Sanctuary: Safe Haven

The next day arrived, and Grimruk was up early. His axe gleamed as he sharpened it with practiced precision, and he methodically checked the supplies stored in his ring. His thoughts were focused on the task ahead. Today would be different—today, they were one step closer to finding his tribe. Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire

He glanced back to the two shock troops and the small group that had gathered under their protection. Over the months of traveling, rescuing villagers, and aiding those in need, the shock troops had become known for their ingenuity and relentless will. Even though there were only two of them, they managed to execute their plans flawlessly.

The first shock troop, Igor, was a skilled summoner. He controlled three great-calamity beasts, each serving a different purpose: one for scouting, one for brute force, and the last for magical firepower. His beasts were carefully selected, ensuring a balance between offense and defense. Igor himself also had the added benefit of being able to use healing magic, making him a well-rounded ally in any battle.

The second shock troop, Milly, was a dwarf with an extraordinary affinity for earth magic. She could control the very ground they stood on, and her ability to cover vast areas with her magic allowed them to stay alert at all times. Anyone who entered her earth-formed barriers would trigger an alarm, giving them an edge in hostile territory.

Both carried the mission and name of the sanctuary—Hope.

Together, they had rescued numerous slaves and villagers, and some of those freed had chosen to follow them, forming a small group of thirty-seven strong individuals from various races. At first, Grimruk and the shock troops had refused their help, but the group's persistence eventually won them over. Unfortunately, they had no way to send them to the sanctuary, as the Noctis clone they had was a one-time use. Despite this, they pressed on without requesting backup, determined to complete their mission.

Today was significant. After months of searching, their path led them to a dark forest, a place rumored to be under the domain of a Demon Lord. Unease settled over them at the thought.

In Sepra, only thirteen beings had ever earned the title of Demon Lord. These individuals were not born demons but had evolved into half-demons through mastery of mana and the acquisition of demonic energy. Each one was a being of immense power and danger, capable of reshaping the world if they wished. Their abilities were largely unknown, but their presence always signaled turmoil. Whether they chose to embrace their demonic evolution fully or not, every Demon Lord was feared across the land.

Igor broke the silence. "What's the plan, Grimruk? Should we contact the sanctuary?"

Grimruk shook his head, his expression resolute. "We need evidence first. This Demon Lord is rumored to be capturing different races and turning them into soldiers for his army. But we don't know if it's true yet."

Milly chimed in. "True or not, we know one thing—a subordinate of this Demon Lord bought a group of black orcs in the black market. Whether they're from your tribe or not, we can at least ask them."

Igor raised an eyebrow, half-smiling. "Ask them? You're suggesting we just walk up, knock on the doors of a Demon Lord's castle, and ask if we can speak to their prisoners?"

The two shock troops exchanged banter, ridiculing each other's plans. Grimruk closed his eyes, listening to them for a moment. Then, with a slow breath, he opened his eyes and said, "I have a plan."

Both shock troops turned to Grimruk, curiosity in their eyes.

Grimruk grinned. "Canna-sama told us before we left that we could use his name whenever necessary. We'll leverage that."

Igor and Milly exchanged skeptical glances, but Grimruk's confidence reassured them. "Just trust me," he continued. "We don't need to involve everyone. The three of us will go alone. This will just be a discussion."

Reluctantly, Igor and Milly agreed. They informed the rest of the group to stay at their makeshift settlement and hunt for lunch. With that settled, the three of them set out toward their ominous destination—a towering, dark castle looming in the distance.

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An hour later, as they trekked deeper into the forest, they encountered a small group of undead, shambling mindlessly in their path. Grimruk and the shock troops moved with deadly efficiency, cutting through the bones and rotten flesh of the undead with practiced ease. Each strike was precise, and within minutes, the last of the undead crumbled to the ground in a heap.

But as the dust settled, a shadow passed over them from above.

Grimruk looked up, narrowing his eyes as the shadow grew larger, and then he saw it.

A manticore.

The beast hovered in the air, its massive bat-like wings beating slowly as it kept itself aloft. Its enormous lion-like body, covered in rippling muscles, exuded both power and danger. The creature's twisted horns curled out from its head like deadly crowns, and its glowing eyes stared down at them with a fierce intelligence. Its tail, long and lined with venomous barbs, swayed threateningly behind it, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

Grimruk stepped forward, locking eyes with the manticore. "I've come to speak with your master," he said, his voice deep and calm. "There's no need for bloodshed."

The manticore paused, seemingly considering Grimruk's words, its wings beating rhythmically as it hovered above. But then, without warning, it whipped its tail forward, releasing a stream of acidic venom aimed directly at them. The venom hissed and sizzled as it struck the ground, leaving a trail of smoldering pits where it landed. The manticore roared, its voice shaking the very trees around them.

"Show your strength first, black orc," the manticore growled, its wings beating harder as it circled overhead, clearly unimpressed.

Grimruk's grip tightened on his axe, his muscles tensing for the battle to come. He glanced back at Igor and Milly, who were already preparing for the fight ahead. There would be no negotiations without bloodshed today.