–Fenwell village, about a hundred meters from the southern gate–
“HALT! State your names and intentions! “ a black armored man facing multiple orcs, shouted.
Near the man, more than two dozen black armored humans, as well as many orcs paused their battle, looking at two newly arrived women with surprise and hostile intent. They were Sylvie and Nyx.
“Um, Nyx, I don’t think we should have dropped here…” Sylvie looked around at all the hostile eyes nervously.
“No problem, no problem. Just get ready to deal with some of these ugly things. “ Nyx waved the situation off, telling Sylvie to soon enter the fray.
Hearing Nyx’s words many of the orcs around them seemed to understand as they became increasingly hostile, roaring in preparation to attack. But, a fair share also had desire hidden within while staring at them. At the rear of the orc’s line, an unintelligible shout made them stay put.
“I said state your names and intentions! Especially, you, demon!“ the same man shouted aggressively.
“If not, don’t blame us for-“
“Shut your mouth! “ an emotionless voice came from Nyx as she waved her hand, summoning a mass of darkness that descended upon the guard, pressing him into the ground causing him to sink slightly and grunt in pain.
“Speak another word and that patch of dirt you lay on will become your grave! “ Nyx threatened with her arm extended as the darkness began twisting around the man, causing audible cracking to release from his black armor. Demanding from them? He was asking to die.
Witnessing their comrade pressed into the ground so easily and disabled, many of the other guard's hostile eyes turned into trepidation. That man was currently in command.
“Wait, stop! Don’t forget the reason we came here for.“ Sylvie quickly stood in front of Nyx to calm her down. They came here to save the people, not kill them.
“Oh… “ Nyx paused.
"Yes, you’re right. I got a bit too excited. “ Nyx agreed and moved her hand slightly, dispersing the darkness.
Breathing heavily and struggling to stand after the pressure disappeared, the guard felt as if he just escaped the jaws of death.
“Fret not, I wouldn’t have killed them, but master would have understood if I administered punishment. “ Nyx smiled at Sylvie and looked towards the other guards.
“We are here to kill some of these, and not you humans.” Nyx announced to the human guards while glancing at the orcs.
“Now, onto the subject of your previous hostility towards us. New faces arriving amidst your battle; it is understandable. I can accept this. But, how about the words from whom I presume is your leader? His words were very forceful, yes? He was even about to threaten an attack on us.“ Nyx placed her piercing gaze on the guards.
“By my master’s grace, I shall also accept that. Nevertheless, if such a thing occurs once more, I will not be so forgiving. “ a beautiful smile blossomed on Nyx’s face, but the guards didn’t perceive it that way.
Looking at Nyx, the threat in her red eyes wasn’t being hidden towards them, betraying that bright smile and bringing a chill down their spines, causing their countenances to become pale. They could already picture their fates if they followed in the footsteps of their peer.
Watching this scene, Sylvie felt helpless. Nyx was alright when you’re nice or indifferent, but any aggression or bad comments directed towards them, and especially Nox, instantly flipped a switch. This was evident when they first met.
Removing her smile, Nyx turned towards the orc champions on the opposite side, speaking in an insipid tone “Listen well. My sister-wife here will join this battle. There are three outcomes for you and your army. Consider my words or not, tis your decision.
“One, you participate and force me to kill all of you and lose your chance at victory. Two, you continue overseeing this battle, I do not move, thus preserving your chance at victory. Three, you retreat in humiliation and answer to whomever ordered this expedition of yours. “
Normal orcs weren’t too intelligent, but the champions were. Races occasionally produced advanced versions of their kind, which were gifted in many more ways compared to their normal counterparts, and the orc champions were an example of that. Their strength and intelligence were much higher.
Listening to Nyx’s authoritative and absolute demeanor, it provoked the anger and pride of the orc champions. Nevertheless, they looked at each other with resigned eyes, nodding and coming to a decision without much deliberation. Nyx’s casual attack on the human guard made them instinctively feel threatened, but they couldn’t retreat. If holding back could stay her hand and prevent a total loss, that was grudgingly acceptable. Besides, without their full force, their warriors were still overpowering the humans, so they remained confident.
“We will stay here and continue our command. “ a dark grey skinned orc champion voiced loudly in compliance, shocking the orcs. Their leaders were lowering their heads? She was that strong?
Hearing the exchange between Nyx and the orcs, the humans in black armor were also shocked. Viewing Nyx in a different light, they felt some relief after fully realizing that although she threatened and certainly didn’t put them in her eyes, she really wasn’t an enemy, and even kept the powerful orc champions at bay.
“Wise.” Nyx nodded and praised the orc's decision.
If they fled, Sylvie wouldn’t gain any experience, and if they attacked, she’d have to kill them. In turn, the regular orcs would scatter when their leaders died. Nevertheless, she felt they would take this route. The orcs had some purpose here and they wouldn’t just retreat or effectively go to their deaths.
“Sylvie, you must keep a clear mind and focus. The mind can be your greatest ally or worst enemy. Always remember this. “ Nyx advised with a smile.
People that could fight optimally when influenced by complex thoughts or emotions, such as anxiety, rage, or panic, were uncommon, requiring either a specific quality or much experience, which allowed them to react on instinct and still think somewhat clearly amidst it all. Sylvie was definitely not part of that group.
“Mmm, I understand.” Sylvie nodded seriously at Nyx’s simple advice. She was from a military family, so this concept wasn’t unfamiliar.
Listening to her assent, Nyx disappeared and reappeared at the side of the battlefield, her speed startling all but Sylvie. Witnessing Nyx, the orc champions looked at each other in surprise and hidden relief, wholeheartedly believing that their decision was the correct choice.
‘Your men will be used to sharpen my sister-wife, therefore you had best not hold back against her. A few casualties are better than everyone, including you three, yes?’ Nyx sent to the orc champions in a flat tone.
Moving their gazes between the battle and Nyx, the champions were indignant and enraged by her words, but reluctantly nodded in assent.
“Brothers, our luck is too horrid…” the dark grey skinned champion spoke as his wrist lit up briefly and created a small communication barrier.
“This was supposed to be an easy massacre with large merit. Maybe even get a few slaves, yet some unusual woman appears, forcing us to watch our men die! Dammit!” A champion with dark green skin voiced indignantly in a hoarse voice.
“What can we do? You two saw the darkness she used. It was surely just a fraction of her power… and that speed. I couldn’t follow her. “ the dark grey skinned champion spoke in dejection. They were soon to trample the village, but Nyx and Sylvie suddenly appeared.
“…I know. I couldn’t follow her as well. Damn it, we can’t escape this without incurring numerous losses! The chief will be furious. “ a light brown skinned champion commented angrily.
“The humans and that child must be destroyed no matter the cost! We’ll finish these black armored humans quickly and then proceed to the village! “ the dark grey skinned orc’s expression turned sharp. They had no choice but to continue the attack and hope Nyx kept her word.
On the sidelines, Nyx was enjoying the expressions on the orc champions. It felt good to finally have a body.
‘The purpose of our arrival in this area was for intimidation. Move nearer to the humans now; you don’t want to get surrounded, after all.’ Nyx sent to Sylvie whilst sharply observing the mass of orcs.
‘You need not show mercy! There are times when that is possible, but not at this moment. The eyes give away much information. More than you could imagine. If you didn’t require training, I would have already gouged out their eyes and given them painful deaths!’ Nyx looked at the orcs with a well-hidden and deep murderous intent.
‘Alright.’ Sylvie replied without hesitation. Although orcs didn’t leave their territory frequently, many were savage when encountering weaker beings of other races and especially lusted after women. Even if she’d never been in combat, she was no child and had learned a vast amount of information, albeit unable to apply most of it.
Within Fenwell, Brann and the little girl were watching the current events playing out through the destroyed wall.
“Wow, white horns and that other lady has red lizard eyes… they’re so weird and pretty. “ the little girl muttered with shining eyes as she stared at the battlefield. Although adamant about following Brann, she couldn't help but tremble previously. Seeing the new arrivals managed to inexplicably calm her.
“Pretty, indeed. Much less her appearance, a demon in these parts is very rare. I wonder what that red eyed woman is… clearly not a beastkin. Thankfully they’re not enemies. “ Brann nodded and replied subconsciously, before he swiveled his head towards the girl in shock.
“Wait, you can see them clearly from this distance!? “ Brann exclaimed.
“Mmm. “ the little girl affirmed innocently. Hearing Brann also mention demon and beaskins made her very curious, but she kept quiet.
‘We’re no small distance away… at least 200 meters, and those two women are amidst orcs and all of my men. Although they stick out, they shouldn’t be so easy to see… It’s obvious she’s human and unawakened… How is this possible?’ Brann silently stared at the little girl. Being able to clearly see the small horns and even the irises of the two newly arrived woman left him stupefied. He was able to see due to mana enhancing his body over the past several years since awakening, but the little girl obviously couldn’t use mana.
*ROAR*
A loud unintelligible shout that seemed like a command abruptly resounded, interrupting Brann’s contemplation.
Watching the orcs from behind the wall, an uproar began as they prepared to once more make contact with the black armored guards. Compared to their previous clash, they appeared much more aggressive and reckless than before.
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‘They’re going all out now... Should I participate?’ Brann muttered to himself and then glanced at the little girl.
‘No, only I can take her to the villagers now, but I mustn’t leave. All my men must stay and hold. Perhaps that demon woman will be enough support until Markus and the rest arrive. Still, even that might not be enough…’ Brann clenched his fists with worry and some guilt. It was his choice to defend this village, and it would cost the lives of some of his guards. People with families.
‘I shouldn’t have been so stubborn… Blinded by my emotions.’ Brann thought to himself. Before he left on his journey, people insisted he took stronger guards with him, but he stubbornly refused. He didn’t want to take strangers and those who would monitor him.
Markus and Eva were Brann’s trusted confidants, but their strength was only so much. The other guards as well. They had been assigned to him for long but were only above average. He himself at only 18 years old was stronger than most of them.
‘It’s up to Wymar's command and everyone’s defense.’ Brann muttered anxiously.
Outside the village wall, the guard who was pressed into the ground was on his feet once more. He was Wymar, the guard’s temporary captain. Watching the orcs prepare for the next assault, he also noticed Sylvie moving with the wind towards their line. Glancing at Nyx from the side, although embarrassed and awkward due to the state she put him in, he had already made up his mind.
“PREPARE FOR COMBAT AND STICK TOGETHER! WE MUST HOLD UNTIL THE CAPTAIN AND OTHERS ARRIVE! AS FOR THE DEMON, LEAVE HER BE AND FOCUS ON WHAT IS AT HAND! “ Wymar bellowed and raised his sword into the air, causing a fire to radiate off the blade while the other guards gathered closer together. The situation was much too serious now and they had to take up a sturdier defensive position and wait for their reinforcements to appear. He now believed Nyx and Sylvie weren’t enemies, so there were no qualms leaving her unattended.
‘I suppose that human isn’t a complete fool. These nasty creatures are frantic due to us. It appears their mission is more important than their lives.’ Nyx watched the escalating situation amusedly.
The orcs hadn’t entirely been in battle when they first arrived yet were still pressuring the humans. It seemed that they felt assured of victory and wanted to minimize losses. Now, thanks to Nyx’s deterrence of the champions, all of them were prepared for battle, even if it was to be a pyrrhic victory.
On the rear of the orcs, one of the champions pulled out some kind of dark grey horn and blew intermittently into it, causing a loud, deep sound to resound throughout the surrounding area.
A multitude of roars suddenly erupting, the orcs charged in full force towards the black armored guards protecting the village. There was no holding back this time. They wanted to eliminate the threats before going for the villagers.
Watching over 200 6ft+ tall and muscular orcs charging forwards and causing the ground to tremble, the guards couldn’t help but be shaken and grip their weapons tighter, inwardly preparing their magic.
To the side of the humans, Sylvie was also shaken as she took this view in. She had seen a larger and stronger force before in Granir, but it was a demon battalion merely going through drills. These orcs were enemies out for blood.
Materializing the dark brown, rune covered bow, Windfury, that Glenn gifted her, Sylvie gripped it tightly as a quiver of white arrows also appeared on her back.
Taking a deep breath, Sylvie opened her hand as a delicate wind enveloped her body and a sharp wind covered her arrows. On Windfury, its runes began giving off a very faint green light.
‘These runes aren’t as powerful as Nox’s, so I have to be careful…’ Sylvie thought seriously. With Nyx’s insistence, Nox didn’t enhance and overwrite Windfury's runes. Windfury was a powerful bow, but only to an extent. Instead of having the capability to easily defend against most attacks, she would have to be more conscientious about her actions, or risk injury and even a broken weapon.
A few seconds later, loud clashes of steel and many shouts were heard as the orcs and humans met. Forming a small and tight perimeter, around 20 black armored guards specializing in melee combat were protecting several archers. At their level, a vast majority of people had difficulty releasing their elements as projectiles, and instead attached elements such as fire, water, and wind to their weapons and bodies. This would enhance their offensive and defensive power.
As for normal orcs, their power was physical. They, like all races, awakened their own elements, but they couldn’t project them outside their bodies. Humans experienced the same phenomenon.
Historically, early humans all awakened great control over the elements, but as generations passed and more and more humans were born, the ability to fluidly control the elements declined, slowly becoming rarer and rarer.
The reason behind this phenomenon, was due to Archaeos enforcing a basic balance depending on a race’s rarity and their intelligence. Tian employed the same system. This didn’t mean one couldn’t infinitely grow, though. Nox and Elise were two examples.
Humans were an intelligent and highly populated race, which caused Archaeos to be stricter. If all humans had great control and physical strength, with their population, they would have complete dominion over the lesser numbered races.
Orcs were also populated to an extent, therefore all their numbers including women had high physical strength but lower magic capabilities. Demons had a harder time conceiving children, which was evident with Sylvie, Glenn, and Avera's hundred years age gaps. But, due to that, most demons were gifted with higher than average control and physical strength. Dragons were incredibly rare, which meant they had much, much more power, even when young. Although the balance wasn’t perfect and there are big and small gaps between the myriad races, Archaeos managed to prevent total chaos and preserve some harmony.
On the side of the humans, Sylvie was watching the clash between the orcs and humans. Most of the orcs appeared to ignore her, but one had its eyes fixed on her and begun charging forwards.
This orc had a large ordinary steel greatsword and was wearing some light leather armor covering its forearms and lower half.
Gripping her bow tightly, Sylvie became anxious. Glancing at Nyx and thinking of her advice, Sylvie pulled out and nocked an arrow. Her expression severe, wind began twisting around her delicate fingers and shrouded the entire arrow. Wind also flowing onto Windfury, the engraved runes began glowing a faint green on its dark brown wooden body.
Taking a deep breath and focusing her mind, Sylvie’s eyes locked onto the orc’s savage eyes. Pulling back the bowstring with ease, a green light simultaneously emitted from the bowstring and arrow, seemingly turning them into one.
*Swoosh*
Releasing her fingers, the green arrow shrouded in a sharp wind pierced through the air with speed, heading straight towards the orc.
Watching Sylvie’s weak attack, a mocking grin appeared on the orcs face as it lifted the sword in front of him.
An instant later, a small spark and shattering of wood resounded. Blocking Sylvie’s arrow with the flat of its blade and wearing a satisfied grin, the orc’s expression abruptly changed as he gripped his neck. A stream of blood pouring through its fingers and down its neck, the orc collapsed with a thud, now motionless. A hole the size of an arrow pierced straight through its neck.
Gazing at the orc, Sylvie let out the long breath she was holding. The first arrow had only been a diversion. She had surreptitiously fired two arrows that appeared as one. Covering one of the arrows in a more complex wind, it had broken off from the other after a specified distance and veered past the orcs sword, piercing its neck. A different method could have been used, but Sylvie still had much to learn about wind magic.
Seconds later and getting nearly no chance to rest, Sylvie noticed a more muscular and armored orc in the distance with its gaze on the newly deceased orc. Steel breastplate and greaves, this orc looked stronger than the other. Moving its gaze on her after a moment, a look of rage appeared on its face.
Although under orders, most orcs were trying to avoid her before due to Nyx’s intimidation, but after easily killing one of their brethren, others began paying attention and turning towards her.
With a booming grunt, the larger orc lifted his weapon, a massive and menacing club, and sprinted towards Sylvie. Very fast and contrary to its size, the heavy orc crossed a several dozen meter distance in mere seconds.
Arriving in front of Sylvie, the large orc who appeared almost 7 feet tall, towered over the small and lithe Sylvie, who was only slightly over 5 feet tall. Raising his club high, the orcs muscles flexed as he swung down with speed and power, aiming directly at Sylvie’s head with the intent to kill.
Watching the approaching club, Sylvie panicked slightly but had been repeating Nyx's words in her mind. Calculating quickly, Windfury’s faint green runes activated as Sylvie swung her bow upwards at an angle, deftly using it to deflect and knock the descending club to the side, causing the orc to lose balance due to his own full-powered swing. Heavily smashing the ground with its club, a burst of dirt erupted as a two-meter-wide and deep hole appeared.
“Ugh “ Sylvie groaned in pain as she flew backwards. Although most of the attacks power was diffused, the remaining force was significant. Flipping herself in midair, Sylvie managed to correct herself and shakily land back on her feet. From her left hand gripping the bow, blood began dripping down her delicate fingers and palm. The skin on her hand had cracked open. This was the first time she had real contact with anything aggressive, much less an orc, and it left her nervous.
‘So strong… If I didn’t do that, my arm would have been shattered... I can’t let one get so close again.’ Sylvie thought severely and leaped further backwards. A gentle wind maneuvering around her hand, the blood was quickly removed and displaced. Almost simultaneously, very thin ice covered the small wounds that opened on her fingers, absorbing any blood that would continue dripping as well as dulling the pain.
Nocking a new arrow and pulling back the string, a swoosh was heard as sharp wind carrying a glowing green arrow released from the bow. Less than a second later, the arrow arrived near the neck of the orc who was readjusting his arm and posture after his attack was deflected.
*Hmph* the orc grunted in disdain as his arm muscles tensed.
Ready to lift his club, the orc appeared confused as he felt a cold sensation on his right side and couldn’t move his arm.
A puncturing noise resounding, a newly made hole that went through the orcs neck was bleeding profusely as he turned to stare indignantly at Sylvie before momentarily dropping to the ground. A thin trail of ice was leading from Sylvie all the way to the orc and a layer of ice was covering his right side up to the shoulder. Sylvie surreptitiously used ice to travel along the ground, which immediate expanded and disabled the orc upon contact.
Her breathing becoming hurried, Sylvie began steadying herself. For someone without much power, manipulating an element far from the body was taxing. If it wasn’t for her affinity and natural control, she would have either been completely incapable of such a feat or collapsed due to mana exhaustion and the straining of her channels.
Composing herself, Sylvie gazed intently at the orcs eyes who just fell. Moving her vision towards the other, she felt a tinge of remorse. Looking at her hand and then the humans around her that were shrouded in multiple colors from their elements, blood was constantly being spilled. There was the strong metallic smell of blood and charred skin from fire magic filling the air, stinging the nostrils.
Most guards donned cut and crushed pieces of their armor and weapons that continued growing in number. Varied amounts of blood, either their own or from the orcs, were painted across their armor. On the bloody ground, a few guards were motionless with either a crushed skull or bodies mutilated.
As the battle continued and the bodies kept piling, albeit mostly orcs, Sylvie resolved herself. She was now fully aware that battles and these orcs were merciless, and it was kill or be killed. As Nyx said, this was no time for mercy.
‘Thankfully I haven’t panicked much because of Nyx.’ Sylvie sighed inwardly in relief and glanced at Nyx.
Watching from the sidelines, Nyx was gazing at Sylvie with a light smile.
‘Hehe, as expected. Although much more experience is required, no partner of master shall be incompetent amidst battle. Looks like mine and master’s power has been excellent motivation.’ Nyx praised. Sylvie thought quickly and calmly from the beginning,
The orcs were crude, but their physical strength was immense. If Sylvie took the second orcs blow head on, she wouldn’t only have a light wound on her hand. Deciding to deflect and redirect the attack without mistake and then following with an immediate counterattack and using her previously unused ice magic to momentarily disable the orc was impressive. The situation developed fast, so this demonstrated her quick thinking.
Interacting with Sylvie these past few weeks, Nyx knew that although enjoying a century of life, Sylvie had never experienced a legitimate life and death battle. Not a training session, but a fight where one another is aiming to kill. In a world like this, if you weren’t content to be weak, experiencing at least a few battles was a requirement to become strong.
For that reason, Nox and Nyx made sure to guide Sylvie. With two teachers that had experienced tens of thousands of battles, she would learn very quickly.
Nyx also noticed Sylvie’s conflicting expression about killing, but she had nevertheless done well with her wind and ice magic as well as her state of mind. It seemed that growing up within a military family wasn’t for naught.
Far away, the three orc champions were angered, but they couldn’t do anything.
“That was one of our 3-stars! How could such a 2-star whelp easily overcome him!? “ the dark green champion roared indignantly.
“Sadly, our brethren aren’t as adept as us… they can barely comprehend the base elements, much less a variant like ice that is difficult to deal with and predict. “ the light brown champion voiced with mixed irritation and dejection.
“We can only wait and hope our men quickly finish those humans, or else more will continue to die by that demons’ hands. “ the dark grey orc commented quietly.
“Bah, if only that fiend hadn’t arrived! “ the dark green champion complained while glancing at Nyx. The two other orcs simultaneously nodded.
Back near the village walls, the human’s temporary captain, Wymar, who was now worse for wear and boasting a few wounds, noticed Sylvie killing a few orcs without too much difficulty, inadvertently boosting his moral. Almost simultaneously, a silent message came into his ears from Eva who was informing him of Markus’ situation.
“JUST A FEW MORE MINUTES AND OUR REINFORCEMENCE WILL ARRIVE. WE MUST PROTECT THIS VILLAGE AND AVENGE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS! “ Wymar bellowed as he parried an orcs large sword upwards and then swiftly thrust his flaming sword into the orcs chest, charring the surface and his insides. The orcs eyes losing their light, Wymar pulled his sword out as the orc fell motionlessly onto another dead orc.
Witnessing Wymar, the rest of the guards erupted with more fervor than before, releasing a multitude of shouts and elemental colors.
Near the humans, Sylvie steeled her mind and gathered her mana, as she watched more orcs begin directing their murderous and lascivious eyes towards her.