While Canna immersed himself in perfecting his dagger mastery skills alongside Vorgrim, significant developments unfolded within the Kingdom of Avaloria. At the heart of these bustling activities stood Kael, a young logistics expert with short, spiky green hair, dark skin, and a robust build. His commanding presence directed troops and logistics personnel as they readied for a critical expedition.
"Check the water supplies on wagon 8! Reduce the food rations on wagon 4; we need them light and agile!" Kael's authoritative voice pierced through the organized chaos of soldiers and wagons preparing for departure. Each directive was swiftly executed, showcasing the efficiency and discipline of Avaloria's logistical operations.
Despite his proficiency and dedication, Kael harbored mixed feelings about leaving Avaloria. His allegiance lay with the kingdom, and while he embraced the challenges of his role, the impending expedition stirred both anticipation and apprehension within him.
Rumors circulated among his peers that Avaloria planned to conquer a legendary dungeon—one of the fabled "unconquerable" dungeons rumored to harbor vast riches and ancient mysteries.
Scouts dispatched ahead had brought promising reports, detailing the dungeon's layout and the abundant resources even in its shallower depths. Prompted by these findings, the kingdom's ruler swiftly ordered a full-scale mobilization and conquest. This was where Kael's expertise became indispensable.
Kael's journey to becoming a commanding figure had humble beginnings. He grew up an orphan in a harsh and neglectful orphanage, where survival meant scavenging for scraps and enduring the cruelty of the orphanage owner. Death was commonplace among the children, their lives deemed as expendable as autumn leaves.
With no knowledge of his parents or why they had abandoned him to such a fate, Kael endured the prison-like conditions of the orphanage, where funds meant for the children were embezzled by the owner. Hunger was a constant companion, driving Kael to scour dumpsters and alleys for any sustenance that might stave off starvation.
Everything changed one fateful day when, at just seven years old, fate intervened. Caught scavenging in the noble district for food, Kael was apprehended and punished severely, sentenced to a brief stint in juvenile prison.
It was during his time in confinement that fate intervened once more. By chance, Kael stumbled upon a discarded glass vial used by young cadets to determine their magical aptitude and class. When he touched it, the vial reacted in a way that astonished everyone present—it emitted a brilliant light, revealing a mark of extraordinary rarity: a legendary class.
Kael turned to see the infamous commander of Avaloria approaching.
Boran's hearty chuckle echoed through the bustling courtyard where preparations for the expedition were already in full swing. His presence brought a sense of reassurance to Kael, who had harbored doubts about leaving the safety of Avaloria's borders. Standing before him was not just a commander, but a figure whose very name struck fear into their enemies and commanded respect within the kingdom.
As they walked amidst the organized chaos of provisioning, Boran gestured towards the array of wagons being loaded with supplies. "Aye, lad," Boran spoke, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "The wagons ain't just for our journey but for the treasures we aim to bring back. The king's ambitions for this expedition are grand, and we must be prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead."
Kael nodded thoughtfully, his mind racing with the responsibilities entrusted to him. Twelve people to provision for an expedition of such magnitude was no small task, especially with the added logistical challenge of accommodating loot.
Yet, he found solace in Boran's presence, knowing that under the commander's guidance, they stood a chance against whatever dangers awaited beyond Avaloria's borders.
"Master Boran, are those creatures also part of our expedition preparations?" Kael pointed towards the distant figures—twelve beings adorned with metal collars embedded with glowing crystals.
"Ahh, the combat slaves?" Boran responded knowingly. "Indeed, they are. Should we encounter dungeon monsters or find ourselves in need of a strong meat shield to make a quick escape, they'll prove quite useful."
Following Boran's gaze, Kael focused on an imposing figure: an eight-foot-tall black orc with a robust physique. Though Kael lacked experience in monster slaying, he could instinctively sense the danger emanating from the creature.
Recognizing Kael's unspoken question, Boran answered with a devilish grin, "It's a black orc, after all."