Chapter 115: Goblins in Winter (2) Ironclad Pheonix

The dense forest of the northern frontier seemed to close in around them, the shadows lengthening as the sun dipped below the horizon. Sophie stood at the forefront of the defensive line, her ice-cold gaze scanning the treeline for any sign of movement. The adventurers under her command were exhausted, their faces etched with fatigue and desperation. The relentless waves of goblin attacks had taken a toll, and morale was waning.

A sudden, ear-splitting roar shattered the tense silence. Sophie turned just in time to see Sharon, her trusted adjutant, blasted away by a hulking goblin variant wielding a massive club. Sharon's body flew through the air, crashing into a tree with a sickening thud. Sophie felt a surge of rage and fear, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Sharon!" she screamed, her voice raw with emotion. But there was no time to check on her friend. The goblin horde was upon them, their war cries echoing through the forest.