The Ambush

Before they could react, heavy footsteps thundered through the trees. The ground trembled as four massive figures emerged from the shadows—hulking orcs, their thick green skin marred with scars, their crude iron weapons stained from past battles.

Kael's eyes narrowed. These weren't D-rank monsters. They were C-rank orcs—stronger, faster, and far deadlier.

Darian cursed under his breath, gripping his sword tighter. "This wasn't part of the damn plan!"

The orcs didn't hesitate. With roars that shook the air, they charged.

Kael barely had time to react before an enormous club came crashing down toward him. He rolled out of the way, feeling the impact of the weapon splitting the earth where he had stood just moments before.

Ren and Darian fought back, but they were already exhausted from the battle with the wolves. Their swings were slower, their movements sluggish. And the orcs knew it.

One of the brutes slammed into Ren, sending him flying into a tree. Darian tried to intercept, but an orc's blade grazed his side, drawing blood.

Kael clenched his jaw. He had faced far worse in his time as Stormbringer, but he was no longer an angel. He couldn't summon the storms to strike his foes down. All he had was his blade—and his instincts.

Kael barely had time to think as he dodged another swing from the orcs. Their sheer strength was overwhelming—each blow capable of shattering bones. Darian and Ren were already struggling, their exhaustion from the wolf fight weighing them down.

"We're not gonna last like this!" Darian panted, barely blocking a downward strike from an orc's rusted axe. His arms trembled from the force of the impact.

Kael's gaze flicked to his pouch. Potions.

"Drink now!" he barked, tossing them each a stamina potion.

Ren, wincing from the pain in his ribs, caught the bottle and gulped it down without hesitation. Darian did the same, his breathing evening out as the magic coursed through his veins. Kael took his own dose, feeling a rush of energy flood his limbs.

Their fatigue lessened, but the damage had been done. The orcs were still stronger.

Emboldened by their renewed vigor, Darian and Kael flanked one of the orcs while Ren, still injured, focused on avoiding attacks.

Kael ducked low, slashing at an orc's hamstring. The beast howled in rage, stumbling just long enough for Darian to drive his sword into its neck. One down.

But victory was short-lived.

Another orc swung its massive fist, catching Ren in the chest. The impact sent him sprawling, blood spurting from his mouth as he crashed against the ground.

"Ren!" Darian shouted, panic flashing in his eyes.

Kael clenched his teeth. They needed to end this fast.

With swift precision, he feinted to the left before stabbing his dagger into another orc's throat. The beast gurgled, clutching its wound before collapsing. Two down.

But they weren't out of danger yet.

The remaining two orcs roared in fury, their bloodlust intensifying. Kael and Darian stood their ground, breathing hard. Ren was down, injured. They were still outmatched.