The reason the Red Orc King was able to detect the Lich King’s power emanating from Zealot and Sasha was due to the presence of the bone slave-collars. These collars, it seemed, were emitting a subtle yet discernible aura associated with the Lich King, which allowed the Red Orc King to perceive the residual energy.
As a monster himself, the Red Orc King possessed a heightened sensitivity to the energy of other boss monsters. This sensitivity is the reason why most monsters avoid attacking one another—they can perceive each other's presence and recognize that, fundamentally, they are on the same team.
However, being on the same team does not prevent monsters from clashing. Like humans or demons, monsters have their own unique personalities. Some may get along, while others may not. Generally, though, their shared instincts often foster a degree of cooperation.
HORIZONTAL SLASH! VERTICAL SLASH! DIAGONAL SLASH!
PUNCH! KICK! HEADBUTT!
CLANG! THUNK! RUMBLE!
Zealot and Sasha, alongside the formidable Skeleton Gold Warriors, pressed onward through the Royal Garden, their attacks carving a relentless path toward the castle’s grand entrance door. The Royal Red Orc Soldiers fell one by one, their fierce resistance no match for the combined might of Sasha, Zealot, and his skeletal minions.
RAAAARRRR—!
As they approached the castle’s grand entrance door, the heavy stone structure loomed before them. Without a moment’s hesitation, Zealot and Sasha exchanged a quick glance, their resolve unshaken. Sasha, her enormous swords still gleaming with the blood of fallen enemies, took the lead.
BOOM!
With a powerful strike, she cleaved her giant sword into the colossal 55-foot entrance door, shattering it into pieces. The once-imposing door crumbled under her force, revealing the vast, shadowy interior of the castle’s grand lobby. The air inside was thick with ominous energy, the oppressive silence broken only by the echo of their footsteps as they advanced.
To Zealot and Sasha's surprise, at the far end of the expansive lobby hall, the Red Orc King stood at the center, flanked by his nine Royal Orc Knights, their imposing figures casting long shadows in the dim light. The Red Orc King's crimson armor gleamed ominously, and his eyes burned with a fierce blend of fury and anticipation.
Thinking that was all, Sasha and Zealot were taken aback when two additional Mini-Bosses, the Red Orc Commander and the Red Orc General, emerged. They hadn’t anticipated that the boss monster and these two Mini-Bosses would leave their throne room to confront them in the grand lobby hall.
Typically, Boss Monsters and Mini-Bosses would remain in their designated throne rooms, awaiting the arrival of adventurers. However, this was the first instance in which Zealot and Sasha encountered a scenario where both the boss monster and Mini-Bosses came to them instead.
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The unusual nature of this situation was likely due to the bone slave-collars imposed upon Zealot and Sasha by Lich King Drelak. These enchanted collars, designed to exert control and influence, likely served as a beacon that attracted the attention of the Red Orc King, Red Orc Commander, and the Red Orc General.
“W-What’s going on?! Why are the Mini-Bosses and Boss Monster here?!” Sasha exclaimed, confusion evident in her voice.
Meanwhile, Zealot stroked his chin thoughtfully. ‘Hmm, could this be related to the “Age of Monsters” as well?’
As Sasha and Zealot faced the unexpected challenge, their battle instincts kicked into high gear. The Red Orc King, Red Orc Commander, and Red Orc General were formidable opponents, their combined presence creating an atmosphere of intense danger.
The recommended party size for this C-Rank Dungeon was 15 adventurers. In other words, despite being a B-Class adventurer, Sasha would still face some challenges due to being outnumbered. However, what Sasha didn’t realize was that Zealot had grown significantly stronger since their last encounter, which meant that clearing this dungeon would now only be at medium difficulty.
‘Tch! I had planned to conserve my energy for the next raid, but given the situation now, it seems I have no choice but to go all out if I want to clear this,’ Sasha thought, frustration evident in her expression.
The grand lobby of the castle seemed to stretch endlessly as Zealot and Sasha faced the formidable assembly of the Red Orc King, the Red Orc Commander, and the Red Orc General, flanked by their elite Royal Orc Knights. The tension in the air was palpable, a suffocating mixture of anticipation and dread.
The Red Orc King, his crimson armor gleaming ominously, surveyed the intruders with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. His deep, rumbling voice echoed through the vast hall as he addressed Zealot and Sasha.
“So, you’re the ones who dared to challenge us, huh?” the Red Orc King said, his tone a blend of mockery and admiration. “I must say, I’m intrigued. It’s not every day that such a small party of adventurers comes so boldly to our doorstep, especially ones who seem to carry the aura of the mighty Lich King.”
Both Zealot and Sasha exchanged surprised glances, their eyes widening as they processed the unexpected turn of events. They were taken aback to discover that the Red Orc King was aware of their Lich King master—a fact they had assumed was known only to a select few.
Zealot met the King’s gaze with unwavering resolve. “I don’t know how you know our master, but we’re here for a reason. Our mission is to clear this dungeon and gather the gold we need. If you stand in our way, we’ll have no choice but to eliminate you.”
The Red Orc King chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that reverberated through the grand lobby. “Bold words from mere mortals. Do you think you can simply waltz into our domain and take what you want? We’ve fought hard to build this kingdom, and we don’t take kindly to intruders.”
Sasha stepped forward, her colossal swords gleaming with the blood of previous foes. “We’re not here to negotiate. We need the gold, and we’re prepared to fight for it. If you think you can stop us, then let’s see you try.”
The Red Orc King’s gaze remained fixed on Zealot and Sasha, a dangerous glint of anticipation in his eyes. “Very well. Let us see if you have the strength to back up your words.”
With that, the 50-foot Red Orc King turned to his assembled forces, his massive warhammer poised and ready. The air crackled with tension as Zealot and Sasha braced themselves for the imminent clash, fully aware that this fight would be anything but easy, requiring them to expend some strength and energy to emerge victorious.
‘I’m uncertain about what’s unfolding, but it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the future has altered a little. It seems we are on the brink of entering the “Age of Monsters,” a new era that looms ominously on the horizon,’ Zealot thought.
Although Zealot was uncertain about what the future would bring, he couldn’t help but feel a blend of concern and excitement. His excitement stemmed from his eagerness to face future challenges. He looked forward to the potential opportunities for growth and strength that these challenges might present, believing that overcoming them would make him even more formidable.