The tower had collapsed, crushing the Orc Shaman and at least half of the regular Orcs beneath its thick rubble.
Nyx's gaze turned toward the Orc Warden, who stood amidst the chaos. For a brief moment, the creature froze under Nyx's glare.
"Alright, Let's Clean Up," Nyx muttered as he picked up a massive Orc's great axe. He swung it in a powerful spiral, the wind whistling as the axe cut through the air.
The Orc Warden sensed the danger and instinctively backed away, raising its arms and weapon to guard its face. The Warden braced itself for the inevitable impact.
But nothing came.
Lowering its arms cautiously, the Warden looked up—only to see Nyx airborne, gripping the axe tightly. The realization came too late. With a swift and devastating strike, Nyx brought the axe down, felling the Orc Warden in a single, decisive blow.
"With no long-range interference, going mid-air is so much easier," Nyx remarked, watching as the remaining Orcs scattered, retreating into the dense forest.
"Hmmm," Nyx mused, his eyes narrowing in thought.
A knight ran up to him, his armor clinking with urgency. "Lord Nyx, should we pursue?"
Nyx shot him a sharp look. "No need," he said curtly, his tone edged with disdain. Seeking death
That's their territory—terrain they know intimately, Nyx thought. Chasing them there would only lead to unnecessary losses.
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The sun dipped below the horizon, and the camp was soon cloaked in the sharp embrace of night. Nyx, Grall, Flora, and the others had gathered around a campfire, the soft crackle of flames mingling with the scent of roasting boar.
Flora sat quietly in a corner, her arms wrapped around her knees, as the knights' conversations filled the background.
Grall approached her, one arm bound in a makeshift sling. "Aren't you hungry? You should eat." He gestured toward the boar roasting over the fire, its savory aroma filling the air.
Flora glanced at the boar, her expression stiffening. Memories of the Orcs flashed through her mind—their grotesque forms, their beast like similarities. "No… I'm fine," she answered nervously.
But her stomach betrayed her, rumbling loudly enough for Grall to hear.
"Are you sure?" Grall asked again, this time waving a piece of cooked boar thigh in front of her.
"If you insist…" Flora relented, accepting the food with a hesitant hand.
Grall sat beside her, his movements careful due to his injury. "Anyway, are you okay?" Flora asked, glancing at his arm.
"It's fine," Grall replied, brushing it off. "Just the consequences of being weak."
Flora frowned. "Well, I don't think you're weak," she said earnestly, looking at him.
Grall blinked, caught off guard by her words.
"To charge recklessly into danger—that takes strength," Flora continued. Her voice softened as she added, "But I'm not like you."
"You got that right," Grall said, smirking slightly.
"Hey!" Flora exclaimed, feigning offense. "This is the part where you tell me it could've been worse."
They both chuckled, the tension between them easing.
"My mother always used to tell me that everything would be alright," Flora said, her gaze drifting upward to the stars.
Grall laughed lightly. "Sounds like something anyone would say to comfort a child."
Flora shook her head, her tone turning firm. "I'm certain those were her words."
Her expression grew distant, her thoughts clouded. Did Mother… really say that? The memories felt muffled, like a fog had rolled over them.
"Mother…" Flora whispered, her voice barely audible. After a long pause, she repeated, "Mother…"
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Across the campfire, Nyx's cold eyes were fixed on Flora and Grall.
Flora Sel Alasia, he thought, his mind churning. The problem at the heart of this entire story.
He studied her closely, his expression unreadable. She has a natural charm—something that draws people in without her even realizing it. And not in a good way.
Nyx's gaze shifted to Grall and the others. They've managed to build some resistance to her pull, thanks to my 'Chained Dept' skill that keeps them drawn by their master'....Something that won't last forever.
His jaw tightened and Brow furrowing. 'This could become… troublesome.'
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[ CHAINED DEBT ] [ TIER: B ]
Allows the User to chain the contractee's life and soul.
+ Contractee can be lent attributes from the User ranging between 2% - 8%.