A hush clung to Greenwood Orchard in the pale morning light, broken only by the soft moans of the wounded and the occasional scrape of wood as orchard staff struggled to clear debris. Beneath the gloom and battered fences, the orchard's defenders braced themselves for another day of siege—made all the harsher by the knowledge that the monstrous wolf pack still lurked beyond the treeline.
But for Kael, this day carried a strange personal significance: it was his birthday. He'dturnednine,thoughpreciousfewrealizedit.He'dturnednine,thoughpreciousfewrealizedit. In quieter times, Meria might have baked sweetbread, and Joren would have proudly handed Kael some small crafted token to mark another year of life. Now, there was no time or mood for celebration. The orchard's crisis swallowed such normalcy. Kael himself merely noted the date with a mild pang of regret—there was too much at stake to dwell on birthdays.
A Somber Start
At dawn, Rowan gathered the orchard's remaining defenders near the barn's half-collapsed awning. The men looked grim: Baret's left arm was wrapped in fresh bandages, Torik sported a stitched gash across his cheek, and Brynnnursed his healing ribs. Joren stood with a stony gaze, ignoring the bruises and cuts from last night's fighting. Near him, Gethran the scholar clutched a small satchel of runic parchments, his expression deeply troubled.
Kael hovered at the edge of this weary circle, staff in hand. He glanced around at the orchard's battered fields: the once-orderly rows of fruit trees now lay strewn with broken branches, soil turned up by wolf claws, and fences half-shattered. Already, faint growls drifted from the distance. The monstrous direwolf alpha still prowled, sending outriders to harass them relentlessly.
Rowan rubbed his temples and exhaled. "All right, listen up. The orchard can't take another night like the last. We need a plan to drive the wolves away—or at least buy us time for reinforcements." His gaze flicked to Gethran. "Scholar, you mentioned sending word to the city?"
Gethran nodded. "Yes. I have a messenger set to depart soon, but it could take days before help arrives. We must hold out, or there'll be little orchard left to save."
The orchard men exchanged tense looks. Kael felt their unspoken fears crowd the air. More than a third of them were too injured to fight properly. Even illusions and synergy wards had limits, especially against that cunning alpha.
Brynn cleared his throat. "We can't stay pinned behind these barn walls forever. The beasts keep gnawing at each weak spot. If we keep reacting, we'll be overrun in no time."
Kael's fingers tightened around his staff. Indeed, pure defense had only worn them down. The orchard needed a bolder gambit. And ironically, on a day that should have been a quiet birthday morning, he was about to propose something that might mark a turning point for them all.
Reflections at Dawn
Before Kael could speak, Joren caught his eye, offering a small nod. That silent encouragement told Kael that his father believed in him, no matter how dire the situation. It steadied Kael's nerves.
He took a short breath, then addressed the huddle. "I've been thinking—we can't hold every fence line. But if we create a single deliberate opening… lure part of the pack through a narrow path… we could catch them in a bottleneck. Then illusions and well-placed spears might cull them before they retreat."
Rowan's brow furrowed. "Leave an opening intentionally?"
Kael nodded. "Yes. We use illusions along our orchard rows to make everything else appear guarded, pushing them toward that one gap. Then the wolves run headlong into our prepared trap."
Gethran stroked his chin. "A decoy corridor… we do have enough scraps of synergy plates to line one path with illusions. That might trick the beasts."
"Trick only part of them," Brynn grunted. "What about that colossal alpha? It's too smart."
Kael pursed his lips. "We can't handle the alpha directly just yet, but if we reduce its pack, we gain breathing room. The alpha might even withdraw for a time to regroup."
Slowly, Rowan's frown eased into a look of cautious hope. "It's risky. But… better than waiting to be devoured. We'd have to coordinate carefully."
Torik managed a wry grin despite his bruised cheek. "Better than sitting around. I'm in."
So it was settled. They would funnel a section of the wolf pack into a kill zone using illusions and partial wards, hoping to slay enough beasts to force a temporary retreat.
The Overlooked Birthday
While orchard men dispersed to prepare, Joren pulled Kael aside. For a moment, father and son stood by a toppled water barrel. Meria hovered close, wiping sweat from her brow.
Quietly, Joren spoke, "Son… I know it's—" He paused, pained to say it out loud. "Your birthday. I'm sorry this place is in such chaos."
Kael swallowed a lump in his throat. He forced a gentle smile. "I haven't even thought about it," he lied. "We have more pressing worries."
Meria reached over, squeezing his shoulder. "When we survive this—and we will—let's celebrate then."
He gave a nod, something warm stirring in his chest. Whatever this day should have been, it had become a day to fight. And he was determined not to let them down.
Setting the Trap
Under Kael's guidance, orchard workers spent the next few hours hastily rearranging broken fence planks along the orchard's west flank. Using rope and scrap wood, they patched up everything except for a deliberate gap near a cluster of tall oak trees. On either side of that gap, Kael and Gethran installed synergy plates inscribed with illusions—Phantom Veil at Basic Level 4, the same illusions that had partially held off wolves the night before.
The plan was simple: make all other fence lines appear heavily guarded. Any mutated wolf searching for an opening would see illusions of orchard men patrolling in strong groups, effectively steering them toward the single unguarded gap. Once the beasts poured through, orchard defenders concealed behind a row of thick trunks would strike from high ground with spears and arrows.
Rowan grimly inspected each plate. "We have enough illusions to last a couple hours. Let's hope the wolves bite before dark."
Kael wiped sweat from his brow. The synergy forging was draining, but he masked the strain behind calm focus. The orchard was battered, and he had a personal vow to see them through. Meanwhile, Gethran quietly double-checked the runic lines. Satisfied, he turned to Kael.
"Your illusions are formidable, Kael," the scholar murmured. "I only wish we had more time to refine them."
Kael dipped his head. "Hopefully it's enough."
The Wolf Pack Advances
Late afternoon shadows began lengthening when watchful orchard men at vantage points signaled movement. A cluster of smaller mutated wolves emerged from the north treeline. Their hackles rose, muzzles sniffing the air. True to plan, illusions flickered along the orchard's perimeter— ghostly orchard men patrolling, giving the impression of solid defenses.
The beasts prowled, uncertain. Then one of them caught sight of the gap near the oak trees. It let out a low growl and moved closer. Two more joined, drawn by the apparent lack of watchers there. For a tense minute, the orchard men waited, hearts pounding. Would the wolves take the bait?
Yes, they did. The lead wolf crouched, then slipped through the gap. Others followed in quick succession, snarling and snapping. Farther behind, a half-dozen more emerged from the shadows. They, too, darted for that one opening.
Kael and Rowan watched from a hidden vantage behind a thick oak trunk, orchard spears braced. Brynn balanced on a low tree branch overhead, hatchet in hand. Baret and Torik readied crossbows from behind a collapsed wagon. Everyone held their breath.
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The moment the wolves funneled into the kill zone, Rowan gave a sharp gesture. Arrows whistled from orchard men hidden among branches. Two wolves yelped and dropped instantly. Brynn hurled his hatchet, striking a third. Torik's crossbow bolt nailed another, sending it flailing.
A fierce melee erupted. Surprised, the remaining wolves snarled and lunged at the orchard line. But with the advantage of elevated positions and concealment, orchard men thrust spears downward, confounding the beasts. Earth synergy rippled underfoot as Kael channeled a small Earthen Snare, tangling one wolf's hind legs. Another orchard worker pinned it with a pitchfork.
Within moments, nearly half the intruding pack lay dead or wounded. The rest, realizing the ambush, tried to bolt back through the gap. But illusions along the perimeter flickered anew, confusing their sense of direction. Rowan seized that chaos, leading orchard men in a swift push.
Despite the orchard's battered morale, fury over lost friends fueled them. They struck down another two beasts. A final pair scrambled free, fleeing out the gap and into the woods with panicked yelps.
The Taste of Reprieve
When the dust settled, the orchard's defenders found themselves breathing heavily but victorious in that skirmish. Blood dotted the grass, and the stench of wolf carcasses mingled with sweat. Brynn hopped down from his perch, wincing at his still-sore ribs.
"We got them good," he muttered, wiping a spatter of gore off his vest. "Not the entire pack, but this will sting the alpha if it's controlling them."
Rowan nodded, relief in his eyes. "A needed success. Well done, Kael." He clapped Kael's shoulder gently, mindful the boy was pushing himself to maintain illusions.
Kael managed a small smile. "That should force the alpha to pull back or at least pause. We've lessened their numbers."
Near the gap, Gethran crouched beside a fallen beast, noting the dark spines. "These transformations… so unnatural. Forced awakening, perhaps. Even so, cunning or no, losing several outriders might make the alpha more wary. We have a bit of breathing room."
The orchard staff quickly cleared the bodies, piling them near a distant corner. A few men retched at the sight; the orchard was hardly used to such relentless carnage. Still, a flicker of hope lightened their grim faces. They had landed a real blow against the monstrous pack.
Messenger Departing
Not long after, Gethran's messenger—a wiry young man named Calden—finished packing a small horse with supplies. Gethran handed him a wax-sealed letter. "Ride hard to the city, Calden. We need official help—tell them a monstrous direwolf siege. And mention these forced awakenings we suspect."
Calden nodded, fear and determination warring in his eyes. "I'll do my best, Master Gethran. By the orchard's grace, I'll return with reinforcements."
He cast a quick glance at Kael. "Thanks for everything, lad. Saw that fancy forging you did last night. Keep the orchard safe till I'm back."
Kael dipped his head, murmuring a polite farewell. Then the messenger kicked the horse into motion, galloping away through a side path. The orchard watchers parted, watching him vanish beyond the orchard's perimeter, hoping the alpha's scouts wouldn't intercept him.
The Quiet Aftershock
A tense calm fell over Greenwood Orchard as dusk approached. The defenders regrouped near the barn, tending to minor cuts from that last skirmish. Although they had inflicted decent losses on the wolf pack, nobody believed the alpha would remain idle forever. The battered orchard walls still loomed, and illusions wouldn't last indefinitely.
Rowan eventually ordered a half-hour of rest. Men slumped against crates, gulping water. Torik cracked a rare grin as he recounted how an arrow pinned two wolves together. Baret tried to lighten spirits with a tired joke about "Kael's illusions messing up even my aim." The orchard's morale lifted slightly—at least they had scored a real victory.
Meanwhile, Kael stole a moment behind the barn, staff leaning against the wall. He rubbed tension from his shoulders, reflecting on how the day was overshadowed by crisis. If not for the orchard's plight, we'd be celebrating with Father and Mother…
Still, a small part of him felt satisfaction in having turned illusions into a formidable tool. The synergy forging was demanding, but at least illusions had proven pivotal—maybe for the last time. According to the hush of his own thoughts, he could sense new synergy wells stirring. One day soon, illusions might take a back seat to more direct synergy forging. But for now, illusions had saved lives.
A Subtle Milestone
As Kael closed his eyes, a faint ripple shivered through his mana channels. He recognized that tingling sensation from the forging battles of previous nights.
System NotificationDue to intense illusions usage in high-stress ambush, [Phantom Veil] has met extended synergy thresholds. Skill advanced from (Basic, Lv.4) → (Basic, Lv.5).
A wave of mild vertigo brushed over him, then receded. Kael blinked away the feeling. So the illusions improved further… but how much longer will I rely on them?
His status aside, he forced a calm exhale. Another incremental step, but overshadowed by the orchard's immediate danger. At the very least, the illusions would be even more convincing if needed.
Brief Exchange with Joren
A moment later, Joren found him. His father's left shoulder was bandaged, but he managed to stand tall. Quietly, Joren placed a hand on Kael's arm. "I know you're…doing more than we see. Thank you, son."
Kael mustered a faint grin. "We'll get through this, Father."
Joren nodded firmly. "You've given us hope. That cunning plan of yours—luring part of the pack into a choke—bought us time." Then he hesitated, lowering his voice. "I just wish we could do something more… it's your birthday, after all."
Kael's chest tightened. "After we survive, Father. That'll be celebration enough." He paused, allowing a moment of warmth. "Please rest a bit. I'll help Rowan patch up the orchard's next line of defense."
With that, they parted ways.
A Tense Wait for Nightfall
As evening drew closer, orchard men hammered crude reinforcements around the barn's perimeter. Gethran inspected synergy plates, ensuring illusions wouldn't falter if the wolves tested a different gap. Brynn stifled groans, complaining his ribs burned but refusing to lie idle. He insisted on manning the northern vantage—just in case the alpha tried a direct assault there.
Torchlight began flickering across the orchard yard once more, painting the battered trees in swaying shadows. The orchard staff set small fires around the courtyard to deter lurking beasts. Now and then, a distant growl echoed, sending pulses of apprehension through them all.
Time crawled. Kael felt the orchard's tension in every breath. The earlier victory had not dispelled the underlying dread that the alpha might soon mount a final push. The respite might last hours or mere minutes. Everyone was too wound up to rest easily, especially on a day that symbolized birth and life for Kael—though overshadowed by wolves and illusions.
Steeling Themselves
Eventually, Rowan rallied the orchard men in front of the barn. "We'll cycle our watches. If that alpha tries to test us again, we stand ready. Keep your spears close, bows nocked. Don't wander alone."
Kael, staff across his back, stood among them. Gethran cleared his throat, addressing them next. "I've sent my best messenger for city help. If luck favors us, reinforcements or at least a mage patrol could arrive in a day or two. We must endure until then."
They all nodded solemnly. Kael felt the orchard collectively gather courage. Men cast quick glances at him, gratitude mingled with quiet expectation. He recognized the unspoken question: Could his illusions carry them one more time? Could the synergy forging stand up to the alpha's next wave?
Privately, Kael hoped so. He pressed a hand to his chest, recalling that flicker of synergy that had advanced his illusions once more. Phantom Veil (Basic, Lv.5), the system had said. Another small milestone on a day that normally would've been about celebrating new life.
Looking Ahead
Night fell fully. Lanterns glowed in a ring around the barn courtyard, orchard men posted at intervals. The battered orchard lay tense but fractionally more hopeful. A chunk of the wolf pack had been culled; a messenger was en route for reinforcements. For the first time in days, they seemed to have a real chance at survival—if the alpha didn't launch an overwhelming assault before help arrived.
Kael slipped behind the barn for a quiet moment alone. He gazed at the moonlit orchard, trying to steady the swirl of thoughts. So much had changed in one year. He'd grown from a clandestine synergy user forging small wards to the orchard's unofficial lynchpin, culminating in illusions that had turned the tide—at least temporarily.
Yet ironically, on the day he turned nine, illusions were on the brink of being overshadowed by something else. The synergy in his body crackled with potential, waiting for that next threshold. Even Gethran had glimpsed the glints of deeper forging potential in Kael's technique. Soon enough, illusions would fade behind more robust synergy forging—and an "official awakening" the orchard would only learn about in the next crisis.
He exhaled, letting that notion pass without bitterness. This was no time to dwell on birthdays or personal wishes. The orchard's survival demanded every cunning ploy and synergy trick at his disposal. If illusions still helped them cling to hope, so be it.
From beyond the fence, a distant howl rumbled—low and menacing. Possibly the alpha prowling again, angered at losing outriders. Kael turned, staff at the ready, returning to rejoin Rowan and the others. The orchard would not sleep easy tonight, but they had gained a fleeting advantage, enough perhaps to see the dawn.
In the hush of that overshadowed birthday, Kael steeled himself for whatever the alpha direwolf planned next. Their final stand was drawing nearer, and while illusions had served him well, an even greater synergy awaited. Tomorrow or the next day, he would stand at the center of the orchard's fate once again—no matter the cost.
End of Chapter 41
Status Screen
Name: Kael Ashborne
Age: 9
Talent: SSS (Hidden)
Core Grade: Red (Peak) – near Orange
Level: 13EXP: 200 / 3500
Free Attribute Points: 5
Attributes:
Strength: 29 Agility: 10 Constitution: 26 Intelligence: 36 Spirit: 50
Trait: Sage's Insight (Advanced synergy & forging comprehension)
Synergy Channeling:
Earth Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.4)Fire Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.3)Water Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.1)Air Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.1)Light Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.1)
Skills & Spells:
Earthen Snare (Intermediate, Lv.3)Ember Bolt (Intermediate, Lv.2)Stone Shield (Intermediate, Lv.1)Windflare Alarm (Intermediate, Lv.1)Warmth Ward (Basic, Lv.5)Phantom Veil (Basic, Lv.5) (+1 level this chapter)Static Lash (Basic, Lv.2)
