We moved out.
Keeping low, we descended from the ridge, using the rocky terrain for cover. The orc patrols were disciplined, but they weren't expecting an infiltration. Every few minutes, they rotated positions, but the gap along the eastern wall remained unguarded.
Perfect.
As we neared the hidden passage, Vance gestured for me to move. "You're up, Ryzen. Get in there and scout."
I nodded. My heartbeat was steady, controlled. Phantom Step, activate.
A subtle shift coursed through my body. My movements became more fluid, my footsteps near soundless. I weaved through the rocks, blending into the shadows. Every breath was calculated. Every step was precise.
The moment I reached the opening, I crouched low behind a jagged rock, keeping my body hidden within the shadows as I scanned the fortress courtyard below. Roth had been right—there was a cage near the far side of the stronghold, partially obscured behind a stack of wooden crates.
At first, I thought it was empty, but then I saw movement. Someone was inside.
I narrowed my eyes, straining to see through the dim torchlight. The flickering glow cast eerie shadows against the rusted iron bars, revealing several figures slumped against the sides of the cage. They barely moved, their bodies weak and battered. Their tattered clothing and bloodied skin made it clear—they were prisoners.
I felt my jaw tighten. Captured humans meant only two possibilities—sacrifices or slaves.
I forced myself to stay calm. Rushing in recklessly would only get me killed. I needed to gather more information.
My gaze shifted toward the throne at the center of the courtyard. Sitting upon it was an orc larger than any I had ever seen. Its skin was dark green, almost black under the torchlight, and covered in battle scars. Its muscles were thick and powerful, and just by sitting there, it radiated an overwhelming presence that made the air feel heavy.
This was the boss.
Around it stood elite orcs. Unlike the wild, mindless creatures outside, these orcs held formation and carried weapons that weren't just crude clubs but actual forged blades and spears.
These weren't just brutes. They were warriors.
I exhaled slowly, keeping my breathing steady. This was worse than I had expected.
With one last glance at the cage, I activated Phantom Step and melted into the shadows. It was time to report back.
***
I slipped back through the rocky ridge and rejoined the others. Vance, Roth, and Dane were crouched behind a formation of boulders, waiting for my return.
Roth raised an eyebrow as he noticed my expression. "You look like you've seen some shit."
I nodded, catching my breath before speaking. "You were right. There's a cage, and there are people inside."
Vance's expression darkened. "Prisoners?"
"Yeah. Multiple. They don't look good."
Dane crossed his arms, his tone gruff. "Tch. That complicates things. If we leave them behind, they're as good as dead."
Roth exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Damn it. This was already risky. Now we have hostages? That means more guards, more security, and a time limit before they get executed or worse."
Vance remained silent for a moment, deep in thought. His fingers tapped lightly against his knee before he finally spoke. "What else?"
I hesitated for a second before continuing. "The orcs inside aren't like the ones we fought before. They're stronger. More disciplined. And at the center of it all—" I swallowed. "is the boss."
Dane cracked his knuckles. "What kind of boss are we talking about?"
"Massive. Scarred. Powerful. And completely aware of its surroundings," I said grimly. "The moment we step inside, it'll know we're there."
Roth clicked his tongue. "Of course. A real boss fight."
Vance took a deep breath, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he nodded to himself and exhaled sharply. "Alright. We don't have much of a choice. If we leave those prisoners behind, we're no better than the monsters in this place."
Vance's words settled over us like a heavy weight. There was no arguing with his decision. Leaving the prisoners behind wasn't an option.
"Alright," he said, straightening his posture. "First things first, let's go over what we have."
He reached into his pouch and pulled out a small bundle, unwrapping it to reveal several glass vials filled with faintly glowing liquid. "Three mid-grade health potions, two stamina potions, and one emergency mana potion," he listed off. "Not much, but it'll have to do."
Roth checked his belt and pulled out a handful of throwing daggers, inspecting their sharpness. "Got about five left. I'll have to make each one count."
Dane adjusted the grip on his massive war hammer, rolling his shoulders. "Still got my hammer, obviously. No potions, though—I don't need 'em."
I glanced down at my own supplies. The only thing I had of value was the Lesser Mana Crystal I picked up earlier, but I had no idea how to use it yet. Besides that, I had my knife, some basic rations, and… the Phantom Step skill.
Vance looked at me. "Kid, you got anything?"
I shook my head. "Nothing useful. Just a knife."
Roth whistled. "That's rough."
Dane grunted. "Means you stay back unless absolutely necessary."
Vance nodded. "Alright. Here's how we do this."
***
Vance grabbed a loose rock and started drawing in the dirt, outlining the rough shape of the fortress.
"The main entrance is a no-go," he began. "Too many orcs. If we charge in headfirst, we're dead before we reach the cage."
He pointed at the left side. "There's a weak point in their patrol pattern here. Roth, you'll take advantage of that and sneak in first."
Roth smirked. "Naturally."
"You'll disable any stragglers quietly and get to the prisoners. If possible, free them without raising an alarm."
He then pointed at a path on the right. "Dane and I will act as the distraction. We'll take a small group of orcs head-on and make enough noise to draw their attention."
Dane grinned. "Sounds fun."
Vance looked at me next. "Ryzen, you'll be supporting Roth."
I blinked. "Wait, what?"
"Your movement's quiet, and you're faster than you look. You'll help Roth get to the cage and keep watch for trouble."
I swallowed. This was a big risk. If something went wrong, I wouldn't have the raw strength to fight my way out. But—this was also the best way for me to grow.
I nodded. "Got it."
Vance's expression hardened. "Once the prisoners are free, we regroup here—" he pointed at an exit path near the rocky ridge, "—and get the hell out. We do not fight the boss. I don't care how strong we think we are—we won't survive a head-on fight."
Everyone nodded.
Vance exhaled. "Alright. Check your weapons, get ready. We move in ten minutes."