Chapter 86: Orc Slaughter 4
Nero descended from the sky into the crater to retrieve his sword, which bore slight dents—proof of the immense power behind the technique he had just executed. The blade still emanated an intense heat, a reminder of the fiery force he had unleashed.
Once he had reclaimed his sword, he swung it a few times to test its balance before jumping out of the crater. With the defeat of the two orcs, their score rose to 291, bringing them closer to the coveted 300 mark milestone.
Outside the crater, Nero canceled his flame wings and settled into a meditative position to recuperate before continuing their quest. Through his recent experiences, he had gained a deeper understanding of his physique. While he possessed power akin to that of a Red Knight, he sensed that there was still room for growth. A powerful physique meant a stronger core, and in his case, the second core could store more prana. This additional capacity would enable him to unleash more powerful techniques, allowing him to wield his Laws to their full potential. As someone capable of harnessing multiple Laws, possessing a formidable physique was paramount. He felt that while the rewards of his training would aid him, he could also temper himself through his own methods—perhaps refining his muscles and bones using his Law was an idea worth considering and testing later.
Meanwhile, having expended more than half of her prana, Khione also descended to the ground, entering a meditative state to recuperate. The two sat in meditation across from each other, separated by a distance of twenty-something meters. Each focused on their respective breathing techniques, and unbeknownst to them, nearly an hour slipped by before they finally stopped, having nearly fully recovered their prana.
"Let’s prepare some quick sandwiches to eat before departing," Nero suggested, and Khione nodded in agreement, feeling the pangs of hunger.
They pulled out the essential items to make a simple yet delicious sandwich. Nero took out fresh bread, soft and crusty, and laid it on a flat surface. He then reached for slices of succulent turkey, placing them generously on one piece of bread. Next, he added crisp lettuce, its vibrant green color adding a refreshing crunch. Slices of ripe tomato followed, their juices glistening in the light, and finally, he drizzled a hint of mustard for a tangy kick.
Khione, meanwhile, prepared her sandwich with equal care, opting for a vegetarian option with layers of creamy avocado, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of pepper for flavor. The aroma of their ingredients mingled in the air, creating a tantalizing scent that made them both even hungrier.
Once assembled, they took a moment to admire their creations before taking their first bites in unison. The flavors exploded in their mouths: the savory turkey paired perfectly with the fresh crunch of lettuce and the sharpness of the mustard, while Khione’s avocado and cheese melded together harmoniously, creating a creamy, satisfying experience.
They ate in silence, enjoying the simple pleasure of their meal. Each bite was a reminder of their hard-fought progress, and as they savored their sandwiches, the camaraderie between them grew stronger, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges they had faced and the journey still ahead.
°°°°°
Meanwhile, in another location entirely, more than 100 kilometers away from the duo, another team was embroiled in battle: the princess’s team.
Elreth, holding her black spear wreathed in dark crimson flames, faced off against two orcs, each brandishing massive clubs. The air crackled with tension as the orcs snarled, their fierce roars echoing through the forest, a comical yet menacing battle cry. Their massive feet sank into the forest floor as they charged at Elreth, intent on crushing her into a mist of pulp.