Kenji sat lost in thought on a large rock by a small river flowing swiftly at the edge of the Orc clan territory. The sound of rushing water seemed to soothe his restless mind. His first victory over Gruk had not only earned him a bit of respect from some young Orcs but also opened Kenji's eyes that the path he had chosen would not be easy. He needed more power, and more than that, he needed allies.
Meeting Mog
That evening, as the mist began to fall and the forest grew darker, a figure emerged from behind the bushes. His body was smaller than the average Orc's, and he limped, walking with a weathered wooden staff.
"Kenji…" came a hoarse, deep voice.
Kenji turned and saw the man approaching. One of his eyes was cloudy gray — a sign of an old wound that had never healed. It was none other than Mog, the disabled Orc who had lived on the outskirts of the clan, often ignored and looked down upon.
"What do you want, Mog?" Kenji asked cautiously.
Mog smiled faintly. "I know you're different. I've seen how you fight, how you think. I want to follow you, be your follower."
Kenji looked at Mog with a mixture of surprise and suspicion. "Why should I trust you?"
Mog tapped his staff lightly on the ground. "Because I know what it's like to be treated like trash. I know what it's like to be alone. I don't want to die here for nothing, like the others. I want to fight with you — not just to survive, but to change this clan."
Kenji felt something sincere in Mog's words. He nodded slowly. "Alright, Mog. You're my first follower now."
Bond in the Darkness
From that moment, Mog became Kenji's friend and right hand. Despite his weak and limping body, Mog had more than enough survival experience. He knew the forest terrain, traps, and how to survive amidst the brutal law of "Kill or Be Killed."
Together, they began planning their next moves. Kenji wanted more than just survival; he wanted to build a force that could challenge the cruel and corrupt adult Orc leaders.
A Strange Dream
That night, Kenji fell asleep with swirling thoughts. Yet, his sleep was never peaceful. In his dream appeared a terrifying giant figure — the God Grull'gor, the Orc war deity known for cruelty and bloodlust.
Grull'gor appeared as a giant creature with black steel-like skin, glowing red eyes, and huge, terrifying fangs. His voice thundered like a storm.
"Kenji… You are the chosen one…" the voice echoed within the dream.
Kenji stared at the War God with a mix of fear and curiosity.
"I can give you unmatched power," Grull'gor continued. "The power to rule this clan, to avenge those who underestimate you. But there is a price you must pay."
Kenji asked cautiously, "What price?"
Grull'gor gave a terrifying smile. "Your soul must be given to me. You will become an unstoppable weapon of war, but your freedom will be lost."
Kenji jolted awake and tried to resist, but the voice kept echoing, forcing him to choose.
"I give you until you wake. Choose, Kenji. Power or freedom."
Awakening with a New Burden
Kenji woke up gasping for breath, cold sweat soaking his body. The dream left a heavy weight on his chest, like a huge stone pressing on his heart and mind.
He stared at the dark sky above the cave he called home. "Power without freedom… I don't want to be a tool," he murmured.
But Kenji knew that in this cruel world, power was the key to survival and change. Yet, how could he gain power without losing himself?
Discussion with Mog
The next morning, Kenji shared his dream with Mog.
"Do you believe in that God Grull'gor?" Mog asked after hearing Kenji's story.
Kenji nodded slowly. "I don't know, but it seems like a test. Or maybe a warning."
Mog sighed. "In our clan, many believe in gods and spirits. But don't let them control you. Remember, true power comes from within, not from dark pacts."
Kenji smiled faintly. "You're right, Mog. I must be strong, but I have to remain myself."
The First Step of Rebellion
With renewed determination and his first follower by his side, Kenji began to build influence. He taught Mog survival strategies and started recruiting other young Orcs who were also fed up with the cruelty of the clan leaders.
Though still few in number, this small group became the foundation of a rebellion that would one day shake the Orc world.
Kenji knew a long and bloody journey lay ahead. But with Mog as his loyal follower and a burning resolve in his heart, he was ready to face any danger.
The God Grull'gor waited in the shadows, anticipating Kenji's decision that could change the fate of the clan — and himself.