Chapter 148 – Great Duel (2)
They arrived at Alaste after two days. Outer walls surrounded the white city.
"This is Alaste. Isn't it beautiful?"
The walls were gray while Alaste shone white like marble.
Crockta nodded. “Beautiful.”
“It is something Alaste has long been proud of. It is said that the white dragon Ariadne built it with magic. A legend."
Thanks to Knight Vigo, they were smoothly granted access. The guards saluted Vigo. Vigo shook his head and pointed to Crockta. "Not this way! This brother will save Alaste so salute him!"
“He will help Alaste?"
“He is an incredible, strong orc warrior. I will recommend him for the kingdom duel!"
"Ohh! It is nice to meet you! Alaste!"
“Alaste!"
Their eyes lit up and they saluted Crockta. Normally people were afraid of orcs, but they actually felt admiration as they looked at Crockta's scary face.
“Crockta Brother will scold Adandator!"
"Crockta! We believe in you!"
“That Adandator will be overthrown just looking at Crockta's face!"
He didn't know if it was praise or gossip but Crockta nodded. Vigo exchanged more well wishes with the guards before entering Alaste with Crockta.
Then the landscape of Alaste was revealed.
Anor responded first, "Whoa!"
Tiyo, who rarely admired the culture of other species, cried out in a small voice. "This is quite good dot."
Crockta smiled and remarked, “How great."
The inside of Alaste was a beautiful white. Although Arnin, the city of elves was white, Alaste was a pleasing blend of white and blue colors. It was just like a Mediterranean city.
Vigo puffed out his chest and proudly proclaimed, “We designed Alaste to be aesthetically pleasing. Hahaha. The urban landscape department and the citizens cooperated to avoid harming the beauty of this city. I've never seen a person who hasn't admired it."
He was filled with pride for the city's appearance. As Vigo appeared with three people of varied species, the citizens stared in wonder. However, unlike other cities, Crockta couldn't feel any fear towards orcs. Crockta realized it was because of Vigo being next to him.
"Hello, Mister Knight! Who is the orc uncle next to you?"
“He has come to help Alaste!"
"Wow! Thank you!"
The children smiled brightly and greeted Vigo. Everywhere Vigo went, citizens would greet and thank Vigo. Some citizens, who had never seen anyone from another species, even asked for a handshake from Crockta. Alaste was filled with respect for their knights. There might be an unfamiliar orc but they thought there was no harm because a knight was beside him.
Anor smiled and said, “This is a good place."
“That's right."
The streets of Alaste was filled with vigor. The back alleys didn't seem visible as they walked through the city.
“The lord of Alaste doesn't charge a high tax. Alaste has quality marble and big silver mines, so there is plenty of money around. It is a gift from the gods.”
As they looked around the surroundings, they eventually arrived at the lord’s residence in the center of the city. Knights were guarding it, but they knew Vigo and welcomed his return.
"Vigo!" They looked between Vigo and Crockta's group. "Who are they? Where is Morenson?"
Vigo explained the whole story. First of all, he announced the death of his colleague who went to scout with him. The faces of the knights changed. He explained Crockta's actions and his suggestion to have Crockta do the duel instead, causing the guards to stare strangely.
Crockta understood the look in their eyes. A competitive spirit! They wanted to directly verify if he had the skills. Crockta grinned. He didn't hate that attitude. A knight needed such a mindset.
“Let's go inside first. Speak to the lord."
They opened the way.
***
A woman who seemed to be a staff member guided them upstairs. The lord was more frugal than he thought. The distinct architectural style of Alaste was reflected but there were no luxurious decorations.
They climbed the stairs and entered a room. The employee who guided them knocked on the door.
"Lord. Knight Vigo is here."
"Come in."
The voice of the lord was heard. Crockta's group and Vigo thanked the employee before entering the room. The lord was a sturdy middle-aged man with red hair and beard. He was talking with someone and his eyes widened as he saw the orc that appeared.
"Hmm?"
"I greet the lord."
“Hey Vigo. Who is your orc friend standing there?"
As Vigo communicated with the lord, Crockta gazed at the man sitting with him. He was an elderly man who was going bald. The weight of the years showed on his face, but his posture was straight without any signs of weakness. He wore a sword alone with his comfortable clothes.
Crockta instinctively knew who he was. This man was the old grandmaster that Vigo had mentioned.
Once they reached a certain level, they could see many things just by looking at each other. An image was drawn. Crockta wielded his sword at the man. In a world where speed converged, the man didn't dodge but moved forward.
He narrowly avoided the greatsword and swung his sword at Crockta's abdomen. Crockta twisted his body and the two swords met. Sword, sword, a blow. Evasion and changing of offense and defense.
Their internal struggle continued for a while before a remark ended it.
"Isn’t that right?”
Crockta didn't know what the question was. The white haired knight smiled. He also woke up from his fight against Crockta.
"What did you say?"
“Is Crockta Brother the Northern Conqueror Crockta?" Vigo asked again. “At first, I wasn't sure but now I am quite confident."
Vigo also knew Crockta's identity. His reputation had spread widely.
Crockta nodded. “That is what they sometimes call me."
“Indeed!"
The lord's eyes grew bigger at Crockta's reply. He exchanged looks with the knight he was sitting with. The lord rose from his seat and approached Crockta. His body was conditioned from steady training.
"Thank you for the difficult decision. Alaste will never forget the help of Northern Conqueror Crockta."
It seemed like Vigo had spoken like Crockta already agreed to do the proxy duel. Vigo was frowning from behind the lord.
Crockta just laughed. "No. I was impressed by Vigo's sincerity when he said that he would dedicate three months of his own salary."
"Ohh Vigo, really?"
"Huh, yes?
“How impressive.”
"Ah, that…"
Crockta noticed that the lord was also joking, but Vigo mumbled hesitantly.
At that moment, “Don't make fun of the young knight."
A hoarse voice was heard. It was a low, rough, yet resonate voice. It was an unusual tone that was attractive. The knight got up from his spot. He had a lean body and was a similar height to Crockta.
"Truly a great warrior."
The knight reached Crockta and looked him up and down. The grandmaster's instinct was warning him about Crockta. The orc's solid body meant they usually fought with strength, but this orc warrior seemed more sophisticated than a human or elf. He had fast and accurate greatsword skills.
“You are stronger than me." He admitted it.
The lord and Vigo were shocked as soon as Alaste's living legend recognized his opponent's superiority.
“To that extent?”
"Yes, it seems like he can overthrow Adandator. It is clear at first glance."
"Ohh…"
“I can now understand how you conquered the north alone."
"Ohh…"
"The gods are taking care of Alaste.” He smiled and reached out to Crockta, who held his hand. “Crockta. I am an old knight of Alaste, Galadin."
"I am the orc warrior from Orcrox, Crockta."
It was the meeting of grandmaster Galadin, the guardian of Alaste, and Crockta, the conqueror of the north.
Vigo and the lord laughed heartily at the sight.
"Lord, Alaste's future is bright."
“Galadin is old and Crockta is an outsider. Alaste's future relies on young knights like you."
"Umm…"
“Is it still bright?"
“It is a little cloudy."
“That's why I'm so old."
"I'm sorry…"
***
The knights arranged to retrieve the corpse of the knight killed by the Mountain King. Galadin looked at the knights arranged in a polite manner. His words were short.
“Our friend has come. The funeral will be held later."
"Yes!" The leader of the knights raised a hand to his chest and bowed. “I will start now."
"I'll allow it."
“To battle!”
The knights turned around. Then they headed outside Alaste. The voices of the citizens cheering for the knights could be heard.
Tiyo watched them and asked. “You will be fighting the kingdom soon. Can you really send the knights away dot?"
“There is no chance of victory if we fight properly. The other side proposed the duel first so they will stick to it. They have to fear the eyes of the gods and the citizens."
Crockta touched his chin. He pondered on something before asking Vigo.
"Vigo."
"Yes, Brother."
“Alaste…"
He remembered why the name Alaste was familiar. In the early days, he searched for tips on Elder Lord and saw a user advertising that Alaste was a good place to live. The person who posted the message was called Alastepara. At the time, the user had aspirations to become a senior official in Alaste and to develop it.
“Do you have anybody who is cursed by the stars?"
“We do. There are a lot of them in the city."
“What about a person in a high position?"
“Ah, are you talking about Yellow?"
“Yellow?”
"Yes. You would've met her before." Vigo pointed to a young lady. “The woman who guided us."
"Ah, her…"
Crockta nodded. When they entered the lord's residence, a woman had guided them. She had bangs so he hadn't seen her forehead, but she was also a user.
Over time, as the level of users rose and strategies came into play, there were those who took an active role in different walks of life. In the past, there was the militia member Kim Dalkwang, but other users had built their own domains in Elder Lord.
“She has a quick mind and her work is good, so the lord trusts her. Why are you asking about those cursed by the stars?"
“I am asking because there are those cursed by the stars on the side of the kingdom."
“Haha, there are those guys. The person called Rommel is famous. He is favored by the king, so you might see him at the duel."
Rommel was the name for Choi Hansung.
The duel was in a week. The entire south knew that this was a fight between Adandator and Galadin, despite the names of the knights being concealed. They were the most famous knights on both sides.
It was also agreed that the kingdom would win. Adandator was a young and powerful supernova, while Galadin was too old. Unfortunately, the one who would duel for Alaste was Crockta, not Galadin.
It was a variable that no one expected.
"Crockta."
Galadin's distinctive low voice called out to him. Crockta turned his head. Galadin was dressed in a knight's equipment, making him seem young again. Previously he looked like an old man, but now he was a thriving warrior.
Crockta smiled and pulled out Ogre Slayer.
“Galadin."
The two of them walked towards the knights' training ground. Both of them wanted to test the other. Their spar would be calm and at the same time, very dangerous.
“The atmosphere around you is good but I have to see it directly. As I grow older, I become more suspicious," Galadin said.
Crockta realized something. Due to the wrinkles on his face, Crockta hadn't seen his true expression. Galadin wasn't a gentlemanly knight.
“I will do it softly."
Crockta shrugged and said, “I don't want to hear the sound of an old man's bones breaking."
“Kukuku." Galadin was an aggressive fighter. “It is good to be young!"
Before Crockta could take a stance, his strike hit Crockta's body.
This month’s Q&A will take place in approximately 6 hours on the Wuxiaworld’s discord.
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.
Chapter 149 – Great Duel (3)
Yellow lived in Alaste and realized that someone had visited her bedside last night. There was a letter on the desk next to her bed.
She got goosebumps as she checked the letter.
"This…"
She wondered who sent it. The author didn't state their identity, as only a few things were mentioned. However, it contained something shocking that she had never considered at all.
"No way," she murmured.
"Perhaps?"
But it made sense. She read the letter once again before exiting Elder Lord.
***
Crockta sat in front of a fireplace with VIgo.
"I didn't see Yellow today. Was she dragged by the call of the stars? I truly feel sorry for that friend."
The NPCs understood the concept of disconnection as the users being summoned to the abyss. In a way, it wasn't wrong. Going back and forth between Elder Lord and Earth. This situation often happened so users found it hard to have a close relationship with NPCs. It was hard to trust those who suddenly disappeared ahead of important things.
Therefore, users who couldn't connect for long tended to only socialize with other users. This was because NPCs didn't trust them.
“Yellow is normally good so this is surprising."
Of course, Yellow was excellent in Elder Lord. She had been living like an NPC for nearly a year. This allowed her to move up to the position of working for the lord.
“I guess she has something to do." Crockta smiled strangely.
She probably ended the connection after reading the letter that Crockta sent her at night. He wasn't sure if it would work, but he needed to do what he could. The kingdom's path involved the Heaven and Earth Clan. It was already a public fact and there was a precedent where they devastated any areas in the name of the kingdom.
In particular, the southeast region with no clear system was brutally destroyed and the ruins broadcasted several times. The Heaven and Earth Clan didn't keep faith with NPCs. As long as they considered Elder Lord a game, Crockta needed to extend this duel agreement not only to NPCs but users as well.
“By the way, what are they doing?"
Vigo turned his head at Crockta's words. In the meantime, Grandmaster Galadin and Anor were staring at each other.
“Ohhh…”
Anor, who was very timid and not good with eye contact, desperately tried to turn his head away with red cheeks. It looked so funny that Tiyo joined Galadin in staring at Anor. As the eyes of the two people focused on him, Anor turned his eyes towards his hands.
“I got it. Stop! Stop!"
Galadin and Tiyo chuckled.
“You will be stronger if you don't avoid the eyes of others."
Tiyo approached, “In other words, don't act like this forever dot! Kahahat!"
"Ahyu." Anor seemed like he was about to cry. “It is strange when you keep staring."
"You are very shy. Don't avoid other people's eyes. It is a shame. Hahat!" Galadin was famous for identifying people's characteristics and leading them to the right path.
Crockta seemed to know the secret after exchanging blows with him. Galadin had the ability to read inner thoughts, like he was telepathic. During the spar, he predicted all of Crockta's moves. There was the feeling that he knew in advance every move Crockta was going to do and could cope with it.
Crockta won, but he wasn't sure the results would be the same if they really tried to kill each other.
"He is a mysterious person." Crockta stated.
"That is correct. A mysterious person. He looks inside people."
If he could really see into a person's heart, he would be able to find out their problems. His teachings were about inner matters, rather than technical ones.
Crockta also received advice from him.
“What did he say to Brother? If you don't mind, please let me know. I am curious. Is a warrior like you lacking anything?"
"Um…" Crockta recalled Galadin's words. "Just…"
Vigo was right.
Galadin wasn't just a person who strengthened knights. When wielding a sword, he was an aggressive knight. But after putting it away, he looked at the other person with warm eyes. He was someone who caused the other person to grow as a human.
“He told me not to shoulder everything alone."
"Oh, indeed. Brother has something." Vigo raised his thumb. “Doesn't he feel like a father when he says that?"
Crockta laughed. His father passed away but memories from his childhood still remained. He never resented his parents. In life, how many people had the strength to look straight at themselves?
“That's right."
Now it was Tiyo's turn to receive advice from Galadin. However, Tiyo disliked this and refused his advice. An angry Galadiin wielded his sword. Tiyo ran away.
"Stop dot! I understand! I understand dot!"
“This guy! Listen to the adults!"
“I am an adult dot!"
“If you are an adult, listen to a real adult!"
“I am a gnome! General, General!"
"General? Shoot it once!"
"Kiyak!"
Tiyo screamed as he ran away from Galadin's wooden sword. Crockta and Vigo burst out laughing as they saw it.
"Phew. Truly."
The still embarrassed Anor was fanning himself as he walked towards Crockta.
“We have to watch you for you to grow. Isn't it?"
"……"
"……"
"…Excuse me?"
Vigo and Crockta stared at Anor, mimicking Galadin and Tiyo from earlier.
Anor blushed. “No, now…"
They diligently gazed at Anor's face. Anor was embarrassed and covered his face. “Don't do it! Ah!"
Anor's face turned bright red as he ran somewhere else.
“Anor Brother is both handsome and cute. The females will like him."
“Kulkulkul."
It was enjoyable. Alaste was a vibrant city filled with laughter. Whether it was the nature of the people or the richness of the natural environment, they seemed to enjoy each moment. Of course, it wasn't just due to material reasons that laughter was gradually disappearing from the prosperous modern age compared to Elder Lord.
"Vigo. You were right."
“What do you mean?”"
“Alaste is a wonderful place."
“Of course. I don't lie! Hahahat! Viva Alaste!"
"Kulkulkul!"
In a matter of days, Crockta had explored all over Alaste. Every time he walked through a city, Crockta felt fear towards him, whether it was because he was an orc or his frightening appearance. In fact, he wasn't a real orc but a human being wearing the shell of an orc. However, there were still negative prejudices towards his shell.
But Alaste was different. The children came to play with Crockta while merchants added orc goods. He felt like a welcomed guest.
"Brother. Now you know. Why I kept hanging onto you, despite it being the first time we met." Vigo placed a hand on Crockta's shoulder and gazed into the distance. “The kingdom and Adandator is trying to destroy such a beautiful place."
Once incorporated into the kingdom, this landscape would disappear. The citizens would suffer under heavy taxes and young people would be conscripted for war. The lands under the kingdom's reign were already going through this process.
Crockta nodded. “I heard that Adandator is a handsome, young man.
"Yes. His face is famous."
“Then I'll beat him up and make him look worse than me!"
Crockta shouted. It was Crockta's declaration that he would protect Alaste with his best efforts!
But Vigo wasn't very impressed by the remark. “No matter how much you hit him, it will be difficult…"
"……"
Crockta's face stiffened. Vigo hurriedly changed his words.
"Ah, no. I believe in Brother!"
"It is okay. I'll fight in the duel…"
“What are you talking about? Brother's face is better than his. Really! I'm not lying!"
***
The Elder Lord community had recently heated up because of a new topic. And the one at the heart of the topic was the Heaven and Earth Clan.
[Author: Yellow Alaste]
[Title: Announcing the negotiations between those who love Alaste and the Heaven and Earth Clan.]
[Hello. I am a native of Alaste, Yellow who loves Alaste.
The human kingdom is expanding its forces in recent years. The Alaste that I love is in crisis but most users don't know exactly what is happening. The kingdom and Alaste have decided to settle their fighting in a one-on-one duel through their respective representatives.
We can settle this without having to fight against each other.
If the kingdom wins, Alaste will be incorporated into the kingdom. If Alaste wins, it will remain independent as a neutral city and the kingdom won't invade Alaste in the future.
In fact, the possibility of us winning is low. Even though we have Grandmaster Galadin, the kingdom has the famous Adandator. However, the users who love Alaste are eager for a miracle to happen.
Anyway, the reason I am writing this is to plead with the Heaven and Earth Clan. There are users who regard NPCs as consumables, mere artificial intelligence and doesn't feel any remorse. The Heaven and Earth Clan especially has such tendencies.
So we are worried that even if Galadin and Alaste wins, the Heaven and Earth Clan will ignore the existing negotiations and hit Alaste. Users often do this, not just the Heaven and Earth Clan. People will know this. But we are users who love Alaste, and we hope that the users, including the Heaven and Earth Clan, will accept the result.
Therefore, we have asked the Heaven and Earth Clan to sign a memorandum stating that they will comply with the agreement between Alaste and the kingdom. Heaven and Earth's clan master Choi Hansung has agreed.
This is the actual memorandum.
(Screenshot)
I am posting this here because I hope that all users who enjoy Elder Lord will be the notaries of this memorandum.
We don't want Elder Lord to be ruined by a reckless war.
If there are hundreds of users, there are hundreds of ways to play. I fell in love with Alaste from the first moment I saw it. Alaste is a really beautiful place. I used to always brag about it and I am still proud.
If Alaste is defeated, I will probably disappear from this forum. I will also delete my character. There is no reason to play. If there are people who want to continue seeing it like me, please pray with us.
I hope for a miracle.
Alaste Lover, Yellow.]
Yellow posted on a famous community board. This article immediately became a hot topic.
The first reason was that the greatest knights in Elder Lord, two grandmasters were having a confrontation. Another reason was that the author was Yellow, a user who managed to become a senior official.
Yellow was the user whose name became famous with an Elder Lord strategy guide. Users who wanted to become civil servants in Elder Lord would regard her guide as a textbook. In addition, she introduced users to the calm lifestyle of Alaste and made many users turn to Alaste.
Her article became a hot topic and thousands of comments had already been posted.
The Heaven and Earth Clan also confirmed her post.
***
"Is it okay?"
Hyunchul, 'Luin' in Elder Lord said. After helping to lure and kill Lenox, he was now an executive in the Heaven and Earth Clan. In addition, using his friendship with the NPCs and Choi Hansung, Keynes went from being the clan master of Thawing Balhae to the vice clan master of Heaven and Earth.
The clan master was 'Rommel' but most of the clan's actions came from Keynes' head.
“There’s nothing to worry about.”
Rommel smiled and drank his wine. This was the clan dwelling in the capital, Esperanza. It was a land they had received directly after gaining the favor of the king. The room they were talking in was luxurious and wasn't lacking when compared to a noble's house. All of this was due to the members of Thawing Balhae who joined Heaven and Earth.
“Do you really think Adandator can be beaten?"
“Indeed…"
“He is a monster. I've talked to Adandator and he is confident that he can beat Galadin. Galadin is old and Adandator has already reached a new level."
“I'm glad that monster isn't our enemy."
“I completely agree. So don’t worry. The woman thinks it will work, but it will end without a problem." Rommel handed the wine glass to Keynes who was sitting silently. Keynes smiled and received it. "Why aren't you saying anything?"
“There is something that bothers me."
Keynes' nerves were sharp after the Maillard branch of the clan collapsed. All of Maillard's members mentioned the NPC called Crockta. Everyone knew that the Thawing Balhae had been destroyed by the Righteous Orc. A coincidence? Or maybe he was chasing after them in the Heaven and Earth Clan.
“Don't worry about it. You are here now."
"Yes."
Keynes nodded. Even so, he couldn't help being worried. Rommel laughed.
“Keynes, you are always worrying."
Luin suddenly said, “Speaking of worrying, what will happen if Adandator is beaten?"
"Um…well, it can't be helped. I actually thought about ignoring it but then that girl made the post."
“Yellow's head is quite good."
“It's a last hurrah. Anyway, Adandator will win. Now, drink."
Rommel, Luin, Keynes, and the other high ranking members of the Heaven and Earth Clan nodded. They raised their cups at the same time and shouted, “Heaven and Earth!"
“War!"
***
A few days later on a sunny day, both the Lord of Alaste and the King of the Kingdom led their knights out on the Gabriel Plains located not too far from Alaste.
It was for the great duel.
This month’s Q&A will take place in approximately 6 hours on the Wuxiaworld’s discord.
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.