The Hunt Begins

I was getting closer and closer to my age stage evolution. The very thought of it made me shudder with excitement. I could feel the power building within me, the culmination of all my struggles and victories. I knew exactly where to find the last bit of strength I needed to achieve my next transformation.

The dumb orcs, with their incessant grumbling and straightforward path, had unknowingly provided me with a clear trail to follow. They had mentioned their chieftain, a leader who likely commanded even greater power and vitality. Eliminating him and his underlings would surely propel me to the next stage.

I set off with renewed determination, my senses alert to the forest around me. The scent of orc was still fresh in the air, and I followed it with ease. Their path was direct, cutting through the underbrush without any attempt at subtlety. It wouldn't be long before I found them.

As I neared their encampment, I paused to consider my options. The sounds of their crude conversations grew louder, and I could see the faint glow of their fires through the trees. There were more of them than I had anticipated, thirty at least.

So far all of my battles have been against less organized opponents, or to be more precise I only fought against wild beasts and monsters. I don't know enough about their tactics to arrogantly charge at them, attacking the entire encampment directly would be utterly reckless. That lone axe wielder managed to wound me and I haven't even seen their so-called chieftain, thus I needed a different approach.

Patience, I reminded myself. Patience and strategy. The orcs were simple creatures, and where there was an encampment, there would be patrols of hunters looking for food and other resources. Smaller groups, like the duo I had encountered before. They would be much easier prey.

I found a vantage point overlooking the encampment and settled in to wait. The hours passed slowly, but I remained vigilant. My sharp eyes and ears caught every movement, every sound. It wasn't long before I saw what I was waiting for.

Two orcs, armed and armored, left the safety of the encampment and trudged into the forest. They were likely on patrol, ensuring the area was secure. Little did they know, they were walking straight into my trap. I checked their numbers just to be sure.

[Name: Grommash and Drommash]

[Race: Orc]

[Class: Warrior]

[Soul Core Stage: 1st Tier Peak]

[Vitality: 650/650]

[Mana: 80/80]

[Strength: 70]

[Dexterity: 35]

[Magic: 10]

I followed them silently, my movements swift and precise. The forest was my ally, its shadows and underbrush providing ample cover. The orcs were oblivious to my presence, their focus on their assigned route. 

When the moment was right, I decided to strike.

With a powerful leap, I landed on the first orc, my talons sinking into his flesh before he could react. He let out a strangled cry, his eyes wide with shock and pain. The second orc turned, raising his weapon, but I was faster. I launched myself at him, my jaws closing around his throat.

The battle was quick and brutal. My strength and agility far outmatched theirs as these two were weaker than Duluk and Buluk, the elf's captors and I've also grown more powerful after absorbing them. Perhaps that's why they were allowed to patrol so far away from their camp. Anyhow, within moments, both orcs lay lifeless on the forest floor. I took a moment to catch my breath, feeling the rush of victory coursing through me. These patrols were indeed easier pickings than charging in headfirst, and I could sense my soul core pulsing with renewed energy.

Satisfied with my strategy, I decided to wait for more patrols as I stalked in the shadows, on tree branches and in bushes, waiting for the right opportunity.

As I prowled through the dense forest, my senses on high alert for any signs of prey or potential threats, I felt a subtle shift in the air. There was a faint scent of something foreign, mingled with the earthy aroma of the forest floor. Instinctively, I slowed my pace and scanned my surroundings with draconic thoroughness.

Ahead, nestled among the foliage, I spotted an unusual arrangement of branches and vines. Intrigued, I approached cautiously, my claws scraping lightly against the ground. As I drew closer, I realized it was a meticulously constructed trap—a pit covered with leaves and branches, camouflaged to blend seamlessly with the forest floor.

I narrowed my eyes in surprise. The trap was ingeniously designed to ensnare unwary creatures, likely built by orcs. My admiration was tinged with disbelief. These stupid creatures, capable of such cunning? I could sense the craftsmanship in its simplicity and effectiveness. A thrill of appreciation coursed through me as I observed the intricate balance between concealment and functionality.

Despite my admiration, I understood the danger it posed. Had I not been attentive, I could have easily stumbled into the pit, potentially injuring myself or worse. The realization underscored the basic knowledge my mother had imparted to me—to avoid humanoid settlements and areas where traps like these were commonplace until I grew stronger and more experienced.

Reflecting on the trap, I felt a surge of determination. I had survived my encounter with civilization's crafty inventions this time, but it served as a stark reminder of the challenges I faced in this world. If orcs could create such traps, no wonder I was told to stay away from humanoid settlements. There might be a lot of prey huddled close together, but the dangers were significant too, especially for a newborn like me with no experience with such things.

With a cautious flick of my tail, I skirted around the trap and continued on my way through the forest, my senses now heightened and my mind focused on the lessons learned from my encounter with the orcs' trap. Each experience would teach me and shape me, honing my instincts and abilities to navigate the complexities of both natural and man-made obstacles.