Hunter was not a fighter. He was a cook! A healer and torchbearer. Content to be the one who kept home homely.

He knows that fighting is inevitable, and has even resigned to accept killing if it is unavoidable. But… still.

Hunter shook with nerves. Klaw had dragged Hunter to another room while the others discussed the duel.

"Listen to me," Klaw said, grabbing his arms, "You've got this. We train a lot, yeah? It's like that."

"I'm not sure I can fight him," Hunter said.

"You've fought before."

"Not like this! When I fought, it was just clubbing small things. Throwing fire into a hole. Not… like this."

"You are stronger than you think. Just think of it like a spar. Remember how the other day you knocked me down? Like that."

"Why am I fighting again? We aren't mad at each other, right? We ATE together."

"Because," Klaw said, "this fight is essentially about both sides showing the other what we can do. Pit some of our best warriors against each other in a friendly match. No win or loss, just a way for us to feel each other out, get it?"

"Not really."

Klaw sighed, "Look, the important part is to show off. Have fun and don't get your but kicked TOO badly. It's okay if you lose, just… don't make us look bad."

Hunter gulped. "O-okay. Why don't you do it?"

He growled, "It SHOULD have been me. But Daggat just had to show off.. 'Oh, we're all strong. Just pick one,'" he mocked in a higher voice, "Idiot forgot that not all of us like to fight."

Hunter closed his eyes. Daggat was having his own special kind of fun, and Hunter was dragged in. It's not his fault, really. Daggat can't help being Daggat.

"Well. If I don't have to win."

Klaw smiled at him, "Great! Now, kick some ass!"

A short time later, Hunter nervously stepped outside. They had agreed to fight in the courtyard. The fight was simple. No rules, just go until the four judges determine a winner. These judges were the two orcs, Thrymja and Koarok, Daggat, and Klaw.

A voice slithered into his mind, "Hunter, you are stronger than you believe. Be strong! Be ruthless!" Elyndris was still melded to Klaw. His physical prowess with her magical might would be a potent combination if a fight broke out.

His opponent stood on the other side of the courtyard. He had two large axes in either hand. His arms were massive, almost the size of his torso. A black cloth covered his head, but otherwise he was only decorated by scars.

The orc pointed an ax at Hunter. "Just because you're big, doesn't mean this will be a challenge for me!"

The other orcs watching laughed. Hunter glanced at his own team, who were looking at him expectantly.

Right! He should say something cool, "Uh… you're going to… not win this." His cheeks reddened.

Daggat coughed, "Alright. No real rules, just try not to break my house. If you can avoid it, we don't need a death either." The orcs nodded.

"Begin!" Koarok said.

"Go, Hunter!" Cheered Anath.

Ivory, currently in wolf form, howled.

Hunter forced himself to calm down. Klaw forced the party to train or spar at any moment of free time. For Hunter, that meant he usually sparred at night, after he cleaned up. Some nights, he managed to slip away, but the bugbear was eager to test himself on everyone.

What was it Klaw had told him? Consider the battlefield and strike fast. Hunter was not fast; there was no getting around that.

The courtyard was mostly empty. Alfred had cleared it and smoothed out the earth. There was a pile of brush as well as the small guest house, barn, and manor itself.

Hunter summoned his torch. It had the Mighty Torch upgrade, which allowed it to be used as an effective club. Next, he tweaked the permissions on his aura, allowing Sacred Flame to affect Aksus, the orc. It would weaken and damage him over time.

Faint, hardly visible blue flame licked at the orc, causing a small stream of smoke. He grunted, then smiled.

"I don't know what this is, Oni. But all you've done is give me a timer!"

The orc charged, roaring with battle lust. As he ran, his form changed. Thick hair grew over his body. His tusks grew larger, and his muscles bulged. Some form of skill that enhances strength? It kind of looked like a potion.

Hunter had considerable reach on the orc, so he swept his torch as it came near. The orc was not just strong; it was fast. Rolling out of the way, Aksus chopped at Hunter's knees.

Hopping back to avoid the attack, Hunter pivoted and kicked outwards with his armored leg. The orc stepped to the side and slashed with his axes, striking and sparking off his boot. That did not stop Hunter's attack, however. He activated the Boot of Rashail and slammed it into the ground.

The thunderous boom pushed back lines of dirt and sent the orc tumbling away. Now was Hunter's chance to get to the brush. He sprinted for it, calling out behind him, "Sorry!"

"Don't say sorry!" Daggat called. "Be mean!"

Hunter ignored him and set the brush alight. By then, the orc had recovered. "Looks like I just need something YOUR size!"

He activated a skill and slammed his axes together. They stuck, but a large, blue ethereal ax formed over them. This axe was crude, formed of bones. It was far larger than the orc. There was some distance between them still, and the orc was closing it fast, still smoking from Hunter's aura, which was growing more powerful as the brush fire grew.

When the orc was halfway to Hunter's position, Hunter opened his mouth as wide as he could and inhaled. Devouring all the magic in front of him. It tasted foul. Corrupted by Alfred. But the orc's ax blinked and faded from view. His transformation faded away. His essence was meaty and gamey. Beast essence, like Klaw. More essence was devoured from the crowd. Frost and chaos, lightning and strength, a half dozen other forms all mixing into a crude stew of flavors.

Not realizing what had happened, the orc tried to swing the large ax at him. But, there was no ax to swing. Hunter had devoured the magic that fueled its existence.

"Tricky! But, I have more skills." The orc said.

"Attack!" Klaw roared.

Oh, right. Hunter swung again, this time faster with more meaning. The orc dodged it, but Hunter attacked again, this time clipping the orc's shoulder. He was being beaten down by Hunter's aura, and that was having an effect.

Still, the orc was tough; he took the hit and just kept moving. He lowered his stance, then spun with an attack, axes out to either side. Then he kept spinning, faster and faster, like one of the spinner toys Hunter had back in the cave.

The orc jumped, held aloft by the power of his axes, trying to cut down Hunter. The blades chipped into the torch as Hunter used it to block. The blades chopped and chewed through the reinforced torch until, with a heartbreaking snap, his torch broke.

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That torch had never broken before. Was it broken permanently now? Would it recover? Hot rage filled Hunter even as the orc spun to a stop, his skill ending. "You broke my TORCH!" Hunter roared, then he swiped out with a palm. Still dizzy, the orc didn't get away in time for Hunter to grab his leg and toss the orc, just as Hunter had tossed Daggat every time he made a mess in the kitchen.

Still furious, Hunter began to form the spell. Instinctual magic like this was faster than Elyndris's version, but less flexible. The wind was already picking up by the time the orc recovered. Magic from his overstuffed core fed into the construct, fueling it with hunger. Dirt, smoke, and loose particles swirled around him. The serpent-like magic was directed to the fire, where Hunter picked it up, keeping it aloft in the air.

The orc threw one of the axes, which spun through the air and embedded itself in Hunter's chest. But not deep enough, it was only a flesh wound. Hunter had become used to ignoring pain from that long winter. He could resist one ax wound.

Like an eel, the Dance of Wind and Flame chased after the orc. It wrapped around him, spiraling. With each pass, getting closer and closer.

The orc had run out of time. The air was getting hotter and hotter. The flame was coming for him, and it pulled at his clothes.

"STOP!" Daggat boomed. "We've chosen a winner."

Hunter released the spell. The orc, still smoking and now with visible burns, dropped to the ground, gasping for air.

"The winner is the Oni," Koarok said, "Well fought."

Aksus finally caught his breath, "That… was really impressive. I did not know you could wield such magic!"

"Thanks," Hunter said, rubbing the back of his head, "It's an oni ability. I liked that big ax thing."

The two began to walk back to the judges.

"Thanks! It's a combo skill from dual-wielding and a great weapon."

"Oh, did you have to drink many potions?"

He gave Hunter a strange look, "No. Why would I?"

"To get so many skills. Aren't orcs monsters? Or do you have a class?"

"Hey," Daggat said, "That's a good question. How'd you get so many skills?"

"Ah, that is a gift from our ancestors." Thrymja said, "Long ago, a great orcish hero stood before the angels. He offered them his eternal blade in payment for a gift to all orc kind. Since then, we have the unique trait, Eternal War."

"When we level," Koarok continued, "We can spend biotrait points to gain weapon skills. It is why we are excellent mercenaries, but poor homesteaders."

Klaw slapped Hunter on the back, "See, I told you."

Ivory ran around his legs, not stopping until he reached down and petted her.

Anath hopped up and down in front of him, "You were amazing!"

Elyndris whispered into his mind, "Adequate. You could be more fearsome."

A sharp pain reminded Hunter he still had an axe in his chest. He worked it out, finding that the blade was only a couple of inches deep. A flesh wound that would heal soon enough. What kind of damage would it have caused if the orc hadn't weakened?

Alfred hovered over the battlefield and was tossing dirt onto stray flames.

"Good job, Buddy." Daggat said to Hunter, then turned to the orc leaders, "See, even our cook has great magic. What do you say? Wanna go kill a goblin chief together?"

The two orcs looked at each other, and Koarok spoke, "We didn't want to work for goblinoids again."

"Not working for me. With me. I won't pay you; this is for your own revenge and safety."

He nodded, "As you said. Give us the spoils of war, then. Treasure and coins."

"Not all of it. Goblin Teeth has to eat too. We're looking to expand. Which reminds me, there are a couple of goblins and a dwarf party coming this way. I'd appreciate it if you let them through."

"Sure," Koarok said, "But we only number a few dozen. Rika could slaughter us herself."

"I've got a group of humans that owe me one." Daggat said, "I can easily guilt a few dozen good bows from the group."

Ivory changed into her humanoid form, "Get me to my pack, I can scrounge up a few wolves who would help out. As long as we are committed, of course."

Daggat grinned, "Any others who could join our righteous cause? Or anyone who just likes murder?"

"The shadeleaf goblins are too scattered and too fearful. Perhaps the Silver Wolves. None of the other humans would fight alongside orcs."

"We've got an in with the Silver Wolves. Might try to work that angle." Daggat mused, "Alright! So, we split up. Try to gather as many people as we can. Attack from all angles. Overwhelm her forces and cut straight to the heart of the Head Takers. Rika. Easy."

"This would take months," Koarak said, "and the logistics would be difficult. This is not an easy thing, Daggat."

Daggat looked up to the tree, "Oh, it won't be so hard. Bet we could get it done in a week." He grinned at the orc, "I have many tricks, not just magic oni."

Hunter

True Name: Hunter Soul: Mortal/Monster

Genseed: Ogre [ 8 Str, 2 Dex, 6 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Ogre's curse; Standard Size] —Full Growth Bonus: Size Increase, Ogres Curse Genbranch: Oni [+2 Str, Con, Wil; Spellbrand; Gorger; Large size]

Base Size: Huge [Largest Size: Oni, Mighty Strength]

Hearth Tender Level: 14 [+1 Str, +1 Con, +4 Wil; Invoke Torch, Hearth Fire] Monster Level: 6 [Source: Ichor of the Beast]

Attributes (0/6) (Growth, +5; Devotion, +1): Strength: 16 (Base 13; Class/Genesis +3) Dexterity: 7 (Base 7; Class/Genesis +0) Constitution: 15 (Base 11; Genesis +3; Devotion, +1) Intelligence: 9 (Base 7; Class/Genesis +0, Growth +2) Will: 17 (Base 8; Class/Genesis +6; Growth +3) Charm: 8 (Base 8; Class/Genesis +0)

Feats: System Knowledge - Discover the system. Reward: System Aptitude skill. Devotion [layered feats] - Offer a prayers to Sahrzuel, Ithrenial, Mythraziel, Vaelion, and Zenthaviel. Reward: Experience gain, +2 skill points, +1 random ability, +1 growth point, +1 biotrait. Vile Concoction - Willing drink a diseased brew. Reward: Disease Resistance. Slayer - Slay an unnatural creature with a sacred attack. Reward: Bounty Hunter Unshakable Will - Raise Will base to 15. Reward: Fearless skill Gluttonous Feast - Devour ten appropriate large meals in one day. Reward: Hunger Core Mighty Constitution - Raise Constitution base to 15. Reward: Disease Resistance biotrait Mighty Strength [Pending] - Raise Strength base to 15. Reward: Size increase Aura Master - Obtain two different sources of an aura. Reward: Condense Aura Fledgling Mage - Successfully cast a spell. Reward: Spellcraft skill. Recursion - Be affected by a recursive effect. Reward: Infinite Limiter. Alchookery - Successfully create enchanted food. Reward: One level in Alchemy.

Skills (0/16) (Class Level +11, Devotion +2, Potion +1 ): System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] Invoke Torch: 2 [Source: Hearth Tender; Perks: Mighty Torch] SP SPENT = 1 Hearth Fire: 2 [Source: Hearth Tender; Perks: Healing Warmth, Cozy Camp, Purify Curse] SP SPENT = 3 Sacred Flame: 5 [Perks: Debilitating Warmth, Shared Will, Unwanted Guests, Skill Mastered] SP SPENT = 5 Encompassing Warmth: 1 SP SPENT = 1 Brilliant Bash: 2 [Perks: Hearth Flame] SP SPENT = 2 Bounty Hunter: 1 [Source: Slayer] Seek: 1 (Ability Skill: Will 10) SP SPENT = 1 Fearless: 1 [Source: Unshakeable Will] Peaceful Presence: 1 SP SPENT = 1 Condense Aura: 1 [Source: Aura Master] Enhanced Recovery [Natural Skill: Healing] (Perks: Split Focus) SP SPENT = 2 Alchemy: 1 [Source: Alchookery]

Notable Natural Skills: Healing: Apprentice Cooking: Apprentice

Biotraits (0/6) (Monster Level +5; Devotion, +1):

Inherited Biotraits: Gorger [Source: Oni; Mutations: Soul Food ] BP SPENT = 1 Spellbrand (Dance of Wind and Flame) [Source: Oni]

Standard Biotraits: Disease Resistance [Source: Vile Concoction; Mutations: Rot Resistance, Plague Resistance] BP SPENT = 1

Core Biotraits: Core: Hunger [Source: Gluttonous Feast] Devour Essence [Mutations: Selective Hunger (Boon), Deep Draw, Quick Digestion; Apex Reached] BP SPENT = 4

Other: Curse: Ogre Curse Boot of Rashail, level 2

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