BRAND NEW WORLD-Chapter 56: New Storm on the Mountain Road

[One day after leaving the city of Tazik]

A dirt road stretched across a vast green meadow. Only the whisper of the wind and the creaking of carriage wheels filled the silence. A passenger carriage moved at a steady pace, carrying me, Rima, Clive, and several other travelers.

Because of Dirra, something had been on my mind. Women normally have their periods, right? But ever since I've been in this body, I haven't experienced it. Is the cycle of elves different from that of humans? — That thought crossed my mind.

"…"

"Lun, what's wrong? Are you sick?" Rima asked.

"No. Why?"

"You've been spacing out ever since we left Tazik," Rima replied.

"I'm fine. I just remembered Daisy. I wonder what she's doing at home right now…"

"Oh, that's all? Yeah… now I'm curious too," Rima added.

• •

Three days after leaving Tazik, we arrived in the city of Zarua in the late afternoon. This city was the last connector between the Lemurian Kingdom and the Nyranthea Kingdom. Here, we would transit, change carriages, and rest for a while.

Zarua lay in a valley flanked by twin mountains to the north and south. As a border and transit city, it experienced heavy traffic from travelers. Inspections at the city gate were tight. Since there were no night journeys, we were forced to stay overnight.

As dusk approached, we looked for lodging. A local recommended one of the best inns in town—not luxurious, but the most comfortable for adventurers.

Luckily, the inn was combined with a tavern. The first floor was a dining hall, while the second floor held the rooms. We chose a table in the corner and ordered food. While waiting, we listened to the conversations around us.

"Hey, are you really going to pass through? The road's dangerous right now!" said a black-haired man.

"What choice do I have… I have to trade to support my family," replied a brown-haired man with a sigh.

"True… even the Adventurers' Guild can't do much," the black-haired man added.

"No wonder everyone in this city looks anxious and scared. It must be because of what they're talking about," I whispered to Rima.

"Yeah… and the source of the trouble is probably somewhere between here and Nyranthea," Rima replied. "What do you think the cause is?"

"My guess? If not bandits, then monsters," Clive cut in.

After dinner, we went straight to our room to end the day.

[The next day]

After breakfast, Rima, Clive, and I hurried to the west gate to board a carriage. Once it was full, we departed Zarua.

This morning, the sky wept, soaking the earth. Only the sound of hooves on slick ground and the occasional rumble of thunder could be heard.

All the passengers looked tense. Even knowing the risks, they still chose to continue the journey.

Since Zarua was in the highlands, we were now descending the mountain.

Several hours passed. The trip went smoothly despite the relentless rain. The carriage slipped several times due to the muddy road.

"The horses are tired," Clive suddenly said.

"What?"

"They need rest," Clive explained.

"How do you know?" I asked.

"Because I'm a Beastman. I can understand monsters' feelings," he answered.

Understand monsters' feelings? I didn't know such an ability existed. That feature was never in the game — I was shocked.

"Excuse me, Coachman. Can we stop for a moment?" Rima asked.

"Sorry, miss. We won't stop until the next town," the coachman replied quickly.

"But the horses need rest. We passengers also need to stretch," Rima argued.

"Hold it. This road's too dangerous even just to rest," the coachman snapped.

Minutes later, one of the horses slipped, causing the carriage to sway and nearly overturn.

"Damn horse! Should've sold you back then!" the coachman grumbled while fixing the reins.

Clive jumped down from the carriage.

"Let me help," he said.

Since the carriage needed repairs, all the passengers got out. Anxiety was clear on their faces. Some whispered, others tried to calm their children.

Ugh… this silence is making me tense.

CRUNCH! CRUNCH!

Suddenly, something shot out from the bushes, heading toward the carriage and the coachman outside.

SWUSH!

"Luna! Put up a barrier!" Rima shouted.

By reflex, I snapped my fingers. A protective dome appeared, enveloping the horse carriage. Just as the barrier formed—

THUD!

Something struck the invisible energy field—small ripples formed at the point of impact. The object fell to the ground—an axe.

A throwing axe? — My heart pounded.

Rustling sounds came from the forest. Soon, two figures emerged.

"ORC!" a female adventurer shouted in surprise.

"But why are they blue? Aren't they usually green?" asked a male adventurer.

Of course—because they weren't ordinary orcs. They were High Orcs, a higher species.

• •

Orcs are common monsters in many games, including The New World Online. They're hairless humanoids with protruding tusks, green skin, and bodies usually marked with scars or tattoos.

In TNWO, orcs are level 120–140. They typically wield axes, though some use bows. But there is a stronger variant: the High Orc. Physically similar, the only difference is their skin color—blue instead of green. High Orc levels range from 240–260, as they are elite troops under leaders like Orc Heroes, Orc Generals, or Orc Kings.

The two High Orcs stepped out of the forest with large axes in their right hands. Killing intent radiated from their eyes.

"Lun! Check the perimeter!" Rima shouted, face serious.

"Got it!"

Like ripples in water, I released my search skill up to a one-kilometer radius.

"…No other monsters within a kilometer," I reported.

"Good!" Rima nodded. "Clive! Check the horses! If they can't move, give them this," she added, handing him an orange potion.

"Roger!" Clive took it and examined the horses.

"Wait! Let us help!" a male adventurer with a sword on his back shouted.

He stepped forward with three companions: a male healer, a female mage, and a female archer.

After checking their levels, they averaged in the early 100s. The highest was the swordsman—level 127.

"No. You won't be able to fight them. You'll just get killed," Rima said firmly.

"But you're mages! How will you fight close-range fighters? Let us help!" he argued.

"If you want to help, stay quiet inside the barrier," Rima cut him off, eyes still on the High Orcs.

He bit his lip in frustration, but his friend pulled his arm.

"Forget it…" the healer muttered.

Rima looked at me.

"Ready, Lun?" she asked through telepathy.

"Always."

We pulled out our red staffs adorned with gold from storage. With steady steps, we walked out of the barrier. The moment our feet touched the ground, the two High Orcs charged, swinging their axes.

I immediately cast physical enhancement and speed boost magic.

CLANG!

Metal rang out. My staff trembled from the impact, sparks flying.

"Too bad I'm not a warrior—I'm a mage," I muttered before chanting.

AEROBLAST!

BOOOOM!!

An explosion shook the air. High-pressure wind blasted in all directions. The High Orc fighting me was thrown far away, crashing into several trees.

"Incredibly powerful magic…" the female mage murmured in awe.

On Rima's side, when the explosion went off, the High Orc facing her faltered. She released Aeroblast, too, sending it flying into another part of the forest.

From the wreckage of trees, the High Orc rose again, blood flowing from its head down its body.

Huh… I thought a level 10 Aeroblast would kill it instantly. I was wrong. A level 250 monster is different.

A loud crash echoed from another corner of the forest—Rima's attack result.

No more hesitation.

Realizing the difference in power, the High Orc tried to flee despite its battered, bleeding body.

Running? Sorry, I won't allow that.

I tapped my staff on the ground. A blue magic circle appeared before me.

"Elemental Magic: Fenrir!" I shouted.

The circle shone brightly. The temperature dropped sharply. Particles gathered, forming crystalline frost. Cracking Ice sounds rang out as a solid form grew larger. The Ice converged, forming a three-meter-tall wolf of pure Ice. Grass around it froze.

"Chase your prey!" I commanded.

The Ice wolf shot forward, and small tremors were felt in the ground. In the forest, as the High Orc ran, a giant icy claw slashed horizontally—dicing its body along with several trees.

[Back to Luna]

"Lun, is it done?" Rima asked, approaching.

"Seems like it. What about you?"

"What do you mean seems like?" Rima smirked.

"I haven't checked directly."

"Then go check. I'll guard here."

"Okay."

I flew after the fleeing High Orc. A minute later, I saw the Ice wolf standing among fallen trees. When I landed, the High Orc's body lay in pieces nearby—a small pool of blood formed on the ground. My stomach churned.

Ugh!

After calming myself, I used earth magic to dig a hole, burying the remains and blood so they wouldn't attract other monsters.

Too bad I can't take the body. But at least the head can serve as proof.

Just as I was about to return, my search magic detected something.

Oh no… A group of High Orcs?! And… an Orc General?