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A Soldier's Life - 291 - Strength of Giants (edited on 6-28-25)
🕑 Added 2024-11-07 05:14:44 +0000 UTCChapter 291: Strength of Giants
The gatehouse was open, and two orcs in hardened leather armor stood watch. They had long spears, and they became alert as we passed them, studying us. Our clerics did not hide their nature, Glasha’s brilliant red hair on display, and I was sure the guards would report our passing. Glowstones appeared among my companions, giving us a soft halo of light. Blaze and Raelia rode out front, while Benito and Mateo rode in the rear. Maveith rode next to Glasha, while I ended up next to Mynasha.
We rode in silence till the sun cracked the horizon. The glowstones vanished into their small black bags, and I ordered an increase in pace. We passed farmers’ carts heading toward the city’s markets for a while before the road cleared of all traffic.
Mynasha broke our silence—our pair the only quiet ones among the group. “Are you really as capable as Glasha claims, Telhian?”
“You can call me Eryk,” I said evenly. “And I’m not Telhian. I was conscripted into their Legion against my will. But yes, I can handle myself. Your magic during the Varvao invasion fleet was impressive.”
She shifted, visibly bristling. Her sleek black hair snapped as she turned sharply to face me. “Did Glasha tell you that?” Her voice held a wary edge—was she wondering if I cared because I was in the Legion?
Glasha twisted in her saddle to glance back at us, surprise flickering across her face. “I didn’t tell him,” she said, studying me with renewed curiosity. “How did you know Mynasha was with the Supreme’s Annexation Armada?”
I paused, weighing whether it was worth holding back. But really—what harm was there in a little bragging? “I was scouting the fleet as it passed through Kraken Bay. Saw quite a bit of Mynasha... and her handiwork.”
Mynasha’s brow lifted, intrigued. “You were one of the Hounds that harassed our fleet?” she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and curiosity. Either she hadn’t noticed my veiled comment about her nearly being naked—or she simply wasn’t the type to be embarrassed.
I heard the steady trot of Mateo and Benito’s horses drawing closer—they were listening now, too.
“I was a Hound,” I admitted, keeping my voice even. “But I hold no loyalty to the Empire. I did fight a Pathfinder who called himself Rakuh of the Sun Shadow Clan, when they made landfall.”
Mynasha’s expression shifted—first surprise, then a flicker of grief, quickly buried beneath simmering anger. “Your pack of Hounds killed honorable orcs,” she said tersely. “Rakuh was the patriarch of his clan. Well liked among the people and clerics. We didn’t even know he’d fallen until we reached the walls of Varvao.” Mynasha mind was turning as she recalled the events of the attack. “Was your pack also behind the ambush on the Silent Night Clan?” she added, no longer angry, but sounding curious to solve a mystery.
“I don’t know,” I said carefully. “Rakuh was the only orc I spoke with.”
It was a partial truth. I suspected she was referring to the Pathfinders who had discovered my hiding spot—wedged inside a boulder after the fleet sailed up the Varvao River. But I wasn’t ready to give her more. My eagerness to brag, might get me in more trouble than it was worth if Rakuh was as popular as she said.
A silent tension hung thick between us as we continued riding. Eventually, we rotated riding partners. She ended up beside Glasha, and for the next few hours, the two spoke in low, rapid Orcish, too quietly for me to make out their words—but not their mood. Mynasha was clearly troubled. And I suspected I had become the subject of that conversation.
Mynasha and Glasha kept casting glances my way as we rode north—measured, quiet looks that felt like pieces of a conversation I wasn’t invited to. They were plotting, that much was clear. And with each passing mile, my willingness to help them after reaching Becar was starting to erode.
When we stopped for a mid-day meal, Mynasha finally gave voice to the question that had clearly been nagging at her. “How did your Hound Pack bring down Trakor’s roc—Chaostail?”
Glasha, who I knew despised Warlord Trakor, leaned in subtly, her focus sharpening. She wanted the answer just as much as Mynasha. Knowing the truth of what happened behind the fog of war was normal. I kept my response vague. “He was overconfident. Came in too low and too fast. From what I saw, the roc’s wing clipped something during the dive—it spiraled out of control and crashed.” I let the words hang in the air. I didn’t mention I was the one who had crippled the beast. Glasha and Mynasha might not seek revenge—but I had no doubt others would if they learned I was party to it.
Glasha’s response was cool and introspective. “It was Trakor’s death that tipped the balance. With his strongest supporter confirmed dead, it became possible to move against the last Supreme.”
“I don’t understand,” I admitted. “How was the Supreme killed? And why would anyone want to become the Supreme, knowing they’re painting a target on their own back?”
Glasha answered for Mynasha again, her Orcish fast, clipped, and sharp-edged. I caught only fragments, but tone gave me clues. “I won’t tell you how the Supreme was removed,” Glasha said finally, in the Telhian. “Even speculation could come back to haunt me. But he was old, arrogant, and blind to how angry he made others when he took credit for others successes, but also blamed others for his failures—much like Warlord Trakor was prone to do.”
Mynasha exhaled, her voice composed. “The Supreme isn’t just a title. They are the spiritual heart of the Caliphate. The Supreme’s word is law. Clerics and warlords alike bow to his judgment. Much like your Telhian Emperor, he believed his authority made him invincible. And like your Emperor, that belief was his downfall.”
Glasha addressed me with respect. “I suggest we continue riding, and Mynasha can assume your language lessons in exchange for you improving her Telhian.” Glasha's obvious ploy was to get me to know Mynasha better. I was fine with additional language lessons, but I did not think I would become swayed by Mynasha. Surprisingly, Mynasha was much less arrogant as a teacher, but she lacked patience. Fortunately, I was a fast learner.
In school, I consistently struggled with learning foreign languages, and even struggled in English classes. Either my consumption of the essences or the dreamscape amulet made the learning process much easier for me than befo. I pushed the group until late evening on the first day, making over fifty miles, according to Glasha, who was watching road markers.
After consulting with Glasha, I opted to stay in the smaller towns along the road. There was no formal inn in these small farming communities, but older farmers had a few extra rooms that they rented out to travelers. Glasha was very persuasive when dealing with these orcs, and we never were required to pay, but I left a few large coppers behind in my room anyway.
Raelia once again showed her displeasure with me for taking lessons from another orc. I got to see her angry countenance during the ride and in the evening, as she no longer had Baldo to distract her. Maveith did the best to serve as an intermediary, and Blaze became her favorite pairing to ride with.
We rode four days without incident before encountering a roadblocked with eleven mounted orcs, tattoos covering their necks and visible parts of their arms. “Warlords?” I asked Glasha as we assessed the situation from afar. They were clearly awaiting us, evidenced by their intense focus and their horses' restless dancing.
Glasha studied them with her spell form before answering. “Warlord Sutra is the warlord among them. The rest are elites that answer to him. Sutra is aligned with one of the Elders. I don’t see any Pathfinders among them, which is a good sign that those clans have not become involved.” Glasha let out a long exhale, “We have a history. I will talk with him; maybe he will let us pass uncontested.” Doubt laced her tone as she kicked her pony forward.
Before she could ride off, I joined her, urging Ginger to follow, but signaled my companions to remain. Coming along side, I asked, “If there is a fight, can we kill them without consequences?”
“Only if they initiate it. And they won’t.” She stated confidently as we rode together. Behind us, Blaze, Maveith, and Raelia readied their bows as the tension started to escalate. Glasha’s white pony pulled up in front of the warriors blocking the road. I studied the orc’s stern, seasoned faces. They did not look happy to be here or happy to see us.
The largest of the group stepped forward—broad-shouldered and imposing, with a heavy gold chain draped around his neck, each link set with colorful stones. His voice was deep and disappointed. “I expected more from you, Glasha Mistborn. A month ago, you told me you wouldn’t get involved. And yet here you are—parading your candidate toward the Choosing.” He looked at me disdainfully.
Glasha’s jaw tightened. Her response was sharp, immediate. “You used to say my mind shifted with the wind. Well, the wind has changed. What I do with my time is none of your concern.”
“Sister,” he said, the word weighted with both admonition and familiarity, “you know better than to defy the will of the Elders. All your efforts will come to nothing. You’re only making more enemies—something you already have no shortage of.” Siblings? I glanced between them but saw no obvious resemblance.
Then he turned his gaze on me, his expression curling into contempt. “And this,” he said, gesturing toward me with visible disdain, “this is who you’ve chosen to stand beside Mynasha?”
Glasha practically laughed, “He can understand you, brother. Perhaps you would be willing to step aside after a contest of honor?”
The large orc laughed thoughtfully, his armor rattling. “Telhians have no honor to contest!”
Glasha gave me an apologetic look before speaking. “He defeated Rakuh of the Sun Shadow Clan,” Glasha challenged. I suddenly felt stupid for revealing my duel to Glasha and Mynasha. Now, she was using the information against me. Sutra’s men obviously knew Rakuh, and they were a mixture of impressed and discontent by their murmurs.
One of the men barked, “I will fight him to regain Rakuh’s honor!” He was the next largest man after Warlord Sutra.
Warlord Sutra snarled at Glasha, and anger flared in his eyes. I could tell he didn’t want to fight today and had been manipulated into it by Glasha. I knew how he felt. “No, I will beat down the Telhian for the Sun Shadow. I, Warlord Sutra of the Mistborn Clan, challenge this—”
“Eryk Marco of Fortuna’s Chosen,” Glasha interjected.
The Warlord growled, “Eryk Marco of Fortuna’s Chosen. Do you stake yourself to an honorable contest for passage?”
“I don’t understand what is happening,” I hissed angrily at Glasha. She would have to answer for this after the fight. “I don’t appreciate you volunteering me for this…”
She moved her pony closer. “It is a combat of skill. The first to yield losses. I am paying you well for circumstances like these,” she reminded me. Damn, she got me there. She explained more softly. “It is a lot less perilous than if our two companies engaged each other.” I had to agree on that point as we were outnumbered two to one but we did have three spell casters.
“Rules?” I conceded her point that I had asked for a large sum to escort Mynasha safely.
“No spell forms, and the first to yield loses. Try not to kill him, or you will lose honor—and our mother would be upset. Remember, I can heal injuries to the flesh, so you do not need to hold back.” She said the last loud enough for the warlord to hear. It didn’t rattle Sutra as he dismounted. The warlord was half a head taller than me and much wider at the shoulder.
I looked at the petite Glasha and then at the Warlord. He had grown in stature, standing on solid ground, and his muscles flexed under his tattooed neck and arms. “You two came from the same mother?” I questioned incredulously.
“Different fathers, but yes, we share a mother. You still need to accept the challenge.” She smiled contentedly as her plan came to fruition.
I suppose this fight was what we were getting paid for. “I accept the honor combat for passage,” I stated loudly for the orcs and my companions to hear. If I lost, did that mean the job was over? Not that I planned to lose.
Glasha got serious, “I will monitor the fight and ensure neither warrior uses aether!” Sutra and his elites seemed to accept the pronouncement, and I had a feeling Glasha would not let me cheat even though I was fighting for her.
The warlord did something I did not expect: he pulled a potion from his belt, popped the wax seal with his thumb, and downed it. I recognized the vial and the lingering smell in the air. It was a Pathfinder’s stamina and alertness brew. He was obviously preparing for a prolonged fight. The rules did not make sense to me. “We can use potions?”
“Yes, runic armor is fine, just no spell forms. It would be best if you stored your aether shield amulet. It is a battle of warriors, not magic,” Glasha responded. I was impressed she realized I had the aether shield amulet from observing me in the dungeon.
I had my own stamina potions, but I also had other potions. I sorted through what I had available in my mind, and only one potion made sense. Warlords were the strongest warriors in the Caliphate, and ending this fight quickly was wise. His greatest strength was his tattoos, which enhanced his physical prowess, but apparently, he would not be able to use them.
A dungeon potion appeared in my hand, and I broke the seal before the warlord could discern its purpose. I had only read up on its effects, and this was my first time using such a potion. I only knew you needed to consume the entire potion or you would get a fraction of its power. I downed the vial and immediately felt my muscles heat and swell under its spreading effects.
My heart thudded as my body suddenly required more blood to fuel my temporarily increased muscle mass. My only miscalculation was that my adventurer’s armor suddenly got very tight, forcing me to loosen a few buckles quickly.
It was the giant’s strength potion I had gotten from the owlbear reward chest in the Shimmering Labyrinth. The potion lasted about ten minutes and would give me the strength equal to a stone giant for that time. After the potion expired, I would be left in a miserable state and require a large amount of food to recover and for my muscles to be healed from the strain. I was not certain if the ring of sustenance would counter this hangover effect, but I guessed I would find out in ten minutes.
My steps felt light, and the dungeon blade felt weightless as I drew it. I removed my shield from Ginger’s saddle bag and tapped her rump to return to the others. She looked at me momentarily before trotting to Maveith. The warlord suddenly appeared less confident as I confidently faced him. The potion and my runic weapon had given him pause. His men remained mounted but formed a large, rough circle around us. At Glasha’s motion, my own companions came forward to join the circle. Benito was already trying to get one of the orc elites to place a bet, navigating through the language barrier. Blaze and Raelia we talking animatedly about my chances. I had other things to focus on.
The strength potion made me feel invincible as I faced the warlord. His weapon was a two-handed bastard sword with tremendous length, its blade reaching five feet. I recognized it as a runic weapon, just not dungeon-forged. “When do we begin?” I asked my opponent, who was studying my footwork carefully. I had been stepping casually so as not to reveal my skill.
“We already have,” he grunted, raising his massive blade in both hands and taking quick, controlled steps forward. I side-stepped to his right, reading his dominant hand as his left. His blade whistled through the air in a horizontal arc at waist height, forcing me to retreat or be bisected. After the blade passed in front of me, I shifted my weight off my back foot and rushed forward.
He only had two choices in my mind. Spin and do a 360-degree turn to bring his heavy blade back around, or retreat himself. Instead, he surprised me, took one hand off his blade, and attempted to block my sword with his bracers. Boris’ blade cut into the greaves, but they were only covered in leather and the blade scraped across metal underneath. The silvery metal I briefly glimpsed told me he was concealing runic armor.
I was surprised only momentarily as I punched out with my shield into his sternum. The blow was solid, thudding loudly on impact, and much stronger than I had anticipated. The warlord stumbled backward to regain his footing. This strength potion almost felt like cheating.
I didn’t let him recover, pursuing his retreat as he interposed his massive blade to give him time to recover. I used my shield to force the blade away before he could regain his footing in defense for leverage. Boris’ dungeon blade stabbed forward as I lunged, pushing power from my hips through the length of the blade, piercing his abdominal armor and penetrating almost all the way through his torso.
I heard Raelia cheer first and some shocked gasps from the orcs, but my focus didn’t leave the fight as I quickly pivoted the blade’s tip inside his body and removed it before stepping back. The warlord was having trouble standing, and blood was leaking rapdily onto his leggings from the wound. He would need to be healed quickly, or the stomach bile would cause extensive damage. The whole engagement had taken about five seconds, and it was already over. If he chose to fight on, he would die from internal bleeding. I was probably just as shocked at the brief fight was but tried not to show it.
Sutra looked at his sister instead of me. I couldn’t read his expression through his pain, and Glasha didn’t look smug. Instead, she pitied him. Maybe their relationship wasn’t as antagonistic as I had perceived. “I concede to Eryk Marco of Fortuna’s Chosen,” he forced out with difficulty while one hand covered the hole in his armor. Glasha immediately dismounted to heal him. I cleaned my blade in the grass and returned to take Ginger’s reins from Maveith.
Raelia looked the most satisfied of my companions. Mynasha had a look of shock on her face at my prowess, her opinion of me elevating. Benito hissed, “You didn’t give me enough time to get a bet in place.” Blaze, Maveith, and Mateo just congratulated me on my victory.
Glasha's healing was weak, so it took her a long time to heal her brother, and they talked quietly while she worked on him. The strength potion wore off, and my incredible feeling of invincibility faded. Every muscle was sore as I directed healing through my spell form. I hadn’t exerted myself, so the damage to my muscles was not terrible.
When she finally finished, he mounted his horse, and his warriors left with the warlord. “Will we have to do that again?” I asked as she joined us.
She looked at me, a little annoyed. “You defeated him too quickly in front of his warriors. You took a lot of honor from him today.” She sighed. “At least if word spreads, others will be hesitant to challenge our progress.”
I didn’t understand orc culture. Was Glasha blaming me for winning? As we rode away, I missed the feeling of power the potion had given me. I yearned to feel it again, and I fantasized of returning to the Shimmering Labyrinth to collect more.
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Comments
Kevin O'Malley
Unless he gets the ghost killing artifact, which Konstantin may well have looted from the Emperor's palace, there was no way to get thru the wraiths to get back to the dungeon. But yes, based on the essences, he should camp in that dungeon until the rewards dropped off. Also, should loot the full runic armor they left on the surface.
Trevayne
Thanks for the chapters. I can see the criticism for using a hard-to-replace potion for a fight like this, but this probably was the best opportunity to see what this potion does, without the risk of a combat to the death. If he comes across a similar potion, he can use it with more confidence having some idea of how it works.
Space Cadet
just like a game of d&d. characters tend to hoard single use items to the extent that they never get used. I am not sure I see the value in a potion that increases your strength for 2 minutes, so using it when you have a set up like this is perfect. The only other time to use it is waiting outside a dungean room.
Marnie
Either my consumption of the essences or the dreamscape amulet made the learning process much easier for me than *befo. Spelling before
Erick Thiemke
corrected
Erick Thiemke
think i edited it - word searhch coes up zero
Erick Thiemke
edited
Erick Thiemke
edited
Erick Thiemke
edited
Erick Thiemke
corrected i think
Thaabit Rivertree
This is so frustrating. Mynesha cant even speak for herself. At this rate, they will either be putting a petulant, immature child on the throne or Glisha, effectively. It also doesnt make sense why they cant just take zorana themselves. Its obvious gerring invovled with them will only lead to more trouble. The only benefit so far that Eryk has found is safety on the road and possible dungeon access. This just feels out of character for Eryk. He isnt one to get manipulated so hard or so long.
HappyNoms
His pathway to freeing maveith's sister is...checks notes...not pragmatically offering thousands of gold, not offering a runic blade, or an artifact, or essences, ah, here's the plan, just engineer the election of the supreme leader of all orcish government. Yes, the obvious choice. Definitively giving that a bit of side eye, but for going that route, the writing is good. The realism and subverting expectations of the sharp 30 second fight was a brilliant choice and helps sell the whatever-it-takes track Eryk is set on.
Mercutio Montano
Giants are among my favorite races. Only their arrogance makes them weak. 100 giants, working together, with careful understanding of their terrain, are neigh unstoppable. In D&D, ALL gamemasters save their player's lives when they have their giants be solo OR not target the 1. Healer 2. Mage. Because that's who should die 1st ... all the time. Every time. For some darn reason, many player groups don't really protect their backline well, and, if a GM is so inclined, that backline would be crushed in 1 or 2 turns.
Andrew G.
I don’t agree with most of the criticism of this chapter. Abrupt or anticlimactic fights here and there shows self awareness of the genre, it’s not a flaw. Sometimes, we have to see the fruits of the progression effort. This isn’t a video game where every opponent is scaled off of your level. I also think it makes a lot of sense to use a potion here seeing as the opponent is unknown, larger, has magical tattoos enhancing abilities, magical armor, and just took a potion himself. Hindsight is 20/20, yeah maybe Eryk didn’t need it in retrospect, but it makes sense for the character in context to have made the decision he did. Not everything a protagonist does has to be prescient or facilitates the plot, that’s how stories start feeling contrived. This is more realistic and I appreciate and it’s why I think you’re one of the better writers in this genre.
IndyBart
I’d love to just see a series of recap chapters as a giant montage scene of him solo in the Shimmering Dungeon as he harvested the snot of it.
Andrew Crews
She looked at me, a little annoyed. ❌[“You] defeated him too quickly in front of his warriors. You took a lot of honor from him today.” She sighed**, “After that** if word spreads, others will be hesitant to challenge our progress.” I didn’t understand orc culture. Was Glasha blaming me for winning too fast? As we rode away, I missed the feeling of power the potion had given me. ❌[As we rode,] I yearned to feel it again, and my mind drifted toward returning to the Shimmering Labyrinth. Edited: She looked at me, a little annoyed. “You defeated him too quickly in front of his warriors. You took a lot of honor from him today.” She sighed. “After that, if word spreads, others will be hesitant to challenge our progress.” I didn’t understand orc culture. Was Glasha blaming me for winning too fast? As we rode away, I missed the feeling of power the potion had given me. The craving crept in—I longed to feel it again, and my mind drifted toward returning to the Shimmering Labyrinth.
Andrew Crews
Either my consumption of the essences or the dreamscape amulet made the learning process much easier for me ❌[now]. According to Glasha, I pushed the group until late evening ❌[the first day], making over fifty miles. Edit: Either my consumption of the essences or the Dreamscape Amulet made the learning process much easier for me than before. I must have been pushing the group hard because, by late evening on the first day, we had covered over fifty miles—something even Glasha took note of.
Andrew Crews
I weighed my response. How could it hurt to brag a little? “Iwas scouting the fleet as it traveled through Kraken Bay. I saw a lot of Mynasha in action.” (I prefer a stronger innuendo, see below) ❌[“You] were with the Hounds that plagued the fleet?” Mynasha asked, now somewhat curious. ❌[“You] are a Hound then?” She either didn’t catch my reference to her being almost nude, or perhaps she wasn’t embarrassed. Edit: I weighed my response. How could it hurt to brag a little? “I was scouting the fleet as it traveled through Kraken Bay. Saw a lot of Mynasha in action—she really laid bare the power of magic.” “You were with the Hounds that plagued the fleet?” Mynasha asked, now somewhat curious. “So, you are a Hound then?” Either she didn’t catch my little joke, or she just had no shame—both seemed entirely possible.
Invalid Entry
THIS is what it took to get him to think of returning to the labyrinth? That’s honestly been one of my biggest gripes. He could go there with a small competent team and grind for a year or two and come out a god. I’m sure essence returns would tail off somewhat but there’s so many rooms he could keep finding safe ones to grind for the essences he needs. Not to mention if he could find a mage or potion or artifact that could temporarily share the effects of spellforms between two people, which sort of seems like something that should be possible within this system of magic. Maybe just a spell no one has developed because there are so few use cases I guess.
ShadowOfHavoc
Having read both the pre edit and post edit version of this chapter. I never got the feeling the MC was OP in this fight. My main take away was his lack of subtlety, for 4 books he kept all his cards close to his chest, only revealing what he needed to to those close to him. Now that he has started to share some of his secrets with his companions, he seems to not really care what he might expose to strangers. I personally think he would of won the fight no problem even without using the potion maybe not in like three moves like in the original but still.
ShadowOfHavoc
Even with the edits giving us his reasoning I still think it is a waste. To be 100% honest it feels like a cop out and an easy way to get rid of a strong potion.
Deliver roo
I agree that it must be clear that this is an important duel and not Eryk casually showing off how much better than the orcs he is. So it will make sense that he decides to use one of his best potions.
ShadowOfHavoc
I agree him drinking the potion doesn't really make sense. Using that potion in a non life or death fight is a waste.
Steven Savage
should just be "chosen to attach to"
daniel dantas
This has already been shown, but you being better, stronger means nothing in this world, the winner is decided in a split second by the one who adapts best, in a fight without using his best cards, orc simply did not know and did not expect to fight with someone so skilled and apparently strong enough to hurt him, simple, for me eryk is in the right measure, he has been through a lot and is constantly training and perfecting himself while he sleeps, his skill needs to be lethal, konstatin trained him for that
daniel dantas
I think it makes sense, eryk has trained with the best in the empire and has at his disposal a device that allows him to train constantly, added to the potion, he SHOULD have an easy victory, not everything needs to be so hard fought, another point is that even if the orc was skilled, he couldn't use his tattoos and was surprised by eryk's unexpected strength because he didn't know what he had drunk, simple as that a great champion falls
daniel dantas
i have a question, these tattoos work using ether right? If eryk hits them with the mage slayer, will the tattoo lose its effect? if that's the case, then even with tutuage activated, the slightest scratch would make them lose the buff and in that moment of surprise and momentary weakness, eryk can win quickly
daniel dantas
he doesn't need to know the strength of the enemy, in pure mastery he can defeat the orc with the same ease, during the fight it seems that the potion served only to destabilize the orc with a blow, when he could defeat him only by attacking weak points such as, hand, thighs and finally finish the fight in the same way, instead of the fight ending in 3 secs, at most it would last 15 and that being generous
daniel dantas
But author, why does he need to drink? I understand that he can't use his air shields, but he can defeat this orc just as easily without the use of the potion, him using a forcing potion to match 1 orc seems unnecessary when his experience is so high in fighting multiple orcs
Deliver roo
It would make sense if the stakes were higher, considering that he doesn’t know the strenght of the enemy and the extent of the effect of the potion. In my opinion the real problem is that it just seems like he wants to show who has got the best potion so the result is an overwhelming display because the best warrior with the best potion and the best weapon is the obvious winner. At least there is an hint that it may serve to scare others so it may not be a total waste.
Erick Thiemke
maybe - the warlord couldnt use his tattoos to enhance himself which are a big reason why they are fearsome opponents (going back to the battle in the collegium)
Erick Thiemke
he couldnt use his tattoos to enhance his physcial traits
Erick Thiemke
he needed to be 100% certain he would win. he couldnt use aether. I will do better in an edit explaining
Erick Thiemke
i will do a better job writing it but it was either win or the escort mission would end here.
Erick Thiemke
i am going to add something about Glasha monitoring the fight for use of aether. the Warlords tattoos are their biggest strength - enhancing their strength, speed and endurance. He wasnt able to use them so drank the potion
Erick Thiemke
this encounter was expected by Glasha...maybe not that it would be her half-brother standing in their way but this is why they hired Fortuna's Chosen
Erick Thiemke
this is why he was hired to escort them though. they knew others would try and pervent them from reaching their destination. i will try to write it better when i edit it today
Erick Thiemke
i will add something that he needs to imbue the entire potion for the full effect. aether restoratives are different.
Erick Thiemke
i will add something about needing to consume the entire potion for the 'full effect'
Justin Garrett
I agree MC swordsmanship fits and is not OP considering how it was obtained through studying with elite fighters and champions. Drinking the potion of strength is makes sense due to challenge of the beating the warlord with holding back not to kill him and facing an unknown skilled opponent.
Labruta146
once the seal is open it expires pretty quickly from what i remember and he also didnt know how strong the effects would be
Zera
If that was his only strength potion, I agree it was a terrible choice to use it against someone he should have the advantage. There should be a bad consequence later on because he wasted it, or he could learn/buy some other strength potions to replace it, otherwise his dumb actions just don't get punished which always leaves me with a bad taste as a reader.
daniel dantas
I think it's exaggerated and strange that he drank an entire dungeon potion for 3 seconds and for a duel, this potion could save his life, why did he drink it all?
Mason W
It is a bad idea to get involved in the orc supreme politics just for Maveiths sister. This feels like it will end badly.
Sean Kauffman
10min potion seems a bit much for a 1-1 duel. Maybe edit so he only drinks a sip or something like he learned with the mana recovery potions.
Ryan Oakes
Eryk has trained with and sparred with the best people in the empire. He can also train every night with the amulet with said people and constantly improve in skill. He could've probably beat the guy without the potion, but has no frame of reference for how good warlords are. So taking the potion wasn't a bad thing to do to guarantee victory. The potion on top of his skill SHOULD have made the fight easy and quick. Everything checks out. We also don't know if this warlord is anywhere close in skill to the other warlords. This warlord could be a character we see in passing in the story. Not every fight needs to be hard fought. Having a strong character isn't a bad thing. I don't understand why people desire tragedy for others or for everything to be hard fought.
Otto Kovar
Title: 129 - Cherished Champion
visigoth
It might be the absolute worst thing to do given his situation but my pride really wants Eryk to tell these honor-bound orcs that they, in fact, have no such thing. Typical in martial-based honor systems. So far orcish manipulation isn’t very subtle, Ms Glasha - or should I say, Mrs Glasha-Mateo xD
1536539
Thank you for the chapter
1536539
He really shouldn’t reveal any more of his abilities, i even think he showed too much, it is always better to be greatly underestimated and dismissed then to be overestimated and seen as a threat or even worse, a rich bounty.
Adunn
I’m glad he didn’t. I feel like author intentionally sets up situations for outsiders to be impressed by his accomplishments and strength but it’s been super overdone in this story and feels really forced.
Salvo
I would have Eryk spit the concealed cork out of his mouth to get him off balance after the shield block. Konstantian’s training was all about cheating! This would be better as the next guy will demand no potions.
Chachi
imo he should’ve maimed him to get back at glasha. eryka has been nothing but foolish letting glasha control him like a puppet
Pope Yoda I
MC has had his stamina commented on numerous times. Going by the formula: More Essence = More Dong, MC probably stands a good chance.
Andrew
Thank you!
M van Dongen
Women and communication.....🤣 If she wanted a different outcome she should have communicated her wants/needs.
PatronTurtle
Feels like a waste of a potion. This trip better be worth it
Silver Beard
The Orcs would likely win that one. They are physically more robust than humans.
Jordan
I agree with ‘TheAlreds90’. The orc Warlock is supposed to be at the pinnacle of their warrior society. That wasn’t reflected at all in the fight. He can’t be this much of a pushover even with the potion being in effect. Also, adding potions seems against the spirit of the duel. They also weren’t used by the pathfinder leader in the past so it’s a little odd that they’re being added here.
Jordan
“I had to agree on that point as we were outnumbered two to one but did have three spell casters.” …one but ‘we’ did have….
Pope Yoda I
"Can we just have a literal dick measuring contest next time?"
Silver Beard
Still find it curious Glasha hasn't figured out or mentioned Eryk's abilities. Disappointed Eryk didn't correct the idea that it was he alone and not a 'pack' that thwarted their advance or downed the Roc. If he wants to 'brag' that's the way to go.
Jordan
“And this is what you have chosen to attach the Mynasha?” the -> to ? ‘Attach the Mynasha’ sounds odd and I’m guessing ‘the’ is a typo, but I’m not sure.
Silver Beard
Thanks for the chapter. Glasha is/was hoping to force Eryk to fight a dozen duels- building up 'stolen honor' before the Election so his inclusion as a First would be accepted. Use of spell forms would have been even quicker, but perhaps fatal too.
Jordan
“I don’t recognize see any Pathfinders among them.” The above sentence has an extra word. ‘Recognize’ or ‘see’ needs to be removed for it to make sense.
Win Rar
If he didn't use the potion, I think the fight should have taken longer but because he did use it, it fits. So I agree with your take.
Jordan
“I pushed until late evening the first day, making over forty miles, according to Glasha.” I -> We We makes more sense as Eryk isn’t by himself and is part of a group.
Jordan
“It was the death of Trakor that spurned others to remove the Supreme.” spurned -> spurred
Kbzzy
I think it tracks considering how good he has been in armed combat against other strong orcs, even when outnumbered
TastyApple
I don’t think the MC was too OP. I think the opponent lacked fight IQ though lol. Against a patient and more thoughtful opponent, I think our MC would have a little more trouble.
Ivan Kanewske
Maybe have the fight last a touch longer, If he fights Konstantin would the fight last longer? Is an Orc warlord so much less skilled than Konstantin a long term well trained hound?
william wallace
Fight seems a bit quick unless the orc is a scrub. Maybe have the orc use the potion mid fight and have eric at least take some damage? Or lean into eric totally out classing him?
Alex
It doesn't make sense for MC to use a potion for the fight. If he looses still alive. It is first big Orc fight in BC - why not test the warlords.skill and let Benito make.some $$$. Maybe let Benito sway Eryk to drag out the fight a little and win some money from Mayasha
TheAlreds90
I don't think he is too strong but that the warlord is not strong enough. I would have expected more skill out of him.
Eriach
Potentially-hand wag-
Nick Nicholson
Seems like an unnecessary waste of a potion
Eriach
You got this, just take your time. ♥️ and tftc
Win Rar
Orcs Pride for chapter title?
Erick Thiemke
4th of 4 for last weeks cycle. Tomorrow is a WOrld Sphere chapter, but I plan to edit these last two chapters of Soldier as well. Some things didn't flow well in my mind. A question for readers - is the MC too OP in this fight? He used one of his aces to make sure he won but I could have drawn it out some
