Chapter 154 – Cataclysm (3)
Not everyone received a skill like the Flying Heaven Sword Style, but it was obvious that users were starting to become stronger than before. After hearing this news, users who left Elder Lord came back.
People speculated that this was Elder Saga Corporation's attempt at marketing to increase the dominance of Elder Lord. The event seemed to be an extraordinary success.
Elder Lord became boisterous as people played more aggressively in order to gain achievement points.
***
“Should I play again?" Yiyu muttered. However, her friends all shook their heads.
“It is too late to start now, and the result would be the same. You are already doing what you want to do, so there is no need to play the game again."
“I see…"
"Now you need to prepare for the certification. Graduation is soon."
"Hell.."
She was chatting with her friends in a café in front of the school. They wanted to get off the hot streets and into the air conditioned café, hanging out while eating bingsoo. (TL: shaved ice)
"Is your brother well? It seemed like the matter was urgent."
"Yes, it wasn't a big deal. He said to apologize to you."
"There is no need to be sorry, as I got to eat thanks to him. It is the first time I ate such food. Jung Yiyu, isn't your brother a gold spoon?"
“Hey, that was also the first time I had a meal like that."
Ban Taehoon was with them, but he was dozing off in the corner. Apparently, the boys had gathered together and played until extremely early in the morning. Yoon Bora clicked her tongue at his appearance.
“Pathetic guy.”
"…I can hear you." Ban Taehoon replied.
“Your sisters are working so hard while you drink all night."
"I'm graduating so let it go this once."
"You shouldn't live like this."
“I don't like your tone. You sound like a real mother. It is creepy." Ban Taehoon got up. His eyes were hollow. He had washed up so he didn't smell like alcohol, but his movements were uncomfortable. “What is Crockta doing these days?"
“How should I know?”
"You're a member of He's an Orc, yet still Praiseworthy."
“I was so busy that I couldn't…let's see."
Yiyu held out the bowl of bingsoo to Ban Taehoon and said, "Eat some."
“That's okay…I will die…"
"Tsk tsk. It is better than drinking alcohol."
“Is it up to you?"
They smiled, enjoying the first leisure time they had in awhile.
Yoon Bora was manipulating her phone and mounted it on an LCD holder. Both Yiyu and Ban Taehoon looked at it.
"What is it?"
“Bora?"
It was a live channel. As soon as she hit the button, the video was played. In Elder Lord, there were a lot of users in a region, so big battles and issues were usually broadcasted in real time. This was one such relay channel. However, this time there was the name, 'Crockta' in the title.
On the screen, Crockta was fighting against knights. Recently, an emperor had emerged in the south and was conducting a war. At the forefront was the Heaven and Earth Clan. The video didn't contain the Heaven and Earth Clan, but it might be an extension of that battle.
It was a fierce fight. Crockta alone wielded his greatsword against dozens of knights. He defeated the knights, but he couldn't protect all the residents.
–Killing innocent people, how shameful!
–Shut up! It is in the emperor's name!
Crockta and the knights wielded their weapons against each other. Unlike the users who had ambiguous positions in Elder Lord, the NPCs sincerely wielded their weapons at their enemies.
"Is this real?"
"Yes."
In a corner of the screen, the chat history of the viewers was continuously updating. The people who supported Crockta and those who wanted him to die were fighting.
“Crockta won't die, right?"
"He is a monster. He can't die. It is the other people that are the problem," Ban Taehoon said. His words were correct. While Crockta was stronger than the knights, he couldn't protect the entire area alone.
The knights continued to capture and kill the rebellious residents. Crockta tried to save the residents, but he was surrounded by knights.
–You aren't worthy to be called knights!
–We are the emperor's knights.
The knights didn't care. Crockta's sincerity in wanting to save people was passed through the screen towards the viewers. He broke through the encirclement, regardless of any injuries to himself. However, the other knights came back together, forming a thicker encirclement. The angry Crockta fought against them.
"It is strange. These people are fighting seriously."
“I guess it is because they're artificial intelligence."
The users filming the situation suddenly hid themselves. The screen darkened. He seemed to be running from a knight who found his traces. His rough breathing was heard. Then he spoke from the black screen.
–Heok, heok. Since a few days ago, Crockta has been helping residents all over the south. He also hit the Heaven and Earth Clan once. Instead of wasting troops trying to catch Crockta, the emperor is spreading the knights in various directions to stop residents from leaving the empire…
He suddenly became quiet as he hid his body somewhere. He whispered to the viewers watching his broadcast.
–Knights are nearby. What should I do?
His voice paused before continuing.
–This is a junction. If you donate to me now, I will do as you please. Brothers! Sisters! If you go a donation, I will react however you want! Please support me!
It was common for BJs to receive donations that would decide their actions.
As the user declared this, the chat window became noisy as something appeared on the screen. It was an amount. Someone watching the broadcast had spent money. His command was simple.
–Run out to the knights and chant 'I am hard' five times.
The chat was filled with laughter. The BJ groaned as he received the command, but his determination was firm. In the end, the BJ was forced to do it. The entire chat window was filled with laughter and emoticons.
In the end, the video started showing again. The user had turned on the relay. The point of view was changed to third person, showing the user. As the donor instructed, he ran through the bushes towards the knight.
The knights raised their swords at his sudden emergence.
He shouted.
–I am hard! I am hard! I…!
However, before his words could continue, a knight's sword quickly cut off his head. The video ended. The chat window was a sea of laughter.
“This is funny?”
“It isn't funny? Kukuku."
Yiyu couldn't help laughing. Ban Taehoon chuckled.
“People earn a living in their own way."
Yoon Bora turned off the video and grabbed her phone. Then she started eating the bingsoo again. A lot of the ice had already melted.
“Crockta is living a hard life."
“Isn't it dangerous?"
"Perhaps. A named NPC won't die easily. The knights will be killed."
Crockta was acknowledged as the strongest warrior right now in Elder Lord. It was why BJs chased after him. He was so important they would risk danger to film him.
“There are Crockta's videos and the Heaven and Earth Clan videos, so I don't need to connect to play the game."
"What about the Heaven and Earth Clan?"
“They are just burning everything."
The Heaven and Earth Clan also wasn’t idle. The 'cursed army' received the emperor's favor and carried out his orders. The biggest advantage was that soldiers didn't die permanently and Rommel's amazing commanding ability. Rommel’s tactical ability meant that the emperor even gave him troops.
A user leading an army of NPCs was a tremendous achievement in Elder Lord. He used it to carry out the emperor's commands. The achievement points were huge and the rewards would be bigger.
The Heaven and Earth Clan were gradually rushing towards a monopoly.
“Are you going?"
"I am busy. I’ll call you later."
No matter what happened in Elder Lord, the group was having a leisurely afternoon.
***
Crockta was having a busy time without any breaks. He started helping the residents leave the south.
Thanks to the skill 'Gray God’s Eyes', he could see people's death. The south was a land where death prevailed. When he rescued a group of villagers, the alarm was shifted to a village in another area. After saving them, another village was given a day or two. There were passing travelers also destined to die.
He just wanted to close his eyes, but the fate of death caught his tail and led him to another fight.
"Thank you!"
“Go to a safe place."
Crockta once again listened to the gratitude of the farmers that he saved. It wasn't a large group so Crockta could save all of them alone.
"Yes! We will act as if we are dead for the time being. Thank you Crockta!"
If they followed the emperor's coercion, Crockta might've passed them by. However, none of the humans outside the kingdom were willing to follow the emperor. They were already familiar with the fact that they would be war consumables when dragged into the empire
The inhabitants of Elder Lord held a deep-rooted reluctance towards emperors. Their judgment wasn't wrong. There were rumors that those conscripted by the emperor were dying from harsh training.
“Then I will…"
At that moment, Crockta flinched. The Gray God’s Eyes's opened and a new fate caught up with the residents. It was pointing to the foreseeable future. He saved the residents who were destined to die tomorrow. But despite Crockta's actions, death would find them again a week later. He didn't know if the emperor's knights would come back or if it was some other reason, but Crockta only added a few days to their lifespan.
“Be careful.”
It was the only thing Crockta could say. He couldn't become attached to them. He barely stepped away from the farmers who continued to express gratitude. His heart was heavy. The ability that the gray god gave him was pushing him to the edge. Those who were destined to die were everywhere. The emperor was turning the south into a land of death.
But even this agony was a luxury. As long as he fought, he would struggle to do his best. No matter what the results were.
“This way.”
The people of the south, who decided not to follow the emperor, was forming a coalition. They were weak compared to the empire, but they were determined to fight. The coalition reached out to other species.
Tiyo and Anor headed to Espada, the center of the coalition, while Crockta moved quickly on his own. Crockta once again found signs of death in a young man who was searching for help for his village. Crockta heard that the situation was urgent and was told the location.
"Let's go see."
Crockta kicked his horse. The horse started galloping. It had accompanied him on this hard journey. As if it felt Crockta's nervousness, the horse ran at the fastest speed.
He soon encountered a group of users. Crockta stopped. The Heaven and Earth Clan. He moved his hand to the handle of his greatsword. The number was enough to take on his own. But their reaction was unexpected.
“Ah, Crockta!"
"He really is here!"
“Amazing, amazing!"
Crockta noticed quickly. It was an astute insight that grasped the situation in an instant. This was how he became the best agent on the battlefield when he used to be a soldier. They were obviously members of his fanclub, 'He's an Orc, yet still Praiseworthy'.
"What do we do?"
“Get a signature?"
“An NPC doesn't even know what that is!"
Crockta got down from his horse. They panicked as Crockta suddenly approached them. The legendary Crockta was staring at them with deep eyes.
"Who are you?"
It was the voice that they always listened to in videos. None of them could open their mouths. They only saw him in videos, but the Crockta in front of them seemed bigger and fiercer.
Then one person replied, "F-Fan! I really admire Crockta! I came here because I wanted to see you once!"
“Admire…"
Crockta shook his head.
“I don't believe in that admiration."
“It is true…"
“If you really admire me…" Crockta pointed behind them. “Go with me."
These are the extra chapters for the Volare Labour Day event. Thank you for everyone who participated!
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.
Chapter 155 – Mountain Smasher (1)
“……!”
They were baffled by Crockta's suggestion to accompany him.
"Go with you, what…?"
They didn't know whether they liked it or not. Crockta was waging war in the south against the Heaven and Earth Clan. He was busy running off to save another place.
Crockta looked at them before climbing back on his horse. Then he started to move past them.
"Uhh…"
The back view of the increasingly distant Crockta seemed somewhat desolate. Suddenly, the words he spoke seemed meaningful.
'I don't believe in that admiration.'
He was a hero to both users and NPCs. But whether it was the north or south, he was fighting alone. There were countless people who said they admired him, but Crockta was always alone when fighting against enemies.
"Shit…" A silent person grinned. “Looking at that back view…I have no choice but to go?"
"Shaq?"
"I am going."
“But it is dangerous. What if the Heaven and Earth Clan are there? You will die!"
“Hey, didn't you fill out the application form when you joined?" To those who were trying to dissuade him, the man called Shaq asked. "What was your answer to the last question?"
“……!”
The 'He's an Orc, yet still Praiseworthy' fanclub operated on a membership system, but not everyone was qualified to join. When filling out the application form, there was a minimum of personal information as well as one question at the end.
[Do you respect the actions of Righteous Orc Crockta?]
Of course, the answer was 'yes.' Those who didn't answer correctly wouldn't be admitted. That's right. They all respected Crockta.
“Crockta says that he can't believe us, so I have no choice but to show him directly."
“Shaq…"
"I am going."
Shaq started walking after Crockta. The members of 'He's an Orc, yet still Praiseworthy' had come because they had an intense desire to meet Crockta. They never expected a battle.
“Yare yare…" Gilgamesh, who was in love with Japanese anime culture, shook his head. “Looking at that back…doesn't it make you tired…? Kukuk."
He wasn't playing a role now. It was his usual self. He never broke his distinctive tone even when other members criticized him. In other words, he was a man of perseverance.
“Well, those who follow will follow. Today, the 'military power'… will we be able to see it? Kuhuhu…"
He started walking after Shaq. The remaining members looked at each other and sighed.
"It can't be helped."
“Really?"
“We are going…"
Then Gilgamesh suddenly turned around. "Hey. Think well." He laughed and continued. “Right now, this is 'hell.' You rookies."
"……"
The other users, listening quietly, started to walk forward.
“Today I will kill that otaku bastard."
"Put up with it!"
"Aaaah! I’ll kill him!"
“Hey, you!”
In no time, they had caught up with Gilgamesh. Thus, the members of 'He's an Orc, yet still Praiseworthy' plunged into the southern battlefield to help Crockta.
***
Camelot was once a knight, but he had retired and settled in a small town to become a farmer. He was satisfied with his current peaceful life. He had a wise wife and beautiful daughter. Despite not being rich, they had good neighbors. In addition, the rich southern land repaid his sincerity with a lot of crops.
He imagined living here for the rest of his life and thought there would be no happier life if he closed his eyes with his grandchildren around him. But he had to abandon the farm equipment and pick up a weapon.
It was because the emperor appeared.
“I think it would be good to join Espada."
"It is too far. Knights are everywhere."
“It is the same here."
The village was holding a meeting to discuss the future. They had been discussing for a few days about whether they should incorporate into the empire or not.
“Why don't we just join the empire?"
“If we are going to die on the battlefield anyway, let's not die as slaves and resist the emperor!"
“Aye!"
Camelot looked at the meeting that had come to a standstill and recalled the long sword he had left at home. Perhaps the villagers would fail to reach a conclusion until the end and this discussion would continue. Eventually, the imperial forces would come here.
Fortunately, the imperial army couldn't move in an orderly fashion due to the orc called Crockta. They might be able to stop it if a reasonable number of troops came.
“Camelot, you don't have an opinion? You were once a knight."
“I don’t know."
He was serious. He didn't know what the right thing to do was. It didn't seem like any path would resolve it well. The emperor and empire were enemies that were too big. The moment that the discussion was going to start again…
An alarm started ringing.
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
The urgent ringing lifted people to their feet. The village chief instructed a young man to find out what happened. But it was obvious what was happening before he even came out.
“Armed forces!”
"Knights are coming! Get ready everyone!"
The knights of the empire. There were many rumors about knights on horses appearing to occupy villages and drag villagers to become serfs of the empire. But when it came to reality, no one could react properly.
Camelot shouted. "Steady yourself!"
At his words, the residents started to move. They talked about what they should do next.
“Grab your weapons at him then bring the women, children, and seniors back to this place!"
They had to gather. If they were separate, they would be killed by the knights.
"Quickly!"
Camelot shouted before moving first. His house was on the outskirts of the village. It would be one of the knights' first goal. He was worried about his wife and daughter waiting at home, and couldn't stay any longer.
“Dammit!”
The closer he came to his home, the more his uneasy feelings became true. Not far from his house was the flag of the empire. As he crazily ran past them, the horrible scenery was revealed. The knights were carelessly dragging his wife and daughter. They resisted but the knights didn't care, throwing them on the ground.
Flames surged in Camelot's eyes.
"Son of a bitch!"
He rushed with all his power and kicked the knight, who fell from the weighted blow. He was wearing heavy armor so he couldn't get up. Camelot grabbed the knight's sword on the ground and pointed it at the enemy.
"Who?"
“This fellow!”
The knights also threatened Camelot with their swords. Camelot hid his wife behind him and warily looked at the enemies. His daughter was still in the hands of a knight, staring at him with a terrified expression.
“Knights who have no shame."
"We hear that a lot."
The knights laughed. Camelot was desperate. The knights he knew weren't like this, but the south had gone crazy after the emperor's inauguration. There were no knights left who honoured the weak and helped those in crises. Rather, they had become dogs of the emperor, with only the savage, ignorant orc left helping.
Camelot gritted his teeth. "Return my daughter and I will join the empire. I was a knight of the Dietrich family, so I will be more helpful than ordinary farmers."
"You!"
Camelot looked at his family and shook his head. Camelot was desperate. However, the knights mocked him, "Don’t make me laugh. One man is more helpful than two women? I don't think so."
“……!”
Their attitude made them seem more like bandits than knights. One knight asked another knight, “Hey, is he to your taste?"
"No."
“He said that he would be more helpful."
“Maybe that is his taste. Kuhuhu."
"Puhahat."
Camelot gripped the sword tightly. After hearing the knights' words, he was determined to die. He would die today. However, he would take out at least one of them with him. He cursed the emperor and prepared to run.
However, his strong mind didn't last long.
“Hey, drop the sword."
“……!”
A knight was holding a sword to his daughter. "I can tell what you're intending from the look in your eyes, but don't even think about it. Otherwise, I can't guarantee the lives of your daughter and wife behind you."
"……"
“I won't kill them if you surrender. Do you understand? Even if it is miserable, isn't it better than your wife and child being killed here?"
Camelot thought about it and the tip of his sword slowly dropped. He dropped the sword. At the same time, a fist hit him.
"Cough!"
"Honey!"
It was a punch from a knight wearing thick steel gauntlets. A few teeth flew in an instant. Camelot fell to the ground and spat out blood.
“This bastard dared to kick me?" It was the knight that he had first attacked. He kept kicking Camelot. “Hold this bastard tightly."
He commanded another knight to grab Camelot. Then he grabbed his sword and walked towards Camelot's daughter.
“Your daughter will suffer because of your kick."
“What are you doing?”
“Look at what you have done."
"I'll apologize so stop! Stop!"
The sword was pointed towards his daughter's face. Camelot shook like crazy. However, he was held by the knight and couldn't stop it. The knight kicked Camelot and forced him on his knees. The nauseous Camelot lay on the ground.
His blurry vision could see the sword heading towards his daughter's ear. The knight was going to cut off her ear. Camelot used all his strength to try and get up and attack the knight. However, another knight knocked him down again.
The moment that he felt total despair…
There was a huge roar.
Kuaaaaaaang!
A black object jumped from the bushes and struck the knight's face. The knight's neck was torn and his head flew through the air.
“……!”
It happened so abruptly that no one could respond. The body of the headless knight collapsed as blood splattered everywhere. Camelot's daughter closed her eyes and screamed as blood covered her.
“Kyaaaak!”
However, no one else in this place opened their mouths. The 'huge' thing was standing in the middle of them. This…
"Grrrr…"
It was a great tiger the size of a house. The teeth were big and sharp, as if they could chew through an ogre's skin, and the eyes were fierce. There was a package tied to its neck, but no one thought it looked ridiculous.
"W-What?"
"This…"
The tiger's pressure pushed at them. Every time the tiger growled, the low frequency would overwhelm their bodies. But it didn't end with just the tiger.
"What, tiger! Why are you so fast?" The tiger was accompanied by someone. “What is this? Grrung!"
There was an orc that was just as big as the tiger. He scratched his head and nodded as he found the girl trapped by the knights.
"Tsk tsk. Humans can't help themselves! Grrung!"
A knight recoiled at his appearance and stammered out.
"C-Crockta?"
“Crockta? Don't compare me to such a baby! Bah!"
Crockta was the only fearsome orc in the south. Then who was this orc? The orc struck his chest and declared, “My name is Kumarak! Grrung!"
He was 'Mountain Smasher' Kumarak.
These are the extra chapters for the Volare Labour Day event. Thank you for everyone who participated!
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.