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.

an endless darkness. Aside from that, he could also hear a

large foot against the ground, Silug extended his hand toward

did he channel his aura and he pressed with

Rumble.

room started to

forth like several snakes

take long for the darkness

"Better."

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

wasn't satisfied for long as his face once again turned

There, a cell stood.

rotting smell, and long chains that were connected

been a

when he faced the

greener-than-dark eyes fixed on the chained figure inside the cell. His features were somewhat hidden by long white hair that covered his face and muscles that were only half as large as they had once

than

Immorra who rivaled his strength, and the person whom he defeated in order to become the next chief in line. Someone who used stand

been hard for me to

silent for a

whose head was hung low, slowly raised it

to

voice echoed out from

hearing his words. Nonetheless, he nodded his

"We are."

was honest with

was no point in hiding

"I see..."

his head, his tone fading a

took this

"I need your help."

how orcs were. It was within their culture to go straight to the point instead of going at

they were never the ones that shied away from asking for help from

this trait that made

"...My help?"

once again raised his head, blinking his

of these years have passed? What makes you think I

"Because of the people."

calmly replied. His

don't have any longer than a year before the 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

room as Omolug quietly stared at

I betray

mood became very tense as a result of his

continued staring at each other without saying

"So be it."

response didn't come long after

pressed both hands against

one year make with now? So what if you betray me? I will die regardless of choices, if so, I will gladly gamble on

Cre...aaak

the bars apart with his arms, Silug's muscles

bars to bend to the side, allowing

Omgolung

he knelt down on one knee and extended

hand and help me avert this calamity and help our people live, or will you allow our

***

situation looks quite

stood atop a hill to overlook our surroundings when I heard Ava's

hand extended, a bird gently paused on

brief moment before

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