Chapter 10: Arrival at Death’s Door

After hours on the road running at high speed using magic, Ace finally arrived at Herald plane also known as Crucifix plane and approached its deadly forest. Before entering he first rested to regain his stamina and mana. He sat and meditated where he entered his own inner world.

"Yo, been a while since I saw that form of yours Ryu though I still can't get used to that appearance especially that white mask, I even find myself asking if you even have a face." Said Ace and then Ryu responded "Shut your trap you ignorant child I'll have you know that this mask adds mystery to my character. But leaving that a side, what do you say to a little training spar?". Ace nodded in agreement and started sparring.

After a while Ace opened his eyes. His stamina and mana had recovered and finally entered the forest. As he made his way through the forest, he encountered some monsters including: Dire Wolves, Goblins, Hell Bees among others but none were noteworthy and compared to him they were weak.

As he continued his way, Ryu incited to him that maybe the adventurers before them were weak and they faced a monster stronger than the rest or if it was vanquished by the adventurer's suicide attack or again a wandering warrior.

Rethinking about it Ace started wondering the same but sticked to his search. He noticed a cave as he went deeper in the forest and so he wandered in, as he dove deeper and deeper he found a layer with a water source in it. He looked around but nothing came up.

As he was going back, he suddenly felt a shudder as he was near the layer's entrance. He had heard of them but the creature advancing infront of him emanated a more menacing air than what he could have anticipated. It was darker, bigger, taller and stronger than what he was told about from his father.

"I've never heard of a thing like that, i-i-is that really an orc? A new breed? Well whatever it's too late. Chris told me to trust my instincts and right now they're telling me that that thing is dangerous." Thought Ace as he draws Ryuugetsu from his sheath ready to face the monster.

And so as soon as they made eye contact, the beast charged at him and with its club it hit with absurd strength but luckily Ace managed to block it but the damage was great. When he regained his footing he shot black flames at the monster but they had no effect.

Not even the least bit fazed by the attack, it continued its charge and Ace decided to dodge the attacks and immediately blasted the ground to create a smoke screen. But the giant steps of the beast blew them away and then followed by another club hit, Ace received even more damaged and even ended up with some internal injuries.

"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, SHIIIIT!, I know why all those adventurers died, that fuckin' monster's skin is very thick so attacks have minimal effect on him, not only that but it has a huge physique and enormous strength. How the hell am I supposed to beat that thing?!" thought Ace as he lay on the ground injured while Ryu yells at him to get moving and escape just as the giant orc approaches raising its club ready to strike again.