Africa Leveling

The Black Crag Clan buzzed with anticipation. For three days, the village prepared for war, every orc working tirelessly to fortify their defenses and sharpen their weapons. The scouts' grim report of the demon horde's size had unified them, turning the village into a hive of determination.

Jajwok stood among the warriors as they reviewed their strategies, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Despite the rigorous training, his doubts lingered. His golden light had saved him once, but would it be enough to face an army of demons?

Urgak's voice broke through his thoughts. "Jajwok, with me."

The massive orc led him toward the chieftain's tent, where the most experienced warriors had gathered. The air inside was thick with the scent of leather and sweat, the walls lined with crude maps and weapon racks.

The chieftain, a towering figure with scars that told a lifetime of battles, regarded Jajwok with a stern expression. "You've proven yourself in the Pit and on the battlefield, human. Now it's time to see if you can lead."

"Lead?" Jajwok echoed, his brow furrowing.

"The demons have sent a vanguard ahead of their main force," the chieftain explained, pointing to a map marked with fresh tracks. "They'll be testing our defenses, looking for weaknesses. You and Urgak will intercept them before they reach the village."

Jajwok's stomach churned. "You're trusting me with this?"

Urgak clapped a hand on his shoulder, his grin equal parts encouraging and intimidating. "Don't screw it up, and you'll be fine."

The chieftain's gaze bore into him. "This isn't just about killing demons. It's about showing them that we won't cower. Bring back their heads as a message."

---

The hunting party set out at dusk, the fading light painting the forest in shades of gold and crimson. Jajwok stayed close to Urgak, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. The other warriors moved with practiced ease, their heavy footfalls blending with the rustle of leaves.

Kragzul had approached Jajwok before they left, offering a small vial of dark liquid. "Drink this if your strength falters," the mage had said. "But only as a last resort. Its power comes at a price."

Jajwok had accepted it reluctantly, tucking it into his belt. Now, as they neared the enemy's last known location, he felt its weight pressing against his side like a reminder of his own limitations.

Urgak raised a fist, signaling the group to halt. The forest around them was eerily quiet, the usual hum of nocturnal creatures replaced by an oppressive stillness.

"They're close," Urgak muttered, his eyes scanning the shadows.

Jajwok's grip tightened on his blade as he peered into the darkness. The memory of the last battle resurfaced, the shrieks of the demons and the stench of their blood vivid in his mind.

A low growl broke the silence, followed by the sound of snapping twigs. The warriors tensed, forming a defensive circle.

The first demon emerged from the shadows, its form hunched and grotesque. Its eyes glowed with malice as it let out a guttural snarl, calling others to its side. Within moments, more demons appeared, their twisted bodies blending into the darkness.

"Hold the line!" Urgak bellowed, raising his warhammer.

The demons charged, their claws glinting in the moonlight. Jajwok met the first with a swift strike, his blade cutting through its chest. The creature collapsed with a wet gurgle, but there was no time to celebrate.

Another demon lunged at him, its claws slashing toward his throat. He ducked, the attack grazing his shoulder, and countered with an upward slash. The creature's head rolled to the ground, its body crumpling seconds later.

The battle quickly descended into chaos. The demons were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. Jajwok fought with everything he had, his movements becoming more instinctual with each swing of his blade.

"Jajwok, left!" Urgak's voice rang out.

He turned just in time to block a demon's strike, the force of the blow sending him stumbling backward. As he regained his footing, a surge of energy coursed through him. The golden light flickered to life, enveloping his blade.

The next demon that came at him was met with a burst of brilliance. The creature screeched as the light consumed it, its body dissolving into ash.

The warriors rallied around Jajwok, their spirits bolstered by the sight of his power. Even Urgak couldn't hide his grin as he crushed a demon with his warhammer.

"Not bad, human," he shouted over the din. "Keep it up!"

But the tide of demons showed no signs of slowing. For every one they felled, more seemed to take its place. Jajwok's muscles burned, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

Urgak fought his way to Jajwok's side, his expression grim. "We need to end this quickly. The longer we fight, the more we risk getting overrun."

Jajwok nodded, his mind racing. The demons weren't attacking at random—they were protecting something. He scanned the battlefield, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a larger figure in the distance.

"There," he said, pointing with his blade. "That one's different. If we take it down, the rest might scatter."

Urgak followed his gaze and grinned. "I like the way you think. Let's go."

The two warriors charged through the chaos, cutting down any demon that dared stand in their way. The larger figure turned as they approached, revealing a hulking form covered in jagged armor. Its eyes glowed with a fiery intensity, and a deep, guttural laugh rumbled from its throat.

"You dare challenge me, mortals?" it growled, its voice reverberating through the air.

Urgak didn't wait for a reply. He swung his warhammer with all his might, the weapon colliding with the demon's armored chest. The force of the blow sent the creature staggering, but it quickly regained its footing, its claws slashing toward Urgak.

Jajwok leapt forward, his blade flashing with golden light. He struck the demon's arm, severing it at the elbow. The creature roared in pain, its remaining hand swiping wildly.

The battle was brutal, each strike met with equal ferocity. Jajwok's light flared brighter with every blow, its warmth seeping into his veins.

With a final, coordinated attack, Jajwok and Urgak brought the demon to its knees. Urgak's warhammer crushed its skull, and the creature collapsed with a deafening thud.

As the larger demon fell, the remaining creatures hesitated, their resolve wavering. One by one, they turned and fled into the shadows, their guttural cries fading into the distance.

The warriors stood in the aftermath, their breaths heavy and their weapons stained with blood.

"We did it," Urgak said, his voice filled with exhaustion and pride.

Jajwok nodded, though his body felt like it was on the verge of collapse. The golden light that had fueled him began to fade, leaving behind a deep ache.

"Let's head back," Urgak said, clapping him on the shoulder. "The chieftain will want to hear about this."

As they made their way back to the village, Jajwok couldn't shake the feeling that this victory was only the beginning. The larger demon's words echoed in his mind, a grim reminder of the battles yet to come .