Gabriel narrowed his eyes at Gorath, the blade of Crimson Judgement still dripping with Gro’mar’s blood.
"...You want to fight the final Usurper?" he asked, voice low.
Gorath nodded firmly. "It’s not about wanting. It’s tradition. In our clan, the exiled orc who gathers strength and allies has the right to challenge the chief in one-on-one combat. If someone else interferes... the duel is considered void."
"That sounds like a great way to get yourself killed," Gabriel replied bluntly, a subtle frown on his face.
"I know." Gorath gave a sharp grin. "But I have to try. This... is my fight. You’ve already done enough for me, and I’ll take it from here."
Gabriel didn’t speak for a moment. He looked past Gorath at the glowing cavern ahead, where the third and final Usurper awaited—Dor’Zak the Earth Eater, the strongest of them all.
He felt a powerful aura coming from that direction.
If he were to guess, the Earth Eater was at least level 50.
Then he glanced at Gorath.
[Gorath – LV.44]
His level was far below the upcoming boss, and while his resolve was admirable, Gabriel knew resolve didn’t block critical hits.
Furthermore, this mission was very important to him. What if Gorath fell in battle? Would that cause him to fail the mission?
It was right at that moment that he thought of something and couldn’t help but ask—
"Did the current chief challenge you as well?"
"Yes." Gorath nodded, his eyes flashing with anger. "However, he exploited a loophole in the ancient law."
"Do you have a plan?" Gabriel raised a brow.
Gorath cracked his knuckles and grinned. "A simple one. I challenge him according to tradition. But we’ll exploit the loophole—just like he did last time."
"What is this loophole?"
Gorath explained. "When both combatants are weakened, outside interference is allowed."
"In other words, you’re planning to sacrifice yourself and want me to finish him off?"
"Yes!" Gorath replied with a serious expression. "You stand ready. If I fall, you finish him."
"That I can agree to." Gabriel nodded. "But before we go, here—take this."
Gabriel casually threw Crimson Judgement to Gorath.
The orc placed his axe aside and caught the sword. He successfully did, however his face paled the next moment, and he quickly let go of the sword.
Bang!
It stabbed the ground, cutting deep into the stone.
"Oh... my bad." Gabriel displayed a rare wry smile as he recalled that only those who already had 100 Strength in stats could wield his sword—in other words, Hero ranks.
"Since you can’t use the sword, then let me do this." He said, placing a hand on Gorath’s war axe, which was just at Bronze rank and cracked.
A few more swings and it would’ve fallen apart.
[Would you like to extract Iron Rank Orc War Axe? Cost: 5 EP]
"Yes!"
Instantly, the cracks on the axe disappeared, becoming firmer and more durable.
[Orc War Axe]
[Durability: 100/100]
[Description: An enhanced orc war axe with a two-time-use trump card called [Oathbringer Fang]. Encase the axe in green flames and deal true damage]
"Here, you can have it." Gabriel handed the axe back to Gorath, who went on one knee and received it reverently.
"Thank you, Sir Broken."
"It’s fine. Now let’s go get your clan back."
The two walked deeper into the caverns. The air grew heavier, and tremors shook the floor as the heat intensified.
Eventually, they reached a colossal chamber carved into the heart of the mountain. Giant bones lined the walls like ancient trophies with at least a hundred orcs stood guard.
At the far end stood a hulking monster clad in iron and bone.
[Dor’Zak the Earth Eater – LV.50]
His body was covered in pulsating runes, and each breath he took sent dust crumbling from the cave ceiling.
"You returned, Gorath." Dor’Zak growled. "Are you that desperate to die?"
"No, I returned to reclaim my clan!" Gorath shouted.
At the side, Gabriel rolled his eyes.
’These are some cringey lines.’
Right at that moment, Gorath stepped forward boldly. "I challenge you, Dor’Zak! As dictated by ancient law!"
The giant orc blinked slowly... and then let out a low rumbling laugh that shook the very walls.
"The last time you escaped because of your wife, but this time I promise you’ll die here! I accept!"
A faint system notification appeared above Gabriel’s vision:
[Warning: Clan Duel Activated – External interference will void rewards.]
[Observe only unless challengers are weakened and unable to continue.]
"Then let’s begin," Gorath muttered, gripping his now-enhanced axe tightly.
Dor’Zak charged first.
BOOOOM!
The floor cracked under his weight as he moved faster than expected, his fist aimed directly at Gorath’s skull.
But Gorath ducked and slashed upward in an arc.
-20
The attack left a red gash across the giant’s ribs, but it barely slowed him.
Dor’Zak spun and delivered a backhand that sent Gorath skidding across the ground.
HP: 100 → 67
Gabriel frowned when he saw the floating damage from just one attack.
’He’s going to get crushed at this rate...’
But then Gorath roared and stood back up, blood leaking from his nose. He activated a skill—[Rampage]—a unique racial skill that was very similar to Gabriel’s [Blood Rush].
His body glowed crimson, and steam burst from his nostrils.