A sleek metal man walked out of the woods and into the camp. He looked like someone dipped a Greek God into a smelter. His smooth dark features reflected the evening sun.
On both sides he was flanked by creatures even larger than he was. One dressed like a knight wearing heavy armor. Tattered red cloth hung around his waist; giving the impression of an ancient warrior. His pauldrons, or shoulder guards, were large mobius rings, and attached to his back was a six foot tall rod connected to a block of metal.
The other one had lighter armor, with interlocking plates that covered every inch of skin. He had the same old tattered cloth except his was a cloak that hung down and blocked his face. He carried a Great Scythe.
They walked in front of the group of orcs. The knight on one side of the robot dropped his great hammer onto the floor. The large piece of stone attached to a metal rod created a resounding thud. "Those of you with strong abilities move to the side." He commanded.
His intention was clear. He wanted to separate the fighters from the rest, but why? Janja remembered what the Phoenix had said. If he wanted to save Relai then he had to convince these monsters in front of him. Could it be that the Phoenix couldn't save her so he could only beg the enemy for an antidote?
The orange colored veins covered half of Relai's body now. Janja put the back of his hand to her mouth to feel for breath. It was so weak that he could barely discern it. He felt out of his element being surrounded by so many weird and powerful creatures.
Janja picked his club. "Why are you doing this?" He asked the knight as he rose to his feet.
'Oh, he is capable of moving in master's presence? He has a strong will.' The knight thought.
"We are here to test the strength of the natives and hope to recruit them for the upcoming battle."
Janja didn't care about any 'upcoming battle', but hearing that they wanted to test his strength, he was filled with confidence. He is the strongest in the entire village! If he could impress them, he could probably negotiate for a cure for Relai!
"I'll take your test, but in return can I ask for something?"
The knight wielding the Great Scythe cut in. "You're being forced to take the test. It's not up to you. Why should we reward you for something we're forcing you to do? Haha! All brawn and no brain just like you... huh Dawn?"
The other knight snapped back at his comrade, "Shut it!" Then turned back to face Janja. "If you impress, then I'll seek a reward for you. Attack me when you're ready, and don't hold back."
Janja nodded and took a deep breath. He had to show his strength. He reached deep into his soul. This one attack would seal Relai's fate. He had to give it his all. His muscles bulged as adrenaline flowed through his veins. His eyes narrowed as he ran toward the knight. He kicked off the ground leaving spiderweb cracks as he flew into the air. His animal hide clothing fluttered as he brought the club down with both hands as hard as he could.
"HHYYYYYAAAAHHHH!"
'DONG!'
The knight made a clapping motion with his hands as he caught Janja's attack. The mighty force of the blow sent the sound of metal being struck throughout the village.
Janja released the club and fell to the floor exhausted as he waited for the Knight's decision. He had been through too much today. That one strike was all he had left.
Dawn looked at the club in his hands. It was a good strike. Powerful. Swift. Accurate. He has potential.
After waiting a few seconds, the other knight got impatient. He asked, "Well Dawn, how was it?"
Dawn chuckled. "Good. Very good. If the rest of the orcs are even half as strong as this one, we will obtain an overwhelming victory."
"Then mister Dawn, what about my reward?"
"I'll reward you by making you my personal disciple. As for helping your friend..." Dawn hinted at the metal man beside him.