I am the Holy Poisoner, the Empress advised me to calm down

Aiden and Gavin, along with a select group of warriors, cautiously approached the border. The fog grew thicker, forcing them to light torches just to see a few steps ahead. A sickening odor hung in the air, causing everyone to frown.

"I've never smelled anything like this before," a young soldier said nervously. "It makes me feel... very uneasy."

Aiden raised a hand to signal the team to pause. He looked around, trying to find anything unusual in the darkness. Suddenly, a low roar came from the fog, followed by several shrill screams. Everyone's nerves tensed and their weapons were gripped tighter.

"Prepare for battle!" Aiden whispered.

At that moment, several men in black burst out of the fog, their movements swift and silent, like ghosts in the night. Gavin swung his great axe and, with a roar, launched the attack. The axe struck one of the men with thunderous force, but it seemed to strike through the air; the figure dodged the blow with a simple flash.

"These guys are so fast!" Gavin gritted his teeth.

Leah drew her rapier, the tip gleaming coldly in the night. "We must remain vigilant and not allow the enemy to surround us." She moved swiftly, engaging the enemy with light steps and nimble movements.

Other warriors joined in the fight, and the battlefield descended into chaos. The fog thickened, blurring vision. Then, a small soldier stumbled, his torch falling to the ground and igniting the surrounding hay.

"Oh no!" someone exclaimed.

Aiden reacted quickly, commanding his team to retreat to avoid being trapped by the spreading fire. But just as they were about to retreat, a flash of purple light suddenly emerged from the fog, shooting straight into the sky and illuminating the surroundings. Only then did everyone see clearly that the faces of the men in black were distorted and distorted, like evil spirits.

"What kind of monsters are these?" Leah asked breathlessly.

Aiden didn't answer, but instead stared ahead with even greater determination. "We have to find the source quickly, or else this fog will continue to spread."

Just as they were discussing countermeasures, a cold wind blew in, accompanied by a shrill laugh: "It is me you are looking for, warriors."

The little boy slowly emerged from the mist, his eyes gleaming with a cunning and coldness that belied his age. Several men in black stood respectfully behind him, seemingly awaiting orders.

"Who are you? What does all this mean?" Aiden demanded.

The little boy sneered and spread his hands. "Haven't you already noticed? This game is now directed by me. And you are just pawns on the board."

Leah's eyes were full of vigilance. "What is your purpose?"

The little boy's lips curled up into a wicked smile, his tone full of provocation, "Purpose? My purpose is to let this world see true fear. And you are just my toys."

Suddenly, the little boy waved his hand, and the men in black behind him launched another attack. The battle started again, and the situation became increasingly unfavorable.

Meanwhile, in the town, Leon was frantically arranging defenses. An elderly resident approached and asked, "Captain, what's the situation outside the city?"

Leon took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. "We don't know the exact situation yet, but we must take every precaution. Please don't panic, we will protect this city."

Suddenly, a guard came running over, "Captain! Some strange figures appeared at the north gate, and they are destroying the city wall!"

Leon was shocked and immediately ordered: "All guards go to support immediately and stop them!"

The entire city was plunged into chaos, with anxiety and uneasiness written all over people's faces. In the distance, a little girl nestled in her mother's arms, her eyes filled with helplessness.

"Mom, I'm afraid..."

The mother hugged her daughter tightly, her eyes full of determination. "Don't worry, Mom will protect you. The brave ones will definitely come back, and they will bring us hope."

Meanwhile, Aiden and his companions, far away at the border, were also fighting fiercely. The little boy's eyes were fixed on every detail of the battle, and his smile grew wider and wider.

"It seems that the game has just begun..."

Aiden and his companions continued their resistance amidst the boy's eerie smile. The battle in the mist intensified. The surrounding scene flickered in the purple light, as if in an ever-shifting dream. The black-clad men's attacks grew increasingly frantic, each one a feeling that it might be their last.

"Captain! We need support!" a young soldier shouted, fending off the enemy while trying to find reinforcements. But who could spare a hand at this moment? Everyone was desperately trying to save their lives, and there was no way to get away to help anyone.

"Hold on!" Aiden responded, his voice firm and powerful. "Gavin, come with me to deal with that kid. The rest of you hold the line!"

Gavin nodded in agreement, and then he and Aiden approached the unsettling presence side by side. "Don't think you can scare us like this, little thing." He glared at the other party, the flames of battle burning in his eyes.

At this critical moment, several dazzling rays of light like meteors streaked across the night sky, accompanied by loud horse hooves and shouts, appearing above the battlefield - reinforcements are coming!

"Hold on, brothers! We are coming!" The leader was a knight wearing shining silver armor and holding a long sword. They were the support forces sent by the nearby villages.

The newcomers gave Aiden and his men a respite, temporarily throwing the enemy camp into disarray. "Now!" Aiden seized the opportunity and shouted, "Charge at that boy! End this!"

As the balance of power shifted, the tide seemed to tilt in favor of humanity. But the little boy's face showed no sign of panic. "Interesting... Well, then, I'll show you my true strength." He chuckled and waved his hands upward.

The air suddenly filled with a thicker, suffocating black smoke. Then the ground began to shake, and in the distance, bursts of roaring and neighing could be heard—the sounds of wild beasts. "What is this..." Leah looked ahead in horror. From the depths of the forest, a multitude of terrifying beasts emerged, clearly controlled by a mysterious force to aid in the battle.

"How is this possible! With such a large number...is the entire continent going to fall?" someone whispered to himself.

Just as everyone despaired about their fate, another figure leaped into view. Clad in blue robes, her hair flowing in the wind, she was none other than Mira, the legendary priestess with healing powers. "Please don't give up hope!" Her clear, melodious words lifted everyone's spirits. "Even facing the most formidable enemy, as long as we hold onto courage, light will triumph over darkness."