As soon as he heard the report about the incoming orcs, Emery went out with Klea and Chumo. The three of them swiftly headed for the southern area of the Wasteland and what they discovered there was quite a shocking sight.
A massive ocean of figures that stretched into the horizon – millions of orcs filled up the yellow wasteland without leaving any gaps as they marched towards the north.
As they flew above the landscape riding Klea’s thunderbird, Chumo used his [Eye of Raven]. Thanks to that, the group knew an estimation of at least several million were on the move, with dozens marching amidst this nightmarish ocean were the fearsome Orc Champions.
“The elves have definitely sent them to wipe out all humans on this planet!”
It was written within the data in the academy that newborn orcs were innately imprinted to live by hunting, and the thirty million humans living in the planet was now part of the sacrifices to fuel these orcs’ path to adulthood.
With a single cast of Emery’s [Spatial Gate], the three instantly returned to the hideout and told the others the approximate number of orcs as well as the time the horde would come out of the wasteland.
“We only have six to eight hours,” Chumo said with a grave tone.
Everyone who was currently present in the room knew that after those orcs crossed the wasteland, it would take them just a mere 12 hours to rampage through all of the human settlements and colonies.
It was too coincidental that the orcs would come right after the evacuation was about to finish. Hence suspicion quickly brewed within everyone’s hearts.
“That fucking Nexus! They really wished everyone here died! “
By this time, Magus Garnet had woken up from his unconscious state and he chuckled when he heard Thrax explore. Unfortunately for him, his laughter didn’t last long as the Thracian quickly knocked some sense into him.
Minister Otto, however, tried to explain that it must be the other way around. It was most likely that Nexus leadership must have just followed the schedule set by the elves.
“Even if that’s indeed the case, the fact still stands that the lives of 30 million people are in danger. We have no way to hold on against such force.” the old marshal Shane said, “Except…”
Completing his brother’s words, Stildar said, “Except if we have the drones. If we can somehow take control of them and use them to bombard the orcs, we might stand a chance in this losing fight.”
Hearing this, everyone felt as if they had seen a glimmer of light of hope.
“Another reason for us to infiltrate the space station then,” said Julian as he looked at the others.
Since everyone knew the urgency of this matter, a discussion to draw up a detailed plan was quickly held. It is as follows: they would split into two teams – one team would remain here to help the locals to retreat towards the Nexus’ first colony, the one furthest up north and possessed the strongest defensive capability; meanwhile, another team would infiltrate the space station.
“To send message to the alliance, to stop the stargate and to take controlled of the drones”
The group had the ship that was brought by the three Nexus magus that they could use for the infiltration purpose. However, this idea was set aside for now because they knew that as soon as they left the orbit, the ship would be immediately detected and swarmed by the drones. And of course, the people in the space station would not let them dock the ship.
“How about sneaking between the people entering the evacuation transport?” Stildar expressed his idea.
Emery, however, shook his head at the suggestion. “No, it’s too risky. If they detect us, the civilians on board will be endangered.”
Upon hearing that, Julian spoke to Emery. “That means you will be joining the infiltration team. Your space magic will be very helpful in teleporting inside and moving around without being detected.”
In reality, with his summons and spatial magic, Emery was actually a better choice to stay and help protect the civilians that were on the move northward. However, everyone knew that the space station would be the breaking point for their current state, so Julian naturally needed the best person for the job to ensure the chances of success.
“We also need people who know the place.”
Other than Minister Otto, the only person who fulfilled their requirements would be Shane Quartermain. However, as soon as the old marshal stood up to accept the task, his body suddenly shook and fell to the chair again.
“Brother!’
Emery was sure that his healing should have treated the man. Hence he quickly checked Shane’s current condition. Standing beside him was Stildar Quartermain who was extremely worried about his brother.
“What happened, envoy? What happened to him?”
After just a few seconds of probing the insides of the marshal’s body, Emery figured out that the cause was something else. The old marshal apparently also knew as he spoke to his brother. “This is what old age brings, older brother.. I don’t have an Immortal Body like you, remember?”
With Shane occupied with his health condition, the next best person to bring as a guide would be Burdock, the rebel engineer and Stildar’s right-hand man. Immediately after, Stildar took a step forward and said, “I will join too.”
Emery didn’t say anything. He just turned to Julian and waited for the decision. In the end, Stildar was allowed to tag along as the Roman remembered how having a magus that could fly in space would be able to help greatly if they needed to escape.
With that said, he heaved a sigh as he looked towards the remaining three and said, “That means you three will be helping on the ground.”
Not a single one of them voiced any complaints. Even Thrax felt much better about the thought of fighting orcs on the ground than the mechanical drones in space.
Before parting ways, Emery brought out the Replicator that he took from the South Outpost. The reason was because he thought it could be very useful to arm the locals in their impending fight against the orcs.
He also left the little creatures, asking Twik to protect Klea while Thrax and Chumo would be guarded by the two Chizpur Fangs each.
“Take care of yourselves. Please be safe.”
In the span of just 12 hours, the decisive battle that would decide the fate of 30 million people and probably the whole sector of the galaxy will begin.