As I heard the orcs are coming, my morning laziness vanished. I straightened up, my mind snapping into focus.
"So it's finally the time, huh…" I muttered, my voice low but resolute.
Then I said, "So tell me briefly what you saw."
Metis replied firmly, "Well, we scouted the whole area, Chief. We also saw the Great Orc Village… but it is utterly destroyed and occupied by Lizardmen. Then we saw some scattered orc forces. Some forces went toward the north, some to the south, but some forces went west—marching toward us."
I furrowed my brows. "Tell me, how many orcs are coming?"
Metis answered without hesitation, "As far as I saw, 40 Orc Guards and 5 Orc Warriors."
I raised an eyebrow. "What is an Orc Guard?"
Metis replied with a strange look, "Well, not all orcs can use aura. It's just that orcs who can use aura are granted the title of Orc Warrior. And each Orc Warrior has 10 Orc Guards under him."
"Interesting…" I murmured. Then I paused, thinking. "Forty Orc Guards means 4 Orc Warriors. But there are five Orc Warriors. What about the fifth one's Orc Guards?"
Metis replied with a determined look, "Chief, I think the fifth Orc Warrior is superior to the others. The other Orc Warriors call him Commander Giserk."
I was surprised. "Commander Giserk? Anything specific about him?"
Metis said, "Well, he looked stronger compared to the other orcs. He is wearing some kind of metal clothing, and he is carrying two blades."
"Metal clothing, huh? Must be some kind of armor. Damn. Any other details?"
"Well," Metis continued, "the guards are holding spears, but not any shields. I think orcs don't know how to build shields."
"At least one good news," I sighed. "Now the most important information—tell me when they will arrive here."
Metis said, "Chief, tomorrow morning. About the time when the sun is on our head."
I folded my arms, thinking hard. "Hmm… So we just have tonight to plan our defense."
Then I said, "Well, good work, scouts. You can rest now. After some hours, go again for scouting."
I left and went to find Elder Belon. I found him training too. As he saw me, he restrained his sword and came toward me.
"Good morning, Chief," he greeted.
I turned serious. "Elder Belon, I need your help."
He straightened. "Tell me, Chief. What do you need?"
I said, "Our scouts are back. They reported that the orcs are coming."
Elder Belon's face turned serious. "So it's finally the time."
Then he asked, "Chief, how can I help you?"
I said, "Elder Belon, as per intel, someone named Commander Giserk is coming too."
As Elder Belon heard the name Commander Giserk, his facial expression changed into one of fear.
He muttered, "Commander Giserk…"
"Yes," I confirmed.
Then he said, "It can't be… Someone… Commander Giserk fled when his village was destroyed."
I stepped closer. "Tell me, Elder Belon, who is Commander Giserk?"
He took a breath and said, "He is someone who saved my life before."
He continued, "You know, Chief, when I tried to take down an Orc Warrior, I got injured. But we successfully killed that Orc Warrior. As we took a breath of relief, we saw other Orc Warriors coming too—and they were coming to kill me. But with them was that Commander Giserk. A quite tall and ferocious-looking Orc Warrior, wielding two blades, signifying he was the strongest Orc Warrior"as he stop other orc worrior who are about to kill me.
I asked him, "Why did he save us? We killed his own."
He said, "This warrior disobeyed the chief's wishes and attacked you. And you just fought to defend your people. It's honorable—to risk your life for others. And I don't kill honorable people."
He sighed. "At that time, I thought Commander Giserk was the power by which the Great Orc Village was safe. But I never thought that he would flee…"
I then asked, "How strong is this Commander Giserk?"
Elder Belon's voice dropped. "He can alone take down five to six Orc Warriors, Chief."
I was shocked. Damn… I think this fight is not going to be easy now.
Then I said, "Elder Belon, please call everyone in the village near my hut."
Elder Belon nodded. "Okay, Chief."
After some time, the whole village was gathered near the chief's hut. I stepped forward.
I said, "Tomorrow, orcs are coming to attack our village."
Everyone became tense. A certain fear was visible on people's faces.
I raised my voice. "I know what you feel—it's fear. You want to run with your family, with your loved ones. But as I said before—where can we run to? How long will we run? In the end… we will die running."
My voice grew stronger. "Instead of dying while running, it's better to face the fear and die while fighting it."
I raised my fist. "But I'll tell you one thing: We will survive. Tomorrow—we will see another day!"
Then I called all warriors, including Aries and Dries, up front. As they stood in formation, I said, "Even if you don't trust my word, trust the warriors who prepared for battle day and night. See their spirit—they will defend this village your ancestors built."
I saw the fear begin to vanish from their faces.
I raised my voice. "So just repeat after me: We will survive!"
Everyone repeated in unison, "We will survive!"
"Not for the present—but the future!" I shouted.
The village cheered.
Then I said, "Warriors, today there will be no training. Just meet your loved ones."
As everyone dispersed, I called Dries—who had learned dual wielding from me.
I said, "Dries, are you ready for battle? I know dual wielding is hard, but I know you can do it."
He said, "I already mastered it."
He took out his two swords. Both swords emitted aura as I was surprised. Dual wielding is something I created because I thought it would be interesting… but he is improving on his own.
"Finally, I got one more aura-wielding warrior," I thought.
Then I said, "Go with Elder Belon. Tomorrow is a big day."
He left. As the wind blew, I stood silently, my thoughts swirling.
Well… I trust these people, who I trained personally. We will win tomorrow. And as for Commander Giserk… I will personally handle him.
As I sat down, I again started practicing with my sword and shield.
As the day passed, and the night turned to dawn…
The next day, all warriors took their positions.
I called Metis, Cortes, Dries, Amelia, and Elder Belon to me.
I said, "You all are aura-wielding warriors. I want you to take on the Orc Warriors. I trust you that you can at least take them—or injure them enough to make them retreat."
I turned to Cortes. "Cortes, you will be commanding the battle."
He looked surprised. "How can I command the battle, Chief?"
I replied, "Cortes, I will handle Commander Giserk, so I may not have time to guide the warriors in battle. I already taught you everything about commanding—and I know you can do it."
Cortes nodded. "Don't worry, Chief. I will not disappoint you."
Then I said, "Elder Belon, take the children and weak people who are not able to fight behind the village. If we lose, take them and flee."
Elder Belon nodded solemnly. "I understand, Chief."
I think he knows… he's injured and can't fight with us. But he understands my intention.
Elder Belon said, "Okay then, Chief. I'll start preparing. I hope you will win."
I smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Elder Belon. Today is not the day I die."
As he left, one scout came running. "Chief, they are just ten minutes away."
I took my shield and sword, my aura beginning to pulse.
"It's time," I said, as the air around me turned sharp with resolve.