Chapter 8 - Simple Request(2)

"Oh, you're back quickly! Did you finish your task so soon?" Serene inquired with a curious tilt of her head.

"I did" Arc replied, adjusting his cloak. "I just had to let my companion know where I was headed."

"Great!" Serene said, her lips curving into a smile. "If we leave now, we should make it back before nightfall—at least, that's what I'm estimating based on the route." She furrowed her brow slightly as if mentally mapping the journey.

"Alright, lead the way" Arc said, giving a slight nod as he tightened the strap of his scabbard, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead.

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Two hours later, Sakaguchi and Erin returned to Vinehaven Manor, their footsteps steady but their expressions carrying the afterglow of a grueling yet satisfying sparring session.

"HAHAHA! That was fantastic, wasn't it, Sakaguchi?" Erin said, his laughter echoing down the corridor. "It's been a while since I've fought someone who could match my skill and power!"

Sakaguchi gave a faint smirk, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow.

"But I have to admit," Erin continued, his tone playful, "you've gotten a lot stronger since our last sparring match. Tell me your secret, Sakaguchi! Is it a special technique? An innate ability? Come on, don't hold out on me! HAHAHA!"

Sakaguchi merely shrugged in response, offering no explanation as they approached Erin's quarters. Moments later, a voice called out.

"Knight Captain Erin!" Guard Edward stepped forward briskly, his demeanor professional yet slightly urgent.

"What is it, Edward? Is there something to report?" Erin asked, gesturing toward the door. "Let's discuss this inside."

Moments later when all of them were inside the room "Now, Edward report on the news that happened while I was away"

Albert stood at attention, offering a crisp salute before delivering his report. "Sir, we've received additional reports of Orc attacks in the Lydel Grasslands. Travelers are claiming that the Orcs are getting closer to the manor. Some scouts have also spotted multiple groups of Orcs moving in and out of Lydel Forest."

Erin's brow furrowed as he processed the troubling news. "The situation is worsening" he muttered, already considering strategies to counter the growing threat.

Albert continued, handing Erin a sealed scroll adorned with the Count's noble emblem. "There's also this, Captain—a letter from Count Erwin Walsthein." Erin swiftly broke the seal and scanned the contents.

"A summons, huh? Likely to discuss the Orc problem," Erin remarked, folding the letter with a sigh.

Albert wasn't finished. "Lastly, Sir Arc tasked me with delivering this letter to you."

"Arc?" Erin raised an eyebrow, taking the piece of paper. After glancing at the contents, he broke into laughter. "Oh, this one's for you, Sakaguchi!" he said, handing the note over.

Sakaguchi took the letter, reading it with a blank expression before crumpling it and tossing it aside. "That kid has no sense of danger. Still, this could be a good experience for him." he said with a resigned tone.

"HAHAHA! Your apprentice sure is adventurous," Erin replied, slapping Sakaguchi on the back. "We all started with small tasks, didn't we? Here's to him learning the ropes!" Erin added with a hearty laugh, giving Arc a mental thumbs-up for his enthusiasm.

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In the sprawling Lydel Grasslands, not far from Vinehaven Manor, Arc and Serene trudged through the tall grasses under the mid-afternoon sun.

"Are we close? It feels like we've been walking forever," Arc asked, glancing around warily.

"Yes, it should be just over here—ah, there it i—" Serene began to reply, only to be cut off as Arc suddenly grabbed her hand and covered her mouth. In a swift motion, he pulled her down into a crouch.

"Stay quiet," Arc whispered, his voice tense. "I sense the mana of a beast."

Serene's eyes widened in alarm, but she quickly composed herself, removing Arc's hand from her mouth to whisper back, "Over there." She gestured toward a large boulder a short distance away.

Arc gave her a sharp nod, and the two began to creep toward the boulder, each step deliberate and soundless. As they reached their cover, a guttural roar echoed through the grasslands.

"Humans... I sense humans," came a deep, gravelly voice that sent chills down their spines.

Arc and Serene carefully peeked out from behind the boulder. Two Orcs stood just a short distance away, their hulking frames casting ominous shadows.

'Damn it, just our luck!' Arc thought, his body tensing instinctively as he gripped the hilt of his sword.

Noticing Arc's rigid stance, Serene leaned close and whispered, "Let's strategize." Her voice, though quiet, carried an urgency that cut through Arc's rising dread.

Moments passed in tense silence before the second Orc growled, "I sense humans too" gripping his axe tightly as his dark eyes scanned the grasslands.

"We must keep moving, Brother Jogug" he added with a scowl.

"You're right, Brother Urulg," Jogug agreed, his voice laced with urgency. "If we fail, the Chieftain will bash our skulls in."

Before they could take another step, however, thick vines erupted from the ground, snaking around their limbs and pinning them in place.

"What sorcery is this?!" bellowed Jogug, struggling against the writhing greenery.

From behind the boulder, Arc sprang into action. Closing the distance in an instant, he swung his blade with precision, delivering a deep cut to Jogug's forearm.

"DAMN HUMAN! YOU'LL PAY WITH YOUR BLOOD!" roared Urulg, his fury echoing through the grasslands. With a ferocious growl, he drew his cleaver-like weapon and slashed at the vines binding him.

The vines tore apart under the Orc's raw strength, and Urulg fixed his enraged gaze on Arc, ready to charge.

As Urulg braced himself to charge at Arc, a thick vine lashed out at incredible speed, striking his face with a resounding crack. The force of the impact left a vivid mark on Urulg's face and momentarily disoriented him.

Jogug, witnessing his brother's plight, turned his furious gaze toward the human attackers—a young male and female standing their ground. A guttural growl escaped his throat as he channeled his rage.

With his uninjured hand gripping his axe tightly, Jogug swung it with ferocious power, severing the vines that bound him. The shredded remains of the vines fell to the ground as the massive Orc freed himself, his eyes burning with vengeance.

"I WILL KILL YOU BOTH!!" Jogug roared, stepping forward with renewed determination, his weapon gleaming menacingly under the sun.