Standing on the roof of the nearest building close to the town gate, Thoren watched the chaos rapidly approaching the town.
A thick, suffocating tension hung over the settlement like a sword poised above everyone's neck.
The previously bustling streets were now completely empty.
Doors were shut tightly.
Windows were barred.
Children hid behind their parents, trembling in fear even though they did not fully understand what was happening.
Outside the town walls, Mantis Beastmen and human awakeners stood shoulder to shoulder.
Weapons were unsheathed.
Hands trembled.
Many who had never witnessed a beast tide before could not stop shaking.
Some even thought about fleeing.
But where could they run?
Hiding inside the town was not an option.
Every awakener had been ordered onto the battlefield by the Crimson Arc Guild.
There were no exceptions.
Staring at the massive cloud of crimson dust growing larger by the second, nobody dared speak.
Nobody dared move.
Silence.
