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Franklin Dukedom, Greenwood Continent.
Oh, Lord!
Elland trembled as if he had a spasm when he finished appraising the relics. Therefore, his subordinates, who mistook this as a curse, immediately prepared themselves for a battle.
The curse of the evil spirit Doom Kaos sometimes appeared in ancient ruins, and they were dreadful. Also, the prospect of hiring a skilled sorcerer capable of confronting the curse seemed like nothing more than a mere dream. If Elland took a longer time to come to his senses, his squad members would have attacked him, thinking he was possessed by Doom Kaos.
“It’s all good! Let’s go back!”
Elland’s voice brimmed with such immense joy that it caused a flutter in everyone’s heart. While he desired to uplift and motivate each of his subordinates, the task at hand was far from complete.
What was the point of finding a treasure? As many historical expedition teams had done, if they failed to exit the area, then he and his men would become skeletons and be buried under the ground. Of course, the treasure wouldn’t be able to see the light of the sun either.
Meanwhile, Elland’s men were experienced as they knew what to do next. Though they were steeped in happiness, it didn’t take long for them to be jolted back to reality. By retracing the deliberate marks they had left, they managed to make a successful escape from the ruins. A lookout group had been in the surrounding area and soon Elland’s group doubled in size.
They arrived at the campsite that night, and it was situated precariously close to the domain of the Red-Faced Orc. That was why Elland designated this path as a returning route. The risk was high, but the Red-Faced Orc and the Franklin Dukedom had signed an agreement. If monsters like the Declans appeared, then they could ask the Orc for help. In other words, they could be a great shield if they didn’t figure out that Elland’s squad had found a treasure.
Needless to say, it was the most unfavorable outcome. Spending the night without any incidents and returning home safely would be the best possible scenario.
When everyone was busy preparing for the night, Elland’s assistant approached Elland. He was quite curious about what the treasure was.
“They seem to be ancient documents?”
The assistant didn’t hide the fact that he had seen something.
“That’s right.”
Upon Elland’s answer, disappointment flashed on the assistant’s face and vanished.
His name was Malus. He was an ordinary traveler who primarily scoured for weapons infused with the divinity of Lacryma. Due to his expertise, Elland recruited him as his assistant with a single caveat - Malus would have to work as part of the expedition team and surrender any of Lacryma’s sacred armor that he discovered.
However, that scenario would be quite rare, so the contract was mutually beneficial for both of them. It was a common agreement among the experienced expenditure parties like Elland’s.
“What kind of documents were they?”
Elland hoped Malus would extend the contract for the next expedition, so he replied honestly, “For now… It is believed to be the Archives of Saint Cassian. It might be true.”
They both became speechless for a moment. Not just two of them, but everyone knew how precious Saint Cassian’s records were. The Red-Faced Orcs were not exempt from this notion, which could possibly explain their migration across the sea and into the Dukedom’s borders. No matter how much Elland pondered over it, that seemed to be the sole rationale behind their arrival, purporting to act as the Dukedom’s shields.
“I envy you for that. You are going to grab fame and money at the same time,” Malus said.
“When have I never? Please stay with me. The next destination is scheduled upon our return.”
“The God Lacryma doesn’t stretch out a hand to the same person more than once. I will only be with you for this expedition. You better stop exploring for the time being, Elland. Well, if you succeed in returning home.”
The weight on Malus’s back seemed burdensome as he turned away. He had fought against the Declan several times by risking his life. By doing that, he finally retrieved the ancient relics, but he still couldn’t find the object he had been looking for.
Elland understood how Malus was feeling.
Should I share some of the money that I obtain from selling the treasure? Or would it be better to present him with the Blessing of the Altar?
He shook his head, as this wasn’t his first experience working with someone like Malus who was not bound to stay. However, Elland considered himself lucky that, unlike some of his previous assistants, Malus hadn’t violated their agreement by attempting to pilfer the treasure.
Well, at least he hadn’t yet. Elland sent a signal to his squad to keep an eye on Malus.
***
The night was still, and only the guards remained awake. Bonfires were scarce in the area where Declans could appear. Despite the relentless chill, the sentries struggled to keep their eyes open.
Suddenly, one of the sentries’ eyes widened in alarm. Right then Malus bolted out of the tent as he had sensed an ominous presence. His eyes glinted with a crimson aura as he gazed ahead. Then, the looming figures concealed in the shadows revealed themselves.
They were not Declan warriors, as they were larger in size and lacked dog-like snouts. Instead, their protruding molars were hideously shining under the moonlight. The orcs that emerged with traces of Declan blood on their faces appeared formidable.
Malus noticed a red aura in their eyes that was akin to his own.
Shit.
Malus signaled to the sentries to wake Elland up, then he walked toward the orc chief. It wasn’t his first time seeing them, but he couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by their intimidating presence.
There were fifteen orcs, including their leader. Considering that the leader of the orcs was protected by their Lord, they had to brace themselves for extermination if they harbored any murderous intent.
“What are the Lord’s warriors doing here?”
The head of the orcs loosened its grip on the ax.
“You have met us before,” the orc answered.
“Yes, I have met the warriors of the Steel Molar Clan.”
“You met trash.”
The orc’s voice contained hostility.
Oh, are they rivals? Damn it. When will Elland show up?
As Malus stood in stunned silence and checked his back, Elland was, fortunately, hurrying towards him. “I’m sorry. I’m the leader of these people. You may speak to me, warriors.”
Malus honestly admired Ellard’s polite attitude.
He stepped back while skimming through each orc. It seemed like they had recently engaged in a fierce battle with the Declans, as the bloodstains on their faces hadn’t yet congealed. Furthermore, scraps of freshly skinned Declan leather protruded from the bags they carried. Each orc had pouches, presumably containing mana stones, with blood oozing out from there.
Aren’t they after us? I hope I escape from this situation somehow.
After calculating the possible scenarios, Elland generously offered a high-level healing potion. As long as he could safely return home with the treasure, the potion was nothing.
The orc raised its voice, “Do we look like we are here to rob you?”
The orc’s haughty arrogance threatened to ruin the precious healing potion. In fact, the orc was fixated on Elland’s hand, which held the potion, prompting Elland to speak with a sense of urgency, just as the orc was about to toss it away.
“The guy who was protected under the sacred God created this. Please use this on your warriors for us. Please accept it.”
“How dare you feeble humans invade our domain!” the orc snarled.
He sputtered, “We heard that there was an agreement with the Dukedome and you guys, so…”
The orc interrupted, “It was a messy agreement, and it’s not for you guys.”
“I’m so sorry. We will leave as soon as dawn comes.”
Find the original at bit.ly/3iBfjkV.
The orc looked at the healing potion, then took a pouch off his waistline. It was filled with mana stones. Since the orc's fist was huge, the pouch he was holding looked relatively tiny. The same was true of the bottle with the healing potion, so it looked very small when the orc took it from Elland’s hand.
When the orcs completely disappeared into the darkness, Elland realized that he had no strength left in his body. His back had been soaked with cold sweat ever since the orc had handed him the pouch full of mana stones.
On his way back to the tent, he called Malus.
“They… seemed to have noticed.”
As Elland spoke, his voice quavered with fear. His formerly respectful demeanor towards the orc crumbled as soon as he stepped into the tent.
“Then, they would have attacked us earlier.”
“In general, yes. However, they are a Red-Faced Clan. You seem to have forgotten, but they are ferocious and clever.”
Elland put down the mana stone pouch that was given to him by the orc chief helplessly. Then, he added while staring at the pouch, “He left this… not to worry about them. But, they will come back soon.”
“As long as we hide the treasure, it will be fine. We should do that right now…” Malus suggested.
“No, they will check the traces from the historic site. They will find out that we have entered there.”
“They should have protected it well in the beginning!” Malus raised his voice.
“They have so many historic sites. Please take my opinion with a grain of salt. It is probable that the Red-Faced Orcs had already become aware that the relics of Saint Cassian were located there. This realization likely led them to seek agreement rather than resorting to war.”
“So they volunteered to be the shield.”
“That’s right. From the Duchy’s standpoint, there was no reason to reject the Red-Faced Clan’s offer to provide assistance.”
“Does that mean you knew that Saint Cassian’s remains were left at the site?”
“No way. It seems that the Lord has bestowed a fortune upon us.”
“As I have told you already, the Lord won’t give you more than one fortune.”
“That’s why I’m telling you. You are a person from the duchy, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but…”
“Then, how much do you love the Dukedom?” Elland asked.
“...”
“If the Red-Faced Clan gains possession of the treasure, they will retreat back to their continent without shedding blood needlessly. Then, the Duchy may be plunged into chaos again. I must apologize for telling you this, but the Duchy’s might is incapable of suppressing the Declans. On a day when the Declan Priest appears…”
Malus interrupted impatiently, “What are you talking about? Let’s just get to the bottom line.”
“The good thing is that we are in the border area of the clan. The number of Orcs rushing toward us won’t be very high.”
“Don’t beat around the bush and get to the point,” Malus snapped.
“Our contract is sacred in the name of God Lacryma. I hope you don’t violate it.”
Malus frowned immediately. “What the hell do you think I am? I said I would stay next to you rather we return or die. It’s cruel that you even mention the Lord.”
Elland grimaced. “As you know, I have been through so many assistants.”
“Ha…”
“In the face of a desperate crisis, you don’t seem to acknowledge the brilliance of the Lord Lacryma. It’s time for us all to think about the reason why the Lord gives us this ordeal.”
“You should have been a priest.”
Malus rose from his seat with an unpleasant look. Then, he added, “I will let it slide this time, but if you try to intimidate me in God’s name again, I won’t forgive you.”
“Then, please be prepared for God Lacryma’s divine protection.”
“...The God Lacryma’s divine protection.”
***
Orcs born with combat capabilities were also good at ambushing. Thus it made more sense to prepare for a battle at their current spot rather than leaving the campsite and wandering around at night. It was a blessing if all their preparations just ended up being for nothing.
The worst outcome entailed the Declans being drawn to the battle by the scent of blood. Elland couldn’t shake off his assumptions, and the eerie silence only exacerbated his dread. He, Malus, and the other adventurers bided their time in the darkness, awaiting the opportune moment.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. It wasn’t particularly tall, but it had a broad build. The being strode forward unaccompanied, seemingly having led the group from the front. The two crimson eyes embedded in the darkness were so vivid that they resembled malevolent spirits.
It was Malus who first checked the figure’s identity, and Elland confirmed it next.
“It’s… a human,” Malus opened his eyes as if he wanted to make sure that what he saw was right.
Elland nodded but remained vigilant because of the things he saw after. The muscular man’s massive physique was drenched in green blood, and his face was likewise splattered with the green blood of the orcs. This was similar to how Red-faced Orcs’ faces were covered in Declan's blood.
Then, the guy threw the body that he was dragging toward Elland. Elland and Malus looked at the body that fell in front of them. It was definitely the chief of the orcs that they had just talked to a few hours ago.
Elland finally grasped the situation.
The Lord doesn’t give blessings more than once? That is clearly false.
Otherwise, there was no way to explain their encounter with the hero strong enough to annihilate the orcs!
We are safe!
When Elland got up with a jubilant face…
“Not yet!”
The moment Malus yelled at Elland, a large shadow flew in at a speed that couldn’t be followed by the naked eye. The guy grabbed the top of Elland’s head with his hand and tried crumpling his face.
“SS-bul. Jin jja dook gae ne ing. (Shit. This is so fucked up!)”