Chapter 57: Orclands (Part 5)
The battle for the Fortress of Rog is rapidly approaching.
It was afternoon. The orcs were busy following their orders. Rogar Axelord has been tasked with reinforcing and backing up Yeknom.
This defense was the order of the Orc Warchief, and he does not have any plan on failing his orders.
They made the Fortress of Rog with stone and steel. Steel pikes were planted in front of the walls and on top of them.
The castle also has three walls with equal thickness. Since the Fortress of Rog is on a mountain pass, the first wall is located on the lowest part of the mountain pass, and it is ascending to the third wall, which covers the path and castle on the mountain pass.
Since this is the only path to go through from the beach, they have spent years, even decades, fortifying this "gateway" to the Orclands.
Yeknom's savage orcs are already in position at their ambush points. Yeknom and his men will slowly take out the backline of the humans while the fort's defenders are attacking them.
Rogar's men rounded every projectile they had in the castle to the castle walls. Axes, javelins, bows, and arrows are on the walls. Rocks and crossbows too.
The Orcish race has very few magicians in their army; however, these Orcish mages are more powerful than humans in using
They have moved to strategic positions along the castle walls. Some are even at the savage orcs's ambush points.
Orc Archers and Mages were the main soldiers of Rogar Axelord's reinforcement army. They knew that in a castle defense, if they had more ranged units, they would have a better chance at winning.
These archers are not as accurate as human archers, but they carry heavy bows that can fire heavyweight arrows that can go through thick orcish armor. They can't hit their targets all the time, but once they did, it was not likely to get back up.
The mages that he brought were better than those garrisoned in the fortress. They are the elders of the Orcish race and mostly focus on orc and fire magic. They can empower their Orc comrades with buff magic that comes directly from their Orc God, Krodog.
Yeknom: "Rogar. These soldiers are not enough. I have seen their power, and they also have a huge monster on their side! We cannot win with these men!"
Yeknom was aggravated.
Rogar: "Shut up, Yeknom. You speak too fast without thinking."
Yeknom: "What!?"
Rogar: "Do you think I will back you up here when I do not have anything up my sleeve? I think things through, and you can go back to your ambush points and do your part."
Yeknom: "Grrr...."
Even though he was not satisfied, Yeknom followed his orders and went back to his position.
A bright light suddenly shone on the Fortress of Rog. The evening was approaching, but it seems that another sun has risen.
It was slowly floating towards the fortress. It was the "Monster." A gigantic angel. Or whatever that is.
Small lights in the distance that look like stars must be the "Celestials" that Yeknom was talking about. If they are using angels as foot soldiers, then we have a tough fight ahead of us.
The good thing is that they can harm them physically, but flying in and out of battle will still prove very troublesome for our Orc Warriors, who are used to fighting against enemies toe-to-toe.
The first wave of enemies is now in range.
Rogar: "Ready the ballistae."
Orc Warrior: "Yes!"
We've prepared a lot of long-range weapons to shoot down these angels.
Rogar: "Fir-!"
As I was about to signal them to fire, a bright light and deafening sound came from the giant.
The ground shook as he cast his spell, blinding everyone in the fortress for a short while.
However, once we opened our eyes, that short while was all they needed to close the distance.
Orc Warrior: "AGHHH!!!"
Celestials were swooping down on our walls and taking down the defenders. A vast number of celestials already overran the lower walls.
Rogar: "To arms! Bring them down!"
Shoom! Shoom!
Crossbow bolts, arrows, and ballistae flew in the air, taking down multitudes of these celestials.
Once they were defeated, they just turned into glowing dust.
Rogar: "Keep at it!"
Three celestials approached Rogar at the same time. They charged in with their holy spears from different angles.
Rogar: "Hmph!"
Rogar stood firm as the spears hit him.
Clank!
They broke down into pieces, leaving the Celestials weaponless.
Rogar: "Yagghh!!!"
Rogar took them out with one swing of his giant axe.
More celestials came after he took out three.
Rogar: "By the Ancestors..."
20 celestials are on him now. The others were charging, and some were casting spells.
Rogar: "Even with my skills, I can't block them all."
Before the Celestials were able to take Rogar down, fireballs hit them.
Rogar: "Orc Mages!"
Some made their way to Rogar. They are few, so they cannot be everywhere at the same time.
Rogar: "Let's go to the main gate!"
The main gate was being harassed by the celestials, hoping to bring down the gates or force the orcs to sally out.
The Paladin army is just standing outside our walls, watching while their celestials are invading us.
Orc Mage: "Do they not care if we wipe out these celestials?"
Rogar: "It seems that they don't."
Six men were with me while I made my way to the main gate. Taking down the occasional celestial, which would come at me with my axes.
The mages would shoot down anyone that came close. They will shoot other targets if they have the chance.
We were closing in on the main gate, and the orc mages stationed there were doing all they could to keep the celestials away.
"Hiyaaaa!!!"
I jumped to the top main gate from the walls.
Its top is a bit higher than the walls.
They have already breached the lower walls, and the Paladin Army is waiting outside the main wall.
Rogar: "Come get em!"
One by one, I took down celestials skillfully with my axes. My
After a few more minutes of battle, there were only a few celestials left, but a lot of us were injured. The mages are almost out of mana.
Just as we thought things were calming down,.
Orc Warrior: "Oh, no!"
Rogar: "What is it!?"
Orc Warrior: "R-rogar, the gigantic angel is upon us!"
It shot a storm of holy arrows. There were so many that you will think that you are looking at the sun. They were all glowing at the same time.
Orc Warrior: "We're doomed."
Rogar: "Raise your shields, Orc!"
Orc Warrior: "What!?"
Rogar: "This will not defeat us!"
Orc Warrior: "Yeah!"
In a desperate attempt to block the arrows, we raised our shields.
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Rogar: "AAHHHHH!!!!"
Orc Warriors: "YAHHHH!!!!"
We roared as we prepared to take the arrows with our shields.
However-
It did not come.
Orc Warrior: "What's happening!?"
A huge arm. A spirit-like arm blocked the holy arrow storm.
Orc Warrior: "What...?"
The gigantic angel was surprised. When we all looked at who the arm belonged to, it was
Rogar: "Tanul Gakk, the troll's guardian spirit." It was huge, red, and very troll-like. It is almost the same size as the enemy's "monster."
The trolls came. We thought they would not fight alongside us, but it seems that the Orc Warchief was very persuasive.
Crusade Lord Oren: "Take this!!!"
The gigantic angel drew its bow, and a large holy arrow was forming.
It shone a lot more than the other arrows; I could barely see anything.
It flew towards Tanul Gakk, who then drew his spiritual club to hit the large arrow.
Booommm!!!!
Rogar: "He was able to deflect it!?"
Rogar Axelord could not hide his surprise when Tanul Gakk sent back the large arrow.
Rogar: "This would be enough to keep the Celestials and Oren busy. Let's go, Yeknom!"
Yeknom, who was standing by with his savage orcs, ran together with me.
Yeknom: "RARRRGH!!! CHARGE!!!"
The entire Orcish army poured out from the gates of the second wall. The plan was to wipe out the Paladins in the field while the Celestials and Oren were busy with Tanul Gakk.
Paladin Captain: "Do not falter!"
A Paladin captain casts a ground spell, which will create an area that buffs the defensive skills of the Paladins.
Paladin Captain: "Shield wall!"
The Paladins in the field, just outside the second wall, formed a shield wall to stop the incoming wave of orcs. They are famous for their strong defense, but it was not enough.
The charge of the orcs was so powerful that it created an opening in some parts of the shield wall, which the orcs filled with their numerous numbers.
There was chaos in the ranks of the Paladins. A lot of them were going down quickly. With enemies on all sides, they were unable to fight.
Rogar: "We can do it! Finish them!"
The morale was rising! However, the sudden arrival of the Paladins halted its ascent.
They were falling from the heavens! It must be one of their skills. Because Paladins were landing on them, Orc Warriors and Mages were flying everywhere.
Rogar: "Keep them at bay! As long as we have Tanul Gakk, we can win!"
The troll mages were responsible for summoning the troll spirit, and they had to remain in their summoning circle to keep Tanul Gakk present. However, they also brought Troll Warriors that could help us.
These colossal lumbering beasts went straight to action and threw the Paladins into disarray. And also, literally throwing them everywhere.
Orc warriors were taking down Paladins. Paladins were taking down some Orc warriors...
Trolls were destroying a small group of Paladins. Skilled Paladins are taking down Troll Warriors.
It was absolute chaos on the walls now, and even inside the walls. Some Paladins landed in the courtyard, where the reserve unit was waiting. It was Yeknom's group.
They were able to surprise the unaware Paladins by hiding underground.
Once the Paladins landed inside the walls, a savage orc would rise from the ground and hold them. Another one would appear to smash them with their clubs.
The Paladins were relying on their "monster" to push us back, but Tanul Gakk is doing a great job keeping him busy.
They are exchanging blows even now. The "Monster" would shoot arrows, and Tanul Gakk would send them back or send them flying in other directions. Then he will rush towards the "monster" to land a few hits.
Even if the Gigantic Angel was able to shoot or cast a spell on Tanul Gakk, it seems that it does not take damage. None at all.
Paladin Captain: "How can this be!?"
Paladin: "How..."
Baffled Paladins could be heard on the battlefield. They would be taken down immediately once they lost confidence in their "monster."
Even if they looked away only for a short moment, they would be cut down by an orc warrior or a giant troll.
We can win. We just have to keep up this pace.
.
.
.
(Hero POV)
The sudden appearance of the troll spirit alarmed the Circle of Light.
Hero: "I want an elite group to go inside the fort and do something for me."
Ganz: "What for? Let's just get into action!"
Hero: "Nep (Daggers), Yob (Scythe), and Gnom (Sword and Shield). Come with me."
Nep: "Right away."
Yob: "Sure. What are we going to do?"
Hero: "We are going to take down the mages behind that illusion."
Gnom: "Illusion? It's pushing back the ascended Oren!"
Hero: "They are not even damaging him. They are using an illusion along with some other spells to deflect his attacks. Also, when the "Spirit" lands, it will only push back Oren but not hurt him."
Gnom: "I see. To move forward, we need this."
Hero: "Right. Go, take them out."
Gnik: "How about us and the others? Ganz seems excited to dive in."
Hero: "I will give you the go signal once we take out the mages. They might have other tricks up their sleeves. We cannot underestimate them."
Ganz: Fine. Thanks, Gnik, for asking.
Gnik: No problem, Ganz.
(a few minutes later)
Nep's group was able to get through the chaotic battlefield to the side of the troll mages.
They had a few skirmishes before they reached this point, but they won easily.
Nep and the two were on their way to take out the troll mages inside their summoning circle, but...
BOOMMMM!!!!
Rogar: "What do you think you are doing here!?"
A huge orc carrying a lot of axes suddenly dropped down in front of us. The summoning circle is in the courtyard, so the orc must have dropped from the walls.
Nep: "Take him out!"
Before we even got near him, an orc came from under the ground and took hold of Yob and Gnom's legs.
Yeknom: "Take this!"
While I was distracted by it, the Axe Orc hit my armor with a huge axe and left a dent in it.
Nep: "Damn it..."
I flew a few meters because of its strength.
Rogar: "Stubborn fool! You weren't cut in half?"
The axe-wielding orc looked unconvinced.
Rogar: "Then... Take this!!!"
I teleported behind him and tried to plant my daggers in his back.
Cling!!!! Clank!!!!
My daggers did not dig in. A skill?
How do I do this?
While I was busy with the Axe Orc, Yob and Gnom were fighting the Savage Orc that came from underground.
Yob: "We're almost finished here!"
The Savage Orc was full of wounds and wobbly.
Yob: "We will be able to help you onc-"
BOOOOOMMMM!!!! GGGUUHHHHHH!!!!
Yob flew away a couple of meters.
Gnom: "W-what!?"
We were just bullying this savage orc a few moments ago.
Gnom: "He's a berserker."
He was glowing with a red aura.
The reason Gnom did not fly away from the Savage Orc's attack is because of his shield.
But not for long.
The Savage Orc was launching a barrage of attacks on Gnom as Yob attempted to return to the fight. Gnom's shield was taking damage now.
Gnom: "D-damn! Curse you!!!"
Clank, clink, clink, boom!
Sounds of metal against metal and a blunt weapon against a shield were heard around the battlefield now.
Boom! Boom! Badoom!
The war drums are starting to pick up. The Orcs are gaining momentum and do not feel that they can lose.
Gnom: Damn!
Booooshhhh!!!
A hit from the Savage Orc's club sent Gnom to slide back with his shield up.
This savage orc was stronger than the others; it must be their leader.
Yob: I got your back, Gnom!
Yob threw his scythe on the back of the Savage Orc. It was a deep wound.
Yeknom: "GAHHHH!!!!"
However, it only made it angrier.
Yeknom: "COME 'ERE!"
Yob magically pulled back his scythe to block the Savage Orc's attack, but
Yob: "Ugghhhk!"
He was thrown back again. He was a couple of meters away, and he even hit a wall.
Gnom: "It seems that we've underestimated you too much."
Yeknom: "What are you saying, human?"
Gnom now has a huge, flaming aura around him. It was Holy Flames. It can damage both the body and the soul of an enemy.
His weapons and armor turned pure gold and were glowing. It was not his usual pure white armor.
Yeknom: "HRAHHHH!!!"
Still, the Savage Orc charged him.
With the shield in one hand, Gnom deflected the attack. It bounced back, leaving the Savage Orc defenseless.
Gnom: Then...
A simple skill trained for years can be as deadly as a high-level skill. His golden sword pierced the body of the Savage Orc, and it was no longer moving.
Gnom: "Woohh..."
Or so he thought.
Yeknom: "GRAHHHH!!!!"
In a last attempt to kill Gnom, the Savage Orc pushed itself nearer to Gnom by taking the sword deeper into his body.
It was now choking Gnom with all of its remaining strength. The orc's body was burning slowly because of Gnom's aura.
Gnom: "A-amazing... How can you?"
Yeknom: "Grahhhhh!!!!! Ughkkk!!!"
A spinning blade passes by them, cutting off the Savage Orc's head. Its grip was still firm for a few seconds, but after a few seconds, it went weak.
Gnom: "Hahh....hah. Thanks."
Yob: "Don't mention it."
It was Yob's scythe that finished the job.
Gnom: "How do you even... control that thing?"
Yob: "My Scythe? It's called Gnom: "I see." While Gnom and Yob were fighting the Savage Orc, Nep was having a hard time landing a blow on the Axe Orc. Rogar: "Is that all you can do!?" The orc skillfully made combo after combo with his multiple axes. Nep would dodge and deflect them perfectly, but every time he tries to rush in for an attack, he gets pushed back by the orc's gigantic axe. Nep: "Gahhh!!!" A blow hit Nep in the stomach. The handle of the giant axe hit him. Rogar: "You run well, but weak." Nep: "Is that what you think? Look around you." While Nep was running around dodging the Axe Orc's attacks, he was planting daggers around the Orc. Nep: "Checkmate." Shukkk!!!! Clink!!! Clank!!! Daggers were on the ground, and everywhere Nep put them, they flew towards the Axe Orc, hitting him from all angles. Some hit his armor, but some hit the space between his armor. Most were in his neck. Rogar: "Glukk... Ahhkkkk..." He fell. My daggers had paralyzing poison in them. Even if it were not sufficient, he still would not be able to fight properly. He didn't die from the daggers, but he bled out. We left him to die slowly. Gnom: "What took you so long?" Nep: "Tsk. I had to set up my attack so that it could pierce its thick armor." Yob: "Let's go." They could see troll mages channeling a spell inside a summoning circle. Troll: "Kill em!" Elite Troll Warriors came out from nowhere. They were swinging their clubs at high speed. Nep: "Kuk!" Nep stepped on the club of the troll and ran towards its neck to slice it open. Troll: "Gahhh!!!!" A troll smashed its club on Gnom's shield, and it broke its arm. Gnom: Yob's Scythe spun at high speed, which cut down all the remaining trolls surrounding them. Yob: Time to die! They quickly took out the troll mages. With the fall of the Orc leaders and the Troll Spirit, the surrounding Orc Warriors lost without a fight. . . . (Rogar Axelord POV) I'm bleeding out. Rogar: "Hah....gah..." I saw the troll spirit disappear. We have lost. Still, the Orcs did their best in a desperate attempt to hold them back. The gigantic angel smashed the gates, and countless Paladins came rushing in. They could only send a few through the spell where they came from above. Rogar: "Warchief, I failed you." It's a good thing I sent a runner with my message to the chief. I kind of felt it from the start. We cannot win this battle. However, we did not surrender. We fought to the last. As I was blacking out and quickly approaching death, I felt someone watching from afar. I do not remember who he is, but he seems very familiar. Rogar Axelord died in the battle for the Fortress of Rog along with Yeknom, the Savage Orc Chief. In his fortress, which he inherited from his father, Rog. The hero who beat the previous Seaman Invasion. . . . (Hero POV) Hero: "Clean them up. We're setting up our main base here." Soldiers: "Yes, Paladin Lord!" Ganz: "It was quite boring taking out the stragglers. I could have taken the main gate on my own!" Hero: "You're too noisy. You want me to send you back to Haven and join Harb?" Ganz: "This rascal... bah!" Ganz walked away and carried an ale barrel to his tent. Hero: "Good job, Nep, in leading your group to take out the Troll Spirit." Nep: "No sweat. Each of us did our jobs, so it was easy." Hero: "Great. Prepare yourselves; we will be moving to the mainland after setting up the base." Circle of Light members: "Yes!" After the Paladins took the Fortress of Rog from the Orc's, Orcland's fall was inevitable. (After a few days.) Hero: "We will separate our armies, and members of the Circle of Light will lead each army. In this way, we can take over the country quickly and efficiently. Gnik: "How about Oren? Where will you go?" Hero: "He will go with your group, Gnom, and Gnik. You two will lead your army." Gnik: "Got it." Hero: "Yob, Yobab, and Yobob. You three will lead another army." Yob: "We got it." Hero: "Nep and Tero. You're going to handle the third army." Nep: "Got ya." Tero: "I see." Hero: "Me, Ganz, and Yuon will be leading the fourth army. We will not be assaulting any fortress but will back up any armies that need our help the most." There are three armies to attack and one reserve army. Yuon: "...." Hero: "Yuon? Are you all right?" Yuon: "Y-yeah." I thought he would get over his trauma. He's never felt death so close before, and it's still bothering him. Even though the one who caused this is already dead,. That Savage Orc... We're in big trouble if there are a lot more of them on the mainland. Hero: "Campaign! Commence!" Soldiers: "YEARGHHH!!!" . . . (Orc Messenger) Hahhh.... huff... Orc Messenger: "Warchief!" Orc Warchief: "What is it, little one?" Orc messengers were always small in stature. This body size helps them to be faster and deliver messages, as well as more adept at stealth. That's one thing, but the Orc Warchief was a huge orc. He is almost as large as a troll. Orc Messenger: "I bring a message from Rogar Axelord. We lost." Orc Warchief: "I see. Even Rogar can't stop them. How about Yeknom?" Orc Messenger: "He also died." Orc Warchief: "Prepare our emissaries! I want to speak with all the leaders on the mainland. Even if they are not orcs." Orc Soldier: "Got it!" The Warchief... They say he's the smartest orc that was ever born if there was someone who could save us from the disaster that is approaching. It's him.