[Analyse]
Skeleton < Name > William
Demon
Unknown
4/10
9
6
15
3
None
None
Description: These once-human beings have been transformed into skeletons because their lives were filled with misery and suffering, preventing them from finding peace after death.
Their tormented souls were unable to reach the afterlife and now wander aimlessly, trapped in bleached bones. Condemned to haunt the places of their suffering, they search in vain for redemption and eternal peace.
After analysis, I can see that I'm superior in every way to the skeletons. However, it's the number of skeletons that poses a problem. What's more, there's a question on my mind:
"How come the undead have better luck than me ?"
For now, let's put that question aside and see how I can get out of this situation.
With my current state, it's impossible for me to escape. Every movement sends flashes of pain through my body, reminding me how vulnerable I am.
"K-kid," Gall murmurs, his voice weak but persistent.
"Are you still alive ? I guess your kind don't die so easily," I replied, trying to mask my own pain and disbelief.
With all the blood he'd lost, it was a miracle he was still conscious.
"I have a solution to get you out of this situation," he said in a trembling voice, a faint smile playing on his bloody lips.
"..."
"I know you don't entirely trust me, but in any case, you have no choice if you want to stay alive."
Indeed, this body-built orc is my only hope.
"I'm listening," I say, resigned.
"Wise decision," says Gall, his smile strengthening.
"First, take this bag. Inside, you'll find a potion and other things that will be useful to you."
Gall struggled to his feet, leaning on his axe, ignoring the pain that was tearing him apart, and tossed me his bag.
"Why didn't you use it during our fight ?" I asked, confused.
If he'd consumed that potion during our confrontation, I'd be the one crouching on the ground.
"There are a multitude of healing potions, all different. Some act as medicines, others heal wounds like this one," he explained, pointing at me.
"Isn't that the case with you too ?" said I, showing him the wounds I'd inflicted on him.
"Unfortunately, it's a bit different. Even if the potion heals my wounds, the blood already lost doesn't regenerate. So, even if I drink the potion here and now, it won't do me much good."
His reasoning seems logical.
"Let's not waste time, I'll create an opening so you can escape."
"That doesn't make sense."
"What ?"
Try as I might to understand, I still don't see why he wants to save me by sacrificing himself.
"You're aware that once I escape and get back on my feet, I'll get back the core your people stole from me?"
Even if Gall saves my life, I won't hesitate to exterminate his kind for my own survival.
I look at him coldly to see his reaction and get a clear answer.
But Gall isn't at all intimidated despite the fact that I'm now in a position of strength.
"I hope so," he says nonchalantly.
Normally, I can pick up on people's ulterior motives, but for him, this is a special case.
Is he okay with me exterminating his people in revenge for abandoning him, or is it something else ?
It doesn't matter, if it allows me to survive then I shouldn't hesitate.
"In that case, I accept."
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As if to affirm my words, I swallow the potion in one gulp.
The next moment, the wounds on my body close up, giving way to scars as if my wounds were years old. However, the mental fatigue is still there.
"I'm ready !"
Before I knew it, Gall picked up his axe and charged in my direction. At first I thought he was going to attack me, but no, he aimed at the skeleton that was about to attack me and cut it in half with a single blow.
"What are you waiting for ? Run away, I'm holding them back."
"Yes."
Before he could say it a second time, I grabbed the bag he'd given me and ran as fast as I could through the vegetation.
If you're asking me if I feel guilty about abandoning him, my answer is no.
It has nothing to do with the fact that he almost killed me or that he's an orc. My decision would remain unchanged even in front of humans.
I wouldn't sacrifice my life for anyone or any way. True, I'm reincarnated in my friend's novel, but I'm an insignificant character who's never been mentioned.
My goal is simple: to survive, no matter what the cost. The main thing is to keep moving forward, to use every resource at my disposal and never to falter.
And if I have to crush skeletons, orcs, humans or any other threat to do so, then so be it.
* * *
Four days later, the orcs arrived in the village, core in hand.
They were greeted by a scene of chaos. The village was in full battle: creatures of all kinds, undead, skeletons and huge lizards, were attacking the dwellings and inhabitants.
The howls of the orcs echoed, mingled with the roars of the monsters and the clash of weapons.
"Draw your weapons !" shouted Ganki, his powerful voice covering the surrounding din.
At his signal, his men immediately joined the fight, backing up the village guards who were already in trouble. The orcs fought with impressive ferocity and discipline, their movements coordinated and precise.
Ganki cut through the ranks of the monsters with formidable efficiency, his axe gleaming fiercely in the morning sun. Every blow was deadly, cracking skulls and slicing limbs with unrivalled force.
"What's the situation ?" he asked as he felled a skeleton with a precise blow, bones splintering under the impact.
"Not good," replied a breathless guard, wiping sweat and blood from his face.
"As soon as you left, the monsters started invading the village. At first, we managed to fend them off, but their numbers kept increasing and..."
"It's okay, you can go and rest now," interrupted Ganki.
"I have the core in my possession. Everything will return to normal."
The guard nodded gratefully, his shoulders slumping under the weight of fatigue and relief.
But Ganki wasted no time. He rushed towards the hut in the center of the village, running through the alleys cluttered with debris and bodies, his breathing jerky with effort and urgency. The orcs, terrified but hopeful, watched him pass with imploring eyes.
Once inside the hut, Ganki carefully placed the core on a table next to another sphere, this one blue and slightly larger. The table, made of ancient wood and engraved with mystical symbols, seemed to react to the presence of the two objects.
As soon as the two spheres were side by side, the table began to emit an intense light through the symbols engraved on its surface.
The runes glowed with pulsating energy, vibrating in harmony with the spheres.
The next instant, the spheres reacted immediately, each emitting a stream of light, one blue and the other red. The beams of light shot towards the ceiling, merging into a luminescent spiral.
These streams pierced the ceiling and climbed skywards. At a certain height, the streams began to wrap around each other, creating a bright spiral of light.
The spiral then unfurled, forming a transparent force field that spread rapidly, enveloping the entire village in magical protection.
The monsters outside the village collided with this invisible barrier, unable to break through. They cried out in frustration, trying in vain to penetrate the protection that repelled them.
The orcs, on the other hand, were able to move freely inside the barrier. They quickly regrouped, securing the surrounding area and ensuring that all monsters were repelled or eliminated.
The villagers, realizing that the danger had finally been averted, let out cries of relief and joy.
The warriors, weapons still in hand, dropped to the ground, exhausted but relieved. Tears of gratitude streamed down their faces, their bodies shaken by the sobs of deliverance.
"We did it," he said simply, his voice ringing with strength and determination.
"We saved the village."
The orcs responded with a shout of triumph, their voices rising in a mighty chorus. The village resounded with their cheers, united in the celebration of their survival and common victory.
…
…
…
A few days later, the village had been restored to its original appearance. The houses had been rebuilt, the streets cleaned and the atmosphere was once again peaceful.
Thanks to Ganki's magical protection, villagers could finally relax and resume their normal activities. It was the perfect time to organize the long-awaited tournament to elect the new chief.
The arena was alive with the excitement of spectators. Makeshift benches had been erected, and the villagers sat on them eagerly, chatting animatedly about the event.
Yet, in the center of the arena, a single fighter stood ready, looking around in confusion.
"Gorou, can you explain why I'm the only one standing for the tournament ?" asked Ganki, puzzled to see no other candidates.
Gorou, his loyal second-in-command, stood beside him. He sighed, as if the answer were obvious.
"I told you when we were in the forest," he explained.
"All the participants have forfeited because they know Gall won't show up for the tournament. They want you to become the new chief."
"R-really?" stammered Ganki, still incredulous at this revelation.
But Gorou didn't reply. At that moment, the spectators began chanting his name, their voices rising to a crescendo.
"Chief Ganki !"
"Chef Ganki !"
"Chef Ganki !"
The cheers were so powerful that the leaves on the surrounding trees trembled under the force of the united voices. Ganki, moved and surprised by this show of support, raised his hand to ask for silence.
"To celebrate this, we're going to throw an all-night party!" shouted Ganki, his voice carrying far above the heads of the crowd.
"Yes !!!" replied the crowd in chorus.
The villagers immediately began preparing for the festivities. Tables were set, fires were lit, and food and drink were brought in abundance.
Music began to resound, with drums and flutes playing lively melodies that invited dancing and celebration.
Ganki, now officially recognized as the new chief, stood in the center of the village square. Children ran around him, laughing and playing, while adults congratulated him and shook his hand. He smiled, finally feeling at home among them.
As the evening wore on, the festivities were in full swing. Stories of bravery and survival were told around campfires, and songs of victory echoed through the night.
Ganki, though tired by recent events, felt invaded by a new energy, a determination to protect and guide his people.
As the night wore on, Ganki took a moment to retreat to a hill overlooking the village.
He watched the flickering lights of the campfires below, listening to the laughter and singing that rose to his ears. Gorou joined him, sitting silently beside him.
"You've earned this, Ganki," Gorou said, breaking the silence. "The village needs a leader like you."
Ganki nodded, grateful. "Thank you, Gorou. We've been through a lot together, and I couldn't do it without you."
They sat there, gazing at the village in celebration. For the first time in a long time, the future looked bright.
As the villagers celebrated and music and laughter filled the air, a figure hidden in the darkness watched them from afar.
Wrapped in a dark cloak, the individual stood out of sight, his golden eyes glinting menacingly.
In his hands, he clutched two slender daggers, their blades faintly reflecting the light of the campfires.
Despite his boyish appearance, he exuded a palpable aura of danger. His face, partially hidden by a hood, betrayed a cold, calculating determination.
He watched in silence, listening to the bursts of laughter and chants of victory echoing through the night.
"I see you're enjoying yourselves," he murmured, a sinister smile stretching his lips.
"Enjoy it, because it won't last long."