Chapter 128 – Northern Law (1)
Crockta got up from his spot.
He came back but there was no one around. Tiyo and Anor's bed, where they should've been lying together, was empty. The sun seen through the window was already almost overhead.
It was daytime. This was Spinoa, where the bloody battle had occurred. The city of dark elves had collapsed. Only a few buildings remained, so the survivors slept in tents around the world tree. Then in the daytime, they started rebuilding the village under the blessing of the world tree.
Crockta went out and saw dark elves in the corridor. They were nursing injured soldiers. They jumped in surprise when they saw Crockta. There was a mix of admiration, awe, gratitude, and fear displayed in their eyes.
Crockta was their friend, but now he was the orc great chieftain. He had the power to break the north at any time.
Crockta greeted them first, “It is good to see you."
"Crockta, you woke up."
Only some people knew that Crockta was cursed by the stars, so they thought that he was just resting in bed. Crockta smiled. He still sported a wicked face, but it looked better when he smiled.
“Have you been well in the meantime?"
“Yes.”
"……"
There was an ambiguous silence. Crockta nodded and passed by them. Then their voices were heard from behind, "Thank you very much, Northern Hero Crockta."
“I will never forget the grace that saved Spinoa."
Crockta stopped in his tracks. He had seen a lot of ruins. Those who lost everything and became refugees due to the wars. They had nowhere to go and despair filled their eyes. The same was true for Spinoa.
Nevertheless, they were thanking him. Was he really someone who deserved those words? The city was in ruins and he had only protected a fraction of it. He never knew what to say to this. But Crockta had learned a lot from Elder Lord. Now he had something to say. Crockta raised his thumbs towards them and said, “I will ask for meat for dinner. Bul'tar!"
Crockta winked. The dark elves smiled at his words.
Crockta left the building with powerful steps and felt sober as he once again saw the devastated scenery of Spinoa. The sun drenched landscape made even the ruins seem beautiful. It wasn't because of the simple form, but because of the appearance of those sweating to rebuild what they lost.
“They are enthusiastic."
There weren't only dark elves are the restoration sites. There were orcs. The northern orcs discovered Crockta and struck their chests as they said, "I greet the great chieftain!"
“Great chieftain!" They shouted.
However, Crockta shook his head. He said he didn't need such formalities, but they didn't listen.
"You've come, Great Chieftain."
“You don't need to call me that."
“The great chieftain is the great chieftain."
Surka approached.
He had a high rank in the Great Clan, along with Hammerchwi. Thanks to his advice, Crockta was able to force Calmahart into a one-on-one duel. He was a person who remembered his honor, even under the madness of 'Tribulation.'
"We are in the process of dividing the work sites with the dark elves."
"Good job. That's good."
The war ended dramatically as Crockta became the great chieftain. The red light surrounding the orcs had faded away. Many orcs were ashamed and confused by what they had done. As the great chieftain, Crockta ordered them to join the dark elves and restore the damage.
However, it wasn't easy to get rid of the enmity between the two species. They were enemies. Even if they were under the influence of another being, it didn't change the fact that the orcs had trampled on the families and cities of the dark elves.
So the dark elves and orcs were working separately from each other.
"Ohh! Crockta! You finally showed up dot!"
Tiyo's voice was heard from the side and interrupted the awkward mood. Tiyo was helping the dark elves with the restoration work, while black dust covered his face.
“I thought you were trying to get out of work because you didn't come back for a while."
It was the same for Anor. Anor was helping up by raising some bones. Considering the hearts of those who just finished the war, it was the body of a monster, not a dark elf or orc. The skeleton ogre was grabbing and lifting rocks.
“Work, go to work Crockta!"
Surka's eyes widened as Crockta walked forward.
“Why is great chieftain…?"
"Surka. I am Crockta, not the great chieftain!"
Surka nodded at Crockta's words. “I understand."
“I want to work."
Crockta put the greatsword down beside him. Then he rolled up his sleeves. Right now, the buildings in Spinoa were being created with the branches of the world tree. The opportunity to build with divine wood from the world tree wasn't common. Thanks to the emergency situation, the world tree was trying to rebuild Spinoa, even if it had to exhaust its power.
Crockta carried the thick branches of the world tree like they were nothing. Then he started moving towards a construction site.
“Truly the great chieftain!"
“Ohhhh! The great chieftain is working directly!"
"Follow the great chieftain!"
“From now on, don't rest!"
The orcs cheered. For those who only experienced the harsh reign of Calmahart, it was the first time a great chieftain took the initiative to work first. Once Crockta started to work, the atmosphere among the orcs changed. The northern orcs followed the great chieftain.
As Crockta continued to work, he saw a familiar face.
Hammerchwi. He was hammering in a nail with his battle hammer. He swung his hammer with rapid movements before discovering Crockta.
“The great chieftain has come."
"Hammerchwi. We meet again."
At one time, they had different beliefs and exchanged weapons. Of course, the result was Crockta's clean sweep. Hammerchwi might've foreseen this future then.
“How is work? Aren't you tired at your age?"
“What are you talking about? I am the great Warrior Hammerchwi. This is still a long way to go before I get tired."
“A lot of sweat is flowing."
Hammerchwi was covered in sweat. He wiped at his forehead and neck. It was damp. He laughed and wiped it off with his shirt.
“Well, I think sweat is better than blood."
That made sense. Hammerchwi smiled again. Crockta nodded. He tapped Hammerchwi's shoulder and whisper as he passed by.
"As long as you are alive. Bul'tar."
Hammerchwi replied to Crockta's back.
"The great chieftain as well. Bul'tar!"
Crockta turned at his answer. But Hammerchwi just smiled and continued his hammering. The orc who crushed many enemies with his terrible hammer, the great warrior of the Great Clan called Hammerchwi.
But he seemed to look better with a work hammer than a combat hammer. The warriors following Hammerchwi listened to his instructions and were busy raising the building. If he was born on the continent, he might've been a great carpenter instead of a warrior.
Like Grant, he might've become a craftsman finding his aptitude after being a warrior. Or maybe he would be an orc who never picked up a weapon, a person who worked during the day and drank at night.
“Surka."
"Yes."
“Does Hammerchwi have children?"
"Yes. It isn't just one or two."
Crockta stared at him. Surka shrugged.
“He has 11. I heard one was born not too long ago."
Crockta nodded. He felt somehow reassured. “I’m glad. Orcs should be thinking about the future.”
The orcs in the north also weren't undamaged. Countless soldiers had died. As the dark elves stabilized, the orcs should take care of themselves. He didn't intend to be the great chieftain for long, but he couldn't help thinking about this.
“Tomorrow, the agreement will be signed."
Crockta had climbed to the position of great chieftain, ending the war between the dark elves and orcs. They were supposed to declare an end to the war, forget the conflicts and sign an agreement to maintain peace. The date was tomorrow. Of course, one of the subjects of the agreement was Zelkian, leader of the dark elves and agent of the world tree. The other was the great chieftain of the northern orcs, Crockta.
“Surka."
"Yes."
"Do you want to try fighting me once?"
Surka's eyes widened. He noticed the look in Crockta's eyes and nodded.
“I understand."
***
The two of them stood in a deserted spot. In the background, there was the distant sound of orcs working as both of them raised their weapons. The greatsword, Ogre Slayer. A masterpiece of the Golden Anvil Clan.
However, it had sharpened in Crockta's hands as it cut down many enemies. Unlike the blades that became dull after repeatedly being soaked in the blood and flesh of the enemies, Ogre Slayer was different as it evolved into a greatsword with a completely different atmosphere.
At the beginning, Ogre Slayer was a shining sword. Now it looked like a sword that had gone through all sorts of hardships. The masterpiece of the Golden Anvil Clan was completed in Crockta's hands.
“A good sword. It can cause chaos."
But Surka's axe also wasn't ordinary. It was 'Blood Rain,' the heirloom axe that he received from his father Shiktulla. It was a treasure that swept over numerous high-level enemies in the north. To Surka, it was the best symbol of a Steel Axe tribe member.
The two forces met. Their weapons struck each other. There was a loud sound as the greatsword and axe met. The eerie sound of two weapons clashing drifted along the wind. They moved around each other like they were wind magicians, skillfully penetrating through any gaps.
Surka was different from Calmahart, as he boasted brilliant axe techniques.
Crockta smiled. This fight had its own charm. Crockta's speed increased. The realm of the Pinnacle. Crockta's greatsword aimed at the enemy, like he had pulled on a line in the world. The axe passed by his cheek while the greatsword narrowly missed the neck. Blood flowed.
He grinned. Rather than exchanging a few words of respect, they could communicate more by fighting.
Warrior and warrior. They were fighting.
“What are you fighting for Surka?"
Crockta shouted as he pushed Surka with his shoulder. Surka grinned as he was suddenly off balance.
"To be great chieftain!"
Then he jumped and his axe descended towards Crockta.
Kwaang!
An explosive sound was heard for the first time.
“Kill the great chieftain and become the great chieftain!"
Surka laughed. An orc of the north. Crockta didn't hate this look. Orc warriors should be able to laugh while fighting for their lives.
“What about once you become the great chieftain?" Crockta deflected the axe and kicked Surka's abdomen. Surka fell down and Ogre Slayer pursued him. He rolled across the ground to avoid it but in the end, Crockta's greatsword pointed at his neck.
Crockta asked, “What do you want to do once you become the great chieftain?"
Surka struggled against Crockta's foot on his chest before giving up. He looked up at Crockta and smiled.
"I will change the Great Clan."
"How?"
“To what it used to be!"
Crockta removed his foot and extended a hand. Surka grabbed Crockta's hand and got up. He gazed at Crockta and added. “Then we will become like the orcs of the continent."
The land of orc warriors who regarded honor as their lives. He couldn't help feeling admiration after Crockta told him about the continent. Surka wanted to restore the traditions of the continent, just like the old northern orcs. He wanted to not feel ashamed as he fought, and to know that death wasn't in vain. He wanted to restore that spirit.
Surka laughed and added. “But Crockta is the great chieftain, so I won't need to become the great chieftain."
“Kulkulkul."
Crockta laughed. Surka laughed. After finished the fight, Crockta asked something else.
"Surka. Are you the strongest here except for me?"
"There isn't a proper ranking but probably. Apart from Calmahart, I've never been defeated by anyone."
"How dependable."
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.
Chapter 129 – Northern Law (2)
The agreement began.
Crockta and Zelkian stood on a platform. Crockta came as a savior to help the dark elves but he was now standing as a representative of the orcs. The future was unknown.
The world tree, looking down on Spinoa as always, laid a branch on Zelkian's shoulder. It seemed to somehow be saying congratulations to Crockta. The world tree's branch stooped down as Crockta nodded. It looked like a smile.
The dark elves and orcs were watching them. Their leaders had declared a mutual non-agreement pact, and everyone knew what it meant.
"The agreement is as followed."
Surka and Jenadu handed slates over to their leaders. The agreement was engraved in stone so that it wouldn't fade over time. The people of each species applauded both Crockta and Zelkian.
Orcs and dark elves were divided in the center. Crockta asked for restraint so that the orcs wouldn't offend the dark elves by shouting out 'great chieftain.' The dark elves were the same. Zelkian informed them that the great chieftain and orcs were possessed by the demon named 'Tribulation', so their hearts eased a little bit.
Therefore, there were no concerns about a conflict taking place. Apart from the brief clapping, the area was still.
The agreement concluded that the war would end and that they wouldn't invade each other's territory in the future. If someone violated this pact, they would be punished according to the laws of the area.
For the time being, the orcs would help the dark elves rebuild. In addition, the dark elves' leader and the orc great chieftain would periodically meet. While it was impossible for those killing each other the day before to suddenly become friends, it was possible if their goal was for this situation to not repeat.
Finally, Zelkian gently hugged Crockta. The agreement was over. It was a symbolic event for everyone to see, so it didn't drag out for long. Now they had to work to rebuild the city.
At that moment. Crockta raised a hand and said, “All the orcs are gathered together."
The orcs stopped. It was the great chieftain's first call. The dark elves returned to their positions. In addition, Zelkian was watching from the side.
"I killed Calmahart. But since I was an enemy yesterday, not everyone is convinced that I am the great chieftain." Crockta looked down at the orcs. Multiple eyes were staring at him. "So I am going to give you a chance."
Crockta pulled out his greatsword and placed it on his shoulder.
“Whoever is good. If you have the will to become the great chieftain, come forward."
A declaration that said he would accept any duel! The orcs started murmuring. As he said, Crockta was an outsider who abruptly appeared as their leader. However, he was the powerful warrior who had killed Calmahart. There would surely be a few warriors who wouldn't let this pass.
“I will go first!"
It was the first time Crockta saw the face that came forward. However, he was dressed in the clothing of the Great Clan's warriors.
“I am from the Eagle Blade Tribe, the Great Clan warrior Karhak!"
Crockta came down from the platform and responded, “I am the orc from the continent, Great Chieftain Crockta."
No other words were needed as both simultaneously swung their weapons. Karhak was a strong warrior. His halberd strikes were hard to deal with. Even if the blade was avoided, he had the technique of turning it by changing his grip on the steel handle.
However, Crockta couldn't be shaken by such techniques. He had gone through countless fights in the realm of the Pinnacle. His heart and soul were always staring at the enemy's reality. Crockta avoided all of Karhak's strikes. Ogre Slayer hit his abdomen.
"Keooook!"
Karhak flew through the air and landed in the middle of the group of orcs. He lost consciousness. The nearby orcs carried him to the infirmary. There were more challengers. They were the best warriors in the northern tribes and great warriors in the Great Clan.
All of them were defeated as quickly and badly as Karhak. They struck at Crockta in various ways, but the results were all the same.
“Next.”
Crockta declared after knocking down another contender. Crockta had grown further through all his battles with Calmahart. He embraced the power of the Hero rank.
[Status Window]
‘Northern Conqueror' Crockta, Orc Warrior.
Level: 117
Achievement Points: 1,924,800
Assimilation: 89%
Abilities:
Herculean Strength (Hero)
Revival (Hero)
Heart Sword (Hero)
Fighting Spirit (Hero)
Inside the Spirit (Hero)
Tattoo (Hero)
Roar (Hero)
Creatures Butcher (Pinnacle)
Grey God’s Eyes (Outside the Ratings)
Art of Magic (Rare)]
When he reached the Hero rank, the splendid skill names suddenly calmed down. The explanation disappeared and only a short feature remained. Crockta liked this more.
The next challenger appeared. It was a familiar face.
"It has been a while. Crockta."
"You."
An orc who Crockta first met in the Kapur Clan when he came to the north. It was the young orc warrior Rakuta, who wanted to endure the villainous Kapur so he could defeat him and change the tribe. The fact that he was here meant one thing.
"Kapur?"
Rakuta grinned as he responded, “Perished by my hands."
In the end, he was punished by his tribe's warrior. Crockta smiled. He knew that Rakuta would one day kill Kapur. It was the will of the young warrior, Rakuta. It was just faster than Crockta expected.
“It was possible because I never forgot Crockta's words."
Before saying farewell, Rakuta had asked Crockta. How could he be strong? Crockta had only one answer. Indomitable will!
Crockta nodded. "Good. Then attack."
Rakuta charged at him with a good momentum. But in the end, he became like the other contenders. He lay on the ground and admitted defeat. The gap in power was obvious.
No more challengers appeared. Now Crockta was fully recognized as the great chieftain. In this position, Crockta made a declaration.
“Now I believe no one will complain that I am the great chieftain."
The orcs struck their chests. There was only one way to become the great chieftain. Be the best! Crockta proved his overwhelming power in this spot.
“I, Crockta, will make a declaration as the great chieftain." All orc eyes turned to him. “I will step down from the position of the great chieftain."
As Crockta finished speaking, the orcs stared at him with shock. He had just defeated all challengers and truly became the great chieftain. Now he was leaving. There were some cases with the great chieftain stepped down, but that was often when they couldn't fight due to old age or injury. There were no cases when an overwhelming strong chieftain, like Crockta, stepped down on his own.
“I have to go back to the continent. Therefore, I…"
Crockta found Tiyo and Anor among the audience. They smiled and nodded. Crockta also smiled. He still had a lot of work to do.
“I will name Surka as my successor."
Surka, who was standing on the podium, opened his eyes widely. It was a face that showed he never imagined it at all. Crockta held Surka's shoulder and pushed him forward.
“If you have a complaint, go to Surka right now!"
The orcs were quiet.
Surka already proved his strength on the battlefield. He might've been obscured by the monster called Calmahart, but he was a true warrior who proved his courage in many battles as the best warrior of the Steel Axe Tribe.
In the past, Calmahart had barely beaten him to the position of great chieftain. It was only afterward that Calmahart, who was enhanced by Tribulation, became a ghastly monster with divine skills.
“What is with the sudden action, Great Chieftain?" Surka asked in a small voice. “Why did you bother beating any of them?"
That's right. If he was going to step down anyway, why did he take on challengers and defeat them all? it wasn't convincing that he would leave the moment he proved himself genuinely strong.
Crockta replied, “This is because the northern orcs are arrogant."
"Huh?"
“I wanted to break your idea that the Great Clan is the best. I am evaluating you as a warrior from Orcrox, not the great chieftain. You are weak."
The orcs' expressions distorted at Crockta's words. It was an insult to them.
"If you invaded the continent, you would've all been wiped out. The world is far wider than you think, and there are as many strong people as there are stars."
Calmahart was clearly strong. The power of Tribulation meant it would be hard for him to find an opponent on the continent. But the northern orcs couldn't overwhelm the many strong players on the continent.
“You lack the strength and the will."
Crockta thought it was ridiculous for them to attack the continent. It was the continent where orcs, humans, gnomes, elves, and dwarves joined their strengths to create civilizations. Those who barely survived in the desolate north couldn't beat them.
"Keep this in mind."
The orcs were quiet. The person saying this was none other than Crockta, the person who defeated Calmahart, who they thought was the strongest person alive. They couldn't object to any of his words.
He placed the greatsword on his back. Crockta walked down to the bottom of the platform. The sound of his footsteps was heard clearly in the orcs' silence. Just before he completely stepped down from the platform.
"Crockta." It was Surka. “You are irresponsible.”
Crockta's eyebrows twitched at Surka's words. Surka looked at him and explained, "As you say, we are weak. But isn't it too irresponsible to just say that and then leave? What if, after I become the great chieftain, I destroy the treaty and start the war again?"
"……"
“Whether we are weak or not, the dark elves will be destroyed."
Crockta narrowed his eyes. Surka continued speaking. “If you don't like it, then teach us."
"About what?"
"How can we become strong like you?!"
The orcs raised their heads. Surka pointed at them and said.
“Teach us so that if another Calmahart appears, we won't be corrupted. If you can convince us, I am willing to be the great chieftain."
Surka grinned. Crockta realized his intent. Then he started laughing. The eyes of countless orcs stared at him. They could see his tiny movements, his gait, even his chest moving up and down from his breathing. But Crockta wasn't afraid of their gazes.
"It is the ancients laws that made me what I am."
They could keep it, or they could break it. There was no absolute law in this world. But if they remembered this, when they were lost, they could raise their eyes and find the path again.
“I will let you know the seven honorable laws of the ancient orcs that the north has forgotten."
Surka listened closely. Crockta told him there was such a thing, but he never actually heard the laws.
"Listen carefully."
Crockta started to speak the laws of the warriors. From the ancient orcs to the warriors of Orcrox, from Lenox to Crockta, now the ancient laws were being relayed to the northern orcs.
Do not forsake faith, don't persecute the weak, don't attack those who abandoned their weapons. Don't succumb to injustice or shame the gods, pay back any favors or vengeance and protect the powerless.
Prove their honor through these seven laws.
The orcs were quiet. In the past, all orcs knew this. Today, it was something that no one kept.
After the division between the north and the rest of the continent, the law of the strong spread in the north. The strongest orc took everything. The great chieftain was the law. It was why they gradually forgot their old values.
But after a long time, the ancient laws of the orcs returned to them.
Kung.
Surka stomped his feet. Everyone looked at him.
“I am Surka, the great chieftain."
He lifted Blood Rain. There was no orc in the north who didn't know this weapon. It was the wicked axe that created a river of blood in Surka's hands. Surka shouted. “I follow Great Chieftain Crockta!"
The orcs started murmuring. Surka continued speaking.
“I say this as Great Chieftain Surka! I might've inherited the status of great chieftain, but I will always follow the true great chieftain of the north. I will hold this position until Crockta comes back!"
Surka moved Blood Rain. “The laws he spoke are now the laws of the north! If there are any complaints, come to me now!"
Surka's aura exploded. His energy spread out. A chill went down the spines of the orcs. They remembered. Before Calmahart, Surka had been the one closest to becoming the great chieftain. His axe got the name 'Blood Rain' because whenever he waved his axe, a shower of blood would fly into the air.
“Kill me first," Surka declared.
“……!”
None of them could open their mouths. Surka's willpower spread over them. It lasted long enough for them to understand the meaning.
The orcs moved.
Kung!
They slapped his chest. All orcs placed their hands on their chests as a salute to Surka. The movement started at the front and soon spread to all the orcs. A grand spectacle. Every orc placed their hand on their chest and stared at Surka. The northern orcs recognized Surka as the new great chieftain. Surka nodded before turning around.
“I look forward to it."
He struck his chest as he looked at Crockta.
The Northern Conqueror Crockta, who rebuilt the north. And the one who followed the great chieftain, it was the birth of True Warchief Surka.
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.