Chapter 31: Prelude to Crisis

Chapter 31: Prelude to Crisis

After listening to Guli’s account, Sam wore a contemplative expression.

Though Guli mentioned that there were only two humans involved, he couldn’t just assume that there were only two.

After some time, he looked at Guli and asked, “Do you remember what that person looked like?”

Just as humans think that all Orcs look alike, Orcs also perceive humans as quite similar.

Unless there was something particularly distinctive about their appearance.

Take Sam, for instance—his height was much greater than most Orcs, making it hard to mix him up.

“I remember!”

Guli nodded in response. “I remember not just his scent, but also his appearance.”

Axi’s looks clearly fell into the standout category among humans.

Moreover, he had made a deep impression on Orc Captain Guli, etching Axi’s appearance firmly in the Orc leader’s mind.

The scent was thanks to his trusty Riding Wolf.

After Axi charged out, his scent stood out from the various human odors lingering, making it easy for the keen-nosed Riding Wolf to remember him.

“That’s great, then let’s go find them.”

Sam said, glancing at Guli’s Riding Wolf.

“Yes, sir!”

Guli responded and began leading the way for Sam and the others.

Legion Commander Sam trailed closely behind Guli with his loyal guards.

A large troop of Orc Wolf Cavalry marched down the main road in a mighty procession.

Meanwhile, Airael and Axi, who had already left the village, remained blissfully unaware.

After departing from the village, they returned via the same small path before taking to the main road again, continuing northward to confront the Orcs plundering from the south and rescue the affected citizens.

On their journey, they encountered another group of Orcs.

Unlike the previous two waves, these Orcs were returning in full force.

They had completed their looting and were ferrying their spoils back home.

Airael and Axi certainly wouldn’t let this opportunity slip by.

They first circled around to a small hill, perching atop it to observe the slowly advancing Orc convoy below.

The Orcs appeared completely unaware of the danger, looking quite content with their haul.

They were enjoying a bountiful trip.

Not only did they feast well, but they were also carting back a variety of treasures.

Their superiors would surely reward them handsomely.

Meanwhile, their Riding Wolves remained somewhat alert.

Yet being too far away, they hadn’t picked up any useful scents yet.

“Should we strike directly at them now?”

After watching the Orc convoy for a while, Airael turned to Axi and asked.

“The Orcs’ guard is low right now, but their Riding Wolves are formidable, especially since we’re out here in the open,” Axi replied, his expression grave.

“Well, do you have a better plan?” Airael continued her inquiry.

“Not at the moment!” Axi shook his head.

If they got too close, the Orcs would undoubtedly notice them.

Although both he and Airael were stronger than those Orcs, the Orcs had the advantage in numbers.

Plus, they were in the open, which favored the Orc Wolf Cavalry’s fighting style.

His previous encounters with those nasty Orc Wolf Cavalry were still fresh in his mind.

If those Orcs hadn’t underestimated him at the beginning, he and Airael might have won, but it wouldn’t have been so easy.

“Then let’s just gamble it!” Airael said nonchalantly.

Even if those Orc Wolf Cavalry were tough nuts to crack, they weren’t invincible to the two of them.

Provided they fought seriously, the gap in power would be clear.

Even if the Orcs had the numerical advantage, it would be difficult to make up for the difference in quality.

Their victories in previous battles could be attributed to various factors, but it was undeniable that both Airael and Axi’s strong abilities contributed significantly.

Hearing Airael’s words, Axi looked at her earnestly and said, “Just remember, once the fight starts, I can’t guarantee your safety. Unlike last time when I took out the Orc squad leader first to create chaos, this time they’re organized. Once they notice you, they definitely won’t let you off the hook.”

He was very confident in his own strength, but he didn’t have too much faith in Airael.

Her magical prowess was powerful, but those Orc Wolf Cavalry would likely find ways to close in on her for close combat.

Once that happened, Axi wondered how much power Airael could truly muster.

In Brauz, Airael was agile enough to keep up with him, but this was a bona fide battle against the elite Orc Wolf Cavalry.

“Don’t worry, my strength is formidable.”

In response, Airael patted her chest confidently.

Axi gave her a deep look and said, “Alright, I hope you aren’t lying about this.”

“Hey—! Do you think I would risk my own life to deceive you? You really think too highly of yourself!” Airael shot back, clearly displeased.

“That’s the best scenario; otherwise, I’d have to waste time collecting your remains after slaying all those Orcs.”

Faced with Axi’s sharp tongue, Airael pouted angrily and retorted, “That’s a line you should be saying! I may have decent close combat skills, but even as a Battle Mage, do you really think I’ll let those Orcs get close? You, on the other hand, better not mess up and get turned into mush by those Orcs! I’d have to hit you with a Fireball Technique to turn you to ash so you can roam this world in spirit.”

“If dying means I can turn to ash and roam this world, I’d actually consider that quite nice. I might even owe you a thanks!”

However, in response to Airael’s biting remarks, Axi smiled genuinely, not seeming to be just throwing a retort back.

Airael was momentarily taken aback.

“Stop staring; those Orcs are about to leave.”

Seeing Airael lost in thought, Axi shouted and charged ahead.

Airael snapped back to attention, focusing on the leading Axi, her curiosity about him growing even more.

If she was previously drawn by the allure of whatever Axi had, now she was intrigued by Axi himself.

Axi was undoubtedly an exceptionally strange and interesting person, shrouded in mystery.

For example, his earlier remark wasn’t something a normal person would say.

Usually, people wouldn’t joke about their own death, especially from someone cursing him to die a gruesome death.

Then Airael shook her head, deciding not to ponder too much, and spurred her mount to chase after Axi.

Next, they had to deal with those Orc Wolf Cavalry.

Though they had just been throwing insults at each other and cursing each other to death, they both understood that was just banter.

Moreover, she didn’t want Axi to die because some matters would remain unanswered.

So, in truth, she hoped Axi could survive.

Ahead, Axi galloped forward.

At that moment, he didn’t overthink; his mind was solely focused on the upcoming battle.

He was also adjusting his physical state to ensure he would be in top form for the combat ahead.

Mentally and physically, he was gearing up.

On the other hand, Airael began preparing her magic.

During high-speed movement, she couldn’t use static Magic Circles, nor was there enough time for incantations.

Instead, she used gestures.

While gripping her Staff with one hand to control her mount, her free hand moved rhythmically through the air, radiating with intense magical energy.

Airael and Axi charged forward without concealment, naturally drawing the attention of the Orcs and their Riding Wolves.

However, the Orcs didn’t seem particularly concerned.

They merely sent two Orc Wolf Cavalry to counter Airael and Axi.

To the Orcs, Airael and Axi appeared as mere mercenaries, naive and blinded by wealth, just like others they had dealt with before.

Currently, those previous “mercenaries” were now taking the form of human flesh—food for the Orcs.

Seeing this, Airael’s anger turned into a smirk.

These Orcs were audacious beyond belief.

Did they really think they could look down upon her and Axi?

Did they truly believe no one could teach them a lesson?

Many could— they just hadn’t met one yet.

And when they did, it meant their demise, just like today.

But that worked for her; if the Orcs remained overconfident like the first wave, it would make it easier for her and Axi to launch their attack.

She could already see the glimmer of victory.

Thus, Airael beamed with joy.

These Orcs were truly the archetype of muscle over mind.

Meanwhile, Axi’s thoughts aligned closely with Airael’s.

However, he was being more cautious.

He wouldn’t let down his guard simply because of the enemy’s arrogance.

His gaze remained fixed on the two charging Orc Wolf Cavalry.

As he pondered how to swiftly deal with them, Airael suddenly suggested, “How about we each take one of those clueless brutes? As for what’s left, let’s see who performs better.”