Defiance of the Fall

Sweat poured down Kruta’s back from the realization that he’d truly been targeted by the Thousandflame Eccentric , almost resulting in him being made another example . The fact he and his clan hadn’t been turned to fertilizer for the Thousandflame Galley should be proof she’d learned he didn’t have any evil designs on Iz Tayn . But it couldn’t hurt to make sure .

Kruta bears no ill will! I was told the young princess might be willing to help , and I agreed to contact her . That’s it , I promise! -

Relax , will you? - the voice said with exasperation . - The way you’re acting makes me feel like I’m some old evildoer . I told you I’m not burning you or your little tribe . -

The Thousandflame Eccentric was deeply in denial , but Kruta would die before he pointed that out . Instead , he went with the flow , standing while trying to look grateful and impressed . Kruta felt those who said orcs were inflexible and crude would have to swallow their words after seeing his performance .

Or was it the human ancestry of his great-grandfather that had given him the adaptability needed to navigate this tribulation? He’d considered that a blemish on his name throughout his youth , but Kruta knew better than to blame his ancestry on any of his shortcomings today . Zac had showed with blinding clarity humans could be just as ferocious as the orcs .

Who would have thought such exciting events would take place just as I returned to the Integrated Territories? - the Eccentric sighed . - My little niece is clearly meant for greatness . The boy you met inside that delusional old spirit’s realm isn’t half-bad , either . As for you . . . Eh . You’re okay , I guess? -

Veins bulged on Kruta’s forehead , and he narrowly held back a spicy response . He even managed to look thankful for the backhanded comment , though it felt more taxing than climbing that scalding wall .

So , you want our help to reach the frontier , - the Thousandflame Eccentric continued . - That way , you can continue to hang onto this thread of borrowed fate . A bit shameless , wouldn’t you say? -

The rational part of his mind urged caution . He was almost there . But years of torment refused to be pushed down any longer . He would be shaming the ancestors if he kept his back bowed any further . Besides , no one liked a coward . Kruta sensed it was time to risk it all for a chance at glory .

Kruta borrowed nothing! I earned this opportunity by risking my life , standing by my friends , and even going against the Seven Heavens! -

His voice echoed across the arena , possibly representing his final burst of defiance before his life winked out . Kruta steeled his heart . For no matter what came next , life or death , he’d stand tall . However , no flame descended to consume him .

Finally , you found your courage , - Thousandflames laughed . - Good! I was starting to wonder if the primal flame in your soul had been extinguished . -

Kruta knew his guess had been right . The Tayns were battle maniacs , and being too obsequious could result in having your fate tested . Kruta wracked his brain to figure out what to do next , but his thoughts scattered when the most beautiful orc he’d ever seen appeared before him .

Her muscles were refined beyond perfection , her bushy eyebrows capturing the deadly beauty of a raging fire across grassy seas . Fiery runes covered her sanguine skin , containing the deepest truths of the true fire of the universe . Her eyes were striking green , reminding Kruta of home , the plains , and of war .

She held no weapons , but why should she need any? She was already a weapon refined beyond perfection . The faces of his fiancées rapidly faded as Kruta took in the true expression of deadly grace . Kruta couldn’t think of what to say , so he simply gaped at her appearance .

Come to think of it , he’d never heard what kind of background the Three Scourges had . He’d assumed they were some unique mythological beings born from the cosmos , like the Empyrean Throne , or part of the Human Tayn bloodline .

Surprised? - the orc laughed . - You shouldn’t be . Would I have treated you so gently if not for our shared ancestry? It’s not so easy to grab onto the coattails of the Empyrean Throne without getting burnt . -

Kruta’s expression collapsed . Years of suffering , desperate battles , and breathing ash and smoke was considered gentle treatment?

Why look so glum? - the fiery orc snickered . - I never said I wouldn’t help . -

Kruta appreciates the offer , but the event has already passed , - he sighed , unwilling to spend even one more second with this lunatic . Beauty or not , Kruta couldn’t withstand much more of her attention . - If the ancestor can drop me off somewhere convenient , I would be most grateful . -

What are you talking about? It’s over three years before the event for the juniors begin . -

Ah? - Kruta said , his eyes blank before he understood . - Time Dilation? -