CHAPTER 28: STAR WINGED WOLF

{50 low-level beasts have been killed!}

{BOOYAH!!}

{Final Strike: Player Nexus}

{Supporters: Player Aria}

{Rewards: +2300 MUT (Player Nexus), +100 MUT (Player Aria)}

{You have unlocked a new achievement: Beast Slaughter!}

{Extra Rewards: +3000 MUT}

A flood of notifications blurred Akhil’s vision.

Without wasting time, he quickly checked his total coins.

{MUT: 5327}

He turned back toward the settlement, his gaze falling on the orcs

Their hopeless faces were now bright with joy.

When the beasts had approached, they all thought their end was near—but now, seeing their plan succeed, the entire settlement buzzed with relief and celebration.

Still, Akhil knew it wouldn’t last long.

The main beasts hadn’t even started coming yet.

That was why he had to act fast.

"Everyone, gather together!" Akhil ordered.

After seeing their efforts pay off, the orcs’ respect for him had grown immensely. Now they were eager—almost desperate—to hear what he had to say.

They all understood it wasn’t over. The beasts still waiting beyond the outer ridge made that painfully clear.

At this moment, Akhil’s voice carried more weight in the orc settlement than anyone else’s—more even than Gon’s, despite all his past authority.

Everyone turned toward him with rapt attention.

Even those who had hidden inside their huts peeked through their doors, listening intently to every word.

"Just like Aria said, the serum doesn’t exist," Akhil began, his tone calm but firm. "But I do have something that can help us all. I don’t know if it’ll cure the sick, but I’m certain it can strengthen your abilities. Our priority now is survival. If we don’t survive, both the sick and the healthy will become victims of this onslaught."

Shocked gasps escaped the orcs’ mouths. Once again, they were left in awe of Akhil’s knowledge and composure.

"We understand," said an orc who looked slightly older than Nibo—though easily twice his size. "You’ve already helped us enough. No need to explain more."

The orc was enormous, his green skin pale and streaked with purple cracks like veins—a clear sign of failed mutation. His breathing was slow and labored, as though he were clinging to what little life he had left. But his eyes remained steady, locked on Akhil.

"Yes," another orc added firmly. "We’ve held this settlement together for a long time. We won’t be selfish now. Do what you must."

One by one, the plagued orcs began to add their voices in agreement.

They had received more kindness and protection from the healthy orcs than they had ever expected.

If anything, their time together in the settlement had turned them from outcasts into one large family.

And with all the compassion shown to them despite their condition, they couldn’t bring themselves to ask for anything more.

They completely understood the situation — Akhil wanted to give his special serum to the orcs who could still fight so they could survive.

Bearing the pain of the plague a while longer was better than dying and dragging thousands more to their deaths.

Besides, from his words, it was clear that he hadn’t tested the serum on any of the infected yet. He didn’t know if it would help them at all.

They also didn’t know how much of the serum he had left. Wasting it on a failed attempt could end up harming the entire group.

"Please, don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine. You’ve done too much already," the hulking orc said, his deep voice steady despite his weakness. "At the very worst, we’ll just have to bear the pain until we die."

’They’re very understanding. This is great,’ Akhil thought, relief washing over him.

He had feared they might demand the gene stabilizers for themselves instead of letting him use them to empower the fighters—but his worries turned out to be unnecessary.

Now, all that was left was to take the final step.

"Thank you for understanding," he said to the large orc who had spoken first. The man gave a slow, tired nod in return.

Akhil then turned his gaze to the orcs who were still healthy.

As Aria had already informed him, some of them were those who had followed her and Nibo on their mission to retrieve the fake serum from the human settlement.

The others, like J, were the ones who had stayed behind—protecting the settlement, gathering food, and providing for everyone.

Akhil studied them in silence for a moment before he finally spoke.

"I must warn you," he began, his tone serious, "this method is excruciatingly painful. You might not like it. Also, I only have a limited supply. So if you’re not ready, step back. Those who are willing should come forward."

The orcs exchanged uncertain glances.

Then, from the side, Aria’s calm voice broke the silence.

"Look, he did it to me too," she said, crossing her arms. "That’s how my mutant level increased. And he’s not lying—it hurts. But it’s painfully worth it."

A few of the orcs quickly checked her user stats, confirming her claim.

Their eyes widened in shock. It was true—Aria had gone from a level 2 mutant to level 3.

"I want that too!"

"Yeah, me too!"

Excited voices erupted among them, though their bodies still hesitated. Fear lingered in their eyes—they hadn’t forgotten Aria’s warning about the pain.

’This was what I was worried abo—’ Akhil’s thought was cut off as a massive shadow fell over him.

"Don’t tell me you forgot about me," Nibo said, a toothy grin spreading across his face. "Of course I’d love to take it too! I can’t have Aria surpass me so easily."

Akhil smiled faintly. He had completely forgotten about Nibo.

To him, the orc was already strong enough—he hadn’t even considered how much more powerful the stabilizer could make him.

Now that he did, the thought sent a surge of excitement through his veins.

’I can’t imagine how much stronger he’ll become,’ Akhil thought.

But before he could speak, a loud, piercing howl echoed from behind them.

Everyone froze.

They had completely forgotten about the beasts. The creatures, however, hadn’t forgotten them.

The sound wasn’t one of confusion—it was a call, a warning, an announcement.

Akhil’s expression hardened as the surrounding beasts suddenly parted, clearing a path from the direction of the mountain range.

And then, it appeared.

{Ding!}

{Star Winged Wolf}