Lucas shook away the layer of dust and debris and stood up.
He glanced around searching for the other members who were lying here and there in a wretched state.
Each of them seemed to be in a poor state and the rebound of the previous attack might have hurt them badly.
Lucas was safe just because of the armour otherwise he might also be lying like them but that doesn't mean he was completely unscathed.
He was finding it hard to walk and staggered on his feet. Pain courses through his body and he felt his internals were in mess.
His head was also spinning around but all the pain disappeared in front of the group of orcs.
The groups of Orc were also shocked seeing the destruction and turned their attention toward them viciously.
Lucas was sure that he could escape using shadow steps before but before 8-Star everything was useless.
Lesh and Xanth tried to get up but they felt hopeless. They were more worried about Lucas who might die here worthlessly who had a bright future ahead.
He was even thinking of pleading with them to leave Lucas.
The Orc warriors pulled out their weapons and started to move toward the humans to kill them.
However!
"Stop!"
Their bodies froze as they heard a loud sound. It was overbearing carrying a sense of authority.
"You cowards! You couldn't defeat them when you fought them fairly and now you are taking this opportunity to kill them when I wounded them."
Everyone turned their head to see Mason who mocked them.
"Though we have deep enmity with them, they are not our arch nemesis. If you would have defeated them before, I could have allowed it but now aren't ashamed of subduing them with my presence."
"We Orcs put honour and glory above all else. We don't bully others. If people heard an 8-Star Orc helped you to fend off against this herd consisting of 4-Star and 3-Star.I am going to be a laughing stock throughout not only in the Orc tribe but also in the whole continent."
"You may be able to do it but I can't be tainted by such disgrace."
"So, humans run away. I will give you this chance once."
"Don't accuse me if I ordered them to kill you if I see you loitering around," Mason shouted.
The other Orcs put down their weapons. They were ashamed of their behaviour.
Orc tribes respect strength and they despise cowardly and petty tricks the most. That's also one of the reasons why they hate shrewd humans.
As everyone stood up while supporting each other, Lucas pulled back his armour and stared at the Orc with an inexplicable gaze.
This can be said to be the first, he had lost whether in a frontal battle or the side for which he fought.
Lucas stared at Mason and Mason felt his gaze while looking at him with vicious red eyes that had a killing aura in them which could make many tremble in fear.
But as if this doesn't affect him, Lucas stared straight into his eyes and bowed his head.
Mason frowned seeing the boy before him bowing his head and taken by surprise, he asked"Human kid, what are doing?"
"Showing respect to the warrior who deserves it."
"When one became stronger, they gradually lost themselves and thought of others as ants but seeing you sparing us proved that you are a true warrior who takes honour in fighting the equal."
"One day when I reach that level, I hope I can seek guidance from the brave warrior."
"What's your name kid?"
"Lucas Bright!"
Mason stared at those golden eyes filled with resolution and pride. In Mason's eyes, the boy's eyes shone giving an everlasting impression.
"Mason!"
"If you ever reach 8-Star and want to fight me go to the Orc tribe and say my name."
"I will fight you if I am alive by that time."
"With my name around, no one will dare to mess with you."
Lucas nodded and turned back limping through the way to leave.
"I will remember your name, kid," Mason spoke with a smile but the expression disappeared quickly as he shouted.
"Humans, from now this place is under Orc. Until the negotiations are over, if anyone steps here without permission we will imprison them and in the worst case kill them."
"Spread these words far and wide." Mason's voice echoed throughout the place.
.......
Meanwhile, Lesh took them to a secret hideout where they store stock of rations and weapons.
Lesh, after staying on the frontline, knew that sometimes enemies would try to destroy the stocks which were the backbone of the whole army.
Orc fights for food, not the territory. If they fight for land, it isn't a matter of who will win but their sides will suffer irreparable loss.
So no matter what they will not aim to destroy rations and in this secret hideout, they are safe for now.
Lucas who sat down at the corner had a solemn expression on his face. Though he and others were lucky, not all of them have the blessing of fate.
Many people in the barracks died due to the attack. Some unawakened ones who handled the miscellaneous task were also killed.
There were only 47 survivors out of the whole squad leaving the people who fled after noticing the situation.
Lucas took out two potions and asked them to dilute and use them.
Lucas took out his smartphone but there was no signal on it.
Lucas closed his eyes for a moment. It was because of Mason that the Orc hadn't rampaged till now but that cannot be said for others.
Since Mason was here, others would be on the way.
Since the area had already been cut off, the city of Aegis might also be in danger, and so may his parents.
Even if he wanted to ask for help or report the situation to Julian, he couldn't because of no signal.
Xanth said that they had to reach the Harbor City to get the signal but seeing the things, even that city might fall if the Orcs make a move.
Lucas squeezed the smartphone and spoke with a heavy voice, "When will the reinforcement arrive."
"Yesterday, they said that it will take three days. Deducting yesterday and today, they should reach here by tomorrow."
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