Chapter 14

Walking through the shadowed forest Orion glanced at his new protection squad that were making sure that he made it to the border of the wood elf lands into the beastribe. Raising his right arm over his eyes Orion admired the new piece of gear that was around his wrist: 6 small throwing knifes held in a leather cuff. The damage was small compared to the mold sword but it was a lifeline that had been there the day before. Lord Vulas blacksmith was not able to complete the work Orion had ordered before he left but was giving this instead.

Is this really all worth it?

As events kept spiraling out of control that was the question that was coming up more often. The reason Orion had taken up the offer to help build the dungeon was the hope it would offer advantages, a quicker way to gain power. Even with his ability most people were far more powerful some peoples levels reaching into the hundreds. At that point they were more like forces of nature that normally if one wanted to would be able to cause untold damage. The good thing was that there was a unified force of people just as strong called the Protectors.

“Gaelin how much do you know of the Protectors?”

Orion asked to make lighter the mindset the rest of them were in. Gaelin seemed to jump at the opportunity to lighten the atmosphere of the group. Switching places with another so that the two of them walked beside each other he began.

“Well besides for stopping the rampages of solo demigod like beings they dispel energy that forms gateway’s to other worlds although most of the time that’s not needed”

“I never knew they did that, have they always?”

Children were often told with Orion being no exception that the Protectors were watching over them so there was nothing to worry about.

“These gates usual don’t last long but since this has been secondary job since they were founded. They have been so good that it’s no surprise you do not know”

Orion found new admiration for the people he had only heard about and forgotten. The differences between beings like the Protectors and him had caused a split in his mind like they were not even real.

“Where do the gateways lead to?”

Gaelin singled them to stop for a short break to eat, they had been on the move since before light and this would be the first time they would had stopped.

“A dead world, but the only ones who know for sure have yet to explain”

With that answer hanging in the air the squad and Orion set up cooking supplies, two were still on watch on opposite sides of the camp while the rest had free time. Orion noticed one of the elf’s rubbing her hand on the tree with a sad expression. He focused his attention on the tree she was touching then to the surrounding forest and noticed a change.

“Everything around here seems…. Less and the trees actually have brown in them, why is there a difference”

Orion was fairly sure they were still in elf lands so the slightly of the forest sickly was well noticed. Gaelin expression become the other elf’s for a moment before responding.

“The beast tribe spend their days cutting back the forest and trying to damage it in whatever way they can think of. Due to that there influences reaches even the forest"

Gaelin ate the last of his lunch and checked his stats to find the red mist effect still on him and Orion. They both got up and made their way to a piece of flat land to begin a light spar. For Orion that meant something considerably more challenging with the many differences between them.

“The good thing is that there are areas in the forest that are meant to combat this very thing, while not completely effective the protection that inhabits the forest is enough for all but the edges of it”

Orion launched himself forward trying to strike in the gap he perceived to be in Gaelin’s defense only for his arm held in place. With his sword dropped he received a swift kick to the stomach ending the quick match.

“Please no more, the skill experience is great but my pride and body can’t take anymore”

Gaelin laughed and helped Orion up, giving the Mold sword back to him.

“Nonsense we are going to keep going for longer than a brief moment. As you are now almost everyone is overall stronger then you. Improving the level of your skills will help bridge the gap, now come on and learn to love all leveling”