Evolution: A Warlock’s Rise To Power

Lucan woke to the sound of a bell ringing inside the formation.

As he ran out of his room in the tent, he found Silent rubbing the sleep out of her eyes as she followed him to see what was happening outside.

All the Willow troops were up and moving, responding faster than Lucan and Silent had. The two found Sturdy and approached him as the knight watched Shifty give out commands.

"What is going on?" Lucan asked.

"Over 200 hundred Kobolds left the gate and are following our trail towards the base camp. At the pace they are going they should be here in 10 minutes."

"Where's Frantic!" Shifty was shouting.

The young formation master came running up to Shifty.

"How positive are you that they won't be able to find us?"

"Uhh, I am about 90% certain. Since everyone is here, we have activated the high-grade barrier and dispersion charm. With the illusion upgrade I got from Lucan we should be fine. Even if they bounce off of our formation, they aren't likely to notice it."

"We should use this chance to kill off some more kobolds." One of Shifty's subordinates suggested.

Shifty frowned. "Let's not, if even one escapes, they will confirm our location and send raids at us every night, not giving us a break, it's risky and not worth it." Shifty said before looking towards Sturdy.

The Vice-captain of the A team nodded to Shifty to show his agreement.

Shifty continued. "But if they want to raid us at night, we can do the same to them. Stealth team!" He hollered out an order for them to assemble.

He passed the leader of the stealth team a map based on Lucan and Silent's work earlier in the day.

The stealth team leader studied the map before passing it around to his subordinates. "How should we proceed?"

"If there are enemies in the courtyard at the base of the astronomy tower hit them but don't venture far into the fortress. You have three minutes of engagement time before you need to return. We don't want to attract anything we aren't prepared for."

"Understood. Everyone, prepare your consumables, we will leave in five."

"You can count us in." Lucan said while Silent nodded eagerly.

"Good, if you can manage, I want you to make a flashy exit on your broom if you can. It would be best if they don't have to think too hard about how we got in."

"Alright, I will do my best. I just need a couple minutes to prepare." Lucan said before starting to cast another shadow tunnel.

He was concerned about the drakes they saw on the first day. If he was pursued by something with flight abilities on his way out, he didn't want to lead them back to the base camp.

Silent ran to the tent to grab some extra supplies. When she returned Lucan was finished with the shadow tunnel. He led the Stealth leader and 20 stealth fighters towards the tunnel to the astronomy tower.

"Master, it is a pleasure to see you again." The pixie bowed and greeted Lucan as he entered the formation. The warlock was already casting spells and preparing for the fight.

From here the stealth team leader led the rest of the way. Silent chose to enter stealth herself instead of merging into Lucan's shadow, that way she would be able to leave with him and provide support in the escape if he needed it.

"Shifty gave us 3 minutes of combat time but that doesn't mean you should use it all. Stay in groups of 2. Our goal is not to injure but to kill, pick you targets, unleash you powerful attacks and retreat. Don't bother trading blows with the enemy."

22 figures hid in stealth while the team leader slowly opened the door to the courtyard. Fires were burning and over 200 kobolds lay sleeping in the courtyard while campfires crackled, and embers painted the area in a gentle warmth.

After opening the door, the stealth team leader entered stealth and stepped aside. Two ninja class users with advance stealth took the opportunity to enter first. With their advanced stealth they could set down items while remaining invisible.

Slowly and quietly the other stealth users entered the courtyard. Silent and Lucan brought up the rear.

Lucan followed Silent to the far corner by the door leaving the area where 6 unsuspecting kobolds slept with full tummies.

They quietly waited. After two minutes there was a notification in the raid chat they had joined.