When they looked at each other and noticed the same worrying expression presented on everyone's faces, but even so, they know that this place is indeed too close to the Orc infestations. With Kairos' current condition, he wouldn't be able to return to the safety of George's camp without enough guards and splitting up the party would not be safe. Of course, the guys couldn't simply ignore the people who need their help either; therefore, reluctantly they decided to comply with Kairos' request.

Having gone through life and death battles together, the team have developed strong feelings of camaraderie.

Moreover, Kairos who stepped up against Calculus and the nobles for their supercilious manners is already the hero in their eyes and is the strongest link in their relationship. In fact, even if they risk insubordination, they will gladly pull Kairos out of here if things get ugly.

They marched towards the place where they heard the Orc's cry and in unspoken agreement fell naturally into place in the defensive Bagua formation.

As they approached, they saw from afar nearly seventy Orcs surrounding Alucard's team. The five of them struggling bitterly for survival all these while had been reduced to a pathetic state.

Although they are F ranked experts and are well able to individually combat a large group of low ranked magical beasts in better times, without aid they are in danger of dying at any time. Their clothes were torn and tattered, and from their movements, it is evident that some of them are enduring broken bones while fighting.

In a desperate bid for escape, they try to charge out from being surrounded but to no reprieve and ended up being pushed back easily. It seems like this is not just the first time that they tried, and a look of desperation etched deeply on their faces.

"This is bad," Kairos says from observing, as he leans against Alan and Tommy who is supporting him. 

Everyone waited silently for Kairos to explain. As the highest rank, he has the best detection range among the group. And when considering his previous connection to the heavens and Earth, he has superior Soul Perception compared to the others.

"It’s uncanny how these magical beasts are behaving.

This form of combat style is as if those Orcs are testing and learning the way to fight humans.”

Kairos could see that at any time, only ten Orcs are fighting, while the rest stood to the side observing the battle. Whenever the Orc fighters start to be overwhelmed, they will quickly withdraw and switch in another group.

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After a brief pause for the men to understand the situation, he added with a voice as cold as death and his eyes flitted with worry, “Among those Orcs, I can sense that ten of them that are exceptionally strong, at least Calculus' level.”

A wave of shock swept across everyone's faces when they heard the words Kairos said.

It has been a hundred years since the appearance of this many higher-ranked Orcs, that also shows the intelligence to be able to fight strategically. The last time they fought like that was when they tried to annihilate all mankind while gathered under a single banner.

For a long period of time, the Orcs had ceased to be the fearsome beasts of war that struck fear into mankind, but now once again Alucard's team face with an unkind reminder.

"We need to get them and retreat quickly. There's no way we can fight ten D ranks" the four captains said.

"I'll run in to get them, Edward cover me!" Jim says, his eyes shone with battle lust as he fiddled with a bag in his robe's inner pouch

"This will be a difficult one. You ready?" Edward says as he removed the bow from his shoulders in preparation.

Kairos looked at the team and silently nodded his head signalling his agreement at this strategy. Hanging out together for years, they are as close as actual brothers even though they are unrelated by blood, and they know each other so well that there is little need for long discussions.

Being a distance away, their group are still undiscovered by the monstrous beasts, and this gave them some time to prepare. Edward and Jim gathered some items and prepare to set off, while Kairos directed the guys into the final formation he had taught them.

Kairos who could not move unassisted had to be supported by Tommy and Alan. The conclusion of the battle with Calculus has left a deep hole in him penetrating his side. Whenever he tries to stand, his legs will threaten to give way and send him crashing to the floor.

If someone is to medically confirm his situation, they will realise just how messed up is Kairos' internal Ki and body is right now. It is only by his fierce loyalty to his friends that he is still staying conscious.

Jim and Edward carried on ahead of the rest while the guys who are now in formation marched forward as one a little way behind the two.

A short run later, the two of them split up to approach their targets. Edward veered into the sparsely wooded area and quickly mounted a high position on top of one of the larger trees for a good vantage point, while Jim suddenly accelerates towards the Orcs with blinding speed.

He is undoubtedly the fastest person within the group, even in a woodland terrain he is unhindered. Jim’s nimble feet stepped swiftly across the large tree roots which sprawl all across the soft forest soil as he made his way around the tall and thick trees. He moved quicker and quicker, until he seemed like a dark shadow flitting through the undergrowth.

Although it is actually possible for Jim to approach them stealthily by using his soul perception, that will take far too long, and he promptly discarded that option. The people standing beside Kairos clutched their weapons tightly, anxiously preparing to charge in should Jim failed.

As the self-taught saboteur came close, the Orcs that are hunters by nature, easily discovered him. The group tensed up, but Kairos held up his arm and halted them.

Then, before their eyes, Jim suddenly seem to disappear.

The moment he was spotted, he unleashed several tranquillising gas clouds, faster than the Orcs could react, and he entered their midst taking advantage of the ensuing chaos.

In their desperation, Alucard’s team are so focused on trying to survive that it wasn't until Jim pressed the antidotes into their hands that they realise help has come. They have long noticed that the Orc was only toying with them, adding despair to their exhaustion. With Jim's arrival, a gleam of hope finally relit in their deadpan eyes as they looked at him through the wisps of dark grey smoke.

Without any delay Edward fired several arrows that flew viciously but unerringly into the Orc ranks. Each shot tore into the Orcs' flesh as the gel coated on the arrow tips acted like a powerful acid. As more and more arrows are fired, the Orcs are forced to defend with large wooden shields, but even then, the powerful arrows penetrate their defences, killing several of them.

Thanks to the archer, a lapse in their encirclement was created, allowing them to breakthrough.

That was not all they prepared. As they ran, earth shaking explosions covered their retreat, and a wall of pure flames protected them.

However, right behind them, with smoke rising from their bodies, the Orcs stepped through the fire pursuing them unimpeded.