Chapter 181 – Slayer Maker (1)
Crockta informed Guardi, the leader of Katalu, and quietly escaped the city. It was to get rid of the fans and users following them.
"It is like going back to the beginning."
"Huhu, I think so as well dot."
Crockta headed north to find the Temple of the Fallen God, while Tiyo wanted to find his father. It was the beginning of destiny. He'd met Anor there, fought the great chieftain, and eventually conquered the north. Next was the south. He'd met an Alaste knight there and learned about the empire's ambitions. Then he rescued the city from an army.
They had been through many things. Now, they were heading on a new path. Their goal was the west. It contained the magnificent Orcrox and Basque, as well as the mountain cities of the orcs. There were a wide variety of orcs present in unknown territory on the continent. Beyond that was Geherad.
Geherad was the ancient word for 'last fire.'
"The last fire, is it an incredibly hot place dot?"
"Tsk. Think about it. It would be something figurative."
"What do you think when you hear last fire dot? Heat!"
"Not that. Um… passion? A place where passionate people live?"
***
They walked for a long time after leaving Katalu. After heading north-east from Katalu, a great forest appeared. From there, it was a long march to Geherad.
"I see it."
There was a small village at the entrance of the forest. It was commonly known as the 'resting area.'
"Be careful. I heard rumors that the prices are expensive dot."
"It's okay. Crockta is rich."
"Indeed, there is a saying that a friend's money is our money dot."
"…It is the first time I've heard that."
The great forest was a rough place. However, there were adventures, treasures, and magic hidden throughout. There was also a city like Geherad, where mysterious species lived. That's why adventurers who wanted to enter the forest stayed at this village for a while. They could gain equipment, information, and companions from the village. The great forest was a tough place, so it was advantageous to have as many people as possible.
There were adventurers shaking placards at the entrance of the village.
[Recruiting people to explore Darunen Dungeon.]
[Looking for people to hunt trolls.]
[Looking for an adventurer to accompany me to Seoru Academy.]
[Looking for people with courage.]
They were all gathering people. Many showed interest in Crockta's party. There was a dignified orc warrior, a gnome with a mysterious artifact, and an unknown hooded person, who gave off dark energy. They seemed strong and skillful. The adventurers waved their placards towards the party with eager eyes. Everyone was preparing to enter the forest for various purposes.
Crockta's party didn't respond and headed straight into the village. There were inns, restaurants, and equipment stores all over. Houses for residential purposes were rare. In other words, most of the villagers were wanderers.
"We will stay the day and head off tomorrow."
"Good dot."
They didn't need another party member, so they headed straight to an inn. It cost a lot to stay for just one day. Then at that moment…
A man holding a placard was staring at them from the entrance to the inn. A bearded dwarf. He looked at Tiyo, who was a similar height to him, and then at Anor and Crockta. Then he moved his placard closer.
[Geherad.]
There was only a brief description of his destination. He was already confident they were going to the same place after hearing the conversation that went on within Crockta's group. However, his shabby appearance didn't fit that of a dwarf.
Tiyo and Anor shook their heads, while Crockta avoided eye contact. They ignored him and tried to enter the inn. Then the dwarf opened his mouth to say,
"Going to Geherad will be useless."
Crockta's party stopped walking.
The dwarf said, "The one you are looking for isn't there."
Crockta looked at the dwarf. He seemed to already know the purpose of Crockta's group. Perhaps he knew about Hedor.
Crockta asked, "What are you talking about? Do you know Hedor?"
"Hedor?" The dwarf was confused. "It is the first time I've heard that name. I don't know who he is, but he won't be enough."
The momentary conversation paused. What was the dwarf talking about? Crockta's group looked at each other. Something was strange.
Crockta spoke again, "You said that you know why we are going to Geherad…"
"Of course."
"What do you think the reason is?"
"Um…?" The dwarf seemed to have noticed something was strange as he pointed to Crockta. "Aren't you going to fix that?"
"What are you talking about? Fix?"
"You are heading to Geherad without knowing anything?" The dwarf sighed. "Foolish warrior!"
"What are you saying? Please explain."
Tiyo tugged at Crockta and Anor's sleeves.
"Ignore him dot. He is just a weird dwarf, a crazy dwarf."
"My mind is fine, gnome with an undignified expression!"
"What dot! Crazy dwarf!"
Anor gently stopped Tiyo. The dwarf sighed, "You really don't know anything. Warrior. Listen carefully." He pointed to Ogre Slayer on Crockta's back. "Your weapon is on the brink of breaking."
"……!”
Crockta's eyes widened. Then he reflexively grabbed the handle of Ogre Slayer. It felt heavy in his hands. That dwarf said that Ogre Slayer was on the verge of breaking down. There was a problem with the work of the Golden Anvil Clan? Crockta couldn't believe it.
"You are a great warrior. I can feel it. You might've become stronger through many battlefields, but the sword has continued to be damaged."
He had a point. Ever since Crockta received this as a gift from Thompson in Anail, he hadn't changed weapons even once. In the meantime, he had dealt with countless monsters and enemies. A conventional weapon would've already been destroyed. However, Crockta had always taken care of Ogre Slayer and brought it to blacksmiths. Yet a shabby dwarf was saying this to him out of nowhere, so he couldn't accept it.
"I entrusted it to a blacksmith every time a fight ended."
"Yes, you left it to a blacksmith. That is the problem."
"How come?"
"An ordinary blacksmith can't handle Ogre Slayer."
"……!"
Crockta's eyes widened. This dwarf knew that the greatsword was named Ogre Slayer.
"Who are you?"
Crockta held Ogre Slayer. The dwarf nodded fearlessly at the blade which Crockta held. There was a faint smile on his face.
"I am a craftsman of the Golden Anvil Clan, Zakiro."
He was a member of the Golden Anvil Clan. However, this wasn't the end.
"I am the one who created Ogre Slayer, the Slayer Maker."
***
"Your Majesty. This divine message is strange."
Duke Christian said. He was the one who had caused the emperor to become close to the Heaven and Earth Clan. He was also the one with the greatest power in the empire, maybe even more than the emperor. The kingdom could become an empire due to Duke Christian manipulating it from behind.
After the Heaven and Earth Clan disappeared, Duke Christian rarely left his estate. However, he came to Akantor after hearing news about the divine message.
"Please think carefully."
"I followed your cautious words and lost most of the troops." Akantor said sarcastically.
However, Christian wasn't agitated. "It was Your Majesty's choice to strike Crockta."
"Are you really saying that?"
"Isn't it?"
Christian shot back. Emperor Akantor… The only person able to question him was Duke Christian.
Akantor's lips twisted as he smiled, "Yes, let's say that."
"I believe you understand my point."
"So, I should refuse the temples."
"The empire isn't a place ruled by the gods. It is only Your Majesty who can decide on war."
"You speak well."
"I have always been loyal. Please listen to me, Your Majesty."
"So, what is wrong with this? I don't know about matters regarding the gods. But this is an opportunity to get rid of Crockta who insulted the empire, as well as the dirty orcs. Does the duke think otherwise?"
Christian closed his eyes.
Of course, it was a tempting offer. In addition to the empire, all the species on the continent, including the elves and dwarves, had received this divine message. If they joined together, they could destroy the orcs without much damage. If Crockta was killed, the empire's fallen honor would be rebuilt. However, they needed to be careful.
"Mogsulin was at the fight on the plains."
"I heard he was watching from a distance."
Mogsulin was the magician who had stopped Crockta and saved Keynes. He was the genius who was the most powerful magician in the empire, and Duke Christian's most beloved follower.
"He can borrow the power of the gods. Therefore, he has a great deal of knowledge about the gods."
"A magician who can borrow the power of the gods?"
"He has the ability to interact with them. Anyway, he felt something at that time and learned that the gods were watching Crockta."
Mogsulin had sensed a power that shouldn't be present in Crockta.
"That is why the gods are trying to kill Crockta and the orcs."
"What is that power?"
"The power of the fallen god."
"It is the first time I've heard of it."
"It is dangerous. We must be cautious as long as the power of the fallen god is involved. She is the worst being who drove the world to the brink of destruction."
Christian gazed at Akantor with serious eyes. Akantor sighed. Christian was the real power of the empire. Simultaneously, he was his mother's brother, or in other words, his uncle. His strength was manipulation, but sometimes he gave sincere advice.
"Then shouldn't we do something before the situation worsens?"
"We will have no obligation to."
"Isn't the world in danger because of Crockta and the orcs?"
"Your Majesty is still pure." Christian laughed. Akantor's face distorted. "It doesn't matter if it is dangerous. The orcs live in the northwest of the continent. The elves, dwarves, and gnomes will receive the damage first."
"……"
"Then when the time comes, the gods will come out in person. They leave troublesome things to the mortals, but once the damage is too large, they will use their power."
Akantor nodded. "The gods… It seems like a distant story."
"They are insignificant. They are merely mighty beings who call themselves gods and follow their own desires."
"So, you're saying we don't need to exhaust our strength and should just watch. If nothing happens, it is good. If the other species are damaged, it is beneficial to us."
"That's right." Christian looked at Akantor with gentle eyes. "Keep this in mind. There is no joint responsibility in this world. A battle is divided between the loser and the winner. In this case, there is no loss from not participating."
"I understand." Akantor nodded.
Once Christian thought the emperor was convinced, he bowed and left the room. Now that Akantor was alone, he rubbed his chin. Christian's words made sense. However, it was clear that Christian had failed to grasp the power of the 'gods.' The gods weren't so convenient to deal with.
Akantor muttered, "I wish it was that easy…"
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.
Chapter 182 – Slayer Maker (2)
Crockta wondered why a member of the Golden Anvil Clan would be standing here like this, but he didn't dare ask. Tiyo released his frustration as he asked, "Then why are you begging here dot?"
“I'm not begging, you gnome son of a bitch!"
“Do you want to experience my fist dot?"
Two short people with a similar height growled at each other. Zakiro was bigger than the gnome, but Tiyo didn't budge one bit. Zakiro stared at Tiyo before looking towards Crockta and saying, “At any rate, Warrior, if you continue to use Ogre Slayer like this, it will break one day."
“……!”
“Since it seems like you have been using it for a long time, it is good to get a new weapon, which is fine."
Crockta looked at Ogre Slayer. It was a weapon that fit his hands. The shape, the center of gravity, the familiar pressure in his hands, everything about Ogre Slayer was the best! But no matter how close it was to him, it was unavoidable if its retirement time was approaching. He was willing to let it go!
Crockta nodded and said, "Thank you. I will get a new weapon."
“New wine should be put in a new bottle."
“I'm envious dot. My General is so strong that I can't change it."
Crockta's group congratulated him. To them, equipment was disposable. Everyone received new and better equipment as time passed. Crockta's heart pounded as he anticipated the new weapon.
“Huhu, let's design a better weapon this time…"
As they tried to enter the inn with bright faces…
Zakiro hurriedly blocked them again as he said, “No, Warrior! That weapon, don't you have any affection for it?"
"……?"
"How can you just throw Ogre Slayer away!"
“A sword is just a sword, what are you talking about? It is reasonable to let it go when the time comes.”
“You shouldn't be like this! Ogre Slayer will be sad!"
“I'm not a pampered person who personifies tools, Zakiro!" Crockta puffed up his chest and proclaimed, “Zakiro, keep this in mind. A weapon is a weapon, people are people! Don't give too much meaning to lifeless things. It is a fleeting impression. A warrior doesn't blame the tool or use it as an excuse."
It was a hard mindset of practical materialism!
“Only those who are weak care about such meaningless superstitions!"
Crockta didn't believe in superstitions. When he was a soldier, he saw many people giving meaning to minor things. They would tremble in fear, saying someone was cursed. This fear was a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading many people to a tragedy. So he didn't believe in such things. A sword was a sword. He only believed in himself during battle!
“Like this…a warrior with no romance…"
"Don't worry. Many of those romantic warriors have already died at my hands, and they met their weapon friends in the afterlife."
"Cough!" Zakiro dropped his head. “My sword is in the hands of such a heartless orc…"
“Kulkul, didn't you hear it from Thompson?"
At the time, Thompson had a deal with the Golden Anvil Clan. Zakiro might be Thompson's friend.
"I make weapons but I don't care who uses them. It is my philosophy."
“Then you didn't know who I was?"
Zakiro looked at Crocka and laughed. “An orc warrior is holding my weapon, that is all I know. I am called the 'Slayer Maker!' There are many warriors who want my sword. I can't afford to remember them one by one."
He appeared to have his own pride as a craftsman.
Crockta nodded, “I see."
It had nothing to do with him.
“Anyway, it was good to meet you. Then I'm going…"
"Wait!"
"Why do you keep blocking me?"
Now Zakiro was very close to the inn's door as he blocked them.
“Anyway, this is the relationship between us so I will accompany you to Geherad."
“We don't need company…"
“Warrior, are you thinking of making your own weapon?" Zakiro looked at him with sad eyes. "I didn't know you were so cold-blooded to have no affection for your weapon. I made the weapon for you and Thompson without any consideration."
“I heard it was in return for saving your life…"
"So! Instead of the production cost! The debt will be cleared if you accompany me to Geherad."
Zakiro was trying to get to Geherad at all cost. Crockta looked at Tiyo and Anor in turn. Tiyo's face was saying 'absolutely not' while Anor had no thoughts.
“Do you know the way to Geherad?" Zakiro asked.
“There is a map."
"A map isn't enough when trying to get through the great forest. You guys don't know anything about Geherad. Do you know why Geherad is called Geherad?"
"I know. It means the last fire."
“What is the last fire?"
“I don't know."
“Look. You don't know anything. I will guide you."
“Hrmm…”
Crockta nodded. He heard there was only one road but due to the danger zones in the forest, it could be hard to find another city. Crockta replied, "I understand. Then tomorrow, meet here…"
“Cough, I should stay here with you today…"
"……"
“The value of your weapon…"
Thus, Crockta was accompanied by Zakiro, the craftsman of the Golden Anvil Clan who made his sword.
***
They left early. The route to Geherad required going through several rough areas. The first thing they encountered were goblins.
"Goblins…"
"Umm…"
Crockta and Tiyo had goblins friends so they looked uncomfortable. The goblins didn't know who their opponent was and were mocking Crockta with their typical sneering faces. One of them showed his ass and laughed.
Crockta held down his rising anger and said, “Hey, goblin friends."
The goblins understood the language to a certain extent, so they listened to Crockta's voice.
“We don't want to fight, so can't you just let us go?"
The goblins looked at each other. They discussed something and nodded. They started talking.
“Kyak kyak! Kyaak!"
One goblin stepped forward. It was the one who laughed at them and shook his ass. He bowed like he was apologizing for his rudeness.
Crockta laughed, "Huhu. It is okay, goblin friend. You are trying to make a living…"
The goblin put his hand in his pocket. Was he planning to give an apology gift? Crockta watched him. The goblin pulled out something from his pocket.
“……!”
He pushed it towards Crockta. It was nothing other than his own middle finger. Against his expectations, it wasn't a gift but an insult! Crockta's face stiffened while the goblins' laugh became louder.
“Kyak kyak kyak! Kyaak!"
“Kiyok kiyak? Kyaak! Kya kya kyak!"
"Kyaak!"
The goblins laughed and pointed towards Crockta. Then they looked around with hateful expressions. Crockta decided to forget about friendship with the goblins. Ogre Slayer shook.
"Kyaaaaak!"
The goblins felt a breeze pass by their cheeks.
Patter.
Then a hot liquid was splattered on their bodies. The goblins, who were pointing at each other and laughing at Crockta, turned their heads with blank faces. A goblin's head and body had been split apart. It was his blood that had splattered.
"Kyaaaaak!"
"Kyaak!"
The goblins stepped back in surprise. The confused goblins started to swing their shabby weapons towards Crockta. But the opponent was Crockta. He dealt with an army of the empire's elite knights alone, so the goblins couldn't hit him.
Every time the greatsword moved, a goblin would fall to the ground. The surroundings soon became filled with blood. An overwhelming slaughter!
"Hoh…"
Zakiro watched from behind and nodded. The warrior was stronger than he thought. He wasn't aware of a warrior's skills since he made weapons all day long in the Golden Anvil Clan's workshop, but this orc warrior clearly had a great talent. Ogre Slayer danced playfully in his hands.
“Not bad.”
It was a strange feeling. His sword was showing its worth in the hands of a great warrior.
His only goal when hammering metal was the finished weapon. He never thought about what his weapons would be used for once they left his possession. He thought that other craftsmen who were strict about the owners were stupid.
But now he could understand to a certain extent. How sad would it be if his sword was in the hands of a fool?
“Beautiful.”
Now Crockta had taken care of most of the goblins. The one remaining goblin trembled as he sat down and bowed to Crockta. Then he bumped his head against the ground, asking for forgiveness.
“Kyaaakyack…"
The goblin left his forehead on the ground as he begged for mercy. The greatsword descended above his head. The goblin's head was cut off.
“That stinger in your mouth won't work."
The goblin's head had a small pipe in it, its favorite stinger.
“These goblins… Kiao is much better dot."
“He is someone who transcended beyond the limits of his species."
Tiyo shook his head as he remembered Kiao, the goblin who used spatiotemporal storm arrows at Gushantimur's lair. Then Crockta spoke to the stupefied dwarf, "Zakiro. Let's keep going."
"Huh? Umm." Zakiro regained his mind.
Anor prayed for the dead. An unknown power flowed from his hands. It was the power of the necromancer to scatter the spirits of the dead.
“Enter nirvana."
Zakiro looked at Anor while moving after Crockta. He thought Anor was a magician or elementalist, but he was a necromancer. It was a class that he didn't often see. A powerful warrior and a necromancer.
“What are you going dot? Keep going!"
And a noisy gnome. It was a strange combination.
***
After repelling the goblins, they soon came across new enemies. This time it was a troll encounter, with three trolls drooling as they surrounded the group.
“Should I show my skills this time dot?"
Tiyo grinned while placing General on his shoulder. It was the appearance of a small gnome walking towards three trolls.
Zakiro glanced at Crockta, "Warrior, is it okay? That gnome…"
“Watch. Kulkul."
Once the fight started, Tiyo fired General indiscriminately. Zakiro thought it was a rifle made of magic engineering, but its shape changed and it emitted a lot of energy. The trolls couldn't get close and were hit by the bullets.
"That is an artifact!"
“It is said to be a dragon's legacy."
“Indeed…”
General was a dragon slayer weapon! The artifact that grew with the user was now exercising the power of its name. Now that Tiyo's strength had increased further, the magic bullets could penetrate the trolls' thick skin.
"Aaaaack!"
“Kuooh!”
They tried to repair the injured areas, but General was currently in the form of Vulcan! The trolls ended up riddled with bullets. Zakiro revised his assessment of Crockta's group. They weren't adventurers but real powerhouses.
This thought reached its climax when the party met a group of ogres.
"Ogres are easy opponents."
The territory of the ogres was often called the tomb of adventurers. They were monstrous and challenging opponents. Adventurers either escaped or die. However, Crockta easily took care of such huge monsters. As the name suggested, he slaughtered the ogres with Ogre Slayer.
The ogres screamed but the result was the same. The forest turned red every time he wielded it. Crockta moved beautifully in the heavy rain of blood, dancing with his sword. It was an organic swordsmanship that combined attack and defense. Not long after that, all the ogres died.
Crockta grinned at Zakiro, "How is it, my skills?"
"……" Zakiro nodded. “Amazing. Really…"
When he first got the blueprints for a really big sword, he wondered if the owner could even deal with an ogre. He made the sword anyway. But he changing his mind after meeting the owner of Ogre Slayer.
He was wrong. Ogres weren't a match for this warrior.
"I did well to follow…"
He formed a fist. He wanted to pound on iron right now.
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.