章 23: Encounter with the Transmigrator (3)
Notice: Zephyron will be referred to as Zeyron.
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The sun had barely risen when Rudra and Lucia stood ready, their weapons at their sides and determination in their eyes. They were inside a deep forest, the territory of the Orc Lord. Both of them were nervous, but Zeyron, perched calmly on a tree branch above them, remained unhidden, as if daring the world to challenge him.
The siblings exchanged puzzled glances, unsure why their mysterious new ally would expose himself so openly. Anyone could launch a deadly attack at him.
"Shouldn't we bring the army with us?" Rudra asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his voice. It was the fifth time he had asked this question, but Zeyron remained silent. "We're strong, but against the Orc Lord and his army…"
Zeyron shook his head, his expression unbothered. "No army. They'll only slow us down."
"But—" Rudra began, but Lucia placed a hand on his arm, signaling him to stop. She understood something he didn't—Zeyron's confidence wasn't arrogance. It came from a power that surpassed anything they'd ever seen.
"Trust him, Rudra," Lucia whispered. "He knows what he's doing."
Zeyron glanced down at them, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "I don't need to hide. Nothing in this forest can defeat me." He closed his eyes, though his Universal Detection skill remained active, effortlessly scanning the surroundings. He had already sensed the orc soldiers moving toward them.
"It's time to test you now," Zeyron continued, his voice calm yet carrying an undercurrent of authority. "A group of orcs is approaching. I'll send them your way. Show me what you can do." Without waiting for a response, he subtly manipulated the wind and ground, guiding the nearby orcs toward the siblings using his ultimate skill, Lord of Marionettes, Khaos.
The two exchanged a brief glance, determination settling in. Zeyron had given them a chance to prove themselves, and they weren't about to let him down.
Suddenly, the ground began to shake as the orcs emerged from the forest, their guttural roars filling the air. There were hundreds of them—large, brutish, and armed with crude weapons. They charged forward, their eyes gleaming with bloodlust.
"Stay close," Rudra said, unsheathing his sword, which gleamed in the golden light. He stepped forward with practiced ease. "I'll handle the front line."
Lucia nodded, her hands already weaving intricate patterns in the air as she began casting her spells. "I'll cover you from behind."
The first wave of orcs crashed into them like a storm, but Rudra was ready. He swung his sword with precision, cutting through the thick hides of the orcs with deadly efficiency. His movements were fluid, each strike calculated and powerful. Orcs fell before him, but the sheer number of them was overwhelming.
Lucia, standing just behind her brother, muttered an incantation under her breath. A gust of wind formed in her hands, swirling with magical energy before she released it. The blast knocked a dozen orcs off their feet, sending them crashing into the trees.
"Wind Magic: Gale Barrage!" she shouted, launching another wave of attacks. Her magic was swift and relentless, tearing through the orcs like a storm.
Zeyron, still seated on his branch, watched silently. His Universal Detection skill continued to scan the area, revealing not only the approaching orcs but also the dark secrets of the forest. He saw the cruel treatment of the orc women and other enslaved species hidden deep within the forest camps.
His hands clenched, a flash of rage coursing through him. He could end it all right now with a single, devastating attack—his strongest magic would obliterate them in an instant.
But he held back. This wasn't his fight, not yet. He needed to see what Rudra and Lucia were capable of.
Rudra fought with a fierce intensity, his sword flashing as he cleaved through orcs one after another. Each time an orc tried to break past him, he was there, a blur of motion as he struck them down. Sweat beaded on his forehead, but his movements remained strong, focused.
Lucia was no less impressive, her magic dancing in the air as she unleashed a torrent of elemental spells. Fireballs, wind blades, and torrents of water crashed into the enemy forces, scattering the orcs with each hit. Her mastery over multiple elements was rare for someone her age, and it showed in the devastation she caused.
But the orcs were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. As Rudra fought on, he began to tire, his sword arm growing heavy. He glanced back at Lucia, who was also struggling to maintain her pace. They were strong, but the sheer number of enemies was pushing them to their limits.
Zeyron, sensing their fatigue, allowed a small smirk to cross his face. They were good, far better than any high-ranking soldiers he'd seen in the future. But this was only the beginning.
He sent a small pulse of magic through the air, manipulating the wind just enough to scatter the orcs further, giving Rudra and Lucia a brief respite. "You're doing well," he called down. "But don't get comfortable. The Orc Lord's forces will be far stronger than this."
Rudra panted heavily, nodding in acknowledgment. He tightened his grip on his sword, preparing for the next wave.
Lucia, though tired, managed a grin. "We're not done yet," she said, casting another spell. This time, the ground beneath the orcs trembled, roots bursting from the earth to entangle their legs. "Nature's Grasp!"
The orcs roared in frustration as the roots tightened around them, slowing their movements.
Rudra seized the opportunity, charging forward and cutting down several more with swift, precise strikes.
At that moment, something changed in Rudra. His combat power increased many times over.
[Nova: The target Rudra has acquired a unique skill.]
Zeyron raised an eyebrow in mild surprise and continued to watch the fight.
He watched the final moments of the battle with satisfaction. They had proven themselves capable, though he could see they still had much to learn.
As the last orc fell, Rudra and Lucia stood panting, bloodied but victorious. They turned to Zeyron, awaiting his judgment.
Zeyron opened his eyes, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad," he said, his voice calm. "But this was only a warm-up. You'll need to be much stronger if you want to face the Orc Lord."
Both siblings nodded, determination burning in their eyes once more.
"Rest now," Zeyron said, his gaze turning towards the sky, and with a flick of his magic, he obliterated the surveillance spell the Orc Lord had been using to observe the fight.
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