LEVEL EVERYTHING UP in my Eldritch Tribe

Chapter 213: Not permanent

Lyerin stood on the battlefield, surveying the aftermath of the carnage.

The Asura forces lay scattered and broken, defeated in the wake of his tribe's unstoppable surge.

His Pig Orcs, now towering in size, stood calmly, their massive forms breathing heavily from the intensity of the battle.

Beside him, the girls—Corora, Cornelia, Maria, Elena, Sophia, Lydia, Fiona, Emily, and Natalie—gathered around, still brimming with power from their recent revival.

Lyerin's gaze softened as he turned first to Corora, his expression affectionate. "Corora," he began, his voice gentle, "tell me, how did it feel, dying and coming back like that?"

Corora smiled, her eyes lighting up at his attention. She stepped closer to him, her hand reaching out to touch his arm lightly as she spoke.

"It was... strange," she said, her voice carrying a hint of affection that only deepened the bond between them.

"It felt cold, like falling into a deep abyss, but when I revived, I felt even stronger. Like the energy was surging inside me, wanting to burst out." She looked up at him with admiration. "It's thanks to you, Lyerin. You've made us stronger."

Lyerin gave her a small nod of acknowledgment, but his attention soon shifted to Sophia, standing just beside Corora.

"And you, Sophia," he asked softly, "how was it for you?"

Sophia smiled at him, the affection in her gaze unmistakable.

"For me, Lyerin," she began, "it wasn't just about dying. I could feel the bond between us, even in that moment. It was as if I was never truly gone, just waiting to return, stronger and more capable. You've given us more than just a second chance. You've given us a purpose."

Lyerin's expression softened further at her words, and he felt a rare warmth in his chest. He had always valued loyalty, and Sophia embodied that more than anyone.

Next, he turned to Cornelia. "Cornelia, what about you?" His tone was still gentle, but there was a firmness beneath it.

The respect he held for each of them was evident, but he was also the leader, and his questions demanded reflection.

Cornelia, who had always been more reserved, stood a little straighter under his gaze.

"It felt like being torn apart and pieced back together in an instant," she admitted.

"But when I revived, I could feel the strength coursing through me. It's as if each time we fall, we rise with more power, more purpose. Like we're becoming something… more."

Lyerin nodded thoughtfully, appreciating her insight. "You did well, Cornelia. All of you did."

Turning next to Maria, who had always been one of the most strategic among the group, he asked, "Maria, what's your take?"

Maria, ever composed and respectful, dipped her head slightly before responding.

"Lyerin, the revival wasn't just a second life. It felt like an opportunity—a chance to correct mistakes, to be more precise, more calculated. It's almost like the battle never really ends. We're just evolving with every step we take."

Lyerin gave her a curt nod. Maria's strategic mind was always focused on the bigger picture, and her understanding of their abilities impressed him.

He moved his gaze to Elena. "And you, Elena?"

Elena, ever the warrior, clenched her fists before she spoke, her tone filled with respect.

"It was like waking up from a dream, only to realize the dream was real. I could feel my body healing, strengthening, but my mind was sharper too. Dying didn't stop me—it only made me more focused. Whatever enemies we face, I know I can take them down."

Lyerin smiled slightly, impressed by her resolve. "Good. I expect nothing less from you, Elena."

Next, his gaze fell on Lydia. "Lydia?"

Lydia, who had always been one of the quieter ones, spoke with quiet conviction.

"It was humbling, Lyerin. To die and then return… It reminds me that we're still human in some ways, even with this power. But it also makes me grateful to fight under your command. You've given us strength, and I won't waste it."

Lyerin gave her a nod of approval. "You've always been strong, Lydia. But now, you're something more."

Turning next to Fiona, he raised an eyebrow. "Fiona?"

Fiona grinned, a fiery look in her eyes. "I've never felt so alive, Lyerin. It was like a rebirth.

Dying didn't scare me. Coming back was exhilarating. I knew I could hit harder, fight longer. I'm ready to face anything now."

Lyerin smirked at her enthusiasm. "That's what I like to hear, Fiona."

Next, he looked at Emily, whose sharp mind and agility had always been a key asset. "Emily?"

Emily, her tone calm and respectful, answered, "It was an awakening, Lyerin. Dying gave me clarity. And when I came back, I was faster, sharper, more attuned to the battle. It's like every death strips away our weaknesses and leaves us stronger."

Lyerin considered her words carefully. "Exactly as it should be," he replied, his tone approving.

Lastly, he turned to Natalie, the final one in the group. "Natalie?"

Natalie, always quick to think on her feet, responded without hesitation.

"Dying made me realize how powerful this gift is. Coming back wasn't just about surviving—it was about thriving. Each time, I felt like I was learning something new, something vital. It's like we're becoming invincible."

Lyerin nodded slowly, digesting their words.

The girls had all experienced the raw power of the Stonehooves Tribe's third ability, and they had not only survived but grown stronger with every death and resurrection.

But Lyerin knew that this power, as potent as it was, had its limits. He crossed his arms, looking out over the battlefield, then back at the girls. "You've all done well," he said, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "But this power isn't permanent."

The girls looked at him, understanding dawning in their eyes.

They had felt the surge of strength, the near-invincibility, but they could also sense that it wasn't meant to last forever.

Lyerin raised his hand, gesturing toward the Pig Orcs who stood behind them, their massive forms still radiating with power.

"The Orcs, too, are at their peak right now, but this won't last. Their sizes, their strength—it's temporary. We need to pull back, and finally rest for good."

Corora, standing closest to him, nodded, her hand still lightly touching his arm as if to reassure him. "What's the plan, Lyerin?"

"We and the whole Stonehooves Tribe are now going back to our planet," he said, his tone decisive.

"We've gained what we needed from this battle, but pushing further now would be reckless. We'll regroup, recover, and when the time is right, we'll strike again. But for now, we retreat."

Sophia, standing beside him, gave a small smile, her voice soft but filled with affection. "We'll follow your lead, Lyerin. Always."

The other girls nodded in unison, their respect for him evident in their eyes.

Lyerin looked at each of them, his gaze lingering on them before turning toward the horizon. "Let's go. We've done enough for now."

And with that, the Stonehooves Tribe, along with their resurrected Pig Orcs and the nine women who stood loyally by Lyerin's side, began their retreat, leaving behind the battlefield that had once been filled with the mighty forces of the Asuras.