Embrace of the void

Two days swiftly passed, and the time for their mission had arrived.

"Are you ready?" Michael asked, his tone a blend of anticipation and determination.

Nyxar chuckled, "I was born ready."

Michael took a moment to check their statuses, a routine he had grown accustomed to before any significant operation.

Status:

{Name: Michael Nightshade} 

{Age: 15}

{Class: Voidcaller Necromancer}

{Bloodline: None}

{Rank: E-}

{Strength: E-}

{Agility: E}

{Stamina: E-}

{Perception: E-}

{Intelligence: E-}

{Mana: E}

{Charm: E-}

{Affinity: Lightning (S), Shadow (SS), Space (SSS), Darkness (EX), Void (EX)}

{Skills: swordsmanship (Beginner 60%), Archery (Beginner)}

Techniques:

Rare: {Voltblade Fury (Intermediate 10%), Desolation Barrage (Beginner 70%), Shadowscape Manipulation (Beginner 45%)} 

Legendary: {Nightfall Doom (Beginner 50%), Dimensional Redirect (Beginner 45%)} 

Class Skills: {Undead Revival (Beginner), Undead Summoning (Beginner), Void Manipulation (Beginner), Shadow Veil (Beginner 25%), Necrotic Rift (Beginner), Void Flame (Beginner 5%)} 

{Innate Abilities: Eternal Evolution (Beginner)}

He then turned his attention to Nyxar, who had made considerable progress.

Status:

{Name: Nyxar}

{Age: 15}

{Class: Void Reaper}

{Bloodline: Dark Elf}

{Race: Voidwalkers}

{Rank:D-}

{Strength: D-}

{Agility: D-}

{Stamina: ∞}

{Perception: D-}

{Intelligence: D-}

{Mana: D-}

{Charm: D-}

{Affinities: Shadow (SS), Space (SS), Darkness (EX), Void (SSS)}

{Skills: Dagger mastery (Intermediate), stealth (Intermediate), archery (Intermediate)}

Techniques:

Rare: {Shadow's Embrace (Intermediate 65%), Aetherial Grasp (Beginner 35%)} 

Class Skills: {Void Dagger (Beginner 25%), Void Manipulation, Voidstep (Beginner 30%), void senses, Soul Rend, Dark Burst} 

{Bloodline Skills: Dark Vision, Night Enhancement, Silent Feet} 

{Race skills: void immunity}

{Innate Abilities: Dark Teleportation}

{Dark Burst} Nyxar can concentrate darkness into a concentrated orb and hurl it at a target. Upon impact, the orb explodes into a torrent of destructive darkness, dealing area-of-effect damage and instilling lingering fear in enemies caught within the blast.

Satisfied with their advancements, Michael remarked, "We need to ensure that no one sees us when we leave for the forest. If we succeed in our mission, the fools from the Crimson Hand will undoubtedly attempt to track us and investigate what transpired."

"Agreed," Nyxar replied, a serious glint in his eyes.

As night descended, Michael activated his **Shadow Veil** skill, cloaking them in darkness to avoid detection. Nyxar slipped into Michael's shadow, seamlessly blending in.

Once they reached the city wall, Nyxar emerged from the shadows, ready to utilize his innate ability. With a swift motion, he activated **Dark Teleportation**, transporting both himself and Michael into the depths of the forest.

Upon arrival, they resumed their journey toward the orc tribe, carefully navigating the terrain while remaining vigilant to avoid any lurking monsters. Their focus was unyielding; time was of the essence, and they could not afford any distractions.

After over an hour of careful navigation, Michael and Nyxar finally arrived at the orc village. The atmosphere was thick with tension as they paused to gather their thoughts before embarking on their reconnaissance.

The village lay quiet, its stillness punctuated only by the distant sounds of guards on patrol. Some archers dozed in the archery towers, while others remained alert, scanning the surroundings. In the center of the village, a campfire crackled, illuminating a group of orcs gathered around, eating and sharing stories.

 "Are you ready?" Nyxar asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Michael nodded, determination etched on his face. "Yes."

Taking a deep breath, Michael instructed Nyxar to produce the items he had acquired during His visit to the black market. Nyxar reached into his storage ring and retrieved two masks and two cloaks. He handed one of the cloaks to Michael and returned the mask he had borrowed earlier.

With their disguises in place, the duo donned their masks and cloaks, blending into the shadows. Nyxar activated his innate ability, {Dark Teleportation}, and in the blink of an eye, they were transported directly into the heart of the village.

In an instant, Michael found himself surrounded by the dim glow of the campfire, the scent of smoke and cooking meat filling the air. Quickly, he activated his {Shadow Veil} technique, cloaking himself in darkness, while Nyxar slipped seamlessly into the shadows.

They moved cautiously, navigating between the huts, Heading towards the orc chief's hut.. The shadows provided cover, allowing them to creep closer without raising alarm. The flickering firelight danced across their cloaks, but the darkness clung to them like a second skin, rendering them nearly invisible.

As they traversed the village, every sound—every rustle of leaves and crackle of the fire—heightened their senses. They were acutely aware that one misstep could alert the orc guards to their presence.

The duo soon arrived at the orc leader's hut, the air thick with anticipation. A lone guard stood sentinel at the entrance, his imposing figure blocking their path.

Nyxar squinted, recognizing the guard. "That's the same one who was in the leader's hut when I snuck in last time. He's ranked D; he might be as strong as the leader himself."

Michael fixed a cold gaze on the guard, assessing the threat. The orc was seated cross-legged in front of the entrance, his impressive physique evident despite his relaxed posture. With green skin, gray hair, and intricate tattoos adorning his arms, he presented a formidable sight. A prominent scar ran across his nose, adding to his intimidating appearance.

"This guy reminds me of the Hulk from a movie I watched in my previous life," Michael mused, a mix of admiration and concern in his voice. "Can we handle him and the leader at the same time?"

Nyxar, his expression resolute, replied, "I'll focus on the leader. You need to take care of this brute."

Michael sighed and said, "I'll do my best."