Lake Sis, located at the center of the Great Forest of Jura. The wetlands that spread around this lake Sis. In this place, there is a territory ruled by the Lizardman clan. The countless caves around the lake have transformed into a labyrinth, causing those who enter to wander aimlessly. Thanks to the advantages of this terrain, the Lizardman clan has reigned as the rulers of the lake. However, on that day, a dire report reached the Lizardman clan.
The report stated that an Orc army had begun advancing towards the lake. Upon hearing this, the chieftain did not panic and ordered:
"Prepare for battle! We will annihilate them!"
The chieftain was absolutely confident. In a battle on the plains, the Lizardman clan, with fewer numbers, would be at a disadvantage. But the wetlands are their backyard. By setting traps and acting cautiously, they have a good chance of winning. Along with the order to prepare for battle, the chieftain also commanded the gathering of accurate information about the Orc army. It was essential to know the number of the enemy.
The chieftain, being several levels more intelligent than ordinary monsters, knew this. The carnivorous and ferocious Lizardman clan, even as individuals, are ranked "C+". The Warrior Class is equivalent to "B-", and among them, there are even individuals ranked "B". The Lizardman warrior corps, numbering 10,000, is a significant force. Their unique racial synergy and combat prowess easily surpass the military strength of a small human nation. Moreover, fighting on their advantageous terrain.
There's no way we can lose! The chieftain was confident. However, there was a nagging doubt. The Orcs, by nature, are strong against the weak but do not challenge the strong. The Lizardman clan is far from weak. If it were the Goblin clan, it would make sense, but why us? This doubt planted a small seed of unease in his heart.
Despite his bold nature, the chieftain was also cautious. It was this carefulness that allowed him to lead the Lizardman clan. His concerns were well-founded. The reconnaissance team reported that the total number of the Orc army was 200,000!
It's unbelievable...! He wanted to think. Orcs are known for their strong sexual drive and prolific breeding, but it was hard to imagine them preparing an army of 200,000. How could they even feed such a number? How could they command such unruly Orcs? Even the most capable individual could only lead up to 1,000 at most. The chieftain himself, leading a clan of 20,000, was already pushing his limits. Could it be that several highly capable individuals had emerged and were working together?
But even then, a leader capable of commanding such excellent individuals would be needed... Could it be...?
The thought made him shudder. He wanted to deny it. An entity capable of commanding such a number. It could only be... the Orc Lord, a being said to be born once every few hundred years!
The more he thought about it, the more he believed there was no other explanation. If an Orc Lord had indeed been born, even with the advantage of the terrain, the odds would be heavily against them. In a straightforward battle, they would surely lose. Their numbers were simply insufficient!
The chieftain pondered. How could they escape this dire situation? If his fears were unfounded, that would be for the best. But before the decisive battle began, they needed to exhaust all possible means.
They would need reinforcements. The chieftain thought and called one of his subordinates. This decision would become the spark of future chaos.
Gabil, a Lizardman Warrior Class, received orders from the chieftain and left the wetlands, leading 100 subordinates. Gabil was not in a good mood. He, a "Named" individual, could not stand being ordered around by a nameless chieftain. He was a chosen one! This was Gabil's pride and his essence. He had encountered a demon in the wetlands and received a name.
"You have potential! One day, you will be my right arm. I will come to see you again!"
He still remembered it clearly. The demon Gelmuth, his lifelong master, who gave him his name! It was intolerable to be mistreated by a lowly Lizardman chieftain. For Gelmuth's sake, he needed to rule the Lizardman clan.
Gabil thought. Is this situation acceptable? Of course not! What should he do? The secret mission from the chieftain was to visit Goblin villages and secure their cooperation. He was allowed to use some threats but was strictly ordered not to cause resentment.
Weak! Gabil thought. Why not rule the lowly Goblins by force? Overconfident in his own strength, he believed everything would go as planned. Why fear the lowly Orcs and a weak chieftain? He, Gabil, had the chance to rule the Lizardman clan.
Yes, what should he do? The lowly Goblins could be used as cannon fodder. Gathered together, they would form a considerable force. Even if they were weak, 10,000 of them would be a significant power. Great! Why didn't he realize this sooner? This was a good opportunity to show his strength to the world! The strength of the Lizardman clan, under Gabil!
For now, he needed to act cautiously. Cautiously, and without letting his guard down, he would wait for the right moment. First, he would strengthen his forces. Gabil targeted the Goblin villages to feed his growing ambition and quench his thirst.
The chieftains of the Goblin villages held a meeting with pale faces. The number of chieftains had decreased since the last meeting. It started with the Arang clan's attack. The villages that abandoned the "Named" warrior's village were the beginning of the problem. The villages that chose to stay and fight together were now under the rule of that village. A savior had appeared in that village, a being of unexpected power. They entered his protection and sought to revive with new strength.
Now, it was too late to ask to join as equals. Some argued for it, but they would be treated like slaves if they joined now. This was a difficult decision. However, the reality was harsh. The Orc army had begun its advance. Some chieftains argued for joining the Orcs to secure their safety before being destroyed. They sent a messenger, but he never returned. Only his head was sent back.
The Orc messenger, while delivering the head, said:
"Hahaha! You insects, we do not forgive surrender! But, if you become our slaves, we will spare your lives! Think about it carefully."
He then left calmly. There was no anger, only the realization of overwhelming power. They knew that a single Orc could destroy their village. Orcs, typically "D" rank monsters, were stronger than Goblins but not usually this overwhelmingly powerful. When this report was presented at the chieftains' meeting, their despair deepened. They wished they had joined the other village's protection.
The Orcs promised to spare their lives but demanded all their food. It was a death sentence in disguise. But even if all the Goblins fought, they would be annihilated. Their total number was less than 10,000. They had no way to contact their unexplored kin. They were helpless.
Then, an urgent report arrived. A Lizardman Warrior Class had visited the village! Could this be a glimmer of hope? The chieftains, grasping at straws, welcomed the Lizardman Warrior Class, Gabil. A "Named" warrior! He seemed like a savior.
The savior said:
"Swear your loyalty to me! Your future will be bright!"
Believe his words! The chieftains deliberated. It was a mistake to cling to a weak position. Some argued that joining the Lizardman clan was better than being under their kin. But ultimately, by majority vote, they decided to become Gabil's subordinates. This decision would determine the fate of the Goblins.
Hakuro was a master swordsman. He was incredibly strong. Even as an old man, his spirit was fierce. I decided to learn swordsmanship, knowing I could take a human form. I hadn't held a bamboo sword since middle school, but...
I have 1000 times the perception! Defending myself would be easy! I thought.
In my child form, I held the bamboo sword and thought, "Come at me from anywhere!" I looked at Hakuro. He appeared faint. Suddenly,
Bang!
I was hit on the head with the bamboo sword. It didn't hurt, and there was no damage. The bamboo sword was made of wood and had no defensive power. The purpose was to learn movements, so it made a loud noise when struck. But even so...
The speed and technique were completely different levels. My physical abilities might be better, but what was happening?
I wasn't overconfident, but I was completely helpless. This is what it means to be a swordsman! His strength was convincing. In a real battle, depending on the fighting style, I might have lost. Even knowing his strength, I could still lose.
I didn't think Hakuro was using his full strength. Benimaru was lying unconscious nearby, looking content. Without my 1000 times perception, I would have been in the same state. I couldn't laugh. We were facing two opponents simultaneously...
This guy... He's even more dangerous now that he's younger. Then,
Ding, ding, ding, ding!!!
A loud noise rang out. What happened?
This was an alarm system installed without my knowledge. They had developed it, taking hints from the traps I used before. After finishing my training, I headed to Rigld's side. Rigld ran up to me and said, panicking:
"Big trouble, Rimuru-sama! A messenger has been sent from the Lizardman side!"
He was always panicking. Anyway, Lizardmen?
I always thought they would come eventually. I'll listen to the situation calmly, as usual!