Episode 61 – A Grave Threat (1)
This place, slightly closer to the central continent than those outright called frontier regions.
The lords of this region are also more capable and powerful compared to the frontier lords. Even the weakest among them is a Count-grade lord governing over hundreds of territories.
However, even the rulers of such areas can no longer feel at ease.
“Now that they’ve already begun appearing at the border, we can’t afford to hesitate any longer. We must join forces with the other lords and seek even more help.”
The elderly retainer earnestly advised him, urging efforts beyond merely boosting internal strength.
“They are not simple monsters. If left be, they are capable of destroying the world, or rather, they live to destroy.”
“What do you mean by more help?”
He spoke with evident reluctance. The monstrous group that had suddenly emerged in the frontier and swiftly crushed many small frontier lords, becoming the dominant force there.
Fighting them was only natural, but appearing fearful did not sit well with him.
“To the Superior Lords…”
“That’s absolutely unacceptable! They are perpetually on the lookout for excuses to expand their power.”
His irritation flared against the inevitable suggestion. Being stronger than the frontier lords, the closer he got to the central continent, the stronger the lords he would encounter.
The current fragile balance after countless eras of chaos does not deter the ambitions harbored by all Demon Realm lords.
It is to devour the weak and grow stronger, aiming to become ultimate, the best.
‘Rather than seeking help from those lurking opportunists, I’d rather ally with the revolting neighboring ones.’
The lords who might threaten him from above, while practical competitors were his neighbors, were even more daunting.
A single crack, and one never knows when he might be bitten. So neither relaxation nor excessive worry was possible.
Enemies surround him from all sides, making it clear that reaching out and forming alliances with all forces was the correct course of action.
The mysterious monstrous group appearing in the front was terrifying and bizarre to the bone, but the inherent instinct ingrained in their genes still took precedence above everything else for the Demon Realm lords.
“Absolutely no room should be given to the Superior Lords. It’s better to ally with unhelpful neighboring lords. If those who already wield swords against each other come together, they wouldn’t dare entertain other thoughts.”
“Then, let us do as you say.”
“You, go and send communications to them. They likely already know the situation. And…”
After a brief pause, he hesitated as if reminiscing, then continued.
“I’ve heard rumors of special mercenaries in our territory. They’re led by an orc like us, have fought against these monsters in the Northeast and established quite a reputation.”
“I’ve heard that too.”
“Summon them. We lack sufficient information about these foes. Regardless of whether they are refugees or mercenaries, anyone with practical combat experience should be recruited into our forces.”
Harsh yet competent, he issued orders recalling rumors of mercenaries he had heard recently.
Anyone who had fought fiercely against these monsters and achieved merit was worth recruiting.
*
“Orc Count Agor has summoned us.”
“I was expecting it but this is quite fast. I was planning to go to him if necessary.”
Though he reacted with wide eyes as though surprised, in truth, it was already anticipated. This was sufficiently quick.
Since my soldiers are now launching large-scale assaults on the frontier, storming fortresses and wantonly plundering the vicinity, even with prior information, facing it head-on is a different story. If any lord heard his soldiers, unable to adequately fight back against my soldiers, collapse and complained, the lord would be unable to sit idle.
“Likely, the reason for his summons is as we expected. Should we accept his request?”
“Of course.”
We had sought out Agor from the start. An aggressive orc count would naturally wish to fight and would need to bolster his forces to do so.
If we can play a pivotal role, I can be at the front lines to directly oversee the enemy’s movements and direct the army accordingly.
Knowing the enemy’s movements, defeat is inconceivable. Simply standing by ensures the role of my double is fulfilled.
“But there is a risk if we become subordinate to him. He might throw us into the most perilous missions, treating us as expendable.”
“Regarding that, we should negotiate from the start to make sure we have options.”
Though Cruiger seemed earnestly concerned, it was little issue for me.
Barring absurd circumstances, our demise in battle is unlikely. More worrying was the situation on the other side.
Indeed, it seems the nearby lords, including Agor, are determined to unite from the outset.
“Isn’t this a bit too grand?”
With five territories each larger than Ludras’s dominion joining forces from the get-go without any loss.
From my standpoint, this makes for a rather formidable adversary.
I sought to sow discord or find cracks to exploit but lords with mutual grievances having pre-planned left little room for intervention.
“Regardless, the lords of this region are of a higher caliber than the minor frontier lords. If they join forces, even the devils controlling the Northeast wouldn’t easily advance.”
“…That’s right. That’s correct.”
True to Cruiger’s words, they were not the same rank as the frontier foes we’ve faced before.
Dividing them would be difficult now, and their full efforts could potentially threaten to hem us in from all sides.
“More, we need even more means.”
As always, but even more so moving forward. To ensure our continued success in the endless wars to come, constant progress and evolution are essential.
“For now, let’s head to the lord and find out exactly what he wants from us.”
Cruiger, together with a few close confidants of the mercenary band, followed Agor’s summons to his grand fortress.
“I’ve heard rumors about you.”
Agor, though also an orc like Cruiger, displayed slightly different features like other diverse orcs.
Pale purple skin and a somewhat larger build. Combined with his rough texture, he looked like a massive sculpture seated there.
‘He’s strong.’
As I grow more familiar and adapt to this world and its inhabitants, I’m developing the ability to gauge strength and presence purely by observing them.
Even though it’s from a while ago, this alter ego I’ve constructed far surpasses Aigor’s strength – a warrior so mighty that even Cruiger standing beside him feels the tension.
To still retain this power even after years of decline shows just how formidable orcs, the most common race, can be. This marks the Demon Realm as a highly challenging map.
“You probably know already, but those beasts have begun their activities. Unsatisfied with what they’ve devoured, they now dare to eye our land for plunder and invasion.”
“I’ve heard the news.”
“It’s said you’re experienced in hunting those monsters. I’ll ensure your requested compensation and conditions are met. Assist us in our fight and share the methods to counter these creatures.”
This request was exactly what we anticipated.
“Forgive my impertinence, but might we learn the total strength of your forces?”
“I’ve already proposed to gather the surrounding lords. Those bastards had better have the good sense left in them to accept. When that happens, all the lords of the region will unite against those beasts.”
Proudly exhaling through his nostrils, Agor revealed his contingency plan to Cruiger’s inquiry.
It was roughly as expected but still wasn’t good news for me.
‘If things go exactly as they are, then it’ll follow the expected path.’
Still, everything was within my calculations. Even if the local lords have grown stronger through absorbing refugees, their united strength could still be dealt with.
The real issue would be an unexpected variable surfacing from an unforeseen angle.
From what I could gather of Agor’s prideful and stubborn nature, he likely won’t favor such variables.
“…Who’s coming?”
However, this estimation was shattered in a day.
