The Orcs looked at one another, then suddenly scattered.
The Orc Chieftain thought, This won't do. Those meant to rest aren't resting, and those meant to patrol aren't patrolling. What if the Elves launch a raid? Even if they don't attack tonight, the state the troops will be in tomorrow... He dared not think any further.
He summoned the Shaman and asked, "Can you turn these crystals off?"
"No, chief," the Orc Shaman said. "This is only a Resonance Crystal Shard. It can only turn off when the Mother Crystal is switched off, or when the magic infused into the shard runs out."
"...Then...take the crystal away and smash it," the Orc Chieftain said reluctantly.
"Ah...smash it?" the Orc Shaman asked in surprise.
"Yes! Smash it! Can't you see? With that thing here, who can get any sleep? You, too..." the Orc Chieftain said.
The Shaman hesitantly picked up a stone, wanting to smash it but unable to bring himself to do so. Finally, he handed the stone to the leader and said, "I can't bear to do it, chief...you smash it! I just can't." With that, he hurried away.
The Orc Chieftain took the stone and raised it sharply to smash the crystal, but suddenly felt countless eyes turn toward him. He froze. Glancing around, he found every Orc staring at the stone in his hand.
The Orc Chieftain steeled himself and brought the stone crashing down. The Resonance Crystal shattered into countless pieces. After a brilliant flare of arcane light, the screen vanished, and he heard countless Orcs sigh.
Quiet at last. Now everyone can rest! The Orc Chieftain felt relieved. Ignoring the regretful looks around him, he lay back down beside the fire, fully dressed, and closed his eyes to sleep. Yet he was still wondering what