The world around them had twisted into a patchwork of upheaved earth and new, menacing landmarks.
The gaping chasm that split their original route forced Nyx and his team to reassess.
Towering cliffs and jagged rock formations loomed as barriers, making it clear that getting to the tower would not be as simple as it once seemed.Ryan, whose familiarity with the area lent him authority, stepped up.
"We'll need to reroute," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos they had witnessed.
"There's a way around the chasm—if we cut through the northern exit, it'll lead us closer to the tower." His confidence was a relief to the group, but Nyx wasn't one to put faith in anyone without reserve."Fine," Nyx agreedThe group moved swiftly, shadows stretching long across the fractured earth. For a while, things seemed calm.
No new disasters erupted, and the distant tower loomed closer, its metallic exterior reflecting the pale sky. Yet, the quiet only made everyone more uneasy. Lucas and Viktor exchanged glances, as if waiting for the next blow to fall.Suddenly, the ground began to quake, rumbling deep and low like a monstrous growl.
Broken rubble trembled, and tiny shards of debris danced across the dirt.
Nyx's eyes narrowed. Something's coming."Over there.." Nyx ordered, motioning them beneath the protective shadow of a half-crumpled building, the overhang precariously balancing above them. His instincts were razor-sharp, honed by a mind always a few steps ahead.
Better to observe before striking, he thought. Better to understand what has changed in this new world.And then he saw them: three monstrous creatures stomped into view, each bearing the grotesque features of an overgrown, battle-hardened war pig.
They had massive, brutish tusks that curled menacingly and blood-red skin that glistened with a natural, stone-like toughness. Their chiseled forms rippled with muscle, and they each wielded massive axes, studded with rusted spikes. On their broad shoulders rested heavy, spiked pads. The air itself seemed to bend around them, thick with a sense of violence.
Nyx activated Vital Sight, and information flooded his vision.
_________________________________
NAME : HIGHLAND ORCS
LEVEL : 36
STATUS : HEALTHY
DESCRIPTION : Thick tough hide, Great sense of smell, Great Strength, Great Agility, Piercing Horns, Specialized Hunters
Vital Information ---> Hide Scent
________________________________________
NAME : HIGHLAND ORC
LEVEL : 37
STATUS : HEALTHY
DESCRIPTION : Thick tough hide, Great sense of smell, Great Strength, Great Agility, Piercing Horns, Specialized Hunters
Vital Information ---> Hide Scent
________________________________________
NAME : HIGHLAND ORCS
LEVEL : 38
STATUS : HEALTHY
DESCRIPTION : Thick tough hide, Great sense of smell, Great Strength, Great Agility, Piercing Horns, Specialized Hunters
Vital Information ---> Hide Scent
________________________________________
Nyx's mouth curved into a subtle smile So it works, he thought, noting the vital information highlighted before him. With a thought, he summoned bags of fertilizer from his Generate ability, the pungent smell wafting into the air.
"Cover yourself in this," Nyx whispered to the others, his voice low but commanding.
The men grimaced but complied, rubbing the stinking fertilizer onto their skin and clothes. The Highland Orcs, with their heightened sense of smell, lumbered past, completely unaware of their presence. Nyx watched with sharp, unblinking eyes until the creatures were out of earshot.
Lucas exhaled shakily, falling back onto his hands. "Damn, that was insane," he gasped, trying to steady his breathing.
Viktor's eyes were wide, "That pressure, though," he muttered. "I'm not sure I'd win if I had to go against one of those things."
Nyx's reply was calm and analytical. "It's no surprise. They're at least level 36," he explained unfrightened and expressionless.
"Level 36!?" Lucas choked out, his voice full of disbelief.
Ryan, was less panicked and more thoughtful. "So that's what we'll be facing in the future?" he asked, voice grim.
Nyx nodded, a hint of excitement glinting in his eyes. "Yes. And worse," he replied.
They continued onward, Ryan guiding them through a 'many' detours. The landscape itself seemed eager to test them.