Hordes of goblins ran through the forest racing against the wind towards the village. Separated into teams of three with the center being the largest. Seven goblins were positioned from each flank while the remaining sixteen remained at the front

The villagers retreated from the south for the assault. Leaving only a few men who picked up swords and axes to defend the village. The goblins were a fair distance away from the village. Giving villages a short period to retreat.

At Jenna’s house, Jack had just come in stating that the village is being attacked. Their faces showed fear from hearing this; except Quant who sensed it beforehand. He immediately went into action deciding to waste no time.

“Old man, what does the situation look like?”

“The goblins are trying to take over the village. We currently lack the manpower to take them down. That’s why the few men we have are giving us time to hide. We have a large number of old people here so running away doesn’t seem possible. They won’t part with their children or grandchildren so the best case is to hide from the few that survive.”

“How many men are can fight for the village.”

“At most only 15 while the goblins number 30. Some of them don’t even have experience in battle. They have divided into 3’s attacking us from 3 sides.”

The situation seemed grim. At best a few villagers will survive while the ones left to defend the village will die. The large number of goblins outway the defenders two times over. They’re also not experienced in battle; which lowers their chances of survival. But, there is one discerning issue that would surely cause them to lose.

“Old man there’s one thing you aren’t accounting for. Your troops can’t divide to the way the goblins can without leaving them defenseless. You can only focus on one front at a time which means the other two will be left unprotected.”

“Yes. we are aware of that however there is nothing we can do about it. Some villagers will perish as a consequence of this battle. We cannot avoid it.”

The Old man’s face turned sour. He understood that casualties were unavoidable yet, that couldn’t stop it from hurting any less. Aiko sat quietly swallowing her bread down with water. Jenna heartbroken from the realization that she might lose the village didn’t give up.

“Grandpa, There has to be something we can do.”

“There’s nothing we can do dear. Their forces are too many in comparison to ours.”

Jenna’s sadness grew greater the more she listened. The thought of her daughter’s survival surface as time passed. What will happen to Aiko? How can they survive? Is she going to be traumatized? These questions echoed in her head.

Her mind was causing her continued melancholy. She needed hope, something that can help her in this time of need. As this feeling arises she instinctively looked at Quant. Lost in thought, his hand scratching his head. There is no doubt about it. She realized if anyone can save them. It would only be him.

“Mr. Quant, Do you know a way to save the village?”

That question is exactly what Quant was waiting for. He already devised a plan to take down the goblins. Something felt suspicious about this attack. He needed to get to the bottom of this but, it won’t be possible without the village.

“I know a way to help. Although, you’ll need to trust me.”

This sudden news came to a shock to everyone. Even though Jenna had hope, she still didn’t think that he had a plan. Her sadness turned to happiness. Jack did not expect this from Quant. Although he didn’t know the man he was. He still couldn’t let go of a chance to save the village.

“What you say, old man? Do you trust me?”

“Grandpa, I know he can do it. I believe in him?”

“Alright. I’ll choose to believe in you. What’s your plan?”

“I’ll need some alcohol, hay, and Jenna’s help.”

Quant explained his plan from start to finish leaving no details behind. His plans caused an uproar in the mind of the old man. The dangers of the plan were undeniable. However, there was no other way.

“Tell your troops where to meet up old man. We’re going to need some help so enlist the villagers for that. Aiko you’ll be getting the alcohol. Jenna, you know what to do. Everyone to your positions move move move!”

They all rushed outside attempting to accomplish their tasks.

Jenna walked with Aiko to the toolshed where the piled hay laid.

“Aiko you don’t seem to be worried at all. It’s unusual for a child not to be scared in the face of danger .”

“Of course I’m not worried mommy. I knew big brother would save the day. “

“You did. How?”

“Didn’t you see how he was before grandpa came in. It’s like he already knew what happened. He didn’t even panic instead he started thinking of a way to save us. Big brother is so cool.”

Jenna had remembered what he did. He had told them beforehand something was wrong. It calmed her to know that Quant looked out for the village moreover Her and Aiko.

“Your right. Your big brother is cool.”

Meanwhile, on the north Foxor and Farler were waiting for battle. These two were the strongest warriors of the village. If they were not on the front lines then no one else would be. It would take three minutes at most for their march to reach the village from the forest.

The army behind them stood shaking in their boots. They have not experienced battle before. So a fight such as this one where they are at a disadvantage might as well be a death sentence. Foxor needed to find a way to increase his troop’s morale.

“I understand what you might be feeling now. Looking at these conditions, we might not survive this. Their number is far greater than we can handle, the same goes for their experience. It looks like this is the end.”

Foxor’s words were hard to swallow. The men went into a deeper depression. Saddened by their upcoming demise. Though it’s for the sake of their family they could not come to terms with death.

“Does that mean we will die for good? Does that mean this is where we will be forgotten? I don’t think so. I think that my family will live on with my memory. Although I would die in this world, I will be alive in my family’s hearts. That’s all that matters to me.”

He spoke softly yet diligently giving his honest opinion. He knew that shouting propaganda won’t make them forget the sacrifice they were making. Instead, Foxor used words of comfort to give them peace in their final moments.

“Now, let’s not dwell on our deaths instead, let’s celebrate the peace we will leave behind. Who is with me!”

The army arose from the ground prepared for what’s to come. Clenching their weapons in hand ready to accept their fate. Farler stood at the front, ready to fight. He had faith that the village will live on with their memory.

Two minutes left until they reached the village. The goblins got closer making vile sounds from their mouths, communicating with one another. Their heavy footsteps rumbled down the hill, smiling creepily over the prospect of taking over the village.

Foxor took a large breath. He let the air out preparing to scream

“CHAARRRR-”

“WAIT!”

Jack appeared interrupting Foxor’s momentum got. Foxor turned back to see who it was. It was Jack, Jenna, and Aiko pulling wheelbarrows of hay and alcohol.

“Foxor, Grab a wheelbarrow and line the hay around the village border.”

This old man is speaking nonsense he thought. The village is being attacked but he’s here wanting to drink

“Jack What’s gotten into you the enemy is right-”

“Do it!”

Jack starn with his command bellowed fiercely when he spoke. The men had never heard the old man speak like that. He’s usually soft-spoken. They trusted the old man enough to believe he had a plan.

“You heard it, men split into teams of 3. Grab a wheelbarrow and stack the hay around the village.”

The farmers did as they were told. Although confused by this command, they followed orders to the letter. They grabbed the wheelbarrows lining them up making sure they touch each other. The size of the hay was roughly the same as three Rubiks cubes. They were wet; smelling a bit like alcohol.

They split into two sides, three on the left and two on the right. They continued going, covering one-eighth of the village.

“Foxor gather your men on the right side of the village. Jenna, do it now.”

Foxor did as he as instructed. Jenna dashed t front just before the goblins had reached the border shouting.

“「Cast Fire 」 “

The hay caught fire which extended to the sides until they hay reached the last block of hay. Creating a firewall that separated the goblins and the villagers. The goblins halted their assault before touching the firewall. They separated into teams of two each going either side.

Fifteen goblins went into the right side hastily running to where the fire ends. They reached the end ready to turn only to be ambushed by the fighters. Foxor led the charge with his son. They were the first to slay goblins, slashing their heads off with swords.

A goblin swung his club back preparing to strike Farler. Jenna swooped into action pointing her hand where the goblin is.

“「Cast Fire 」 “

The goblin started to make screeching sounds as the fire burned him. He ran around causing him to lose balance tripping over his companions. This caused a large pile up as one by one each goblin fell on the other.

The inexperienced villagers used this to their advantage. Stabbing the ones that were on the ground. While the few experienced ones fought the ones that remained standing. Mauling them with pitchforks, pickaxes, shovels making sure their death is absolute.

Blood poured on the ground as the goblins yelled from the pain. Attempting to dodge they would roll over, sadly to no avail did the brutality halt. Stabbing after stabbing after stabbing they lunged their weapons deeper and deeper.

The goblins had lost their advantage furthermore their broken formation confused their own attackers. Which led to their slaughter by the villagers. Foxor and Farlor had the largest number of kills. They ruthlessly annihilated the goblins that stood with Jenna’s assistance.

All the goblins on the right side were butchered. The villagers raved in happiness, they survived their overwhelming disadvantage. No longer did they fear death. They can live on with their families on the farm. All they could think of is dancing their heart out in celebration for their victory.

“Wait! Don’t celebrate yet. Aren’t you forgetting? The goblins split in half which means if all of us are here. Then, who’s taking care of the left side?