THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

Chapter 23: Chapter 23: BLOOD ALPHA

David crested the hill, the wind whipping his hair into a frenzy. The journey had taken him an eternity, the sun painting the sky in hues of bruised orange and regret as it dipped below the horizon. A terse system message echoed in his mind, a neon sign in a forgotten alleyway - "You have entered Blood Alpha's Domain." Great. He knew the drill. Slay the big bad boss, clear the floor.

But where, oh where, did one find a boss monster in the middle of this desolate wasteland?

Another sigh escaped his lips, heavy as a stone. This was never supposed to be complicated. Just a simple tower run, right? A primal urge thrummed through him, and with a deep breath, he willed the Frostfangs into existence.

Tiny motes of light materialized around his palms, swirling and coalescing into the familiar weapons. The summoning display was a tactical blunder, losing the advantage of a sneak attack and the precious seconds spent conjuring when his life hung in the balance - was far too terrifying to contemplate.

So, weapons at the ready, David scanned the desolate landscape, a lone warrior in a war he barely understood.