Earlier in the morning, I had asked 5 units to report to me. I had sent them to scout the way to the orcs, seeing that the landscape had changed drastically.
I was walking in front of the large group, with those 5 units leading the way.
It didn't take long before we reached the path to the portal, and I could see it in the far end.
A lot of green orcs, wielding battleaxes and spears, had emerged from the portal. They were spread all over the place. Cutting trees and preparing the beginnings of a camp.
Rolf and the other leaders of note, joined me in the front line.
I shared the general information about the orcs with them.
Green orc. Level 8
Health: 130. Mana: 110. Fatigue: 13/180
Class: Scavenger
Skill: Javelin mastery (F-Rank). Frenzy.
There were different types, or classes of orcs. Scavengers carrying shorter spears, warriors carrying axes and a single mage-type with a frostbolt skill.
"I think it's good we chose to go here first. If they had another day or two, there would be enough of those orcs to launch an attack on our camp." Rolf spoke to us all, then switched his attention to Thomas.
"I think it's best you guys stay here, and just watch us for now. It will get messy."
Thomas seemed to agree, but looked skeptical. "How will you manage this? There are 40 or more orcs between us and the portal. And they look vicious and strong. Even if we gathered all 500 fighting men from our camp here, I doubt it would be an even fight."
Chioma joined in, "you are right Thomas. 500 men without skills or access to levels would have a poor chance against foes like these. They each have the strength of 3 men, not counting their skills. And they are intelligent as well, capable of working together just like us."
On the way here, Chioma and Rolf had shared as much knowledge about skills, and what they could expect when they touched the portal.
"Thomas, take your men and protect the others from any strays that get past us. My units, together with me, Rolf and Chioma, will carve a path to the portal and secure the area."
I turned around and put my hand in the air.
"Units! Form a frontline and prepare for battle!"
All the units came running from the group and formed two 8-men lines, shoulder to shoulder. The ruins on either side prevented a larger line to be formed.
"Chioma, support the units. And Rolf, come with me to the front. It's time to make use of those control skills."
"Time to initiate my new sword," it fit perfectly in my hands, and I was excited for the battle to begin.
"Fire 2 arrows! Then all of you, CHARGE!"
I ran forward with Rolf, while my frontline was waiting for the second arrow to fly.
Arrows hit the first orcs, making them easy targets to cut down. Rolf casted a few fireballs, consuming an orc warrior.
"Keep up Rolf, preserve your mana!" He seemed to enjoy his fireballs as usual, having a big grin on his face.
I kept charging, cutting down a scavenger who tried to throw a spear at me. But the orc was too slow for me. My sword was cutting trough the orc like butter.
The unit's charged as a dozen orcs was descending upon me and Rolf from all sides.
"Time for that ice spell of yours!" I called to Rolf.
"Ice Nova!" he yelled out, as 7 orcs was about to attack us
A wave of ice extended from Rolf's feet. Like the freezing surface of water in winter, the ground was being devoured. Reaching the orcs feet, it crawled up their legs, ending at their knees, completely trapping them in place.
I didn't waste any time, running from one orc to the next, hacking and slashing. Within five seconds they were all dead, and my frontline of spear-units ran past us, charging the incoming orcs.
"Well done guys! Now let me have a few, will you?" Chioma yelled in the passing, charging with my units.
"That's an awesome skill Rolf. Actually, it might even be slightly overpowered."
"HAHA! Well of course. Magic skills are the best!" But he calmed down quickly, waving his hand in front of him. "But I drain my mana fast, I will use the root for now and assist from the rear."
I joined the frontline, arrows again flying over my head. My spear units had good teamwork, line 1 in the front with line 2 behind them, supporting with spear-stabs trough the gabs.
It didn't take long to conclude the fight. In the end only 4 units had fallen, Rolf's mana depleted and Chioma breathing heavily.
I however, was in perfect condition, no orc had tried to confront me, as I went effortless to kill any orcs already preoccupied with a unit or Chioma.
The orc mage barely fired a single frostbolt, that Chioma evaded, before being pierced by arrows.
I ordered my units to gather their arrows, while I summoned 4 replacement sword-units.
Thomas and Charlotte approached us, as the 60-ish group of people came to the portal.
"That was unbelievable! I didn't think we would have a chance against those big creatures. But you made it seem so easy!"
Charlotte was a beautiful woman, maybe in her late twenties. Big blue eyes and hazelnut blond-brown hair.
Thomas nodded in awe, "I've never seen anything like it. If this is the power to gain, touching the portal. Then we might actually have a fighting chance to rebuild our city. Or part of it anyway."
My units had spread out, down the paths and into the bushes, ruins and trees. Forming a defensive perimeter around the portal. So we could proceed undisturbed.
Rolf had taken charge with Thomas and Charlotte. Making the people form a line around the portal, so all could see. Thomas and Charlotte joined the front of the line that began two meters from the portals entrance.
Rolf, Chioma and I then stood at the portal, waiting for the first to come and touch it.
"Thomas, if you will. Show them that this is the changing point of the worlds apocalypse. The day that we, humanity, adapt and fights back!"
Rolf gave him a secure smile, as he motioned for him to step forward.
All eyes was fixed on Thomas, as he touched the portal.
His expression turned from serious to surprised in a second, after touching the portal. He stepped back. Looked around at everyone before a big smile appeared on his face.
"This is truly amazing people! We are given a chance to properly fight back! If there is a god, this is surely his grace to us! Do not be afraid, but come, and see your future!"
"What did you get?"
We all burst into laugh as we had asked the same question simultaneously.
Thomas looked at us, joining the laugh because he found us hilarious.
"I'm not entirely sure."
"Well say status! That's how you'll see everything from now on!" Chioma gave him a look that said, hurry up!
I inspected him as well.
Thomas Karlson. Level 1.
Health: 40. Mana: 25. Fatigue: 18/80.
Class: none
Skill: Taunting gaze.
After he had told everyone I asked him to touch the skill.
It had a 5 mana cost. Instant cast. He basically just had to look at a target to utilize the skill, making the foe attack him, ignoring anyone else for 15 seconds.
"That's an amazing skill! If you get a similar class at level 5, you could be an impressive tank Thomas!" Rolf had been drooling at the thought.
"Tank? you mean to tell me you think this is like the fantasy games?" Thomas had also been playing a few years, since it was a culture on the rise.
"Why not? I mean it's actually scaringly similar. Portals, monsters, skills, loot, you have to admit."
Thomas had to agree, but left the portal to make room for Charlotte.
The mood of everyone had been lifted, and everyone was talking after hearing our conversation, and seeing how Thomas was perfectly fine, and in high spirit.
Charlotte touched the portal and I inspected her as well.
Charlotte Hall. Level 1
Health: 25. Mana: 50. Fatigue: 65.
Class: none
Skill: Healing bolt.
She described the skill: Healing bolt - Mana cost: 20. Cast time: 1 sec.
She tried to produce it, and a green-glowing bolt of light appeared in her hands. Everyone looking at her, thought she looked like some kind of wood-priestess. Standing there in light-blue jeans and a white long jacket, holding that green light in front of her.
Everyone was extremely exited for their turn at this point, and we had to speed up the process.
But after about ten people, something strange happened, that we hadn't seen before!
After a young man, one of the young-adults, probably around 18 years old, had touched the portal. His body started to transform, fast!
It didn't take more than five seconds, his body completely covered in blue light, before he reappeared. Looking completely different, yet still recognizable to the young man who he had been.
He was tall, taller than Rolf. His body light as snow, long hair blond and golden fell down the length of his back. Slender body, though very athletic and strong. Sharp intense golden eyes, and strong pointy ears.
Calf Woodman. Level 1. High Elf.
Health: 75. Mana: 210. Fatigue: 185.
Class: none
Skill: Moonlight absorption. Energy bolt. Bow mastery (rank F)
Title: First of the High Elves.
"Damn!"
"What just happened!"
"Can it change you into a friggin ELF?!"
"I don't know if I want to do this anymore!"
"That's amazing!"
"He's actually so beautiful!"
Everyone was talking over each other, the line broke here and there.
"SILENCE PLEASE!" Rolf gained the attention, preventing disorderly chaos.
"We have never seen this before. But lets hear from Calf before we start to panic allright?"
Calf stood forward, he had always been shy and kind off just a "follow the flow" kind of person. But he felt so changed, energized and his assertiveness had never been stronger. Looking at himself he felt nothing but proudness and honor about what he had become.
"I know I might look strange, I'm still very surprised myself, trying to deal with the fact that I seem to have become another race entirely. But I can tell you that I feel very proud. I feel strong. And I feel happy. I have two younger sisters at camp. Our parents died in the shockwave, and I have been fearing, not only for myself, but for my sisters lives ever since! This is the first time that I feel, that I can truly protect them now! All of you should ask yourself if you dare to take the risk! Or chance, depending on how you look at it. To become stronger! To help your family and others in need!"
With this, Calf joined the group of people who had gained skills, and eagerly joined the talk when the group started to ask him questions, a few of the girls even touching his hair and ears.
Rolf took the center stage again, "allright! Those who still want to go through with touching the portal. Reform the line. And let me remind you, this is a unique chance to do it. Who knows when you'll be able to touch it without being attacked again."