“Everyone,” Corvin called out, his voice carrying authority. “Since I’ll be heading into orc territory, Voltaria will take over as Chief while I am gone. Treat her as you would me, actually, she’s stronger than I am now, so… try not to piss her off.” He grinned as the lizardmen bowed deeply.
“Good luck, Chief!” they shouted in unison.
Stone approached, his expression firm. “Chief, I want to join you,” he said seriously.
Corvin shook his head. “Nope. Can’t allow that. This will be extremely dangerous, and I need you here to protect the tribe. You’re my second-in-command, after all.” He winked and patted Stone’s shoulder.
“Chief, you’re like a father to me. I want to fight by your side. I want to kill our enemies together,” Stone insisted, his voice trembling with resolve.
“No, Stone,” Corvin said, his tone soft but unyielding. “Don’t make me repeat myself. I don’t even know if I’ll survive this. Stay behind and protect the weak. If I don’t return, help Voltaria and grow strong, my boy.” His words carried the weight of an old warrior, though he was far from that. I could never forgive myself if he died a useless death like Stix and Urdu. Corvin sighed and squeezed Stone's shoulder.
Stone lowered his head, defeated. “I understand, Chief,” he whispered before walking away.
“You did the right thing,” Kang murmured, his voice grave. “What we’re about to attempt… It’s not for younglings.”
Corvin smirked. “Well, Kang, my friend, I’m only sixteen. Should I stay behind, too?”
Kang blinked, stunned. “My friend… how are you so strong at such a young age?”
Corvin smiled faintly, though his eyes betrayed a deep sorrow. “Life happened, you know?”
“I understand,” Kang said quietly, offering no further words.
Corvin clapped his hands, forcing a grin. “Well then, why don’t we have a feast? Celebrate our first big win and Voltaria’s evolution!” His voice rang out, lifting the tribe’s spirits as he moved to prepare the meal.
***
The rich aroma of roasted and grilled meats drifted across the new camp, mingling with the crisp night air. Corvin had even spent 10,000 points to purchase an array of side dishes, meals infused with restorative properties that healed wounds and soothed weary minds.
As darkness settled over the plateau, Corvin sat at the long wooden table, sharing laughter and stories with the tribe. With his Primal Tongue skill now maxed, communication flowed effortlessly, and for the first time, he felt the warmth of true camaraderie.
Mother, I finally found a place that I can call home. I sure will miss them. He smiled gently, staring at the tribe. I wonder if this is what Stix was trying to get back to. In a way, I guess I achieved his dream.
Then, as the feast began to wind down, Corvin rose, his expression solemn.
“Everyone… I’ll prepare myself now. Tonight, we strike. All three of us are stronger under the cover of darkness, so we’ll use that advantage while the orcs remain unaware.”
He turned and entered his tent, the flicker of firelight casting long shadows behind him. Inside, he summoned his Status Window.
29 points to spend… Corvin frowned, scanning his stats. With my newest skill, my stats are boosted, but that’s borrowed power. Once I’m alone, it will all be gone. In the end, the only strength I can truly rely on… is mine.
He exhaled slowly, then made his choice.
Seven into Vitality. Eighteen into Luck. Four into Intelligence. Let’s see what happens.
Light flared around him as his body hardened, skin toughening like tempered steel. His mind sharpened slightly, but Luck yielded nothing.
*** Skill Unlocked: Iron Skin Lv. 1 (Active) ***
Skill awarded to the user who invests 50 points into Vitality.
When activated, the user’s skin will grow as hard as iron, making the user sturdier and raising their physical defenses.
Cooldown: 3 Hours
Duration: 5 Minutes
Mana Cost: 0 Mana
Okay, more defense is always good, but getting nothing from Luck sure does suck. I still am not sure if I’m wasting my points on that. He shook his head and put aside these thoughts as he started browsing through his skills. I have so many now. Damn, when I remember gaining Iron Lungs and Echolocation, that feels like a lifetime ago. Or was it? Well, it sure feels like it with everything that has happened. His gaze hardened. I have enough firepower to take down a few orcs, but the goal isn’t slaughter. Rescue the slaves first. Avoid unnecessary fights.
He stood, resolve burning in his eyes, and stepped out into the night.
Corvin said his goodbyes, promising to return if fate allowed. Then, with Nera and Kang at his side, he passed through the camp gates. Shadows embraced him as he activated his Night Lord title, and the trio vanished into the darkness.
***
The trio moved like shadows, veiled by darkness, their speed almost unreal. Under the cloak of night, their senses sharpened, their movements fluid and silent.
“I feel much more confident fighting in the dark. Right, Kang?” Corvin whispered as they ran, breaking the silence with small talk.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Werejaguars are creatures of the night. We always hunt under the cover of night,” Kang replied simply, pride lacing his tone.
Corvin chuckled and glanced at Nera, who darted forward like an arrow. Each time she paused, her massive body coiled before launching ahead in explosive bursts, easily keeping pace with the two.
They pressed on without rest, arriving near the orc settlement in the dead of night. Most of the orcs lay asleep, their guttural snores echoing faintly, while a handful of guards patrolled the perimeter.
“Where now?” Corvin murmured, his voice barely audible.
“There’s a narrow path on the east side,” Kang explained. “They use it to dump scraps and feed pigs.”
Corvin raised a brow. “How did you even find that?”
“I’ve been scouting for months,” Kang admitted, his tone tinged with frustration. “But when I found it, I realized I couldn’t save everyone alone.”
Corvin nodded slowly. “I see. Well, now you’ve got us two. Right, Nera?” He reached out to pat her scaled head. “Let’s move.”
With that, the trio slipped into the shadows, following Kang toward the hidden entrance.
***
They reached the eastern entrance, a narrow, cramped path flanked by pig dens. The trio moved swiftly, careful to avoid the sleeping beasts. If even one woke and sounded the alarm, their entire plan would collapse.
Silently, they slipped into the settlement and found themselves surrounded by rows of simple clay homes topped with hay roofs. Torches lined the paths, casting warm light across the village, giving it an oddly civilized feel.
This looks like a proper village… How are these orcs so proficient? Corvin wondered as Kang led them deeper toward the slave quarters.
After ten tense minutes, they arrived at a section enclosed by wide clay walls reinforced with iron bars, structures that resembled ancient prisons. Inside, dozens of captives huddled together: werebeasts, lizardmen, goblins, kobolds, and even a few ogres.
Holy shit… Look at all these people. Corvin’s breath caught. They even have goblins. Fine, I’ll save them for the quest, but if they try anything, they’re dead meat. His jaw tightened; his hatred for goblins burned deep.
“Kang, step aside. Let me break the locks.” Corvin whispered urgently. “Everyone, we’re here to save you. Back away from the bars.”
“Thank you, ugly beast,” an old goblin sneered. “But how do you plan to save us with those orcs behind you?”
Corvin’s stomach dropped. He turned slowly to see two guards grinning at them, horns already blaring the alarm.
Shit! I forgot to use Echolocation. Damn it! Corvin cursed inwardly. “Sorry, Kang, we have to run!” he shouted.
Kang growled in frustration but nodded. “We shall return!” he roared as the trio bolted toward the eastern exit, shadows streaking through the night.
***
As they sprinted through the darkness, Corvin suddenly froze, his senses flaring as Echolocation pulsed outward. His face drained of color.
“Kang, stop. We’re surrounded,” he hissed. “Four commanders… and at least thirty guards. We’re utterly screwed.”
Kang’s jaw tightened. “It’s my fault for bringing you here. Run, I’ll hold them off. You’re still young. You have a life ahead of you.” He gripped his blade, resolve burning in his eyes.
Corvin’s mind flashed back to Oslo in the dungeon, saying almost the same words before sacrificing himself. Then it switched to Julian telling him to live as he tossed him into the portal. Did nothing change? After all this? No. Hell no.
“No!” Corvin snarled. “Stay close. I’ll cover us with fog. Nera, protect yourself.” His voice dropped to a whisper as he unleashed Abyssal Dominion.
A thick white fog erupted, swallowing the battlefield. Illusions twisted through the mist, sowing terror among the orcs as the trio dashed toward the eastern exit.
This is working… Corvin allowed himself a fleeting smile until a crushing weight settled in his gut. Something massive loomed ahead, blocking their escape.
[Orc King Ord Lv. 341] [HP: 116,456 / 116,456] [MP: 2,890 / 2,890]
The towering orc, three meters of scarred muscle, stood bare-chested, a spiked iron club resting casually in his grip. His pale torso was a canvas of old battles.
“Who dares barge into my domain without saying hello?” The Orc King’s grin was pure malice.
“Shit…” Corvin muttered. “Would you let us go if I said we got lost?” His voice cracked with manic humor.
“Oh, the ugly one speaks our tongue,” Ord chuckled. “I could keep you as my personal slave. The snake looks strong. I’ll have her hunt for me. And the cat… he can surrender too.” His grin widened. “Such fine slaves, delivered to my door.”
Then he vanished.
Corvin barely had time to scream. “Kang, back! Nera, with me!” He unleashed Miasma Breath, and Nera followed with her own. Twin torrents of black smoke slammed into the approaching Orc King, cloaking him in choking darkness.
Kang smirked as the other orcs charged. “I’ve got your back!” His blade flashed, cutting through the first wave. His level had soared to 182 after consuming the last orc core, stronger than ever.
Behind him, Nera conjured Poison Rain, globes bursting overhead and behind, drenching the battlefield in venom. Screams tore through the night as poison seeped into wounds and lungs.
Corvin fired Hydroburst into the miasma, but his mana burned fast. I can’t sustain both skills… Fog is more useful. He cursed and dropped the miasma, just as Nera’s faded as well.
The smoke cleared, and the Orc King stood grinning, his health barely dented.
[HP: 84,875]
Shit… that barely scratched him. “Nera, baby… You need to run. This won’t end well.”
Nera hissed defiantly, launching globes of acid. Ord swiped his club, scattering the attack like dust, and strode forward.
“Now… my turn.” His voice was like a death sentence.
He vanished again, then reappeared behind Kang. The club came down like a meteor.
CRACK!
Kang’s body flew across the settlement, a crimson mist trailing behind him. “Well… Hope he’s not dead. Oh well,” Ord chuckled.
“Nooo! Kaaang!” Corvin roared, spinning toward Nera, just as the club swung for her head.
“Aqua Barrier! Iron Skin! Infernal Hide!” Corvin screamed, throwing himself in front of her. Coilbreaker raised.
The impact shattered his barrier like glass. His body launched through the air, smashing into a clay house that collapsed in a thunderous crash.
*** Resistance Leveled Up: Bludgeoning Lv. 4 ***
Nera hissed, retreating as she fired Miasma Beams, but Ord swatted them aside, advancing slowly.
Corvin staggered from the rubble, blood dripping from his lips. “Damn… you hit like a bitch.” His body was darkened and metallic like iron, barely holding together, but his health was halved.
“Nera… come here,” he whispered softly.
She lunged at him, and he wrapped his arms around her scaled body.
“Live a good life, okay? Father failed you…” His voice cracked as he hurled her over the settlement walls with all his might like a spear.
“Fly safe, honey!” he shouted as she vanished into the night, her hiss echoing in disbelief.
Corvin turned, spitting blood, eyes blazing. “Come on, bitch. I barely felt that.”
Ord grinned. “You amuse me. I’d keep you, but I see that’s not happening.” He lunged, club swinging.
Corvin parried with Coilbreaker, whispering: “Firebend!”
Flames erupted from the ground, forming dozens of fiery whips that lashed around the Orc King, searing his flesh and slowing his advance.
“Aaah… full of surprises, huh?” Ord roared, and then his body began to change.
Muscles bulged grotesquely. Spikes tore through his spine. Tusks like blades jutted from his jaw. Veins writhed across his skin as he shattered the fiery restraints and swung.
Corvin knew there was no escape. He stored his blade and closed his eyes.
BOOOOM!
The strike obliterated his armor, shattered his arms and ribs, and snapped his spine. His body soared through the night, a broken comet flung kilometers north.
“Damn… look at him fly,” Ord laughed, certain Corvin was dead. He didn’t bother with the broken corpse.
“Find the snake. He couldn’t have thrown it far. And someone fetch the dead cat, they stink when they rot.” He chuckled, turning back toward his hall.
“What a nice exercise,” he mused, disappearing into the shadows.
Skill Unlocked: Iron Skin Lv. 1
Skill Leveled Up: Bludgeoning Lv. 2 > Lv. 4
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