Chương 16: Chapter 15: The Camp

Thalion followed Sylas as the young mage showed him around the camp. They had over a dozen healers, but even more interesting was an alchemist capable of creating mana, health, and stamina potions that were more potent than the ones he had used before. There were also four weaponsmiths in the camp; one of their crafts was the axe wielded by the heavy warrior, whom Thalion learned was called Thorwald. After a short walk, they arrived at the small hut where the alchemist resided.

"Hey, Sarah," Sylas said, "We're here to gather potions for the fight tonight, and this is Thalion, a new mage."

"Hi, you two. How did the hunt go? Did you manage to slay that moon berry eating monstrosity?" Sarah responded.

"No, it killed three people and then escaped," Sylas replied.

"How tragic. It didn't kill Thorwald by any chance, did it?" she asked, half-hopeful.

"No, that guy got lucky. The creature hit all four warriors with a giant mana wave, breaking their bodies, but Thorwald safely landed on a patch of soft grass," Sylas explained.

"Great, so that brute will show up tonight, demanding more healing and stamina potions than everyone else because he thinks his group of bullies is better and stronger than anyone else," Sarah replied, clearly annoyed.

"What exactly do you need the moonberries for?" Thalion asked, curious.

"Mainly for mana potions to hold the orcs at bay, but I can also use them to make an elixir that permanently increases intelligence," the alchemist answered.

"So, here are your health and mana potions. Be careful not to use more than two an hour, or they'll lose their effectiveness," Sarah added.

"Yeah, I know," Sylas nodded. After a little more conversation, they left for the campfire, where all the stronger warriors were discussing the tactics for tonight.

"By the way, do those weaponsmiths happen to craft staves or something like that?" Thalion asked Sylas.

"No, they just arrived yesterday, and so far, they've only managed to build two weapons: the axe for Thorwald and a broadsword for one of his friends," Sylas answered.

"Are those guys really that strong that they get special treatment?" Thalion asked, though he already had a hunch.

"No. Thorwald is level 12, and the others are around level 10. That guy is power-hungry. Since he came here, Thorwald has been trying to become the leader of this camp, creating problems for Kael whenever he can."

"Sounds like a swell guy, but heavy warriors suck against orcs, at least from what I know. Maybe you'll get lucky, and the problem will solve itself tonight," Thalion said with a nod.

"Yeah, that's exactly why he and his guys will be standing back tonight, essentially doing nothing," Sylas retorted.

"They'll only intervene when there's no other choice."

"Wait, the heavy warriors are standing back? How are you even going to fight tonight?" Thalion asked, confused.

"Well, normally, four to six groups of orcs attack during the night. The archers and mages try to hold them off, and when they manage to break through the wall, the warriors engage. Sometimes we jump down and fight them before they get close, but that happens rarely," Sylas explained. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. After a short walk, they arrived at the campfire, where over thirty warriors were already present. In the center stood Thorwald, loudly boasting to everyone.

"You should have been there. This beast was lucky I was the only heavy warrior out of my group who participated in the hunt," Thorwald exclaimed.

"Those useless, spoiled children died after the first attack and left me alone against the giant glowhorn, which was six levels higher than me."

"The mages were useless, and after a fight, I couldn't contain it anymore, and it managed to flee. Somehow, Kael even let the beast stomp on his bow. Can you believe that? The weaponsmiths promised me two short swords for my dear friend Ethan here, but now they've canceled it to craft a bow for Kael," Thorwald continued, now furious, as he spotted them approaching.

"So, the useless mage shows up after all," Thorwald shouted, pointing a finger at Sylas.

"You'd better not mess up like you did in the hunt today." Then he spotted Thalion, who instantly felt an Identify spell on him. In turn, he also identified Thorwald, noting that he was now at level 13. He had gained a level, huh, Thalion thought.

"And who are you?" Thorwald addressed him.

"You have quite a high level. I guess mages don't need as much experience as heavy warriors."

"Greetings, everyone. I'm Thalion; I just joined today," he addressed the crowd politely. Then he continued, "At first, I was worried about the orc attack tonight, but after hearing your story about the glowhorn, I don't think the orcs will even have a chance with you on the front lines." Thorwald's eyes narrowed as he replied with feigned sorrow, "As much as it pains me, my class, the heavy warrior, isn't good against orcs, so we'll be the last line of defense."

Thalion considered embarrassing Thorwald by mentioning that heavy warriors aren't meant to watch others fight from the backline, but in the end, he opted for a more diplomatic approach.

"Understandable. In this new world, it's important not to take unnecessary risks," he said.

"Yes, indeed it is," Thorwald said, now with a satisfied smile. Then Kael and a small group approached the gathering.

"Listen up, everyone, it's time," Kael said loudly.

"With the system shop arriving tomorrow, tonight will be much harder than before. Tonight's fight will be different. Instead of just standing on the walls and rarely engaging the enemy in close proximity, we'll form groups of up to four people to quickly eliminate incoming enemies before retreating back to the wall," Kael announced.

"These groups will consist of our strongest fighters, so everyone under level 11 take your positions on the walls. The rest, stay here." Thalion almost smirked as he watched Thorwald, and his men leave.

"So, it's time to form the groups for tonight," Kael announced.

"Just to clarify, you won't be stationed in one area; instead, you'll move along the wall and provide help wherever it's needed. You need a movement skill of some sort to be part of these groups," Kael added, noticing that all the mages stood up except Thalion.

"You have a movement skill?" Kael asked him, surprised.

"I know you're the highest level, but are you sure? We could use your firepower on the wall." The main reason Thalion had chosen to join one of the assault groups was to collect as many corpses as possible for a potential big Devourer's feast later. When push came to shove, he could always transform into shadowstalker and escape. He wanted to help these people, but he wasn't willing to risk his life.

"Yeah, don't worry about me. I'll be fine," Thalion replied.

"Okay then, you, Kai, and I will be one team," Kael nodded. After a bit of discussion, they had seven assault groups, mostly consisting of light warrior variants, and everyone set out for the wall to wait for the attack. The light had noticeably dimmed as Kael, Thalion, and Kai made their way to the wall. It was probably more of a 4-meter-tall wooden fence than a true wall, but hopefully, it would be enough.

"So, what classes do you have, and how do you fight?" Thalion asked his group.

"I'm a hunter. I can fight in close range with my dagger or use a bow from a distance," Kael answered.

"Do you have a new bow? I heard from Thorwald that your bow was destroyed," Thalion asked the hunter.

"Yes, the weaponsmith made one for me, along with my dagger," Kael replied.

"I'm a light warrior," Kai added.

"I'll move around them and try to slowly cut them down. How do you fight? None of the mages here seem to have a movement skill at the moment," Kai asked Thalion.

"I'll mostly throw fireballs and stop them with mana barriers. The other spells aren't good for fighting," Thalion answered, though the last part was, of course, a lie. Nothing good would come from telling them that he only had three spells. After a short walk, they arrived on top of the improvised wooden wall. They sat down and waited for the attack.