A group of humans fought desperately against an overwhelming horde of orcs. The humans held their ground with impressive determination, but their fatigue was evident in the slowing rhythm of their attacks. Their swords flashed in the dim torchlight, but the sheer number of orcs threatened to swallow them whole.

Kevin’s jaw tightened. He had no connection to these humans, no reason to intervene, but the sight of the orcs triggered a deep, unyielding anger. Memories of his recent encounter with the same brutal creatures surged to the forefront of his mind. They had attacked him without provocation, treating him like prey to be hunted and slaughtered. Now, watching their unchecked aggression again, he felt that old fury rise within him.

The orc leader—a massive figure clad in crude, patchwork armor—stood at the rear of the horde, bellowing commands. His booming voice carried easily over the din of battle, directing the chaotic assault. Kevin’s sharp eyes locked onto him. It was clear: this leader was the linchpin of the orcs’ strategy. If he fell, the horde would lose its cohesion.

Kevin inhaled deeply, steadying himself. He couldn’t let anger dictate his actions. Rushing into the fray without a plan would only get him killed. He needed to wait, to act with precision and purpose.

The humans were faltering. One of their warriors stumbled, collapsing to the ground. His sword fell from his grasp and skidded across the stone floor. An orc loomed over him, its blade raised for the killing blow. Kevin’s breath caught. Instinctively, his hand twitched toward the weapon at his side.

But instead of leaping to action, he melted further into the shadows, his movements silent and deliberate. He wouldn’t strike yet. He needed the right moment—an opening where his actions could turn the tide.

Circling the cavern’s edge, Kevin moved like a phantom, his form blending into the darkness. The orcs were too focused on their prey to notice him. He crept closer, his gaze darting between the humans and their attackers. Every step was careful, measured.

Finally, he found a vantage point—a rocky ledge that overlooked the fray. From here, he could see the battlefield in its entirety. The humans were holding their ground, but only just. The orcs, emboldened by their superior numbers, surged forward with reckless ferocity. The leader stood behind them, issuing commands with a smirk that made Kevin’s blood boil.

Kevin drew a slow, steady breath. He would target the leader. Take him out, and the horde might crumble.

Without hesitation, Kevin leapt from the ledge, landing heavily in the midst of the melee. Dust and debris scattered around him, and the sudden disruption drew the attention of nearby orcs. They turned toward him, their snarls deepening into growls.

Kevin didn’t wait for them to act. He surged forward, his movements swift and precise. The first orc he faced swung its crude weapon, but Kevin ducked under the attack, his counterstrike landing squarely on the orc’s midsection. It fell with a grunt, its weapon clattering to the ground.

“Back off!” Kevin’s voice rang out, cutting through the noise.

The humans, startled by his sudden appearance, hesitated. For a moment, they seemed unsure whether he was friend or foe. But as they watched him fight, their hesitation melted away. Realizing he was on their side—at least for now—they rallied, their strikes growing more focused and deliberate.

Kevin fought with a singular purpose. He didn’t care about earning the humans’ trust or admiration. This was about the orcs—punishing them for what they had done, showing them the consequences of their aggression. His strikes were calculated, each movement efficient and deliberate.

The orc leader noticed the shift in momentum. His barked commands grew sharper, his frustration evident as Kevin disrupted his horde’s formation. The leader hefted his massive axe, his gaze locking onto Kevin with a mixture of rage and recognition.

“You dare challenge me?” the leader growled, his voice low and menacing.

Kevin’s expression remained impassive. He stepped forward, his stance unwavering. “I’m here to finish this.”

The leader charged, his axe swinging in a wide arc. Kevin sidestepped, the heavy weapon striking the ground with enough force to crack the stone. The orc recovered quickly, raising his weapon for another strike, but Kevin was faster. He darted forward, his fist connecting with the leader’s armored chest.

The leader staggered but retaliated with a quick swing. Kevin ducked under the blow, countering with a sharp strike to the leader’s shoulder. The brute grunted, his movements growing more erratic as Kevin continued his assault. Each strike was precise, targeting the weak points in the leader’s armor.

The humans, emboldened by Kevin’s presence, pressed their own advantage. They pushed back against the horde, their attacks coordinated and fierce. The orcs, without their leader’s clear guidance, began to falter. Their movements became chaotic, their confidence shattered.

With a final, decisive blow, Kevin sent the leader crashing to the ground. The orc gasped for breath, his axe slipping from his grasp as he lay motionless.

The remaining orcs hesitated, their eyes darting between their fallen leader and the advancing humans. One by one, they began to retreat, their snarls fading into the distance as they fled into the shadows.

As silence fell over the cavern, Kevin stood amidst the aftermath, his breath steadying. The humans turned to him, their expressions a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. They didn’t speak, perhaps unsure of what to say to the orc who had just saved them.

Kevin didn’t wait for their words. He turned away, his gaze fixed on the tunnel ahead. He had no interest in alliances or thanks. He had done what he came to do. The rest was irrelevant.

Without a word, Kevin stepped into the darkness, leaving the humans to make sense of what had just happened.