"A... an Orc Shaman," Viscount Wellian stammered, stumbling backward as fear overtook him.
Nyx's gaze remained fixed on the hunched figure, his expression unreadable. "Grall, explain," he commanded, his voice calm and steady, cutting through the rising tension.
Grall took a deep breath, his hand instinctively tightening around the hilt of his sword. "It's a monster that uses sorcery—or at least, that's what we humans call it," he began.
"For them, it's a divine gift, bestowed by the gods they worship. Their power lies in their ability to cast magic from a distance, striking with precision and overwhelming force." Grall's voice grew heavier as he continued. "While humans can't use magic directly, we've learned to harness it by crafting tools and equipment from magical creatures. The cores within their bodies contain incredible power."
Nyx nodded slightly, encouraging Grall to elaborate.
"These tools are called artifacts. They're rare, powerful, and… expensive. One artifact alone can cost as much as an entire kingdom."
Nyx's eyes narrowed. "So the Shaman wields the power of a god in a frail body, yet its magic makes it formidable."
A thunderous roar tore through the conversation, reverberating across the plains. All eyes shot to the top of the tower, where the Blue Fang Wyvern spread its wings. Though still young, its raw strength and untamed ferocity were undeniable. The air around the tower seemed to vibrate with its presence.
"Retreat," Nyx said abruptly, his voice sharp and decisive as his gaze lingered on the Wyvern.
"But… but we defeated an Orc Commander!" Viscount Wellian protested, sweat beading on his brow. "With the Wyvern on our side, we should be unstoppable!"
Nyx didn't look at him, his eyes locked instead on the Orc Shaman below. "That's not the problem," he said.
"Then what is it?" the Viscount stammered, panic creeping into his voice.
Nyx's eyes darkened, his tone dropping to an unsettling calm. "It's smiling."
Everyone's gaze turned to the Orc Shaman. Its grotesque grin revealed blackened teeth and a discolored tongue, a nightmarish image that sent shivers down their spines.
With a soft thud, Flora collapsed to her knees, her strength giving out as terror consumed her. "I… I can't…" she whimpered, tears streaming down her face.
Nyx glanced at her briefly before addressing Grall. "Take her. Get the horses and flee. Keep moving until you're well beyond the tower's shadow."
Grall hesitated but nodded firmly, lifting Flora into his arms. She clung to him weakly, her body trembling.
"And what about me?" Viscount Wellian asked,
"Just stay there," Nyx said coldly as he unsheathed his sword. The sharp sound of steel against the scabbard reverberated through the tense air, drawing all eyes to him.
"Lord!" Grall shouted, urgency lacing his voice. "The horses!"
Nyx's gaze didn't waver as Grall scanned the area, panic setting in. "They're gone!" Grall exclaimed, his voice cracking with realization.
Nyx's mind pieced the puzzle together instantly. The lightning bolt earlier—it wasn't just for the man running. Its true target was the horses' ropes. His eyes flicked to the distant tree line. And with the Wyvern's presence, they must have been spooked and fled long before.
A faint smirk tugged at his lips, though his face remained otherwise impassive. "Good lad," Nyx muttered to himself. "We've got a clever one on our hands."
Despite the precarious situation, Nyx didn't rush in blindly. He stood preparing, his sharp gaze dissecting the scene. Then, it happened—a familiar flicker in his vision.
[ VITAL SIGHT ACTIVATED ]
_________________________________
NAME : ORC SHAMAN
LEVEL : 30
STATUS : SLIGHTLY INJURED, ANGERED
DESCRIPTION : A creature that Wields sorcery, It's weak body and frail nature covering his intelligent character
_________________________________
Nyx's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the information. He side-eyed the faint glowing panel in his periphery, his thoughts focused.
It didn't trigger the critical aid this time, he noted.
_______________________________
[ VITAL SIGHT ] [ TIER C- ]
Allows the user to analyze objects, detect vital points, and view creatures' body structures.
- 11% chance to aid in critical decisions involving vital actions.
_______________________________