Point of View: Rangar
The wind battered the entrance of the cave with uneven force, sending bursts of snow filtering inside and slowly piling over the frozen stone, while outside the storm swallowed the entire landscape, erasing any distinction between sky and ground.
Inside, the cold was not unpleasant.
It was familiar.
Frost covered the walls like a second skin, and the ground crunched softly beneath every step, while the dry, heavy air made each breath feel dense… almost tangible.
In front of me stood the four leaders—motionless, attentive—each representing the strength of their own group.
We were not many.
But each of us was the elite of our race.
"Report."
One of them stepped forward, the sound of his claws scraping against the ice breaking the silence.
"King… this is what we discovered. System, project the map."
An image unfolded across the frozen ground, displaying jagged mountains, partially frozen rivers, and areas where vital energy gathered with greater intensity. Ten points were clearly marked.
"These are small tribes, between five hundred and six hundred individuals, with roughly two hundred to three hundred Level 1 Ascended in each. That puts us at a clear numerical disadvantage… though not necessarily in actual power."
I wasn't concerned.
"They shouldn't pose a direct problem," he continued. "We are physically superior and more intelligent, while the lycanthropes rely almost entirely on instinct."
I nodded calmly.
Instinct made them dangerous.
But also predictable.
Then another leader spoke, and the map shifted to a broader, denser region where the concentration of energy was noticeably higher.
"In this tribe, we believe there is at least one Level 2 Ascended."
The atmosphere grew heavier—not from fear, but from calculation.
The report continued.
"They reside in a mountain cave with three exits, each positioned on different sides. The location is difficult to assault directly, and they have more lycanthropes than the other tribes."
"Do you plan to attack it as well?" one of them finally asked.
"Yes."
I didn't hesitate.
I knew it was risky.
But necessary.
This planet offered abundant natural resources and medicinal plants. All of it could be used by us… or sold for FD points in Dalaran.
Even the bodies of the lycanthropes were resources.
I looked at them and spoke seriously.
"We need to establish ourselves properly on this planet. To conquer it, this place must be completely under our control."
They exchanged glances, and one of them asked hesitantly:
"We understand that we are not the only ones from our world carrying out conquests. If we don't want to fall behind as a race, we must maintain our current advantage… but… can you defeat a Level 2 Ascended, King?"
After a moment of silence, I answered honestly.
"Not in a direct fight under equal conditions."
But that would be enough.
I could endure for a time.
And that was all I needed.
I walked toward the reinforced chest at my side, opened it, and pulled out two sealed vials filled with a dark liquid. The contents were thick, barely moving inside.
"According to the vendor… this poison is effective against Level 2 Ascended."
I watched them in silence for a few seconds before continuing.
"We will not fight like them."
I had never intended to fight fairly in the first place.
This is war.
There is no place for honor or kindness here.
"We will weaken them with ambushes, attrition, and poison."
I paused briefly.
"I will wait for the right moment… when they are weak and vulnerable."
My gaze hardened.
"And when that moment comes…"
"We will kill them in a single, decisive strike."