The darkness of night blanketed the dense forest where Kenji and his followers took refuge. The cold breeze blew softly, carrying the scent of damp earth and leaves. Though his body still felt weak from the recent wound, Kenji sensed a new power growing within him—one he had never imagined possessing.
The Birth of the Red Eye
The wound on his left eye had healed, but not like an ordinary wound. In place of the lost eye, a glowing red eye had grown, shining intensely in the darkness. This eye was not just a normal eye but a symbol of evolution and new power that inspired fear even in the bravest Orcs.
Kenji stared at his cracked mirror made from shattered glass near their camp ruins. His reflection looked different—one glowing red eye, as if harboring a secret darkness and strength he did not fully understand yet.
Discovering New Powers
As the night deepened, Kenji began testing his new eye's abilities. Closing his right eye and relying solely on the red one, he could see everything clearly, even in total darkness. Every detail, every small movement around him appeared vivid and sharp.
This power he named Night Vision—the ability to see flawlessly in complete darkness, even sharper than normal daylight vision. This gave him an extraordinary advantage in night battles.
Moreover, he sensed dark energy flowing from that eye, forming an aura around him. Nearby Orcs suddenly felt an unexplainable fear, as if something terrifying lurked close.
That aura was called Fear Aura—the power to emit natural fear that weakened enemies' morale and disrupted their focus in combat.
Followers' Reactions
Kenji's followers who witnessed the transformation showed a mix of respect and fear. They knew Kenji was no longer the small, weak Orc they once knew. He had evolved into a leader with extraordinary powers who could lead them to victory.
Mog, his loyal follower who had sacrificed himself for Kenji in the past, though gone, was felt present in the spirit and energy of the group. Kenji knew their struggle was far from over, and this new power was the key to opening a new chapter in their fight.
Strategic Preparations
Physical strength alone would not win the war against Grommash's clan. Kenji had to combine his new power with the strategies he learned from the human book.
With his followers' help, Kenji began crafting more refined plans and strategies. They trained new formations, ambush tactics, and defensive methods that maximized the advantages of night vision and fear aura.
Kenji knew that great change had to start here, and he had to prove that the small Orc with the red eye could defeat the mighty forces oppressing them.
Whispers from the Past
One night, Kenji sat alone by the campfire, gazing at his red eye shimmering in the firelight. He remembered strange dreams about the God Grull'gor who once appeared to him.
"Kenji, this power is not just a gift but also a burden. Use it wisely, or you will lose yourself," the voice echoed in his mind.
Kenji swallowed hard, realizing that his new power was not without risks. He had to keep control to avoid falling into the darkness lurking within.
The Threat from Grommash
The next day, bad news struck like a storm hitting Kenji's camp. A messenger from the rival clan arrived in haste, bringing a proclamation from Grommash.
Grommash, the strongest Orc and Kenji's main rival, had gathered a large army and was preparing a massive assault. With a loud, vengeful voice, he announced,
"Tomorrow, we attack the human village!"
The announcement shook everyone who heard it. The human village was their source of food and shelter, and a symbol of civilization long mocked by Orcs. This attack was not just a normal war—it was a great battle that could change the fate of the Orc clans and the world around them.
Camp Reactions
Tension and urgency filled the camp. The previously hesitant Orcs now burned with fierce spirit to face the looming threat.
Kenji stood among them, his red eye shining with determination.
"We cannot let Grommash and his forces win," Kenji said firmly. "They underestimate us, thinking we are weak and foolish. But they are wrong. We will show them that we are a force to be reckoned with."
Building Morale and Preparation
Kenji began assigning tasks to his followers. Some were to scout and gather intelligence on Grommash's troop movements. Others strengthened defenses and prepared traps around the camp.
With his red eye, Kenji led intense night drills, teaching new strategies, battle formations, and the use of the Fear Aura to weaken enemy morale before combat even began.
The Last Night Before Battle
On the night before the attack, Kenji walked along the forest edge, reflecting on his life's journey full of suffering and betrayal.
He knew tomorrow would be the greatest test of his life—not just for himself but for all the followers who believed in him. Failure would mean not only the destruction of their clan but also the end of the new hope they had built.
As Kenji looked up at the dark sky, the silhouette of Grommash appeared in the distance, standing proud with a massive army behind him.
With a voice that echoed through the cold air, Grommash shouted,
"Tomorrow, we attack the human village! No one can stop us!"
Kenji clenched his fists, his red eye glowing with courage and fury.
"We'll see who remains standing," Kenji whispered to himself.