Level Up: Voidwalker

***

[Grishna's POV]

Grisha found herself sitting in a carriage traveling down one of the trade roads that led from the capital to Setoria City, the biggest trading city in the Everglade Kingdom. While looking out the window, she saw dozens of farming villages littering the landscape.

What shocked her, though, were the Waystations that dotted the road. She saw many knights guarding the road while others patrolled. Sophia saw her interest and spoke, ''The Everglade Army is always recruiting due to their wars with the Argonians to the north.''

She turned to the brown-haired woman and asked, ''Aren't they allies with the Moonhare Kingdom? I thought those two keep the knights in check?''

Sophia nodded, ''They did, but a natural disaster struck the southern part of their kingdom. The sea gods caused a tsunami that washed over the land and killed thousands. Their queen deployed the army, which allowed the Argonians to attack their northern border.''

''How come the trains are still running?'' Grishna questioned.

Mia and Jenna giggled, earning them a look, but the wolf woman explained, ''The Morozovians are shutting down the route here. War is breaking out, and this part of Astoria will become chaotic.''

Grisha's green eyes glimmered with determination, yet silence fell over the carriage as everyone readied their weapons and potions for the journey across the Everglade Kingdom, which wouldn't take long because they were traveling quickly.

While they sped down the trade road, Grishna saw thousands of soldiers marching northwest, poised to aid their allies. At that moment, her thoughts turned to her rival. 'I hope you stay safe, blondie,' she mused.

After a peaceful journey, they reached the outskirts of Setoria just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The group resolved to resume their quest the following day. Grishna secured lodgings at the inn nearest to the western gate.

Inside, she spotted two girls dining in a corner. One, with brown hair, was clad in adventurer's armor. At the same time, the other wore identical armor and had a mysterious black blindfold concealing her eyes.

Ignoring the two girls with their laughter and striking features—a brown-haired adventurer in armor and her companion with purple hair and elf-like ears—Grishna rented a room from the innkeeper and grabbed a quick dinner.

Returning to her room, Grishna settled to eat, eager for the upcoming monster hunts that promised more experience and levels. Fatigue settled in as she finished her meal, and she drifted into a deep sleep.

Grishna was jolted awake by the clamor of panicked voices outside her window. She quickly rose, peering out but unable to discern the cause of the commotion. After gathering herself, she started the day with a brisk breakfast before meeting the Slayers at the western gate as planned.

When Mia and Jenna spotted Grishna, their faces filled with concern as they hurried toward her. "Grish! Have you heard the rumors?" Mia exclaimed urgently. "The Southmen have discovered a route through the Sands of Sorrow and launched an attack on the Wildheart Kingdom."

Grishna's eyes widened in alarm at the news. The Wildheart Kingdom lay south of her homeland, a journey of several months' travel. However, she knew well the determination of the Southmen to unify Astoria and Zarandar Continent.

''Let's ignore the rumors for now and complete your quest,'' she said to the Slayers. ''I want to level up and kill some monsters.''

They all agreed as Throne led the way through the countryside before seeing the Darkheart Jungle in the distance. Grishna noticed several Everglade Forts where the soldiers would patrol the nearby area.

The group traveled north until they passed the last fortress before Mia stopped walking and sniffed the area, ''There was a battle here. I can smell our merchant.''

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise, prompting Jenna to elaborate, "His brother provided us with fragments of his clothing to aid Mia in tracking him."

Grishna nodded in understanding before Mei interjected, "Jungle Apes ambushed them, and those who survived were dragged into there,'' she pointed into the tree line.

Throne stood upright, drawing his greatsword and shield, and addressed the group. "Grish, Mia, you're with me up front. Sophia, Mei, Jenna, guard our rear. We cannot afford to be ambushed by Jungle Apes."

The group traveled into the jungle following Mia, who tracked the kidnapped merchants. Grishna heard something approaching them and called out, "Something's coming!"

As predicted, a massive Jungle Boar burst from the nearby bushes and charged Mia, but Throne swiftly intercepted, positioning himself to block the monster's attack. Grishna reacted swiftly, casting Earth Bolt at the creature's flank, eliciting a pained roar.

The skirmish intensified as additional Jungle Boars emerged. Amidst the chaos of battle, Grishna noticed a small creature darting out of nowhere and leaping onto the Boar she and Throne were engaged with.

Several ominous blue spells streaked out from the jungle amidst the chaos, striking the Boar with deadly precision. Grishna's attention snapped toward the origin of the magic, intrigued by this unexpected intervention.

That's when Grishna spotted a young boy bursting out of the bushes, clutching a dagger. Her eyes widened in shock as she watched him dart toward the Jungle Boar, attacking its legs and causing the massive creature to drop.

She watched in awe as the black-and-white monster fiercely chewed at the Boar's throat, blood pouring out like a waterfall. The boy appeared completely wild, with snow-white hair and elvish ears.

Despite his small stature, barely reaching her chest, something about him captivated her. As she eyed him, she sensed something unique about his aura, prompting her to murmur, "It's Grak'Thar Gromog'ar."

As Grishna witnessed the unfolding scene in the Darkheart Jungle, a revelation struck her with a thunderclap. 'Goddess Grumm'ka was right! He is here and real. This boy is the one who will lead the Orc Legions to victory.'

'Gro'shak na'golga'k,' she prayed

Her green eyes were ablaze with shock and awe. Fate, it seemed, had orchestrated this meeting as if it were written in the stars. An instinct surged within her, compelling Grishna to acknowledge the boy's destiny.

Without hesitation, she moved forward, her every step resonating with purpose. As the boy battled the ferocious Jungle Boar, Grishna cast a swift and lethal spell, piercing the beast's brain and bringing it crashing down.

The boy turned to her as she knelt before him; Grishna spoke with unwavering conviction and belief, "Grak'Thar Gromog'ar! Bless Goddess Grumm'ka, for she has guided me to you."

Her eyes, filled with determination, met his piercing blue gaze as she pledged, "I will be your First Fist, and together, we shall confront the darkness that threatens our world."

***

[Back To Atlas]

Atlas gazed at the green-skinned woman, startled as he observed a shimmering blue line extend from her and link with him. Uncertain of what to make of this strange connection, he couldn't help but think, 'Another one! How many names will I be given?'

Nevertheless, he smiled while introducing himself, "That's a new one for me, but I go by Atlas. And you are?"

When the connection was completed, she looked up and answered, ''I'm Grishna Brokentooth, warrior of the Bloodfang Kingdom and now your First Fist.''

His eyebrow rose as he spoke, "It's nice to meet you, Grishna, but can you stand up, please? Also, could you tell me what a Grak'Thar Gromog'ar and a First Fist are?"

Before she could answer, the rest of her party rushed to her, only to spot Atlas standing there. He watched the big man approach while looking at Grishna but questioned him, ''Boy, what are you doing out here? It's dangerous for a child your age.''

Atlas felt offended and retorted while Lilith joined him, ''I've traveled for miles through this nightmare. I must go to a nearby city to find my girl and a friend.''

The man nodded and was about to speak, but Grishna interrupted, "I'm traveling with the boy and showing him the ways of the world Throne."

As she finished speaking, the man and the four women tried to protest, but Atlas noticed the look she gave them. The man relented and said while giving him a dirty look, "Well, it was good traveling with you, Grish. We need to get back to our quest."

Atlas watched as Grishna nodded, replying, "Be careful out there. The Southmen are invading the north, and the continent will become a hellhole soon."

Soon, the adventurers left them behind after collecting all the monster materials from the Forest Boars, causing Atlas to grow confused. "Weren't the five of them in your party?"

Grishna shook her head. "No. I was traveling with them, but now that I've met you, I've found my true place, so there's nothing to worry about."

''Okay,'' he said baffled. ''Why do you want to be in a thirteen-year-old's party?''

''Because you're the Grak'Thar Gromog'ar, and I must protect you until you're strong enough to fight back,'' Grishna revealed.

Atlas nodded in understanding, ''You didn't answer my previous question?''

The young woman smiled before speaking, ''Grak'Thar Gromog'ar means the Orc's Chosen Messiah and a Fist is what we call a guardian.''

''Okay, what makes you think I'm this Grak'Thar Gromg'ar?'' He asked.

"Your mana is unique and gives off an empty yet strong aura," Grishna commented, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Your class is Voidwalker, correct?"

Atlas nodded, ''Yes.''

''You're not a half-elf or elf but a Voidborn?''

''Yes. How did you know that?'' Atlas grew concerned and confused.

Grishna's face lit up, ''Grak'Thar Gromog'ar!'' she declared before hugging him.

Atlas, feeling lost, asked, "What was that blue string connecting us?"

The Orc woman's eyes lit up with a smile as she answered, releasing him, "Let's walk and talk.''

After that, he nodded before going to the nearby road as Grishna answered. ''What you saw is the Blue String of Fate Grak'Thar Gromog'ar."