NOVEL WEB Chapter 312: Found the Base
Seris's expression visibly brightened, appreciating Orion's sincere interest. Her amber eyes gleamed proudly as she began detailing the Felian Kingdom's hierarchy and strengths. "Our capital city, Valoria, is the heart of our kingdom. It's heavily fortified and prosperous, with trade routes connecting across our territories. The royal family has ruled wisely and firmly for countless generations."
'Not so wisely if the war is ongoing…' Orion inwardly thought.
She continued confidently, "Our armies are structured into clear hierarchies. Most army generals have reached Tier 5, with commanders holding power at Tier 6. The absolute strongest powerhouses, the guardians and a select few elders, have reached Tier 7. They protect our kingdom in times of great peril, ensuring our survival against any major threats."
Orion inwardly released a subtle sigh of relief, satisfied that the world's power level aligned with their initial expectations. A world capped primarily at Tier 7 would be challenging enough without becoming overwhelmingly dangerous.
Before Orion could further question her, a soft buzzing sounded from his storage ring. Recognizing it instantly, Orion retrieved a communication token swiftly, holding it firmly as Elias's anxious voice resonated clearly.
"The carriage stopped, Orion! They've reached their secret hideout, it's near the forest ruins. There are more Tigerkin children here, I can see at least another dozen."
Orion's gaze instantly sharpened, determination blazing in his eyes. He replied swiftly and decisively, his tone firm and authoritative, "Stay hidden and don't expose yourself, Elias. We'll be there shortly."
"But I can hand—"
But before he could finish speaking, Orion cut off the communication and immediately leaned towards the carriage's front opening.
Raising his voice, he shouted precise coordinates provided by Elias, urgency clear in every syllable, "Driver, quickly steer towards the southeast, towards the forest ruins!"
The driver, clearly an experienced warrior of the Felian Kingdom, responded immediately, urging the horses into a swift gallop. The carriage jolted and sped forward, the occupants bracing themselves instinctively for the imminent confrontation ahead.
Seris, her earlier anxiety now replaced with fierce determination, locked eyes with Orion, silently grateful and respectful of his swift leadership.
Arya, Emilia, and Nyss exchanged quiet, determined glances, their postures stiffening slightly in preparation for their first real-life battle as a group.
Orion addressed them calmly yet firmly, his voice steady and reassuring. "Everyone, prepare yourselves. Elias has found their hideout, but we can't take any chances. We must not let any of the children be harmed."
Arya nodded resolutely, her violet eyes cold yet determined, "We're ready, Brother Orion."
The scene shifted swiftly, and soon Orion's carriage drew to a stop just beyond sight of the bandits' hideout.
The forest was dense here, with tall, autumnal trees casting soft golden-red hues onto the forest floor. Fallen leaves scattered quietly, being stepped on beneath the boots of Orion's group as they swiftly descended from the carriage.
Orion stood firmly, his dual-colored eyes blazing with focus as he carefully surveyed the surroundings.
Arya stepped gracefully to his right, determination etched across her face. Emilia gently brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear, her expression serene but fierce. Nyss quietly tightened her grip on her massive scythe, her frosty gaze colder than usual.
Sylvia, Felira, and Kale calmly approached from the second carriage, their demeanor equally composed but brimming with readiness for battle.
The two mature Tigerkin women, Seris and her companion, along with their guards, moved to follow instinctively, but Orion quickly raised a hand, stopping them.
"You should stay here," Orion stated firmly but respectfully. "Let us handle this."
Seris hesitated visibly, her amber eyes filled with concern. "But—"
Before she could finish protesting, Sylvia calmly stepped forward. Her serene eyes narrowed slightly, releasing just a fraction of her powerful aura.
A sudden, heavy pressure enveloped Seris and the guards, forcing them to instantly pause and instinctively step backward, overwhelmed.
"Please remain here," Sylvia spoke quietly yet firmly, her presence radiating undeniable strength. "We will rescue the children safely."
Realizing their relative weakness in this situation, Seris sighed softly and reluctantly nodded, worry lingering in her gaze but trust beginning to take root. "Very well. Be careful."
With Seris and the guards now safely staying behind, Orion turned his gaze forward toward the cave entrance.
Four tall, burly Lionkin stood guard there, their lion ears twitching restlessly as they occasionally scanned the forest, oblivious to the approaching danger.
Orion's eyes narrowed sharply. Without hesitation, he activated his Eye of Revelation. Lumi's cheerful voice instantly echoed in his mind.
[Eye of Revelation activated. Scanning targets, 20 SP per target.]
Immediately, detailed information flooded Orion's consciousness. All four Lionkin were mere Tier 2 Body Refiners.
A confident smirk crossed Orion's face, these enemies posed no significant threat to his group.
Taking a step forward, Orion calmly raised his hand, mana surging powerfully around him. His voice rang sharply, clear and authoritative as he invoked, "Forest's Wrath!"
Dense, vibrant green vines erupted explosively from the forest floor, rapidly surging toward the Lionkin guards.
Within moments, they were thoroughly ensnared, powerful vines tightly coiling around their limbs and throats. Electric jolts of natural energy coursed through their bodies, rendering them unconscious almost immediately as their breathing became restricted.
Arya stared in astonishment, mouth slightly agape in surprise. "Brother Orion, did you improve Forest's Wrath?"
Orion simply offered a small, mysterious nod, his eyes still sharply fixed ahead. "Now isn't the time. Let's go!"
He sprinted toward the cave entrance without waiting for another response. Arya, Emilia, Nyss, Sylvia, Felira, and Kale swiftly followed, falling seamlessly into their formation behind Orion.
Approaching the cave entrance, Orion calmly drew his Realm Guardian Sword, its cold, gleaming blade reflecting faint beams of filtered sunlight.
With a focused gaze, Orion entered the cave first, the rest of his companions close behind. Immediately, they encountered a few startled Lionkin bandits within the cave corridor.
Those enemies barely had time to react before Orion effortlessly dispatched them, his sword movements smooth and unhesitating.
Nyss quickly followed suit, wielding her massive scythe with lethal precision. Emilia unleashed precise, controlled attacks that incapacitated enemies before they could even raise alarms, while Arya looked around at the group in case someone needed healing.
Sylvia, Kale, and Felira swiftly cleared those remaining, their movements confident and efficient, leaving no enemy capable of standing.
As they rapidly moved deeper into the cave, bandits appeared at intervals, startled by the unexpected assault but entirely unable to resist Orion's powerful group.
Their foes, mere Tier 2 and 3 warriors, stood no chance against Orion and his companions, each possessing formidable strength at Tier 6.
Within mere minutes, Orion's team breached a wide-open cavern deep inside the hideout. The cave ceiling rose high above, illuminated dimly by scattered torches and glowing mana crystals embedded in the walls.
At one side, huddled and frightened, were the kidnapped Tigerkin children, including Elias, who appeared considerably irritated by his role, despite his calm façade.
On the opposite side of the cavern, two dozen Lionkin bandits relaxed leisurely, unaware that their defenses had already fallen.
Some laughed coarsely, others sharpened weapons, and a few were casually counting ill-gotten loot. Their relaxed demeanor, oblivious to imminent danger, indicated they felt completely secure within their hidden lair.
Orion's dual-colored eyes narrowed sharply, his gaze colder than ice.