It had been a week since Arko had arrived at the capital city.
Every night his 21st division stood watch at the sunset gate, looking at the darkness beyond with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The nights were quiet, the only sounds the distant hoots of owls and the occasional rustling of leaves. But tonight was different.
As Arko and his squad took their positions, one of the soldiers suddenly whispered, "Did you hear that?"
The others exchanged glances, their senses on high alert. The noise was faint at first, barely distinguishable from the usual nighttime sounds. But as they strained their ears, the distant rumble grew louder.
On the horizon, thousands of torches flickered to life, painting the night with an eerie glow. The city's bell started ringing incessantly, its urgent toll echoing through the streets. A sense of unease settled over the soldiers as they watched the approaching lights.
An unending stream of orcs emerged from the darkness, marching toward the city. The torchlight reflected off their weapons, armor, and red-tinged auras, creating an unsettling spectacle. The orcs stopped about five miles from the city, encircling it in all directions.
"They're surrounding us," Milo muttered, his voice heavy with disbelief.
Arko's heart raced as he observed the scene. It was as if the very darkness had come alive, threatening to consume them all. He watched as the orcs began setting up camp, their movements organized and purposeful.
"They're preparing for a siege," Alena said quietly, her eyes narrowing.
The city's defenders exchanged worried glances, realizing the gravity of the situation. The orcs had come in overwhelming numbers, their torchlit ranks stretching beyond the horizon. The odds were daunting, but the soldiers of the 21st division remained resolute.
Throughout the night, the city's bell continued its ceaseless tolling, a stark reminder of the impending danger. The city guards mobilized, reinforcing the walls and preparing for the inevitable clash.
As the first light of dawn broke, Arko looked out at the orc camp. The city's defenders could now see the sprawling expanse of the enemy forces, an unending sea of red and torchlight.
The city gates creaked open, and a group of commanders rode out to assess the situation. Arko and his squad watched as the commanders conferred, their faces grim with concern.
"Are we ready for this?" Arko wondered aloud, his voice tinged with a mixture of fear and determination.
Milo nodded, his expression unwavering. "We have no choice. We'll stand our ground and fight to protect this city."
The day progressed, tension filling the air as the city's defenders prepared for what lay ahead. The orc camp remained ominously still, the torches burning like a beacon of impending doom.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the city, the commanders returned. Their faces were somber as they addressed the gathered soldiers.
"It's confirmed. The orcs have set up a siege. We're cut off from reinforcements and supplies. Our only option is to defend the city."
Arko's heart sank at the news. The reality of their situation weighed heavily upon him. He exchanged a glance with his squadmates, the unspoken determination clear in their eyes.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the city's walls were manned, and the defenders took their positions. The sky was ablaze with hues of orange and pink, a stark contrast to the darkness that awaited them beyond.
That night, Arko's squad was replaced by another division, having stood watch for a grueling 24 hours. Exhausted but resolute, they made their way back to their barracks. Arko's thoughts were a whirlwind of anticipation and worry, but he knew he had to keep his strength up.
Back in his quarters, he decided to focus on his origin technique. He closed his eyes and centered his thoughts, recalling the book's intricate images and the aura manipulation pathways it depicted. With each breath, he delved into the technique, channeling his aura through his body.
Hours passed in concentrated practice. Arko's determination and experience guided him as he followed the intricate pathways within his body. Suddenly, as if a barrier had been breached, he felt a surge of energy.
His aura pathways expanded, and he felt a heightened connection to his aura. It flowed more freely and efficiently, responding to his commands with greater precision. Arko's heart raced with exhilaration; he had achieved a breakthrough to the first level of the technique.
Satisfied with his progress, Arko lay down on his bed. As he closed his eyes, he could still feel the hum of his aura within him. His body was weary from the long day and the intense training, and it wasn't long before sleep overtook him.
Dreams danced on the edges of his consciousness, visions of battles and ancient secrets. Arko's body relaxed, his breathing steady as he found solace in the realm of slumber.