Chapter 34: (CH33) THE ORC CAMP
The air grew heavy with the scent of damp earth and something acrid—orc. Luis, now clad in the sleek, dark form of the EXO-MASKED suit, marched deeper into the twisted forest, his two Knight Mechs flanking him like silent, armored shadows. The suit hummed with a low, comforting thrum against his skin, a stark contrast to the thundering war drums that now vibrated through the very ground.
"Well, well, look at us," Zyx chirped, floating just above Luis’s shoulder, a mischievous glint in his non-existent eyes.
"Off to poke the big green bear, are we? Just remember to aim for the squishy bits. They usually have squishy bits, or so I’m told by reliable celestial sources."
Luis ignored the jab, his gaze fixed on the darkening treeline ahead.
"Just focusing on the mission, Zyx. Less commentary, more divine insight, please."
"Divine insight? My dear Luis, my insight usually involves telling you which root to trip on for maximum comedic effect. But fine. You’re asking for battle tactics from the God of Misfortune. Don’t say I never gave you anything."
The forest canopy thinned, revealing a brutalized clearing. Crude, sharpened logs formed a makeshift palisade, behind which moved hulking, green figures. Smoke curled from rudimentary fires, and the guttural roars of orcs echoed, louder now, almost directly ahead. This wasn’t just a patrol; it was a small base.
"Alright, boys," Luis murmured, the EXO-MASKED suit’s internal comms picking up his low voice and amplifying it slightly.
"Let’s keep it surgical. Mechs, front and center. Draw their attention. I’ll go for the flank."
The twin Knight Mechs moved with surprising grace for their bulk, their polished steel glinting as they charged the palisade. Their kinetic blades hummed, and the first orc sentries didn’t even have time to bellow a warning before the mechs carved through the wooden barrier and slammed into the startled orcs within.
Clangs of metal on bone. Roars of pain.