Crimson Overlord-Chapter 287: Meanwhile, Ella

The earth rumbled beneath Ella’s kick, a defiant tremor echoing in the cavernous hall. The orcs, hulking masses of muscle and tusk, shifted uneasily. Their guttural growls, once a chorus of bloodlust, faltered into surprised grunts. Ella, poised and silent, was a storm waiting to break.

Her rapier, held aloft like a shard of moonlight, glinted with a deadly promise. It wasn’t just the honed steel that sent shivers down orc spines, but the glint of unwavering determination in Ella’s eyes. They had seen fear, hesitation, even bravado in countless foes before. But this woman, this whirlwind of stillness, held something different. It was a cold, calculating calm, a predator sizing up its prey.

The silence stretched, heavy with anticipation. Then, with a flick of her wrist, Ella was a whirlwind of motion. Her rapier blurred, a silver streak against the dim light, as she danced through the orcish ranks. The air sang with the clang of steel on bone, each parry and thrust precise and deadly. An orc crumpled, its surprised gurgle swallowed by the clash of blades. Another fell, its bellow of rage cut short by a flash of silver that met its throat.

The remaining orcs, their initial bravado replaced by a cold fear, pressed back. They had never faced an opponent like this, one who moved with the grace of a dancer and the lethality of a viper. Doubt gnawed at their resolve, their formation faltering.

She pressed her advantage, her movements a whirlwind of deadly grace. Each strike found its mark, each orc another notch on her blade. The metallic tang of blood filled the air, a grim testament to her skill. The orcs, their fear turning into a desperate scramble for survival, lashed out wildly. But their blows were clumsy, easily deflected by Ella’s rapier, her movements like water flowing around a rock.

One by one, the orcs fell. The cavern floor, once bare stone, was now slick with blood, a crimson testament to Ella’s prowess. The last orc, a hulking brute with rage etched on its face, charged. She met him head-on, her rapier a silver needle against his crude axe. The clash was brutal, the ground shaking with the impact. But Ella, her form unwavering, held firm. With a final, decisive twist, she sent the orc’s axe clattering to the ground. The beast, disarmed and defeated, looked into her eyes and saw not just a warrior, but a force of nature, an embodiment of death itself.

Ella, her rapier dripping crimson, stood amidst the carnage. Her breathing was steady, her gaze unwavering. The storm had passed, leaving behind an unsettling calm, a chilling reminder of the power she wielded. In the dim light of the cavern, she stood, a lone warrior bathed in blood and moonlight, the sole survivor of a battle etched in death. And as the silence returned, heavy and final, one question hung heavy in the air: who can her face retain their innocence despite the massacre she had performed?

Instead of feeling an out of place sentiment, one would gladly welcome this, as if it was natural for this gentle girl to brutally slaughter the beasts that dare to mess with her.

°°°

As Ella emerged from the cave, the stench of blood and battle still lingered in the air, clinging to her like a dark cloud. The weight of the orc’s origin stones in her hand served as a constant reminder of the brutality she had just witnessed. Determined to rid herself of this filth, both physical and emotional, she made her way towards the small lake she had glimpsed earlier.

The journey to the lake felt like a pilgrimage, a sacred act of purification amidst the chaos. Ella’s steps were deliberate, her mind focused solely on the cleansing waters that awaited her. Each stride brought her closer to the serenity she sought, the tranquility that would wash away the remnants of the gruesome battle.

As she arrived at the edge of the lake, Hella paused, taking a moment to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounded her. The crystal-clear water shimmered under the sunlight, inviting her to immerse herself in its refreshing embrace. With a deep breath, she shed her armor and weapons, freeing herself from the weight of the past and embracing the vulnerability of her exposed skin.

Stepping into the cool water, she felt an immediate sense of relief and renewal. The gentle ripples caressed her body, soothing the aches and pains that had accumulated during the fight. She closed her eyes, allowing the water to envelop her, washing away the dirt, sweat, and remnants of battle.

As she submerged herself fully, she imagined the water carrying away not only the physical grime, but also the emotional burden she had carried. She let go of the anger, the sorrow, and the violence that had consumed her during the battle. With each breath, she released the tension in her muscles, allowing herself to be cleansed in body, mind, and spirit.

After what felt like an eternity, Ella emerged from the lake, her skin glistening and rejuvenated. She felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The darkness that had clung to her had been replaced by a sense of serenity and inner peace.

Dressing herself once again, Ella picked up the orc’s origin stones, now cleansed and purified, and resumed her journey. The massacre she had witnessed would forever be etched in her memory, but she knew that she had taken a step towards healing and growth. The small lake had become a symbol of resilience, reminding her of the power of cleansing and renewal.

With renewed determination, she set forth, ready to face whatever challenges awaited her on her path. She carried the lessons learned from the battle, the strength gained from the cleansing waters, and the knowledge that she had the ability to rise above the darkness that threatened to consume her.

Suddenly, she stopped murmuring.

’’I wonder how my other half Lily is doing. Hopefully, everything is fine. I must see her in order to discuss about the recurring dreams I kept having.’’