"We did it!" Ethan declared, sprinting with whatever energy remained. The white caves receded behind them as they ran into the rolling hills. Panting, the group collapsed behind a cluster of boulders, hidden from view under the starlit sky.

A light breeze carried the scent of pine and earth as the distant rumble of Orc shouts faded into echoes. They were finally safe.

Ethan leaned against a rock, catching his breath. "You two came back. After everything. I thought you hated me."

Beatrix wiped sweat from her brow and dusted her gothic little dress. She slumped next to him. Her silver hair was matted and wild, but she looked more beautiful than ever.

"Oh, that crap again? Gods, you're dense. We couldn't just leave you to burn like that. You're an idiot, a massive pain in the ass, but... you're our idiot now. Lady Velma would skin us alive if we let her precious son die out here."

Athena sheathed her sword with a clang, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. She removed her armor with a groan. Her linen tunic was soaked through, clinging to her heavy breasts. Ethan stared too long to discover her nipples were perhaps hard and erect. Did battle and killing arouse this woman?

"If you are gone, who else are we gonna yell at? You're a reckless fool, but you kinda grew on us. Just stop asking about it like a little girl."

Ethan smiled weakly. "Thanks. Really. I owe you both. Big time."

Beatrix's expression turned serious, and she shifted closer, cornering him against the boulder with her petite frame. She sat on his extended legs to pin him down.

Her eyes locked onto his with a strange intensity.

"If you really think you owe us, start by explaining that invisible power you used back there. In Garkash's camp, you threw me like a ragdoll. What's the source? The spell Dark magic? Who taught you?"

Ethan shifted uncomfortably under her stare, his mind racing for a plausible lie. He couldn't reveal the system or tell her about the Grimorium Lustra.

"It's... temporary. You know Goldie, right? The Grand Healer from Cromwell Castle? During a regular checkup, she injected a spelled potion into me. It lasts only a few more days, but it works really well in both defense and offense. To be honest, I don't have control over it. The Ghost Hands come to life only when I am in danger, or my life is threatened."

Beatrix and Athena exchanged glances. The witch crossed her arms, studying him for a long moment with her brows furrowed. Her butt settled heavily on his thigh, making him gulp. Didn't she realize where she was sitting?

"The bunny doctor? That maniacal fluffball with her crazy experiments? Yeah... sounds exactly like her twisted handiwork. Warping magic into something unnatural."

"Count Cromwell," Athena said. "That kind of borrowed power could backfire on you. It would burn out your mana channels, corrupt your soul, or worse."

The witch sighed, finally getting to her feet. "Now that it's inside you, we'll just have to wait for the potion to burn out. But use it only in emergencies, okay? Don't rely on it for menial things, or it'll break and consume you."

Ethan nodded, relieved they bought the story, even if it was thin and flimsy. "I promise," he said, crossing his fingers.

Athena stretched her long limbs, wincing at the cut on her arm but ignoring it otherwise. "Good. Now that the touchy-feely crap's done, we should head to Gulchtown. Let's group up with Lady Velma and fortify the defenses."

"Hmm," Beatrix chimed in. "According to Ethan, Luka's Orcs have been a deterrent for Garkash, but now we can't depend on them anymore. They might come hunting us down like dogs on a scent. We need to get behind walls and beside allies. No more running."

Ethan offered no response immediately. He rose to his feet, staring into the distance. Then he shook his head slowly, more to himself than to them. "No. I need to rescue Luka Voltha first."

The girls stared at him for a beat as if he'd gone bonkers, and then exploded in unison.

"Luka who?" Beatrix yelled, marching towards him. "The Orc Queen? Have you completely lost your mind? We just barely escaped her murderous horde! And now you want to go back for more? For an Orc? Might as well commit suicide!"

Athena grabbed his shoulders and shook him lightly. Her linen-clad breasts jostled before his face loosely. "Count Cromwell. What's wrong with you? After they tried to burn you alive like a heretic, you still want to save their Queen? You're delusional, and maybe cursed. We need to get to Velma before Garkash hits Gulchtown with his full force!"

Ethan pushed back gently against Athena's hold, but his voice was unwavering. "Listen to me. Luka protected me back there in the white caves. She dove in front of an axe meant for my head. Would you abandon someone who saved your life and took a hit for you?"

"Even if you can, I can't. I can't just let her be taken and exploited by Garkash. She'll be raped and forced to breed like some animal to solidify his claim to the Orc throne."

"Can you solve the Orcish problem with one battle? No. Once Garkash is the King, things will get much, much worse. Luka is not like the greens. Didn't you notice her people don't consume humans or Elves? She wants peace and a different path for her followers. If I abandon her now, not only will our kingdom be doomed, but I can never forgive myself."

Beatrix rubbed her temples, sighing deeply as if the weight of the world pressed on her. "Gods, you're serious. Absolutely dead serious. Oh, come on. Fine! But what's the plan here? We can't just charge into Garkash's camp blindly like idiots. That's suicide, and we've had enough close calls tonight."

Athena nodded reluctantly, releasing the boy's shoulders with a frustrated grunt. "Yeah. Last time we split up, you almost turned into barbecue. We need a solid strategy, without getting caught or hurt this time. Would you agree to that?"

Ethan grinned faintly and nodded. The tension among the trio eased just a bit as they huddled closer under the starlit sky. "Deal. But don't worry. I have a plan."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.