The Author's POV

A castle was perched alone atop a cliff, surrounded on all sides by tiny towns. It had been standing there for many centuries, heavily worn out from the times.

With some mismatched towers and asymmetrical designs, it had a fairly crude appearance. Even yet, it did not lessen the imposing impression it left.

But in contrast to its imposing exterior, it was completely empty inside.

In a large hall where large banners cascaded down the sides and a large throne sat at the far end, a meeting was taking place.

"...We've lost ground. The demons will reach the city within the next year."

The orc kneeled down on one foot.

"One year?"

A low, solemn voice filled the room.

"How long will our supplies last?"

"Five years. Supplies aren't a problem."

"...I see."

Silence descended on the room.

It was only after a while that the voice once again echoed.

"You may leave."

"...Understood, Chief."

Standing on two feet, the orc thumped his chest once and left the hall.

Silug kept his gaze locked on the orc until he left the hall. Once he left, only his presence and pressure filled the room.

"Forty years..."

Today marked the fortieth year that he had been the orcen chief. The path wasn't simple. He only succeeded in becoming chief by pure luck. Had it not been for that human that had helped him many years ago, none of this would've been possible.

He was then able to prevent the orcs from losing the conflict and forcing a stalemate with the demons.

Unfortunately, it didn't look like this deadlock would last much longer. The demons proved to be far too powerful for them to handle, and the orcs were overwhelmed by the lack of reinforcements, losing more than three-fourths of their forces during the course of the previous ten years.

"There might be a way."

Thump.

Silug pressed his foot against the hard ground.

Immediately, the hall trembled and a shockwave pulsed in an outward manner. Cracks began to form beneath the throne as Silug slowly stood up from the throne.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The cracks quickly became larger, and the throne behind him began to slant into one of them. Soon after, a hole started to appear, and the throne sank into it.

Silug stepped toward the black hole where the chair fell and he similarly fell.

Thump.

His feet crashed against the earth as rocks raced past him after he fell directly down the hole for more than ten seconds.

"...It's dark."

His voice echoed throughout the dark space.

moment was an endless darkness. Aside from that, he could also hear a faint rhythmic breathing coming from

extended his

did he channel his aura and he pressed with

Rumble.

room started to

darkish green glow that snaked forth like several snakes and connected with

take long for the

"Better."

brightly lit and he was able to get a good look at

for long as his face once again turned solemn once he turned around to face a certain

There, a cell stood.

between, a dense rotting smell, and long

been a

he faced the

that covered his face and muscles that

none other than

only orc in Immorra who rivaled his strength, and the person whom he defeated in order to become the next

ongoing war, it has been hard for me to visit

silent for

was hung low, slowly raised it till his

about to lose, aren't

and deep voice

his

"We are."

was honest

was no point in

"I see..."

head, his tone fading a

took this moment to

"I need your help."

just like how orcs were. It was within their culture to go

that shied away from asking

trait that made

"...My help?"

again raised his head, blinking his languid

all of these years have passed? What makes you think

"Because of the people."

His tone

demons arrive. If by then, nothing happens, we will go extinct from this planet. All of the orcs that have survived will die, and we will be nothing but rotting corpses

on the room

if I

as a result of

figures continued staring at each other without

"So be it."

didn't come

and pressed both

make with now? So what if you betray me? I will

Cre...aaak

his arms, Silug's muscles began to bulge and a creaking sound echoed

bend to the side, allowing Silug to step

before Omgolung in no

knelt down on one knee and extended

calamity and help our people live, or will you allow our people to die knowing

***

situation looks quite

to overlook our surroundings when I heard Ava's voice coming from

extended, a bird gently paused

brief moment before reopening them and looking

look good. Most of the land has already been overtaken by the demons. There doesn't seem to be any orcs in