Justin’s heart raced, brandishing his cane and preparing for whatever might come next. Lila stood beside him, her hand subtly resting on the hilt of a throwing knife.

In the dim light at the top of the stone steps stood an orc, and one unlike any he had ever seen. This orc was younger, which Justin could tell from his smooth skin and lack of wrinkles. He sensed the orc was not just young but likely a teenager. It was something about his bearing, the lack of assurance in his eyes. His skin was a distinctive shade of gray, contrasting with the few, green-skinned orcs Justin had encountered before. He stood around six feet tall, with a lean build that suggested agility rather than strength. His amber eyes flickered with a mix of caution and uncertainty.

The orc held a basic wooden staff and wore gray mage robes that were frayed and patched in several places, which also evidenced red bloodstains. His black hair was short and unruly, and his tusks were small, barely protruding from his lower lip. A distinct brand was visible on his forehead, a circular mark with two intersecting lines. Despite his initial aggressive stance, the orc’s posture was not that of a warrior ready for battle but rather of someone hoping to deter trouble without causing harm.

“Stay where you are!” the orc commanded again, his voice gruff yet tinged with nervousness. “There’s plenty more where that came from!”

Justin raised his hands slowly, signaling peace. “We’re not here to fight.”

He took a moment to observe the young orc, noting the signs of fear and uncertainty in his eyes.

Lila glanced at Justin, her eyes questioning, but Justin was confident in his assessment. Perhaps it was his heightened Charisma, but he could read the young orc like a book. The orc was far more scared than they were and didn’t want any trouble.

Justin took a careful step forward, maintaining eye contact. “My name’s Justin.” His tone was soothing. “This is Lila. We’re just looking for shelter for the night. We didn’t mean to intrude. What’s your name?”

The orc’s grip on his staff tightened, his eyes darting between Justin and Lila. There was a moment of silence, and Justin could see the internal struggle in the orc’s eyes. He was afraid and uncertain.

“You…you shouldn’t be here,” the orc stammered, his voice lacking the previous intensity. “This place…it’s not safe.”

Lila raised an eyebrow. “Not safe? From what?”

The orc hesitated, searching for words.

Justin sensed an opportunity. He made his voice as gentle as he could. “Look. We’re not here to cause trouble. Are you alone?”

“I’m warning you!” the orc said, raising his staff. “My friends will be back anytime! You don’t want to be here when that happens.”

Justin knew it was a bluff. “You don’t look like someone who wants to fight. And we just want to talk. Can we do that at least?”

The orc’s shoulders slumped slightly. To Justin’s surprise, his words seemed to reach him, and he looked down, avoiding their gaze. “Fine. What is it you want? Say it and then be on your way. I…I could still make you leave. You’d best remember that!”

Justin nodded, understanding the underlying fear and loneliness in the orc’s words. “We won’t stay if it’s a problem. I was thinking maybe we can help each other out. We’ve been through a lot, and it seems like you have too. We have food. We’d be happy to share it.”

The orc licked his thin, gray lips, unable to hide his interest. “I’m not hungry. I’ve got plenty to eat in here.”

Already, Lila was reaching for her pack, producing their supplies. “We’re happy to share. No pressure.”

The orc looked up, his amber eyes meeting Lila’s. There was a flicker of something—hope, perhaps, or maybe just a desperate need for connection. But he was still guarded, not willing to share more. Justin sensed this hesitation, recognizing it from his own experiences of feeling out of place and misunderstood.

“We’ve all got our stories,” Justin continued. “And sometimes, it’s easier to get through them together. You don’t have to tell us everything, but maybe we can start with your name?”

The orc hesitated again before finally sighing. “Kargan,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “My name is Kargan.”

Justin smiled warmly, sensing a breakthrough. “Nice to meet you, Kargan. Why don’t we sit and talk? Eat some dinner? Maybe we can figure out a way to help each other out.”

Kargan nodded slowly, the last remnants of his defensive stance fading away. He seemed to relax slightly, though there was still a wary look in his eyes. He wasn’t ready to fully trust them yet, but at least he would talk.

“I’ll eat. After that, I’d kindly ask you to get on your way. This tower’s mine.”

“No problem,” Justin said. “We can eat right out here if you’d like.”

Lila handed out the food, a simple meal of bread, cheese, and dried meat, and Kargan tore into his portion, eating it in under half a minute. Justin felt a pang of sympathy for the orc, and Lila’s green eyes widened with pity.

“You poor thing,” she said quietly. “What are you doing out here all alone?”

Kargan clenched his fists on his staff, looking like he was about to defend himself, but something about Lila’s voice just caused his stance to soften. Then, before Justin knew it, Kargan became wracked with sobs. He cried for a solid minute or two, and all Justin could do was watch him. To comfort him felt too risky at this moment.

“We’re here for you,” Justin said gently, once the sobbing had subsided a bit. “Let’s get inside at least, get a fire going. It’ll cheer you up.”

Kargan nodded at last, seeming to recognize that these two strangers didn’t mean him any harm.

They retreated to within the tower, where a low fire had burned down to coals. Kargan stoked it with the base of his staff, adding a couple of logs. Then he gave a harsh sniff, wiping his nose with his robes. “I…apologize for that display. It was…weak of me.”

“No need to apologize,” Lila said. “Sometimes, you just need to cry it out. Gods know I’ve done it plenty of times in the last few weeks.”

Kargan gave a singular nod, the flames dancing in his amber eyes. “I suppose you want to know what a young orc like me is doing way out here, away from the clan halls.”

Justin didn’t push for more, knowing that prying would just close Kargan off further. Sometimes, the best thing to say was nothing at all. He knew this intrinsically, but he didn’t know where the knowledge had come from. Conversations weren’t just push and pull. Sometimes, conversation was simply sitting still and allowing truths to settle.

After a few minutes, Justic cleared his throat. “How about we tell our story first?”

“If you’d like,” Kargan replied, his tone neutral.

“I’ll be honest,” Justin began. “We’re on the run from some bad types. We think they’ll be headed up this way in a day or two.”

“Hmm. Thanks for the information. Why are they chasing you?”

“That’s a long story. We’re not thieves or anything. Just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Heh. I can relate to that.”

“What do you mean?” Lila asked.

“It’s the story of my life." Kargan paused for a moment, reflecting. "Being born a gray-skin is bad enough, so I’m used to being alone. You probably know that we orcs value Power and Endurance above all.” He gave a bitter laugh. “Well, you can see from my stature, I’m hardly larger than a grown human.”

“You’re still strong,” Lila protested. “Very!”

“Not for an orc,” he said. “I’ve given up on the idea that I’m going to be a mighty warrior. There’s smithing, of course, but to make armor like we do, it requires raw strength. Master Grudak didn’t want to apprentice me unless I could get my hands on a Craftsman Core. Not likely. Such cores only go to the strongest of the brood, not a runt like me.”

“The way you talk about yourself,” Lila said. “It hurts my heart, Kargan.”

“Does it? Well, I’m used to it, you might say. Sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable. We esteem ourselves the way others esteem us. The clan is like a forge that shapes its children. If you don’t fit the mold, you end up discarded.”

Justin felt a burst of realization. “Is that what happened to you, Kargan?”

The orc was silent for a long time, and from that silence, Justin knew he’d hit the nail on the head.

“A gray-skin. A mage. A weakling. I suppose it wasn’t hard to figure out.”

“Mages are powerful, though,” Lila said. “You knocked us back a good five paces!”

Kargan laughed bitterly. “Powerful? My clan would say I’m weak to use such a ward. Magic is for the weak, for those who can’t wield a hammer or war axe, who can’t shape armor or shields or useful tools. Magic is not for the orcs. Orcs are only born with Power or Endurance Cores. Magic isn’t even a consideration.”

“But you’re a mage,” Justin said. “How is it possible for you to be a mage if orcs have only Power or Endurance Cores?”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“That’s…a long story.”

“Well, we have time,” Lila said. “I mean, only if you want to share it. It might take the burden off your shoulders.”

Kargan stared into the flames doubtfully. “I’ve been out here a long time. Over a month now. You two are the only ones I've seen. Maybe...maybe it's not a bad idea.”

“How’d you become a mage?” Justin asked again. “Orcs really only have one of two Core Attributes?”

“That’s right,” he said. “In return, we are hardier than other races. And stronger. And we can see well in the dark. It’s give and take, I suppose. Humans can take on any core. It's kind of your thing.”

He took a deep breath, weighing his decision to share. Justin and Lila waited as Kargan began his tale.

The orc stared into the flames, his expression a mix of bitterness and resignation. “I suppose it all started with the raid. Our clan often sends out raiding parties to claim resources and, occasionally, magical items from nearby territories and Vaults. It’s not unusual; it’s just the way things are done among us orcs. We prize Power and Endurance, and whatever we can use to enhance those is worth the risk. Might is right, mostly.”

He paused, looking down at his hands, which were wrapped around the staff. “There was this Vault in the Darkwood Forest just north of here—a place of ancient magic, dangerous but filled with treasures. The clan elders decided it was worth the risk, and they sent a party to clear it out. I wasn’t part of the main group; I was just there to assist with carrying supplies and doing the menial tasks the Warriors couldn’t be bothered with.”

Kargan’s voice grew softer, and he seemed to withdraw into himself. “Inside the Vault, they found a core. A Blood Warden core. It’s a rare type, rarely seen. It’s one of two mage cores that uses the Endurance Attribute, the other being Blood Mage. The Blood Warden core grants the ability to protect and heal—supportive magic, really. Not the power we orcs value. Sometimes, some of the lower caste women will take it on, but even then, she has to live far away from the clans and isn’t allowed to marry or bear children. They downright look down upon the Blood Warden class. It uses one’s very Life Force—a sacred thing to us Orcs—spending it to create wards and stuff. Basically, it’s not in keeping with Gor’Thaak, so it’s tolerated at best.”

“Gor’Thaak?” Justin asked.

“The Duology,” Kargan explained. “I suppose humans know little about it. It’s our god, I guess you could say. Male and female rolled into one. Male for Power, Gor. Female for Endurance, Thaak. If it doesn’t follow Gor’Thaak, well, it’s probably outright heresy. Though Blood Warden is an Endurance class, it directly attacks one’s Life Force to heal and protect, so it is sacrilege.”

“I see,” Lila said.

Kargan nodded. “We orcs have little respect for magic anyway, and those who use it are often seen as weak or untrustworthy, even among other races. It’s not in keeping with Gor’Thaak. The clan was disappointed with the core, especially given the blood that was spilled for it, but given its rarity, they thought it would fetch a good price in the market, even if it wasn’t useful to us. Failing that, one of the lower women would be forced to take it on. Despite the class being reviled, the elders are wise enough to understand it has its uses in healing the sick and injured.”

He swallowed hard, the memories clearly painful. “But then, as we were leaving the Vault, we were attacked. A pack of dire wolves, led by an alpha wolf twice the size of a normal one. It was chaos. The warriors fought bravely, but we were outnumbered and surprised, and the party was weakened from the raid. I…I panicked. I didn’t know what to do. In the chaos, I was bitten badly on the arm.” Kargan held up his right arm, but there was no injury to speak of. “One warrior drew the beast away from me. Somehow, I found myself alone, hiding in the baggage cart with the core. It was glowing, pulsing with blue energy. I was certain we were all going to die, and it was the only way I’d get to live. I knew it was forbidden. But all the same…I felt it calling to me. So…I absorbed it.”

Kargan looked up, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. “And for the first time in my life, I heard the Creator’s voice.”

The Creator’s voice. Justin was almost going to ask what Kargan meant until he realized he was describing the System’s voice. So that was the Creator?

“I felt something like acceptance for the first time in my life. The Core bonded with me as if it always belonged. It was like nothing I’d ever felt before—a rush of power and energy. As a Level 0, of course, I had nothing but my main class skill, Forge of Life.”

“What does that do?” Justin asked.

“It heals the Blood Warden…slowly. All of a Blood Warden's magic harnesses our Life Force to heal and protect. Blood Wards, I guess you could call it. So, with my main class ability…my wounds heal much more quickly. Life Force it what heals us, and Blood Wardens gain it much faster than others.”

“Sounds powerful,” Justin said.

Kagan continued his story. “Among the cart, I found this old staff among the loot. Somehow, I knew it would work to focus my wards. I had none to speak of, yet. But since I could heal much more quickly, I felt brave enough to contribute to the defense. I wouldn’t say I turned back the tide, but for the first time, I felt like I was contributing to the clan. Some part of me hoped the others would see that, too.” His shoulders slumped. “Of course, it was too much to hope for. To them, I had stolen the core. I had taken what wasn’t mine, and worse, I had become something they despised: a mage. A male Blood Warden. It’s like an oxymoron to the Orcish clans. There is no deeper shame among us.”

Justin felt a deep sympathy for Kargan’s plight, understanding the pain of being ostracized for being different.

Kargan clenched his fists, his gray knuckles turning white. “They took me back to the clan for judgment. The elders were beyond furious. My parents…they looked like they wanted to die from shame. The elders accused me of treachery, of dishonoring our traditions. For going against Gor’Thaak. My father and mother spoke not a word in my defense. In their eyes, I could see the truth. I was no longer their son. The elders…they said I had tainted myself with magic. I was no longer fit to be part of the clan. They exiled me, cast me out with nothing but the clothes on my back and this staff. And of course, this brand you see on my forehead, so every other clan knows what I am. A mage and an exile. They let me keep the staff. I’d already bound it to myself, so it was of no use to them.”

Kargan’s shoulders slumped further, the weight of his story clearly bearing down on him. “I’ve been out here ever since, trying to survive on my own. The magic is useful, but it can’t replace the life I lost. I just...wish I could go back. I don’t know what possessed me to grab that core. I just…I just wanted to belong, I guess. To help. For once in my life.”

Justin had tears in his eyes, while Lila looked as if she wanted to comfort the young orc, but it was still too soon for that.

“You just wanted to help,” Justin said. “You said you did it to save yourself, and that’s true. But deep down, all you’ve ever wanted was to help others. That’s why the core called to you. Religion can be funny. They’re just a collection of traditions that are wrapped up and given a name. They might be useful for the time in which they are written. But times change. That might sound like heresy to you, but clearly, you want to use your powers to help people.”

Kargan nodded, a tear falling from his right eye. “That…speaks to my soul.”

“What level are you now?” Lila asked.

Kargan snickered. “Just Level 2. There are few opportunities to practice my magic out here. In fact, that spell that knocked you back is one of the two I have, the Ward of Aegis. Meant to just protect a small area and provide minor healing to those inside it. It also helps hide anyone inside of it, like if you're camping out in the wilds. It should get more powerful as I level up.”

“It’s pretty powerful already,” Lila pointed out. “That can come in real handy out here. That's why this tower seemed empty from a distance. The ward was concealing it."

“What’s your other spell?” Justin asked.

“Sacrificial Armor,” Kargan said. “It lets me take some of my Life Force and use it to protect myself for a while. Useful, I’m sure, but I haven’t had the chance to try it out in a fight.”

“I’m not trying to offend, but it’s crazy to say that you’re not strong,” Justin said. “It’s not just your class, Kargan. It’s your desire to help others. This tower is the last place you should be.”

“It’s the place society has deemed fit for me.”

“There are orcs out there in the world,” Lila said. “I’ve seen them. I’ve even seen some with similar brands on their foreheads. You aren’t unique in being exiled.”

“They could be criminals, or worse,” Kargan said.

“Or they could be just like you,” Justin pointed out. “Either way, what do you plan to do once you run out of supplies?”

Kargan didn’t have an answer for that. Something told Justin that he intended to starve himself.

“Listen,” Justin said. “I’m an outsider, too. I have been for my whole life. I also have a class that many people find useless. Doesn’t feel great to be called that.”

Kargan nodded in recognition. “What class is that?”

“Socialite.”

“Ah,” Kargan said. “I see how others might say that’s useless.”

Lila couldn’t stop herself from snickering.

“My point exactly,” Justin said good-naturedly. “I’ve made the best of it. If I could be a badass Blood Warden who got to cast Blood Wards, I'd do it in a heartbeat. That said, this class has surprised me. It’s gotten Lila and me out of some tough spots. The point being, you never know your worth until you try. And sometimes, people’s beliefs prevent them from seeing your worth. Just means you haven’t found the right people yet.”

“The right clan,” Kargan finished. “Yes. I see what you mean.” He frowned a bit. “This…is a lot to take in. And it’s rather late. I’ve…probably shared too much. It’s weak to share feelings.”

“You did just fine,” Justin assured him. “And sharing your feelings isn’t weakness. Vulnerability can be a sign of strength.”

Kargan frowned, as if the concept were foreign to him. “That…makes little sense.”

“Think about your magic,” Justin said. “You take your Life Force, which weakens you, right?”

“Yes.”

“And you apply that Life Force elsewhere, creating strength. It’s like that.”

“Hmm. Maybe there’s something to it.”

It was quiet for a while after that. Lila yawned.

“We should get some rest,” Justin said. “Before we do, though, I’d like to make you an offer.”

“An offer? What do you mean?”

“Lila and I could use someone like you. We’re heading for Windfall. We’ve…lost two of our friends recently.”

Kargan’s expression became somber. “My condolences.”

“They were our guides. I’m not sure we can find our way alone out here. You’re probably not safe to stay in this tower for much longer, anyway.”

“I have my Ward of Aegis. I can manage.”

Lila leaned forward. “No disrespect, but with the ones chasing us, that won’t cut it. You need to come with us for your own safety. Windfall could use someone with your abilities, Kargan. The Mage Guild is widespread over all Serenthel. It wouldn’t be easy, but there is a place for you in the world. I know it.”

“Would they help a Blood Warden like me?” he asked. “Our magic works…differently. From what I’ve researched, many people distrust it, even other mages. Especially other mages. It’s Blood Magic. While it's not a direct tie to Chaos Magic, it correlates.”

"Chaos Magic?"

"One of the four Spiritual Elements," Kargan said, looking at him strangely. "Like Death Magic, it's casting is banned in most of Serenthel. They get access to some Blood Magic spells, but they work differently from my Blood Magic. It's a different school, if that makes sense."

Justin wasn't sure he totally understood, but he got the essence of what Kargan was saying. “The world is a big place, Kargan. Not everyone will understand or accept you, but there will always be those who value what you can offer. The right people are out there; it’s just a matter of finding them. Windfall could be a start.”

Kargan nodded, contemplating Justin’s words. “I know the way to Windfall. I…could take you there. Maybe.” He shook his head. “I’ll have to sleep on it.”

“Of course,” Justin said. “If you’re ready to sleep, we can head back outside, as promised.”

Kargan shook his head. “No need for that. Both of you have been generous. Among my people, it’s often said: Better to share a fire than to burn alone. For the first time, I’m realizing it’s not just about fires.” He stood. “My ward should be ready to go again. It’ll keep lower-level creatures away and do a good job of hiding us, at least until morning. Might help if enemies head this way.”

“We would be grateful,” Lila said. “Thank you, Kargan.”

The orc nodded. “Don’t mention it.”

The orc took a few steps away, raising his arms wide, staff in hand. He gave a pained grunt as an aura of blue light spread from him, quickly fading into the night. Justin felt a sense of peace. It was subtle, but recognizable. An effect of the ward, he was sure.

“Did...that hurt?” Lila asked.

Kargan had his hands on his knees, wincing in pain. “Just a bit. But it’s worth it for the safety. Plus, I'll recover from it quickly.” For the first time, his lips upturned in a smile. “Nice to get triple the experience for protecting two more people instead of just me.”

Justin and Lila got out their bedrolls, settling down for the night on the opposite side of the fire. Kargan watched the flames, seeming to ruminate.

“Good night, Kargan,” Justin said.

The orc grunted in response. “Night.”

As the conversation ended, Justin received a System notification.

You have gained 20 XP (Current: 1189/550) (Level-up available!)

Justin realized the experience had come from winning the young orc’s trust. A less experienced person might have fumbled it.

Justin closed his eyes and was soon asleep.