Chapter 21: Night Attack: The conspiracy
When Zion saw the orc monster's appraisal information, he was surprised to see that it was a one-star level and a mid at that, not only a star level but a variant as well, meaning it was a rare monster that was often almost identical to a common individual but possessed one or more unique traits that set them apart. Variants are far more powerful than regular members of their species, and they are more in tune with their natural abilities.
"If this orc in front of me is a variant, don't tell me the leader is also a variant." Zion was taken aback by the information about the monster; not only would the battle become more difficult, but it would also become a battle for life and death.
Zion is hesitant to confront the monster's leader because he knows the star rank of the knights of House Atkin is only a sublevel, while the second-in-command in the camp has just broken through to become a bona fide one-star level knight and Knight Captain Tark is a second-star level. Even if they fought together, their combined strength would be insufficient.
Roar... the orc roared loudly as it swung its long blade at Zion, enraged at having let his prey flee.
Zion was no longer thinking of being careless because he had grown serious, and it appears that they will be fighting a difficult battle.
Bam... Zion's dagger collided with the blade, causing sparks and an eerie sound in the area.
Boom... The orc took a step back as he felt Zion's strength from the second collision; now he knows Zion's strength was stronger than his, and he will die if he is not careful.
But the orc still underestimated Zion's abilities; he only knew Zion's strength was far greater than his, but he had no idea Zion had abilities other than magic, spirit, or bloodline.
Roar…
'I can't keep playing with this monster; I need to kill as many monsters as possible in order to level up to the next rank.
Gaia, how many variants are currently in the camp, and how many do I need to level up to four stars?'
[Scanning... completed.... There are eight orc monsters detected as variants... After calculating the amount of energy required to rank up... calculation is complete... Host, you must kill at least five variants to successfully advance to the third star level.
For four stars, I include the other monster to increase the value calculation, but the combined energy of all the monsters is insufficient to successfully break through to the fourth star level unless you kill the orc leader.]
Zion's expression darkened as he heard Gaia's calculation.
'Should I do it, or do I have no other option?'
Zion's face became solemn as he considered the arrogant second young master knights, knowing that if he did it, he would face the wrath of the nobles.
"Gaia, is it possible to convert energy by excluding the orc leader and replacing it with the knights of the arrogant second young masters?"
[Yes, as a knight, they have energy... three knights are at the second-star level, and one knight is at the three-star level.]
'Do they have a three-star knight commander?' Is this their plan, damn bastards?' Zion was stunned by Gaia's words, and now he believes there is a conspiracy between this monster and the arrogant bastard.
When the orc variant saw Zion standing in defensive positions and didn't move, he was enraged. Even though he has the intelligence of a ten-year-old child, he still has the instinct of a monster that can be greatly irritated.
The orc charges toward Zion, swinging its sword with all of its physical strength, including star-level power and aura. Roar…
As the orc rushed towards him with killing intent, Zion jumped up to avoid the swing.
"Enough," Zion reacted angrily to the orc variant's actions, swinging his dagger and activating his ability, circular swirl vibration.
"Controlled quake puncture force 10% output"
Zmnnnn… His arms began to vibrate in order to bolster his dagger, making the sound of a dragon forcefully awakening.
Roar... The Orc roared loudly as he felt threatened by Zion and was about to take a step back.
Zion landed on the ground and dashed to the location of the variant orc in an instant, rendering the orc unable to react. With its fast vibrating dagger, he pierced the variant orc in the stomach.
When the variant orc saw Zion, who was much smaller than him, in the eyes, he felt an unimaginable fear, but that fear vanished as he was shredded into pieces by the vibration that was injected into the dagger and spread all over his body as he shook uncontrollably and burst, dying without being able to feel any pain.
Zion's eyes were frightening, as he was determined to kill all variants and other monsters that stood in his way. Second, he will look for the bastard's knight, Shane, the arrogant second young master.
Only in this manner could he save his own and the innocent soldier's lives from the monsters' attacks, as well as halt the advancement of the orc variant's four-star level and permanently kill it.
"You leave me no choice, bastard; beware of the consequences of incorporating me into your plan." Zion's killing intent was immense as he stood in the middle of the battleground.
Roar… ahh…
"Kill this damn monster for the honor of House Atkin!" yelled one of the soldiers as he chopped off the goblin's head.
Roar…. Help me... Boom
It had been a bloody night for Zion's first battle, but he didn't care because he had enough time to observe, think, and calculate his next move.
"Full body illusion, camouflage," Zion muttered as a dozen black and white butterflies swirled around him, making him the center of the illusion. After a minute, he vanished from the spot where he stood.
That is from the perspective of others, but Zion was still present; he just blended into the environment as an illusion.
'Gaia, find every variant orc in the camp for me.'
[Sure host, tracking down all Variant orcs in the camp]
To be continued.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone