The Spearmaster and the Black Cat - Chapter 382.2
Library

Chapter 382.2

Chapter 382.2

Go on. Its fine on this occasion.

Quema nods, causing her red forelocks to sway.

Were fully aware that we are no more than a small, weak orc clan. However, we also have our pride as a clan living underneath the canopy.

Hearing the term canopy, it reminds me of Viines story.

My father BiMael played a central role within our Totokhun clan as he created the

Fierce G.o.ds Squad

.

I see, your father, huh? The objective is to recover the stolen treasures?

Yes. One day were going to advance on the surface and retake our old homeland. And, if we get back the treasuresbut, my great father BiMaelpa.s.sed away.

My condolences.

Thankshe got broiled up in a revolt at Fort Arheaganim by the Gungh and Ayarokh clans, which came into existence through a new succession struggle in the Greater Dodon Clanand died all too quickly. The same applies to my smart mother. But, they should have properly contributed to the battle of the G.o.ds in the world of Lyban. As a result of the loss of the egg of the Queen Ghul Dodon clans fifth hunter consort, the Dohle, Bulguh, and Ganreh clans, alongside the forces of the other Dodon consorts, began a civil war with the goal of expanding their respective sphere of influence over mining rights and Mad Warrior legendsand we got also dragged into it. Quema explains with a firm att.i.tude, but still, warring states, eh?

Hearing about mining rights, I recall the guildmaster of the Shadow Wing Brigade, Galroh, was also mixed up in fights over Tandarls mining rights. I wonder whether thats connected with the orcs issue through the underground G.o.ddess

It sounds quite troublesome.

Were a small clan, so it cant be helped.

The orcs are also surviving through turbulent times. Still, the queens egg, huh? That would mean orcs lay eggs.

Come to think of itI feel like there were multiple organs and stomachs visible in their corpses. Well, I suppose you could also think of them as ruminants or mammals.

Rather than this, I think itd be better to get Quemas view on their attack on Cydale.

Your Totokhun clan partic.i.p.ated in the attack on our village due to the equilibrium between the Dodon and Gungh clans, and lost, right?

My servants and Quiche put in great efforts to repel the orcs.

Correct. Having judged our clan, which lost all too quickly as we were unable to work as a commando unit thanks to the loss of our treasures, as weak, Hexa Ghul Gunghs military forces abandoned us. And as result of being chased down by the Tree Kings troops our Totokhuns unit of the

Fierce G.o.ds Squad

got completely isolated in the Sea of Trees after withdrawing Quema admitted with a bitter expression.

With you two being here right nowstill, abandoning your comrades is a fairly cruel act.

Hearing the sympathy in my voice, Quemas eyes turn into small dots, maybe because its unexpected or disconcerting for her.

Orcs pursue strength. Its only natural to be treated like that if you lose. Hexas prided secret art squad apparently having been annihilated also played a role in this, I think.

Does Quema mean the Gungh clans squad that had imprisoned the semi-transparent orc? It might have been a unit that employs semi-transparent orcs.

And just when we thought that wed meet our end herewe were saved by you, Shuuya-dono

The small tusks protruding out of her mouth are trembling.

But, still, despite the honorable battleonly us two remain For me to be left behind myself despite having announced that Id join the world of Lybanthe netherworldguguguaaan.

So far Quema has remained stout-hearted, butnow shes loudly sobbing with big tears rolling down her cheeks. She has already taken her mask off, but only now her tough facade has truly crumbled apart.

Well, I can understand where shes coming from.

Despite having been rescued, her rescuer seems to be a hostile human who might steal her treasures and eat herthat might be a really wretched fate in her eyes.

While sympathizing with her feelings, There exists the proverb Cherish the living over the dead. I think you know that yourself, but you should treasure the now and here.

After nodding at my remark, Solobo speaks up, But, Shuuya-dono has shown up as our savior. Thats why the G.o.ds might not intend for us to head to the world of Lyban yet.

Youre probably right. Our lamp still continues to burn.

Yes.

Solobo talks as if to supplement the sobbing Quema.

I guess Ill also ask about their fierce G.o.d.

Are the orcs divided into different religious groups depending on the clan?

Of course. Solobo, whos remained calm so far, answers with a tinge of anger in his voice.

Solobo, restrain yourself. Quema warns him.

Although shes stopped crying, her eyes are still puffed up and red. Since her nose is running, I hand her a leather cloth.

T-Thanks.

Dont mind it. Please continue with your story.

After blowing her nose, Quema nods at my soothing words, and further explains, But, just as Solobo says, this is common sense for the orcs. The clan members of the Greater Dodon clan, who are kin of the queen, mostly wors.h.i.+p the Old G.o.d Segereleou-sama of the Eight Great Orc G.o.ds. In addition, the members of the Greater Vain clan, who possess rich ebony deposits, believe in the Tempering G.o.d Leguiey-sama. A faction wors.h.i.+ping G.o.d of Paths Selekuny also exists. Depending on the clan, some groups also believe in Spirit World G.o.ds like Totogu Gog-sama, Zansuyn-sama, Rivograph-sama, or King of Destruction Ras.h.i.+nz Lebioda-sama. There are all kinds of religious factions within each clan.

With the Eight Great Orc G.o.ds forming the foundationthey even wors.h.i.+p Spirit World G.o.ds on top of that?

There are orcs wors.h.i.+ping Spirit World G.o.ds in spite of the orcs having their very own G.o.ds? That doesnt sound very coherent.

Not quite. The number of those believing in G.o.ds other than our Eight Great G.o.ds are only few. Among those, most believe in Underground G.o.d Tolodo, Underground G.o.ddess Rolga, and Underground G.o.d Keylur, who are all connected to the Prison Dimension G.o.dolon. Some evil orcs also do trade with them. Moreover, its said that a group also believes in the Ancient G.o.d Go Rad, although I cant really believe that since the orcs are at war with him. And going by the fact of orcs also living among the gnomes and dwarves, Im sure that some of my brethren not only wors.h.i.+p the G.o.ds of the divine domain, but also their ancestors.

Ive heard about Go Rad from Higlia on several occasions. She mentioned that relatively many dragonfly monsters sp.a.w.n in the ancient ruins strewn across the Sea of Trees. But, for the orcs to not only believe in underground G.o.ds, but also ancient G.o.ds, wild G.o.ds, cursed G.o.dsand even their ancestors

Do they have freedom of religion? No, maybe its just that looking at the entire orc race makes the outlook too huge? Its not really different from the humans who also have various groups believing in all kinds of G.o.ds.

As I expected, the orc society is quite complex. It doesnt sound like theyve got connections to evil G.o.ds, butits quite possible that apostles of evil G.o.ds have joined the orcs to cause confusion in the underground in order to expand their G.o.ds sphere of influence.

No, I suppose that wouldnt make much sense The 15th and 20th floors of the labyrinth in Pelneet contain entire worlds. A part of Catiza was previously the third apostle of Evil G.o.d Nicross.

If you consider the orcs population, theyre certainly a force to reckon with I recall something about a goblin empire being displayed in the white room before I reincarnated.

A huge population on the level of mankind with its brethren inhabiting many areas across the continent

Goblins with different appearances, shapes, and customs also exist. The huge number of goblins basically doesnt possess any unity. Depending on the regions, some areas might be infested by continuously ongoing wars between military factions which are ruled by powerful subspecies like Goblin Lords, Goblin Kings, or Goblin Kaisers

In some areas the humans and demi-humans have been completely eradicated by hobgoblins or high goblins, and there exist special areas where goblins run their own goblin governments

This is about goblins, but orcs might have their own orc governments, too.

Afterwards, I asked about the discord between the Gungh clan led by Hexa and the Totokhun clan.

We were almost banished from Underground City Gudorn which is ruled by the Gungh clan.

A city made by orcs for orcs, huh?

I see. An exile would have been harsh, Im sure. So you didnt have a choice but to work for the Gungh clan, huh?

Correct. Moreover, the order for us to ama.s.s our troops was only based on the reason that we used to have our homeland on the surface. Even though quite a bit of time had already pa.s.sed ever since thenbut, that excuse didnt work on the Gungh clan.

How absurd.

Thats also one of Hexa Ghul Gunghs strengths. We were forced to partic.i.p.ate in the attack on the village as a commando unit upon his clans order.

I guess its only natural to choose going along with this since they wouldnt want to be banished from the underground. Anyway, Ill also ask about Solobo.

I see, so thats what happened. On another note, why is Solobo calling you Quema-sama despite being from a different clan?

Im Tokks childhood friend and a family member of the Greater Kaibachi clan, but in the end Im merely a low-born orc whos got a bit of confidence in his swordsmans.h.i.+p while looking up to high orcs and the legendary high orc king.

Solobo

Its okay. Please let me tell him. Solobo says to Quema.

And then he continues speaking to me, Although Im a Kaibachi family member, orcs like me exist a dime a dozen.

An underground city full of thugs, eh? Are there any other underground cities with many orcs?

Of course. Rather, itd be more accurate to say there are too many of them, I think. Theres so many of us that the cities from the places near Mt. Lalarbuins underground to the underground along the grand corridor are overrun by orcs. Naturally the underground also houses villages and towns you cant quite call cities. Theres a bounty of prey to be found there.

Meaning, theres a lot of orcs around the Great Corridor of the Pel-Heka-Line. In that light, Solobos explanation makes sense. The whispered part about the prey at the end probably stems from me looking like a human.

And in addition to the internal conflicts within the clans, the orc clans admired by me also wage wars against many other races and factions such as the armies of the independent underground cities of the dwarves and gnomes, the Sorcerer n.o.ble forces of the dark elvish Underground City Gohlea and Underground City DaUmezalan, the hordes of the Demonoid Empire which wors.h.i.+ps the underground G.o.ds of the

Prison Dimension G.o.dolon

which came into this world through a

Black Ring

, countless monsters such as Parasite Sharks or Arbitersand even on the surface, theres the military forces of the Tree King of Wonders, the ancient wolfmen, the Death b.u.t.terfly people, the vampires, demonoid apostles, and all kinds of monsters

I nod at Solobos words. I guess theyre also fighting against Amus Halfmalida in the underground. And the dwarf Roa, who was the first intelligent life-form I met when I came to this world. Theres also the underground city he had to leave after losing a power struggle. It was the dwarvish Langur Empire, wasnt it? Hankay, who fought against the Great Befaritz Empire on the surface, called it the Langur Kingdom, though.

Against humans as well, no?

Yeah, theyre our main enemy on the surface. The orc clans still have some track records of the battles against the humans left. And, Im repeating myself, but Im an inferior orc of the lowest rank among the orcs. Im the living proof of the saying, Keep the peasants to feed them to the falcons. Thats why I was never drafted for battlefields where the orc clans played an active role But, Quema-samas esteemed father apparently spotted me just when I was getting rid of hoodlums who had picked a fight with my family. He told me, You possess a unique power. Once you release that power, youll obtain the Snake Eye, and provided special aid to my family. Afterwards, my childhood friend Tokk and I were able to join the Totokhun clan, allowing us to appear on many battlefields. I continued to plentifully use the power of my Snake Eye against those hostile to Totokhun. Because of that, I was chosen as Quema-samas bodyguard, and thats where I am right now.

Snake Eyefor an instant, G.o.ddess of Magic Poison Misea pops up in my mind. But, its pointless to pay attention to this now.

I see. So you arent lovers or something like that?

No. Tokk, who was killed by the Tree Kings troops, and I are soldiers of

Fierce G.o.ds Squad

.

Tokk Ghul Kaibachi was also outstanding as a swordsman. My fathers call to a.s.sign them as my bodyguards wasnt mistaken.

Thank you very much. Solobo happily thanks Quema.

Was Tokk Ghul Kaibachi the irregular swordsman who encountered the Burning Knights? I was quite sure that Solobo was meant here, but maybe Im wrong.

By the way, Shuuya-dono, you said youre no human?

Indeed. Im of a race called Lucival. I dont know whether youd also call it vampiric, but its a race you could describe as a subspecies of vampires. And Helme is a spirit.

Wh-!? A Spirit-sama, you say!?

Quema and Solobo are more surprised by Helmes existence than my race.

And then I say towards Helme, Ive given them a simple explanation of you being a spirit, Helme. The female orc is called Quema, and the big guy seems to be called Solobo.

Understood

Helme bows at me while floating in the air, causing her long hair to sway, and then descends. She directs a sharp look at the two orcs.

Well then, Quema, Solobo, youve surrendered, so youre going to listen to His Excellencys every order, right?

Spirit-samas language

I suppose the two orcs cant understand Helmes words.

Helme is confirming with you guys whether youre going to follow my orders. I translate for her.

Of course. Originally wed have likely been killed by the Tree Kings forces. Ill vow on my lifeFierce G.o.d Kisalame-sama, no, the Eight Great Orc G.o.ds that I shall obey your orders, Shuuya-dono! Quema replies excitedly.

She lowers her head after placing a hand on her chest and closing one eye.

Next I s.h.i.+ft my eyes to Solobo whos been nodding at Quemas reaction. Solobo widens his eyes as if trying to pop his eyeb.a.l.l.s out of their socket.

He stares at me, seemingly angry, Shuuya-dono, Ill also pledge to the G.o.d of Paths Selekuny! That I shall obey you, even when I should go to Lyban one day.

G-Got it.

How pa.s.sionateis he the same type as the Burning Knights?

But, it still hasnt been long since weve met

That doesnt matter! In a world where its an everyday occurrence to get killed for just being an orc, you didnt abandon us, and instead saved our lives, no matter what your objectives with this might have been! Were deeply indebted to you! And if Spirit-sama should have any complaints, Ill readily offer my Demon Sword Soebally and the Magic Umbrella Galasa.s.sa.

Solobo relinquishes his own cherished weapon and defensive tool

No, your vows are more than enough. You made your point. Well then, Ill give you back this flute, Quema. Please pick up the spear by yourself.

Its no more than a verbal promise. Are you really fine with that?

Quema asks something that contradicts her earlier vow. She picks up her spear and puts it on her back.

I think you can easily imagine whats awaiting you if you betray me, right? I hand her the flute while warning her with my lips forming an arc-shaped smile.

O-Of c-course. Quemas face cramps up.

Although she basically looks like an orc, shes still a considerable beauty. Im sure she must be quite popular among the orcs.

Or maybe there exist orc-specific rules for males and females, which also encompa.s.ses the Totokhun clan? Something like being unable to have s.e.x with a woman unless youve got magnificent babirusa-like tusks?

Solobo, its your precious umbrella, isnt it? Pick it up. And the magic katana on your back is precious like a partner to you, isnt it?

As you command! Shuuya-dono, you have the caliber of a rulerallow me to serve you even for Tokks share. Solobo says gleefully.

However, probably because Ive said what I said with a self-important tone, Solobo misunderstood it.

Im no ruler, but an adventurer. And Im also not the one in charge of the village. Were going back to the village now. Helme, bind them up.

Okay.

In an instant, Helme ties up Quema and Solobo with the strings of

.

Im telling you in advance, but youll be treated prisoners of war since Ill take you to Quiches village. Over there, Ill inform the village chief Quiche that Ill take custody of your lives.

Hearing my explanations, the two blink repeatedly.

Shuuya-dono, you not being the one in charge is yet another surprise. But, we shall accept our verdict.

Naturally. Weve entrusted you with our lives, so

Quema and Solobo immediately look somewhat uneasy.

Dont worry. You wont face a military tribunal like in some kingdom. You wont be judged either. Your lives are safe with me.

I understand.

Affirmative.

Still, theyre quite n.o.ble. Solobo might get along better with the Burning Knights than Moga.

Anyway, now that Ive learned a bit about the history and G.o.ds of the orcs, I think its about time to head back to Cydale.

At that moment, I sense several magic sources closing in on us from beyond the forest that got destroyed by Rollodeen. From the other side of the tall trees, huh?

Have the Tree Kings forces come back?

Haa haa haa

Running people?

Leader, we were saved right when a huge number of military forces of the Tree King showed up, werent we?

Yep. Moreover, even though they ran into us, they ignored us and kept fleeing. How strange. Leaving that aside, Luciels magic having worked against the dragonfly monsters washmm? A part of the forest has been destroyed over there!

Ah, maybe the reason for the Tree Kings forces running awaydont tell mea wyvern subspecies? Or a big monster like Greater Royal Guard Ants? Leader, should I go ahead to scout?

Belize, please do, is what Id like to say, but wait a moment. Professor, are you alright?

Im fine. However, Mie got slashed by the pea-green blade wielded by that dragonfly-rabbit-hybrid monster

Professor, weve used the antidote, Zamalias healing pill, and the doll-shaped medicine of Phenimul Villages prodigy on Mie-san. Shes alright now and merely sleeping.

I see. Theres this excessive, elegant smell, butIm glad to hear it, really glad

Leader, the string bracelet you bought at the village is a present you couldnt give to Shuuya-san in the end. You still have it on you, dont you?

Of course.

Bucchi, are you fondling Mie-sans b.u.t.t?

Luciel, I think its obvious at a glance, but Im carrying her, so Im naturally touching it, butIm not up to anything weird.

Hihi, Bucchi, you little pervert. But, no need to keep checking our rear while glaring so much. Its okay. The only magic source responses I can sense lie in front of us. Other than the place where the trees have been knocked down unnaturally, I cant feel any presence.

From in front, eh?

Is my a.s.sistant on his back still sleeping?

Yes, the healing magic is working as well, so shes deeply asleep.

But, if not for my carelessness

Professor, shes safe, so dont beat yourself up over it. Please cheer up. Well attempt another underground ruin exploration on the next occasion.

Thanks, Sarah. But, I was fully preoccupied with running away from the huge numbers of enemies, so where are we here? On top of all these fallen trees, this area is outside the range of my map

I thought that I knew the Sea of Trees well, but

Leader, are you saying were lost?

Whats with that look?

Bucchi, how dare you look at leader with such an expression Itd have been unthinkable for you to do that in the past!

True, those times when he was jealous of Shuuya-san are now a nice memory. Currently hes even fondling Mie-sans b.u.t.t

Ive told you, thats not it! Its inevitable for me to touch that place!

I can hear very familiar voices from the other side of the forest. Some of the voices I cant identify, but theres no way that Id forget the other

I began to walk automatically.