The three demon mages watched as I took a deep breath and uttered, "Hellfire Nova."
I felt dark energy pulsing around my palm. A swirling sphere of black fire formed before my outstretched hand, its flames roaring with raw destructive power that shook the foundation of the cave.
The demons staggered back, their jaws dropping, their eyes widening in horror.
"T-That's impossible!" The middle demon cried out,
The second demon staggered back, his body trembling. "No human has the mana capacity to cast Hellfire Nova. It's a demonic spell. How is this possible?"
The third demon swallowed hard. "You're only a child and yet, your magic is level 7. How are you doing this?"
My golden eyes gleamed. "It's easy. I simply copied your spell. Now, all I have to do is upgrade its destructive power."
I stretched both my hands and uttered. "OVERDRIVE!"
The sphere of raging black fire crackled with chains of black lightning erupting from it. It burned hotter and concentrated that the sheer pressure vibrated the air.
The demons began staggering back, their faces as pale as ash.
I clenched my fist, using my magic to compress and shrink the raging inferno into a pebble size.
"This is your last chance," I said gravely. "Confess to me what this ritual is all about, and I'll spare your lives."
"We swore an oath to the demon king," the first demon said. "We cannot break our oath to him."
I sighed. "Very well."
With a flick of my wrist, I fired the pebble sized hellfire Nova at them.
The black orb detonated, swallowing the three demons and vaporizing them instantly.
The shrieking of their screams were drowned in the scorching black flames which disintegrated their body into ash.
I expanded my barrier, wrapping Camilla and myself safely in my protective dome of shield.
Soon after, the flames dissipated, leaving a deep smouldering crater behind.
I lowered my barrier, glancing behind me to check up on Camilla. It pained me that I didn't get the answers about the demon King's plans.
CLANG!
I looked up to find Krell breathing heavily and covered in wounds.
Throgg's severed head rolled to a stop at my feet, his face was frozen in a stiff snarl. Krell had killed him.
Dammit, I missed their whole fight. It's no wonder why Krell got his reputation as was the Iron Knight.
"You did well, Archer," Krell said, sheathing his blade. "I saw everything. You're indeed the prodigy of the legendary hero who became king 500 years ago. You have great potential to end the demon King once and for all. I must tell King Godfrey."
"No, you can't," I said, turning to face him. "No one must know about my powers yet."
Krell raised his hands confused. "B-But the king would be pleased and grateful to you for rescuing the princess. You'd received the greatest honour. I'm sure he'll have you trained by the best arch mages and give you total control of his army. With you at the front lines, we can finally defeat the demon king."
I frowned looking away. "That's not what I want. You wouldn't understand, Krell. I'm not ready. Not yet. I have a lot to learn. If I become popular and known, the demon king would send his strongest soldiers after me. I can't have that."
Krell still had no idea I was king Godfrey's bastard son. I just couldn't bring myself to tell him.
After a moment's silence, Krell exhaled through his nose. "I understand, Archer. You saved my life and that of the princess. I swear on my mother's name to take your secret to my grave."
I smiled, relief washing over me. "Thank you, Krell. Princess Camilla is still unconscious but she's alright. Take her and return to the kingdom. She'll need proper rest."
Krell glanced sharply at me. "And you? Where would you be going?"
"I have business in Luminis city," I replied. "My mother has relatives there. I was on my way when those orcs attacked us."
After seeing how I vaporized those demon mages by myself, Krell didn't need a prophet to tell him I could look after myself.
"This has been quite an adventure," he said, thrusting his hand to me. "Good luck, Archer. When you return home, remind me to be your sword tutor. I could teach you a thing or two."
I clasped his hand and shook it. "I look forward to it. When you get home, tell my mother I'm safe. That'll put her mind at ease."
* * * *
By sunrise, Krell found one of the stranded horses from the merchant travelers and began the ride home with Camilla.
I saw him off, waving him goodbye until he disappeared down the winding path.
Suddenly, I heard heavy footsteps behind me approaching.
I slowly glanced over my shoulders to see the ten orcs I had spared earlier standing in a half circle before me.
Oh, right. I had totally forgotten about these guys.
After Throgg's death, the rest of the orc war band had fled the mountains out of sheer fear.
Without an orc lord to lead them, the orcs were paperless, but these ten orcs stayed behind. I wonder what they want now.
"You guys can join the others," I said, planting one hand on my hip. "Your lives are spared. I don't have any more uses for you."
But they didn't leave.
The largest orc stepped forward, his tusks pointed at me. Then to my surprise, he dropped on one knee and bowed his head.
"Huh?" I raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"
The others followed suit, pledging their loyalty to me.
"You still want to serve me?" I asked quietly. "But why?"
The biggest orc grunted something in orc language and thumped a fist against his chest. I may not understand what he said, but I get the gist.
After seeing my display of power against their forces, these guys had chosen me to be their new master.
It's only natural for the weak to follow the strongest.
A slow smile appeared on my face. "Very well. I'll make you my special war band. From today henceforth, you'll fight only for me."
The orcs rose to their feet and rumbled together.
"Good," I said, my eyes glowing. "Then let's move. To Luminis city."