The dungeon was quieter than usual, the echoes of Josh's training no longer reverberating against its ancient walls. KingOrc sat slumped against the rocky surface, his breathing labored, his once formidable presence dimming with each passing moment. Josh knew something was wrong. He had suspected it for weeks but had refused to confront the truth.
"KingOrc…" Josh began, his voice trembling. "What's happening to you?"
The Orc raised his head, his crimson eyes dull but still holding a flicker of determination. "It is time, boy," he said, his voice hoarse yet steady. "My end has come."
Josh froze, the words sinking into him like a dagger. "No… no, you can't mean that. You're… you're KingOrc! You can't just die!" He dropped to his knees beside the towering creature, panic evident in his gaze.
KingOrc chuckled weakly, the rumble of his laughter lacking its usual vigor. "You are still a child, despite your growth. But even you must understand… when I gave you my core, I gave you my life. It is the rule of my kind. My strength, my skills, my attributes—they are now yours. In exchange, my time in this world is over."
Josh shook his head furiously, tears streaming down his face. "No, that's not fair! I didn't ask for this! I didn't want you to—"
"Fairness has no place in this world," KingOrc interrupted, his tone firm despite his weakening state. "Listen to me, boy. My sacrifice was made willingly. I saw something in you—a spark. Weak as you were, you entered this dungeon for the sake of another, with no regard for your own life. That kind of resolve… it deserved a chance to flourish."
Josh clenched his fists, his heart aching. "But what am I supposed to do without you? I'm not ready! I need you!"
The Orc's gaze softened, a rare expression of compassion. "You are ready, Josh. You've trained for three years. You've grown stronger, faster, more resilient. You may not see it, but I do. You carry my strength now, but more importantly, you carry your own. And soon, you will face your greatest challenge—the dungeon's boss."
Josh's stomach turned at the mention of the boss. He had heard whispers of it during their training, but KingOrc had never elaborated. "The boss?" he echoed, his voice barely audible.
"Yes," KingOrc confirmed. "The DragonLizard—a creature of immense power. Its defeat will mark the completion of this dungeon, and only then will you be able to return to your world."
Josh's mind reeled. "But… I've been here for years. How much time has passed back home?"
KingOrc smirked faintly. "The flow of time here is different. One year in this dungeon is but one hour in your world. You've been training for three years, but in your world, only three hours have passed."
Josh's breath caught. Three hours? Maria… was she okay? Had anyone noticed he was gone?
"You will return," KingOrc assured him, "if you defeat the DragonLizard. But heed my warning: the training ground—the place we have used for these past three years—will disappear upon my death. The shield that has kept you safe will crumble, and the boss battle will begin."
Josh stared at the Orc, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. "So, when you die… I have to fight it? Alone?"
"Yes," KingOrc said simply. "But you are not truly alone. You have my strength within you, boy. You have the Relicolus Shield, the Magicules skill, and the wisdom of our training. You have everything you need to succeed."
Josh shook his head, tears streaming freely. "I don't want you to die…"
KingOrc reached out a trembling hand, placing it on Josh's shoulder. "Life is fleeting, Josh. For mortals, for creatures, even for gods. But what matters is what we do with the time we have. I have used mine to prepare you. Do not let my sacrifice be in vain."
Josh choked back a sob, gripping KingOrc's hand tightly. "I won't. I promise I won't."
KingOrc nodded, his strength fading rapidly. "Good… now, listen closely. The DragonLizard will test every skill you have learned. It is fast, cunning, and brutal. But remember the principles of our training: control your fear, focus your strikes, and trust in your instincts. Use the Relicolus Shield wisely—it will protect you, but it will not fight for you. The fight is yours alone."
Josh nodded, his resolve hardening despite the grief swelling in his chest. "I'll win. I'll make you proud."
"You already have," KingOrc said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Farewell… Josh."
With those final words, the Orc's body began to dissolve into shimmering particles, his essence merging with the dungeon's magic. The training ground faded, the safety it had provided vanishing into nothingness. Josh was left standing in the empty cavern, his weapon in hand, the relic glowing faintly at his side.
A deafening roar shattered the silence, shaking the very foundations of the dungeon. The DragonLizard emerged from the shadows, its massive frame covered in emerald scales that glinted like jewels. Its eyes burned with fury, and its claws scraped against the stone as it advanced toward Josh.
The final battle had begun.