Kirana, Berserker Level 70 regarded the handsome Heroes standing in front of her. They had both levelled up. She blinked several times in amazement and broke into a delighted chuckle.

Lazarus, Assassin Level 76 and Valentine, Thief Level 74, were both here, in front of her.

Wow, she had forgotten how handsome both Heroes were. All the Heroes in Orc Wars were handsome and beautiful, but these two were exceptional, other than her brother, of course.

Seasoned gamers automatically upgrade and improve their avatars with every session. Small unnoticeable details that were overlooked by the casual player were added with every level, enhancing the Hero's skills, looks, physical prowess and overall power. Basic resources and skills were continuously upgraded. Experience in gaming really showed in the minute details. Just look at these two specimens standing in front of her!

Kirana eyed the Assassin appreciatively. He really did know how to dress she thought. The bright cobalt blue runes running along the edges of his elegant dark brown outfit gave his sexy grey silver eyes a bluish tinge. His long dark hair was tied neatly, falling over his shoulders and his trademark ebony black bow slung over his back. He stood in a relaxed posture. He was in a fellow gatekeeper's shielded premises and said gatekeeper was a friend.

Valentine was every inch his usual dashing self. He cut a fine masculine figure in black with orange trim. His blond hair was artistically messy, falling into his bright blue eyes attractively. A fine longsword hung on his hip. He was fidgety, full of energy and excitement. He was more than ready to try his first Orb Trial, other than his own.

Correction, Kirana corrected herself, they both knew how to dress. Then again, at their high levels, they had unlocked a large range and variety of clothing options and had amassed more than enough gold for shopping. The Thief gave her a slight bow, flashing his white teeth at her cheekily. He was here as back-up.

"My Lords," she greeted them. She herself was dressed in black leather and light steel armour edged in furs. A high level Berserker known for her beauty and aggressive playing style, she revelled in close combat. She would make a good team with Lazarus, he preferred long range fights. Her gaze settled on Lazarus. "I've been expecting you." She paused then continued, "but I did not expect him," she said nodding at the handsome Thief.

Lazarus's lips twitched. Of course she had known he was coming. News of his move to obtain the first two Orbs had spread like wildfire. She knew she was next, Constantine, the Red Warlock was Level 78 and would be last. Also, he had messaged her outside the game. Valentine had unexpectedly come on board the last minute.

"He was having so much fun, I thought I'd join him," Valentine laughed.

"Lady," Lazarus bowed slightly. "I couldn't stop him," he said almost apologetically, but his silver eyes were twinkling merrily. "Besides, I got tired of dying by myself all the time. He'll make good fodder and I will get my revenge for dying so many times at his Trial."

Valentine rolled his eyes and jabbed the assassin standing next to him. "Yeah, right. We will see who is going to be the fodder."

She burst out laughing. "It's okay, you are also very welcome Lord Valentine but you should know, I'm no Lady! Tell me what you want Assassin ... Laz," she finished on a softer note. She really was quite fond of him. All five Gatekeepers had formed a special bond. They were survivors of the Dark Orc Ages and Lazarus had sacrificed himself to help Constantine rescue her. She would never forget that. If only she and Constantine weren't a couple in the Game ...

"Lady," Lazarus stressed with a mischievous smile, "I have come before you to ask for your Trial. I need to use your Orb."

"Okay."

After several awkward minutes, he cleared his throat. "Umm, Kirana, your Trial?"

Valentine sniggered at the Berserker. She was still busy looking at them and day dreaming. A girl was a girl, and the girl standing before them could appreciate their gorgeous flawless avatars. What girl wouldn't look at them? he thought impishly. They were both awesomely good-looking, if he could say so himself, especially me! Lazarus and Valentine were tall, skilled and well-dressed. Levelling up to higher levels did have its advantages. It had unlocked many new clothes, weapons, boosts and accessories to their Heroes.

"Ummm? Oh yes! My Trial!!" She laughed girlishly at herself, her sudden outburst at odds with her image.

In reality Kirana was a sweet girl named Sophia. She had a crush on Jace and stalked him casually online sometimes. She kept tabs on him not realising he was aware of her activities. She had gone into Season One of Orc Wars with her twin brother, Lorenzo, better known as Constantine the Red Warlock. The siblings had become a couple online as an excuse to do quests together. Needless to say their synergy was awesome.

"I want you to kill someone for me," she stated simply.

"I beg your pardon?" Lazarus was surprised. He thought he had misheard.

"I want you to kill someone," she repeated clearly. "You are an assassin are you not?"

"Why, yes ... yes he is," Valentine smirked, cutting in.

Kirana smiled sweetly, "If rumours are to be believed, you are the best, yes?"

Lazarus raised an inquiring eyebrow suppressing a smile. She was really getting into her role.

"Do not be fooled milady, those are just false rumours. He is not that good," Valentine said innocently. Lazarus jabbed him making him wince.

The Berserker strutted right up to Lazarus, stopping just shy of touching him. She was so close, he could smell her musky sexy perfume, mixed with the scent of cured leather and steel of her armour. She smelled dangerous, it made him think of Valentine's blood thirsty female amazon fighters.

Valentine instantly sobered and tensed, looking at his friend. Uh-oh ... if she touched the assassin, he would freak out. He hoped she didn't get any flirty ideas. It would be a disaster if she did.

Lazarus held his ground.

She gave the Assassin a fierce smile and glared at Valentine. "You will both kill him for me!" she hissed vehemently.

Valentine's eyes widened at the sudden venomous tone of her voice. Whoa, she really hated this guy.

"He had been preying on innocent traders. He pretends to offer protection services to traders and travellers. Those who decline his offer always get robbed and attacked by 'bandits'. I ignored him at first but he had sabotaged my trading transactions and caravans once too often. He has caused me huge losses!"

"Honest trade has become almost impossible. People fear him. Unfortunately, I have neither the time nor patience to hunt him down. He hides in his 'palace' and surrounds himself with guards. It is time to stop him once and for all."

Abruptly she turned on her heel and stomped away stopping after a few steps.

"Kill him for me and I will grant you the use of my Portal Orb."

Lazarus relaxed. A deadly calm settled over him. He had gone into professional assassin mode. Eyeing her, he asked for the essential information. "Name and place?"

"Kwan the trader." Then she snarled. "Trader my foot!! You know his place; it's the ugly oversized gaudy fake palace in the West. The same as it's obnoxious owner. You can't miss it."

Valentine's eyebrows shot up. Kwan!! He was not just an ordinary trader; he was the renowned black-market merchant. He dealt in anything and everything, as long as he made a profit. He didn't care who or what he hurt. Some of the deals he made were so terrible, people refused to believe they were true. He was a thug, a gangster, a bully. His reputation was so bad that many shun him, then again, many also sought him out. It was rumoured that Kwan could get hold of anything and everything, even the most impossible Items, people or information. His prices were usually exorbitant too.

And he had crossed the beautiful barbarian, making her an enemy. Figures.

Gate Keeper Kirana, Berserker, Level 70, Portal Orb Trial

Accept / Reject

This wasn't going to be easy. Lazarus looked her straight in the eyes, inclined his head and touched the Accept button.