If you’ve seen an orc before, you’d probably understand why my legs were quivering like a newborn deer.

  Standing at what had to be at least seven feet tall, the orc was a hulking wall of pure muscle. Its skin was a mottled green-gray, like moss growing over old stone, thick and weathered from years of battle. Numerous slashes had now formed into long-lasting scars that riddled the behemoth. Despite what I saw, I had a slight feeling that the worn out metal plated tunic (which did not fit it at all) was hiding even more scars. Its face was a grotesque blend of beast and man. Its eyebrows were lowered, casting a shadow over small, deep-set eyes that glowed a dull amber. Its nose was wide and flattened, like it had been broken multiple times and never healed properly. Thick tusks curved upward from its lower jaw, yellowed and chipped, framing a wide mouth curled into a sneer. Cracked lips, blackened gums, and the stench of dried blood and rot made its breath foul.

  Just as the stench became too overpowering, the orc lunged at us with terrifying speed, leaving us barely enough time to react.

  Beric!

  I dropped to the ground just in time as the massive brute soared over me, its hulking body crashing into the thick trunk of a nearby tree with a bone-rattling thud. I silently hoped the impact might have knocked it unconscious, but the orc rose almost instantly, as if the collision had only invigorated it.

  Shade rushed to my side, his form flickering with strain. “I’m—... I’m sorry, I—” he began, his voice unsteady as he struggled to catch his breath.

  If my summons stay out and away from me for too long, they start to feel fatigue.

  “It’s alright. Take a rest,” I said gently, recalling Shade before he collapsed.

  Expecting him to carry all four of us to safety was unreasonable. Hell, even managing to carry just Selene would’ve been asking too much.

  Oh screw this quest. Beric, you know what to do right?

  I glanced at Roland.

  His eyes met mine.

  A silent agreement was made.

  Before the orc could fully recover, we sprinted off.

  I took the lead, leaping over fallen trees and weaving around small craters. These were clear signs that Shade and the orc had clashed in a ferocious battle.

  Roland grasped Elara’s hand firmly, guiding her along the uneven path, while Selene followed in the center, carefully imitating my every move.

  We slipped past a wall of thick bushes and sprang over a narrow stream, the forest growing darker as the sun dipped lower on the horizon.

  Behind us, the sound of chaos drew closer: the heavy footfalls of the orc shaking the earth, trees crashing down in its wake, and the panicked cries of fleeing woodland creatures echoing through the woods. The orc was gaining ground fast.

  “Isn’t this…….quite the thrilling turn of events?” Roland panted, gasping between each bound.

  “Now’s not……the time for jokes, Dear,” Elara replied sharply, not breaking stride.

  “Back off, you lumbering sack of meat!” Nightclaw’s voice rang out, defiant.

  The nobles turned at the sound of a hawk’s piercing cry, followed by the thunderous roar of the orc.

  It wasn’t much, but if Nightclaw could keep the orc occupied, even just for a moment, we might have a chance to escape.

  On your left!

  I veered to the right as a sharp branch appeared from within the bushes. That would’ve hurt.

  We were making good progress. The problem is that if we don’t lose the orc, then we’ll just lead it-

  “AHHH-”

  I looked behind to see Selene stumble down.

  Oh come on!

  The nobles stopped and rushed to her aid.

  “Are you alright?” Roland quickly checked her leg.

  “Can you stand?” Elara fussed.

  She must have overexerted herself. It’s unlikely that a count’s daughter would be fit to run long lengths at such a young age.

  Selene started crying. “I’m sorry…….”

  Rogue circled around her as he tried to nudge her to get back up.

  Her parents quickly comforted her, trying to encourage her to get back up.

  That doesn’t look good. She’s sprained her ankle. She won’t be able to run on her own.

  Nightclaw yelped. “Sorry Master, but I think it’s ignoring me completely now.”

  As soon as I heard his words, the looming head of the orc appeared between the branches of nearby trees. It leered at us.

  “Shit.” It was all I could say.

  Roland’s face went white. “Oh no……”

  Look at it walking slowly towards you. It’s like it’s making fun of you all.

  Sys was right. The orc was lumbering to us with a crooked grin, as if it was taunting our attempts at running.

  I got an idea.

  “Mr. Velmont, can you carry Selene with you?”

  He gulped. “Ye-Yes I can.”

  “On my count, carry Selene and run with Mrs. Velmont.” I held up three fingers.

  Roland nodded. Elara helped Roland put her on his back. The three stood, ready for my signal.

  “Luci.”

  “Presssent.” Luci slithered through the grass.

  “On my signal, coil around the legs of that orc.”

  “Sssure.”

  “3.”

  The orc calmly walked up to us.

  “2.”

  The nobles shivered in fear.

  “1!”

  We broke out into another dash.

  The orc prepared to run as well, but right before he picked up speed, he collapsed forward. Making belligerent cries, the orc slammed the ground.

  “Good job, Luci.”

  Good shit Beric! Now just……don’t trip on anything!

  We kept running, and thankfully, the terrain was becoming better. There were less obstacles to avoid, so it was easier for them to run alongside me.

  Why was an orc even out here in the first place?

  Orcs have great senses. It might have smelled the feast the goblins prepared, or maybe it heard the exchange you had with those bandits.

  In other words, it’s your fault.

  You again.

  I almost tripped over a rock, but that near accident took my mind off the Corrupted Voice.

  Roland gained back his usual alacrity. “We’re finally out of harm’s way.”

  Uh oh.

  “What?”

  We all know what happens when someone says that.

  “This isn’t one of those cheesy horror movies. Nothing’s going to-”

  “Duck!” I heard Luci scream.

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  I don’t know what was more alarming, Luci’s warning, or her not using a word that contained the letter S. Clearly, it was serious, so I voiced the same to the nobles and dove onto the ground.

  It was a good thing that they followed my lead, since not even two seconds later, the orc’s club flew past, its trajectory aiming right at where our heads would have been. The club landed itself into a tree, lodging itself deep inside. The orc probably ruined the homes of numerous squirrels.

  I was shocked. The orc, having decided that we were too far away, rather than giving up, shot his club like a spear with impeccable aim.

  Since when were orcs marksmen???

  The nobles shared my expression.

  Roland nervously laughed. “That was really close.”

  Elara coughed. “Nice reaction, Beric.”

  “We’re-we’re ok-okay now, right?” Selene stuttered.

  Roland comforted her. “Yes, we are.”

  This must have been hard on her. Getting chased by an orc at the age of seven? Anyone would have nightmares over that, regardless of their age. Roland’s a prime example of that, even if he’s trying to laugh it off.

  Don’t justify them.

  …….I’m not.

  The fleeting sense of relief shattered as the tree, its trunk split by the orc's massive club, let out a groaning creak.

  We all looked up just in time to see it tipping, falling directly toward us.

  Suddenly, I felt Roland shove me out of the way. I tumbled to the base of another tree, instinctively curling in my arms and legs to absorb the blow. The landing still rattled me, but it could’ve been far worse.

  When the dust finally settled, I forced myself upright. The impact had left my senses dulled, so I relied on my eyes more than anything else.

  I scanned the area.

  Selene lay still on the ground. Her once-smooth hair was matted with dirt, strands sticking out in every direction. Her blouse was torn, stained with streaks of blood and grime.

  Beside her lay Elara, murmuring incoherently, her eyes shut tight in pain or disorientation. Her elegant gown bore the same ragged tears as her daughter's, and her auburn hair had darkened with soil and blood.

  They’re both alive.

  Where’s Roland?

  “Over here, Boss!” Rogue’s voice rang out.

  I rose to my feet, a sharp pang flaring in my head, and staggered in the direction of his voice.

  Oh no…

  Rogue’s voice guided me toward a grim scene.

  Roland looked up at me with a faint, wavering smile. His tunic was in tatters, soaked through with blood, and his hands were trembling, slick with more of it. His golden hair, usually neat and polished, was now darkened with grime and sweat, as if it reflected the state of the man beneath it.

  He had narrowly escaped being crushed by the falling tree.

  Except for his right leg.

  The sight made my stomach twist. I could tell that even throughout his career as a noble, an occupation that forces one to smile even in the hardest of times, this was the toughest time he had to endure and conjure up a reassuring smile.

  “How do I look?” he asked, voice strained but attempting levity.

  “........Not good at all,” I replied.

  He chuckled weakly. “Real blunt, aren’t you?” His eyes flicked over to Elara and Selene, his smile faltering, trembling under the weight of fear. The last trace of it vanished completely when a thunderous roar echoed in the distance.

  “How…….near is it?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

  “Luci?”

  “I’m trying my bessst here,” she hissed, her serpentine voice tight with effort. “But I don’t think I can hold it much longer.” The sharp crack of a nearby tree collapsing reaffirmed her warning.

  “Rogue, help them up.”

  “Roger that,” Rogue replied with urgency, darting over to Selene. He tried every trick he could—tickling her face, squeaking by her ear—desperate to rouse her.

  As for Roland……..

  “Beric,” he said, motioning me closer.

  I dropped to one knee in front of him.

  “You’ve got wolf summons, right?”

  I nodded silently, bracing myself for what he’d ask next.

  He chuckled softly, his voice laced with both warmth and fatigue. “What a surprising young boy you are. You know…….I was never exactly what you’d call a magical prodigy.” He let out a breathy laugh. “Quite the disappointment to my parents, really. But I didn’t let it get to me. I always believed I had other gifts.”

  He flashed a nostalgic grin. “I’ve always been good with people. Lifting spirits, holding conversations—that’s what I excelled at. It’s why my parents eventually put me in charge of diplomatic affairs…….and, well, that’s how I ended up becoming the count.”

  He cleared his throat, the strain starting to show in his voice. “As for my wife, she’s everything that you could ask for. She’s brilliant, compassionate, and graceful. All the traits you’d expect from an ideal noblewoman. But...”

  His voice wavered, eyes beginning to glisten. “That’s not why I fell in love with her.”

  He paused, searching for the right words. “It was the way she listened. Really listened. She never made you feel like you were rambling, and she never made things awkward if you said too little. With her, silence wasn’t empty, rather, it was comfortable.”

  The earth beneath us quivered slightly. The orc’s monstrous footsteps were growing louder, closing the distance with every heartbeat.

  “Selene,” he said softly, his gaze distant yet filled with pride. “She’s the light of my life. Bursting with energy and joy, it’s that nature she gets from me.” He smiled, then lowered his head slightly. “Though sometimes I wonder if that’s done her more harm than good. Her excitement, her need to express herself, has annoyed people. Other noble children didn’t take kindly to it. They’re expected to be quiet, measured, and reserved. Selene…….wasn’t that.”

  His expression darkened, and I could feel the weight of his regret.

  I found myself wondering. Had she inherited more than just his brightness? Had she also inherited the shadow behind it?

  Roland reminded me of the sun. Always shining, always radiant before others. But when no one was watching, and the light was no longer needed, something else emerged. A dimmer glow, one softer and more honest. Like the moon—a reflection, perhaps, or the real light hidden beneath the brilliance. Maybe the sun was a mask the moon wore, a role it played until it was safe to be itself.

  “But she’ll be fine,” Roland said, and I looked up to see his smile return, though this one was quieter, more heartfelt. He met my eyes. “She’ll have you.”

  “.........Huh?” I blinked, pointing to myself. “Me?”

  “I hope the two of you become great friends,” he said with sincerity. “I think you’ll be a good influence on her.”

  I wasn’t so sure. Not after everything that had happened……..not after what I’d said and done.

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  Before he could answer, a low, guttural roar rumbled through the forest, and the massive trunk beside us began to tremble. The orc was almost here.

  Roland turned his face to the side, grimacing as the weight of our reality came crashing back.

  “Beric. Listen closely.” He turned to look back at me, his voice steadier than before.

  “Yes?” I replied.

  “Summon your wolves and lead Selene and Elara to safety.”

  I stared at him, stunned. “.......What about you?”

  He gave a hollow laugh, devoid of warmth. “I can’t make it out of here. With any luck, I can at least distract the orc. Maybe it’ll toy with me for a while and forget about you.”

  “What are you saying?”

  The cheerful facade he’d worn until now vanished. His eyes met mine, filled with desperate sincerity. “Beric, I haven’t known you long, but I believe I can trust you. Please, get my wife and daughter to safety. That’s all I ask. That’s my dying wish.”

  So that’s it. He wants to be the hero. He wants to throw himself into the jaws of death so that we can escape. So we can be safe. So we can live.

  How noble. What a magnificent hero. Surely, songs will be sung of the brave noble who saved his family, and a stray child, from the wrath of an orc. In time, despite their sorrow, his wife and daughter will look back on him with love and reverence, their hearts swelling with pride at the memory of such a man.

  “Selfish.”

  Roland blinked in confusion. “I’m sorry?”

  “How selfish can you be?” I hadn’t meant for it to sound so harsh, but the words fell out like stone.

  “Selfish? What—what are you—”

  “So you want to die here? You think throwing your life away is going to fix everything? You believe that, as long as you're gone, your wife and daughter will live on in peace? That their happiness depends on your death?”

  “Beric, what are—”

  “You’re a fool. You’re not fixing anything. All you're going to do is destroy them. You’ll be robbing them of a father and a husband, of their protector, their provider, their companion. And for what? Some illusion of heroism? Your death won’t bring them peace. It’ll only bring them grief. You’ll curse them to wake up every morning calling out for a man who will never answer. You’ll make them realize, over and over again, in every moment of silence, that the one they loved most is never coming back. You’re condemning them to a lifetime of emptiness because you’ve decided that this cursed tree and that damned orc are enough to stop you.”

  “Just stop. You—” Roland’s voice rose sharply, trembling with frustration.

  “What about you?” I pressed, stepping closer. “Are you truly at peace with this?

  Are you content to leave them behind? Are you fine with hurting them like this? By abandoning them when they need you most?”

  “BERIC!” Roland shouted.

  I instinctively stepped back.

  He drew several deep breaths, fists clenched and eyes fixed on the ground. His jaw tightened. “...I apologize for my outburst.”

  I remained still, watching him.

  “Of course I don’t want to leave them.”

  The orc let out a low, guttural laugh.

  “I want to get out of here. I want to escape with them. I want to be by their side.”

  The dirt beneath his face darkened as tears began to fall. “I want to stay with them.”

  He looked up at me. The confident gleam that usually shone in his eyes was gone, replaced by a sorrowful, tear-streaked gaze. “But if it means they’ll live—and you as well—then I’ll give my life without hesitation.” He inhaled deeply. “Your count commands you to take Selene and Elara and flee. Don’t fail me.”

  I already knew. I’ve always known he was this kind of man. I remember what he did when he thought I was a spirit.

  “...Mr. Velmont.”

  “Yeah?” he answered, voice softer now.

  “If it were only me—just me—would you still be willing to die?”

  He paused, eyes rising to meet mine. Then, slowly, his expression broke into a smile. “Of course!”

  People tend to reveal their true selves when faced with death.

  It’s in those moments that they value their lives the most.

  And if this is who he truly is, then it’s decided.

  I won’t let him die.

  “Recall.” With that single word, all of my summoned creatures vanished, and I felt my mana fully restored.

  Two wolves materialized at my side.

  “Lift the tree.”

  Obediently, the wolves positioned themselves and pushed against the trunk with their hind legs, like rearing horses.

  I extended my hand to Roland. “Do you still want to die?”

  He stared at me in disbelief, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. His hand rose shakily to meet mine. And through his tears and laughter, he answered, “Of course I don’t.”

  I pulled him free, and the wolves let the tree crash back to the ground. Elara and Selene were finally beginning to stir, though they remained mostly unconscious.

  Roland couldn’t stand, but he managed to crawl over to them. The moment he gathered them into his arms, he broke down in tears. At least they were all still alive.

  “Take them out of here,” he said.

  With my assistance, the wolves were able to get them onto their backs. Roland held Selene in his arms, while Elara rode on her own. As long as the wolves didn’t move too quickly, they’d be able to carry them safely.

  “Let’s go, Beric. It’s getting pretty close,” Roland called over to me.

  I smiled. “Tell the elders to come here when you arrive.”

  His expression shifted to one of confusion. “Beric?”

  So we’re really doing this?

  “Yep.”

  Like I said, I’ve never been one to fawn over nobles or follow their every command. I’m not the subservient type.

  I turned around. I saw the orc’s disgusting figure as it slowly trotted towards me.

  From behind, I could hear the confused yelp of Roland as the wolves took off.

  In case this doesn’t work, it was nice knowing you.

  “It’s not mutual.”

  Man, fuck you.

  I grabbed the dagger from out of my pocket. I still had it from back with the bandits.

  A dagger, about 100 mana, a loyal but dumb system that doesn’t work most of the time, and still that annoying headache.

  Not the most optimal conditions, but it’ll have to do.

  I checked the quest box.

  Defeat the orc.

  It’s orc slaying time.