also disappeared into the night. Watching their figures blend into the darkness ahead, Rex waited silently.
In summer, the Arathi Highlands teemed with the calls of insects, their cheerful chorus playing out in the night.
A squad of Gnoll Brutes marched along with heavy steps, blazing torches held in their left hands. Their eyes gleamed sharply as they patrolled with meticulous vigilance, never letting their guard down.
Soon, two patrols of Gnoll Brutes passed each other, their captains exchanging nods.
Thud, thud, thud.
Footsteps rang clearly through the night as Douglas and his men swiftly approached Hammerfall's gate. They stopped a dozen or so meters in front of the patrol. Rather than rashly advancing, each carefully drew his dagger, its edge glinting coldly in the fiery red light.
Douglas did not advance himself. Instead, he chose his position and waited for the patrol to draw closer on its own.
Two bonfires burned at Hammerfall's gate, their flames rising and falling like waves, sweeping outward in gusts of cool wind.
Each Rogue reached his assigned position without error. A vicious look entered Douglas's eyes, and the Battle Axe in his hand began to emit an eerie glow. He suddenly revealed himself, throwing the patrolling Gnoll Brutes into confusion.
"Enemy-" The Gnoll had barely uttered