The cargo truck rumbled along the empty highway, its engine the only sound breaking the heavy silence.
Ryne sat at the edge of his seat, drifting into an uneasy doze. The sleepless night was finally catching up to him.
"Stay alert. Watch the surroundings for any threats," Thran ordered from the front.
The driver's eyes narrowed as he scanned the abandoned buildings lining the road.
"…Sir, I think I saw something move," he muttered.
Suddenly, a massive magic circle flared to life atop one of the ruined structures. Dozens of glowing runes spun rapidly as the circle's energy focused directly on the moving truck.
"Quick! Vice-leader! Use your shield!" Thran shouted.
The vice-leader clenched his fists, face tight with concentration. He swayed his arms in a graceful arc and muttered the incantation.
"**Magias Elementia Shield!**"
A shimmering barrier instantly enveloped the truck. Beams of searing magic rained down from the building, slamming into the shield and scattering harmlessly in bursts of light.
"Keep moving, driver!" Thran commanded.
He turned to the Awakeners in the back. Some were frozen in fear, others stared wide-eyed at the magical barrage.
"You all must hold your ground! Don't let fear control you!" Thran barked, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Even as he spoke, a shadow of concern crossed his face. His eyes stayed fixed on the road ahead.
"We should stop the truck… now."
Ryne's mouth opened, ready to explain, but the vice-leader immediately cut him off.
"Stop the truck!? Are you out of your mind!?"
He grabbed Ryne by the front of his armor and shook him roughly.
"I know you're frustrated, but—" Ryne began.
"You're a failure! Why should we even listen to you!?" the vice-leader spat, only releasing his grip when he caught Thran's deadly glare.
"Vice-leader! Stop that arrogant action!" Thran's voice thundered from the front.
The vice-leader froze, then stepped back with a frustrated click of his tongue.
The other Awakeners stared at Ryne in confusion.
"Ryne… why would you want to stop the truck when we're under attack?" one of them asked.
Thran's voice softened as he looked at Ryne. He trusted the young man's judgment. "Explain."
"It was commanded by… a Corruptner," Ryne said quietly.
The words hit like a bomb. Thran froze, eyes widening. The vice-leader blinked in shock. Those who had never heard the term exchanged confused murmurs.
The cargo truck screeched to a halt. The driver glanced nervously at Thran.
"Sir… we're stopping? Why—?"
Thran's glare was answer enough. The driver swallowed hard and obeyed.
Thran leapt down from the front seat and landed in the back with fluid grace. His eyes locked onto Ryne.
"Explain," he said, voice sharp but controlled. "Why did you say a Corruptner is commanding them?"
Outside, the abandoned buildings erupted again. Beams of magic streaked toward the truck. The vice-leader's shield flared desperately, but it could no longer block the full onslaught. Sparks and glowing runes danced wildly across its surface.
Ryne swallowed and nodded toward the chaos.
"As you can see… those monsters are goblins," he said calmly.
Thran snatched a pair of binoculars from a nearby Awakener and raised them to his eyes. He scanned the ruined streets and the advancing horde. Every goblin, every rune, confirmed Ryne's words.
The vice-leader's face went pale. His voice trembled. "H-how… how could you say they're being commanded by a Co-Corruptner!?"
Thran lowered the binoculars, his expression hard but thoughtful.
"There shouldn't be goblins here," he said quietly, almost to himself. "This road is uninhabitable. No water… no food… nothing. They shouldn't exist."
The vice-leader's jaw tightened. He shook his head, as if trying to deny the truth. "It… it's just a coincidence, right? This… this isn't real!"
Thran stepped closer and placed a firm hand on Ryne's shoulder. His expression softened with genuine regret.
"I'm sorry, Ryne… I involved you in this."
Ryne shook his head, eyes calm despite the escalating chaos outside.
"Don't worry, Thran. That's why I wanted to stop the truck," he said quietly. "I know how to defeat their commander."
Ryne took a deep breath, his voice steady.
"I… watched someone deal with this once."