Chapter 22: Adventurer party 3

All three turned their attention to the dragonewt girl with wide eyes, astonished by her unexpected outpouring of words after their long mission. Tramil looked utterly shocked, his youthful face betraying his surprise. He didn't realize he was such a bother. Valla smiled wryly, impressed by Scarlet's sudden crude torrent of honest words. She liked Scarlet a lot more than before seeing this new facet of her.

Meanwhile, Scum caught in Valla's unyielding grip, quickly returned to his struggle and fought for the little air he was allowed to receive, wheezing, choking, spitting and energetically tapping on the giant woman's hand all at the same time. Even if he wasn't in a fight for his life he wouldn't be bothered by the woman's words, in fact he would say he is honored. Shame was not a word in his vocabulary.

Tramil, still reeling from Scarlet's outburst, stammered out multiple apologies. "I'm so sorry, Scarlet. I really didn't mean to—"

"Enough! Seems like we are speaking different languages, you pathetic excuse of a man!" Scarlet snapped, cutting him off as she literally spat in his face, her patience utterly spent. "Is this clear enough?! Don't talk to me, as simple as that. Can you do that much for me, o' chosen one?" Tramil blinked multiple times, looking utterly flabbergasted.

Meanwhile, Scum, still struggling in Valla's grip, suddenly puked up his breakfast. Valla 'supportively' pounded on his back to help clear his throat. "There you go, Scum. Let it all out," she said with a grin, clearly enjoying his misery.

Scum gasped for breath, wheezing as he tried to speak. "Next... time... Valla... warn me... before... you choke me... to death..."

"Sure, next time don't be a rude asshat."

Scarlet rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with the whole scene. "Let's just get this over with," she muttered, striding ahead of the group, her demeanor icy and tired.

The two men collected themselves slowly and the party followed after the healer. It was never a good sign when the only backliner was walking headfirst into a potential orc camp so all three rushed to catch up with her. It didn't take long for them to regain their proper party composition, this time though Tramil made sure to stay far away from his crush. Although he still didn't get why she was so antagonistic he did indeed finally get the message.

The makeshift orc army stood in disarray but looked fierce and ready to fight. The males, with their bulging muscles and crude weapons, snarled and bared their tusks. The females, equally formidable, wielded axes and spears, their eyes burning with the same ferocity. Towering over them all by more than a head was the orc boss, his presence both commanding and intimidating. His massive frame, covered in scars and primitive armor, radiated power and determination.

Although individually these orcs would be easy for the adventurer party to defeat, the sheer numbers posed a significant challenge. Tramil and Valla, both strong fighters in the upper 3rd tier of the soul core stage, could handle single orcs effortlessly, but the combined force of forty warriors meant their fight would be arduous and fraught with danger.

The leader greenskin barked orders, and the orcs formed a rough line, their eyes locked on the adventurers with murderous intent. The chieftain's presence was the only real threat that could hold Valla and Tramil for more than a few seconds, but he would fall quickly to their overwhelming might in a duel as well. However, the overwhelming numbers meant they couldn't afford to be careless. They had hoped to catch the orc camp by surprise, just like last time, but the magical artifact had spoiled their plans. Now, they faced a full-scale battle that wasn't in their favor, and they knew they had to be at their best to survive and complete their mission.

As the orc army roared and began their charge, Scarlet swiftly cast a group-wide buff, "Divine Veil." A soft, shimmering light enveloped the party, bolstering their defenses and enhancing their vitality. The air around them seemed to hum with the divine energy of her spell, instilling a sense of calm and determination.

Scum wasted no time, quickly disappearing into the shadows with his stealthy agility. He circled around the orc lines, his eyes keenly searching for opportunities to strike from behind or disrupt their formation.

Valla and Tramil stood close to each other, their weapons drawn and their stances ready. Valla's massive frame, clad in steel armor, was a formidable sight. Her shield and warhammer were at the ready, prepared to absorb and retaliate against the orc onslaught. Tramil, with his gleaming armor and determined expression, held his sword and shield with confidence. They formed an unyielding front line, prepared to face the orcs head-on while protecting Scarlet, their invaluable healer.

The orcs charged with a guttural roar, their weapons raised high. The ground shook with their combined weight, and the air was filled with the scent of sweat and bloodlust. Valla and Tramil met them with a fierce determination, their weapons clashing against the crude axes and spears of the orcs.

Scarlet stood behind them, her hands glowing with healing magic, ready to mend any wounds her comrades sustained. The Divine Veil continued to shimmer around them, absorbing some of the initial blows from the orcs. Valla swung her warhammer with devastating force, smashing through orc shields and bones alike. Tramil's sword danced with precision, cutting down any orc that dared to approach.

In the midst of the chaos, Scum reappeared behind the orc lines. He moved with the stealth and grace of a seasoned thief, his eyes constantly scanning for weak points in the orc formation. Finding an opening, he began to create havoc, slashing at tendons and cutting through unprotected backs. The orcs, confused by the sudden attacks from within their ranks, started to lose their coordination.

Despite their initial success, the massive numbers of the orcs began to take their toll. For every orc that fell, another two took its place. Valla and Tramil were slowly being pushed back, their movements becoming slower and more labored. Scarlet's healing spells could only do so much as the sheer volume of attacks started to overwhelm them. Scum's disruptive tactics, while effective, couldn't stem the tide of orcs flooding the battlefield.

The adventurer party, despite their skill and bravery, was being worn down. Their defenses began to falter, and it became increasingly clear that they were slowly losing ground. The orcs, sensing their weakening resolve, pressed their advantage with renewed ferocity. The battle that had started with such confidence now teetered on the brink of despair as the adventurers struggled to hold on against the relentless onslaught.