Night fell thick over the Orc clan's territory. A cold wind slipped through the trees, carrying the scent of wet leaves and damp earth. The sounds of nocturnal creatures echoed faintly, adding to the tense silence. Kenji and Mog carefully walked along a narrow trail, leading their small but growing group of young Orcs hungry for change.
The clan was now in chaos, and Kenji realized his presence was beginning to disrupt the order maintained by blood and fear. He needed to be more cautious, but his confidence grew. He was no longer alone.
The Shadow of Grommash
Yet, the darkest shadow in the clan was watching.
Grommash.
The strongest and cruelest Orc in clan history. The man was not only huge and powerful but also ruthless and cunning. His head was marked by terrifying scars, and his eyes burned with uncontrollable rage and hatred.
Grommash could never accept Kenji's existence, especially the growing influence he wielded. He saw Kenji as a direct threat to his power.
"Kenji must die," Grommash whispered in his mind, his red eyes blazing as they fixed on Kenji's cave. "He is a poison I must remove before it spreads."
Ambush in the Dead of Night
That night, Grommash orchestrated an ambush. With several loyal Orcs, he sneaked into Kenji's territory. Their plan was simple: kill Kenji before dawn.
Kenji, wary of danger, walked with Mog and two other young Orcs, staying alert.
Suddenly, a snapping twig sounded from the bushes.
"Attack!" shouted one of the young Orcs, but it was too late.
Grommash and his men launched a brutal assault. Grommash's massive mace swung close to Kenji's head, nearly knocking him unconscious.
Kenji barely dodged, but the attacks kept coming relentlessly.
A Deadly Fight
Kenji fought with all his skill, using the speed and agility he had honed. But Grommash's physical strength far surpassed his.
Grommash landed a deadly blow, wounding Kenji's arm as blood poured out. Kenji fell, his life nearly slipping away.
Mog's Sacrifice
Amidst the chaos, Mog saw Kenji in grave danger. Despite his weak and crippled body, he didn't hesitate.
With extraordinary courage, Mog charged at Grommash, trying to divert the giant's attention.
Mog rammed into Grommash from the side, forcing him to release Kenji.
But Mog's attack left him exposed, making him an easy target for Grommash's loyal Orcs.
Blood and Fury
Mog collapsed, gravely wounded, blood flowing from deep stab wounds and savage blows.
"Kenji… continue the fight… I'm… with you…" Mog whispered, his voice weakening.
He looked at Kenji with eyes full of hope and final loyalty.
Seeing Mog's sacrifice, Kenji's anger surged like never before. A new wave of energy flooded his body. His muscles bulged, his skin hardened, and his once-normal eyes now glowed fiery red.
Trigger Skill: Blood Rage
Kenji's body burned with wild power. A new skill awakened, [Blood Rage], triggered by overwhelming loss and fury.
Blood Rage (Trigger):Kenji enters a brutal rage mode, drastically increasing his physical strength, speed, and endurance. While Blood Rage is active, pain is numbed, and attacks become more lethal.
In this state, Kenji transformed from a clever runt into a terrifying monster. He charged Grommash with incredible force and speed, pounding the giant repeatedly.
A Fight for Vengeance
Grommash, usually unbeatable, was shocked and overwhelmed by Kenji's drastic change. Kenji's savage attacks pushed him back, causing Grommash to fall several times.
Kenji unleashed his anger and grief in every strike, remembering Mog's sacrifice that saved his life.
Witnessed by the Clan
The young Orcs following Kenji began to see a different figure in their leader—not just the small, weak Orc, but a warrior capable of awakening devastating power within himself.
Meanwhile, some adult Orcs loyal to Grommash were stunned by Kenji's transformation, sensing a serious threat from the runt.
The End of the Battle
With a powerful, vengeful blow, Kenji struck Grommash's chest, sending him crashing down.
Grommash groaned, his eyes narrowing with hatred, but his body was too exhausted to rise.
Kenji stood over him, breathing heavily, blood covering his body, his red eyes burning with determination.
"You're not done yet… This is just the beginning," Kenji hissed.
A Moving Sacrifice
Mog lay weak on the ground, smiling faintly as he saw Kenji's victory. Though his body was dying, he knew the fight was not over. He had given everything for his new friend.
With his last breath, Mog murmured, "Don't forget me… Kenji… Don't let this blood be wasted…"
Kenji's Reflection
After the ambush, Kenji sat beside Mog, gazing at his friend's pale face.
"Thank you, Mog. I promise, I will make a change. For you, and for all the forgotten," Kenji whispered, holding back tears he never allowed himself to shed.
That night, not only blood was spilled but also Kenji's resolve burned brighter than ever. Blood Rage, triggered by Mog's sacrifice, proved that in this brutal world, only those willing to sacrifice everything could survive.
Yet, the true battle was still far ahead.