Leveling but not solo
The next morning, as sunlight filtered through the windows, Liam woke up feeling more determined than ever.
After stretching and preparing for the day, his thoughts turned to the 5 random blueprints and the class change token he'd obtained from defeating the golem.
Here's a more polished and engaging version of that segment:
Liam activated the Class Change Token, and a series of options materialized before him, each pulsing with potential.
[War Mage]
A master of elemental spells and arcane forces, the War Mage excels in burst damage and area-of-effect attacks, wreaking havoc on the battlefield.
[Berserker]
A relentless force, the Berserker thrives in close combat, becoming an unstoppable whirlwind of fury. In one-on-one encounters, this class reigns supreme, dealing devastating blows.
[Warlord]
The Warlord embodies the perfect balance of strategy and strength, merging the tactical prowess of a commander with the brute force of a Berserker. A formidable choice for any battlefield.
[Battlefield Tactician]
The Battlefield Tactician focuses on strategic planning and battlefield manipulation, guiding allies from the shadows and ensuring victory through keen insights and adaptive tactics.
[Guardian Commander]
The Guardian Commander serves as the ultimate tank, standing resolute in front of allies, absorbing enemy attacks, and protecting their comrades with unwavering fortitude.
Liam contemplated each class carefully.
The War Mage's explosive power beckoned, yet the Berserker's ferocity was undeniably tempting.
The Warlord's balanced approach resonated with his desire for both strategy and strength.
Meanwhile, the Battlefield Tactician offered a path of cunning and foresight, while the Guardian Commander provided an ironclad defense that could shield his troops from harm.
After contemplating for a while Liam made his choice.
Next he retrieved the blueprints from his inventory, eager to see what new constructions or enhancements they could offer.
They had completely sipped his mind amidst all the things that had unfolded the day before
With a mental command, he activated the blueprints one by one
[Blueprint 1: Barracks Expansion]
Expands the current barracks, adding a new specialized section dedicated to training Orc Warriors into Orc Riders.
[Blueprint 2: Arcane Hall]
A grand facility dedicated to everything arcane. This massive hall includes alchemical laboratories, arcane forges, and mystical archives, providing the perfect environment for smiths, researchers and alchemists. The facility also allows for advanced study of ancient rituals and spells, further boosting the tribe's magical prowess.
[Blueprint 3: Altar of sacrifice]
An alter to call upon the greatest warriors of history to fight alongside you for a limited time. The altar asks for a sacrifice of equal value as the strength of the summoned warrior.
Can also be used to curse enemies or buff allies.
(Requires a shaman for the ritual)
[Blueprint 4: Sanctum of battle spirits]
Meditating here allows warriors to tap into the greatest battles of history and witness the greatest of the heroes in action. Permanently boosting their battle prowess and strength.
[Blueprint 5: Brick Walls]
Thick and sturdy walls
Liam's satisfaction grew with each blueprint reveal.
After reviewing the blueprints, Liam wasted no time. For now he could only afford the barracks expansion so he immediately put the barracks into upgrade
[3k units of wood, 2k units of stone, 1k units of iron ingots, 500 leather, 500 beast tooth, 100 beast essence consumed]
After this he summoned Grothar, knowing that he needed to level up fast. While his forces were growing stronger, he couldn't afford to lag behind in strength.
"We're heading out. I need to level up. I've been so focused on managing everything that I've neglected my own growth," Liam said, his voice filled with resolve.
Grothar nodded in agreement. "It's about time my lord. You'll need all the strength you can muster for what's to come."
Together, they set off from the camp, targeting nearby dangerous hunting grounds and dungeons, eager to help Liam increase his combat power as quickly as possible.
Grothar's presence, with his immense strength, would provide backup and guidance as Liam focused on honing his own abilities.
One week had passed in the blink of an eye. During that time, Liam had meticulously prepared for the upcoming battle.
The orc warriors were armed with the best equipment Grima could forge, and the troops had gone through rigorous war drills under Grothar's and Rorgash's supervision.
Even though the numbers were small, their strength and discipline were beyond what any ordinary army could boast.
Liam decided to leave Rorgash behind to guard the camp, trusting him with a select group of elite warriors.
Liam with Uldren, Grothar and the orc warriors departed for the Ironblood camp.
The journey ahead was long—about a week and a half if all went smoothly.
The size of their group was small, but the strength of each individual more than made up for it.
Liam had always believed in focusing on quality over quantity, and it showed.
Most of the orc warriors marching with him had reached Grade 5, a testament to the rigorous training they had undergone. Grothar's harsh, unrelenting drills had honed them into a fearsome force.
Liam himself had grown significantly stronger, now standing at level 35 after weeks of relentless training and battle.
His progress was remarkable, and he knew that with every level gained, the coming battle drew closer to his favor.
[Name: Liam]
[Job: Orc Lord]
[Race: Human/Orc]
[Level:35]
[Class: Warlord]
[Affiliated race : Orcs]
[Constitution : 65]
[Dexterity : 54]
[Intelligence : 50]
[Charisma : 69]
Skills : Warlord's Presence(Excludes a terrifying aura all around the user invoking fear and reverence among enemies and subordinated alike.)
Leadership Aura: Boosts the combat effectiveness of all nearby allies by increasing their damage output, defense, and speed.
War God's Blessing: Temporary buffs that increase strength, agility, and fortitude during battle, with occasional divine intervention from the god of war in times of great need.
Strategic Mastery: Gains bonuses when setting up battle formations or making tactical decisions that exploit enemy weaknesses.
Champion's Duel: A one-on-one combat ability that allows Liam to challenge the strongest enemy on the battlefield, forcing a focused duel where his stats increase temporarily.
He had also gained many new skills due to his class change
As Liam, Uldren, and Grothar set out toward the Ironblood camp, the path through the vast desert.
Day 4: Wildlife Encounter
On the fourth day, while traversing a narrow path, they came across a pack of wraithusk. The animals were agitated, likely disturbed by their presence. Liam quickly assessed the situation. "Stay calm; we need to show them we're not a threat," he instructed.
However, the beasts charged, and Liam turned the encounter into an opportunity for the orcs to practice their combat skills.
"Grothar, take the lead!" he shouted. Grothar charged in, leading the orcs in a coordinated effort. They learned to work together as they subdued the beasts, honing their reflexes and teamwork.
Day 6: Forest Spirits
On the 6th day, as they ventured more towards the middle of the desert, they encountered desert spirits—ethereal beings who appeared wary of their presence.
Uldren stepped forward, utilizing his knowledge of magic and diplomacy. "We mean no harm," he called out, calming the spirits.
In return for their respect, the spirits offered to enhance the group's awareness, heightening their senses for the journey ahead.
Liam felt a surge of energy as they connected with the spirits, sharpening their skills for the challenges to come.
Day 8: Wraith Wolves
On the 8th day, as dusk fell, they found themselves surrounded by an eerie silence. Suddenly, a pack of Wraith Wolves emerged from the shadows, their glowing eyes fixed on the group.
"Stay close!" Liam commanded. He led the charge, swinging his weapon to unleash bursts of fire, while Grothar used his axe to deflect the wolves' ghostly claws. Uldren conjured a protective barrier around Grothar, absorbing a deadly attack. The battle tested their newfound skills, and they fought together seamlessly, ultimately driving the wolves back into the shadows.
Day 10: River Crossing
On the 10th day, they reached an almost dried out river that had to be crossed. As they prepared to navigate the waters, a group of river trolls emerged, seeking to defend their territory.
River trolls were some of the weaker variants of trolls and so Liam was not that worried about his troops getting hurt.
Liam quickly devised a plan. "Uldren, can you create a diversion?" Uldren summoned illusions to distract the trolls while Grothar and the orcs maneuvered across the rocky outcrops, taking them by surprise.
The trolls were caught off guard, allowing Liam and Grothar to secure the path and enable the entire group to cross safely.
After a gruelling journey of 11 days, the Ironblood camp finally came into view.
As Liam and his troops approached the Ironblood camp, the sounds of clashing metal and the shouts of battle echoed through the air.
"What in the name of the ancestors?" Grothar gasped, his eyes wide as he took in the chaos unfolding before them.
Liam quickly scanned the battlefield. Orc warriors, drenched in blood, fought valiantly against a swarm of human soldiers, their gleaming weapons reflecting the sun.
It was clear that the humans had launched a surprise attack, catching the Ironblood tribe off guard.
"Gather the troops!" Liam commanded, his voice cutting through the din of battle. "We need to turn the tide!"
As they rushed forward, Liam noticed several orc warriors struggling against the onslaught.
One particularly fierce-looking warrior was locked in combat with a human knight, their swords clashing violently.
The knight's armor was polished and sturdy, a testament to the human kingdom's resources, while the orc fought with raw determination.
Blood was flowing everywhere. Dead human and orcs littered the ground. The sands dyes in red from all the blood.
Birds flying high circling above waiting to feast on the dead.
It was his first time seeing such a bloodbath
Liam had seen and had himself killed many beasts but these were not beasts.
His whole body froze
As Liam stood frozen in shock, the chaos around him blurred into a surreal landscape of carnage and despair.
The cries of the wounded mixed with the clash of steel, echoing in his ears like a haunting melody.
Grothar, sensing his chief's turmoil, shouted over the din, "We can't stand here! We must join the fight!"
His voice was filled with urgency, cutting through Liam's haze of disbelief.
Uldren placed a reassuring hand on Liam's shoulder, grounding him in the moment.
"This is the reality of war, my lord. You must rally your strength and lead your people."
"Steel yourself my lord. in the future you will be facing much more bloodshed. It is rather to kill or be killed." Uldren advised Liam
The sight of orc warriors battling desperately against human forces was a grim reminder of the stakes at hand.
The determination in their eyes spoke of loyalty and courage, igniting a flicker of resolve within Liam. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the inevitable confrontation.
With a swift nod, he shook off the paralysis that had gripped him and called out to his companions, "We need to assess the situation! Find our allies and push back the enemy!"
As they moved forward, the stench of blood and sweat filled the air, mingling with the acrid scent of smoke from burning debris. Liam reminded himself, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
The first human he faced soldier seemed like an experienced soldier.
They exchanged blows, the clang of metal ringing in Liam's ears.
With each strike, Liam could feel the adrenaline surging through him, for some weird reason he felt happy. He felt complete in the battlefield.
He quickly overwhelmed the man and was down quickly but Liam was hesitating to deliver the final blow.
Uldern noticing his lord's hesitation steps in, channeling his magic to create a barrier or a shockwave that temporarily disorients the nearby humans. This gives Liam the chance to collect himself and observe the battlefield.
"My lord I understand your hesitation but please try and understand, if this man had won instead of you, your head would be rolling on the ground by now"
"I know this might sound harsh but it is the truth that you would have to face my lord. So pick up your weapon and end this."
"My lord, for a warrior there is no greater honor than an end in the hands of a worthy enemy in the battlefield"
With Uldren's words echoing in his mind, Liam's grip on his weapon tightened. He looked down at the fallen human warrior, who was gasping for breath, a mix of fear and defiance in his eyes.
The reality of war weighed heavily on Liam's shoulders, but he knew Uldren was right. In this unforgiving world, mercy could be a deadly weakness.
"End this," he whispered to himself, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.
The rush of battle had awakened something primal within him—a hunger for survival, for dominance. He took a deep breath, the weight of his decision settling firmly in his heart.
Liam raised his weapon, channeling all his strength and conviction into that one decisive moment.
As he brought it down, the world around him seemed to fade away, and all that remained was the singular focus of his duty.
The clash of steel and the cries of battle surged around him as he fought his way back into the fray, each strike fueled by purpose. He was no longer just a leader; he was a warrior, a force of nature.
With every foe he felled, the exhilaration grew, pushing aside the remnants of doubt.
He moved with a newfound clarity, a dance of death among the chaos. Each swing, each thrust, felt like an affirmation of his existence—a declaration that he would not back down.
Uldren watched with a mix of pride and concern, knowing this was a pivotal moment for Liam.
The young chief was embracing his role, but the cost of such acceptance would be steep. He knew that the battlefield would change him, mold him into something new, something stronger.
"Stay focused, my lord!" Uldren called, snapping Liam out of his thoughts as another human approached, weapon drawn.
Liam met his gaze with fierce determination, ready to face whatever came next.