Hans confirmed the situation with Yuyoung and set off immediately. Originally, the Orcs were settled in the mountain range. However, while flying in the sky on a wyvern, Hans easily confirmed that.
The ones entering and exiting the mountain range on their wyverns somehow found themselves on the ground. Moreover, they were not only stacking barricades but also constructing homes. They were really going all out.
Hans tilted his head in confusion. It had only been three months since he passed the Warrior’s Festival. Yet, in such a short time, the chief had changed, and they had managed to build a village?
“I can’t believe they came down from the mountains and built a village.”
“Surely… they must have had their way of living until now.”
“Well, I guess I have no choice but to meet the chief.”
Changing one’s way of life is immensely difficult. Especially for the Orcs, who used to live halfway up that mountain. But in such a short time, things have changed so drastically. Is that even possible?
Swallowing a dry gulp, Hans descended to the ground using the wyvern. As soon as he landed with Helia, the Orcs discovered them and greeted them warmly. A person who had passed the Warrior’s Festival.
The Orcs held this achievement in high regard. Upon arriving in the village, Hans immediately began looking around. Yet, there was no sight of the Rusted Overlord. Just then, someone approached him.
“Long time no see! Sir Hans!”
“…??”
She was an Orc. However, she was different from the others. While typical Orcs are known as combat races with green skin and lots of muscle, the Orc in front of him was a little girl with a very small build.
Of course, there was no muscle. In fact, she was so thin that it looked like she might collapse at any moment. Ironically, she wore revealing clothing that barely covered her genitals and chest.
Was that even something you could call clothing? Frankly, it was just animal skin thrown on top. She had green skin like other Orcs but had black hair.
Her hair even reached her ankles. That was partly because she was a girl with long hair, but also due to her short stature. Hans racked his brain as much as he could.
‘Have I met this girl before?’
No, that couldn’t be.
If he had, he would definitely remember.
‘But I can’t just see her as a mere child.’
The moment this girl appeared, the atmosphere among the Orcs changed instantly.
‘Just like during the meeting with the Rusted Overlord.’
In less than a second, Hans sorted his thoughts. And as a result, he could easily conclude that the girl in front of him was the new chief. Of course, that wasn’t an easy conclusion.
Who would immediately think that such a girl could lead the Orcs? However, Hans was flexible in his thinking. This was partly due to his experiences as a Commander thus far.
Moreover, he had seen many cases in creative works where a seemingly delicate girl possessed tremendous strength. Or even a hundred-year-old loli grandmother. You know, that kind of trope.
“Ah, I see. You are the Orc who has recently ousted the Rusted Overlord and become the new chief.”
Surprisingly, thinking flexibly wasn’t easy. Even Helia, who was behind Hans, felt the same way. When Hans spoke, Helia was taken aback. This frail little Orc is the new chief?
‘Oooh, did you figure it out in one go? I felt it before, but… you’re surprisingly sharp.’
The chief was also quite surprised. She had only seen Hans from a distance before. So, she playfully tried to see if he could figure her out.
Of course, she had hidden some of her strength. To any strong person looking at her now, she would just appear as a little girl. In fact, Helia couldn’t see through her either. Yet, Hans saw through her.
This meant he had a keen insight. He observed the girl’s movements and demeanor and derived that conclusion. The moment the girl thought that far, she genuinely smiled.
“I like you. Let me formally introduce myself. I am Sharaka, the Rusted Overlord’s eldest daughter and the chieftain of the Orcs.”
“I don’t see the Rusted Overlord around.”
“Oh, he’s dead. He died in a fight against the Demons last time.”
“Dead? The Rusted Overlord?”
“…….”
Sharaka casually said this, but it was Helia who seemed more shocked. From Helia’s perspective, the Rusted Overlord had strength nearly on par with Bayard’s among the Royal Knights.
Members of the Royal Knights are known to be among the strongest among the continent’s inhabitants. And the same goes for Vampires or Dragons, except in cases like Yuren or the Dragon Lord.
Normally, it’s rare for anyone to be able to directly defeat Bayard. And in Helia’s eyes, the Rusted Overlord was on the same level as Bayard. But now, he was dead?
“What exactly happened…?!”
“Well! He died while fighting! He lost and died like a dog!”
“What? You’re saying your father just died, and you can say something like that…!!”
“Calm down, Helia.”
“Teacher….”
Perhaps it was because she overlapped her childhood self with the current situation. Helia, who was overly agitated, was quickly restrained by Hans. He glanced away, and Sharaka tilted her head.
It didn’t seem like it was meant to mock Helia. She genuinely appeared to be confused. Hans sighed. This is the Orcs’ value system. Winning in battle means obtaining everything.
Losing means losing your life. There are no boundaries between family or friends. It truly reflects the mindset of a combat race. Hans quietly spoke up.
“You can understand a hundred rivers, but not one human heart. Especially since they are a different race entirely. How can we expect complete understanding?”
“Hmm! That’s true. Just as you do not understand us, we too do not understand you.”
“Nonetheless, a bit of dialogue and understanding can lead to coexistence.”
“Yes, and so I ask for your assistance.”
Every single word weighed heavily on Helia’s shoulders. Normally, she wouldn’t even react, but she felt this weight deeply. Is this what it means to be a leader of a race?
The Human King, Yuyoung, Dragon Lord, and others. Most of the leaders she had met up until now felt this way. Could she even dare to claim victory in a battle against them? Helia’s hands were shaking.
Those who stand above must be like this. Even without any actions, a few words can overshadow others. The only ones who can match that momentum are those who share the same position. That is to say, only her teacher.
In fact, she hadn’t really been on equal terms with Sharaka in their exchanges. Did Hans notice Helia starting to tremble? He stood protectively in front of her.
Thanks to that, Helia could relax and regain her composure. Just having heard strong words from the front, this overwhelming feeling. Indeed, you need this level of charisma to lead.
“Then let’s hear the detailed story first.”
In truth, Hans couldn’t feel that pressure at all. It was partly due to his insensitivity in this area, but more importantly, he felt protected by something else. Sharaka was secretly impressed.
Whatever the reason, it had been a long time since she met someone who could withstand her words steadfastly like a pine tree. Indeed, a Royal Knight? Is he truly a warrior recognized by her father?
“To put it simply, we lost, and we ended up losing half of the land we lived on.”
“You lost and lost land?”
“Yes, the Orcs were nearly annihilated, but thanks to my father’s sacrifice, we somehow managed to survive.”
“…….”
She was casually saying something so profound. The Orcs led by the Rusted Overlord lost and were pushed back? And that too from halfway up the mountain? How could they be pushed back this far?
“Were they even Dragons or something?”
That question was too ridiculous and came out as a bitter complaint. It felt exaggerated when he said it. Yet surprisingly, it turned out to be the truth. Sharaka responded with surprise.
“How did you know?”
“What?”
“Just as you said, we lost our land to the Dragons.”
“You lost your land to Dragons?”
“That’s right! We were pushed back because we lost!”
Not only admitting defeat with confidence but saying they lost to Dragons? Does that even make sense? Confusion wrapped around Hans’s mind. The Dragons, known as the Race of Benevolence.
Did the Dragons suddenly attack and seize their territory? Why? Could it possibly be a Dragon brainwashed by Demons? No, that couldn’t be possible. Numerous confusions stormed through his head.
However, Hans quickly reached a conclusion. Not everyone likes dogs or cats, just like not all people are alike. Among Dragons too, there must be those types.
Then, there’s only one thing Hans could do here.
“Can you tell me more about that Dragon?”
To grasp the problem as swiftly as possible and immediately seek a solution.
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