Chapter 70
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Ogre Raid
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We arrived at the assembly point.
The assembly point was a large clearing on the mountain. In the center stood a dilapidated watchtower, and they said it was something like an abandoned outpost now. Old crates and traces of campfires were scattered around, truly looking like remnants left behind after soldiers had departed.
I dragged over one of the crates roughly and sat on it. Cloudy sat down beside me as well. I leaned my head on her shoulder.
"Looks like we just wait here."
As time passed, adventurers began gathering one after another. They too found spots around and sat to rest. When their numbers swelled to about the size of two platoons, a man properly dressed in armor shouted out.
"I'm calling roll now! I won't take responsibility for any issues caused by your mistakes! Everyone, gather over here!"
At his words, the adventurers moved to gather in front of him.
"When I call your name, respond loudly and then go stand by the watchtower! I'll count you off! Alright, responding as I call! E-rank Melta! E-rank Burter!"
As the man called names, people responded loudly from various spots and moved toward the watchtower. The armored man checked their numbers and appearances. Roll call continued for a while. Some didn't show up when called, and others arrived late to the assembly point.
"E-rank Katt! E-rank Cloudy!"
Finally, we were called. Cloudy and I responded and headed to the watchtower. He confirmed us and called the next name.
The process continued like that.
Looking at the people lined up on both sides and behind, even against an ogre, it seemed hard to avoid becoming mincemeat. No matter how thick their hides, unless they were steel, blades would still pierce them. At least, that was my thinking.
Still, more than that, Cloudy drew my attention. Many adventurers were sneaking glances at her. Even with her hood up, she couldn't hide her innate beauty. I placed my hand on her waist.
"Look only at me."
"...Yeah."
Cloudy was mine. I pulled her firmly toward me. I had to show those around that she had me, to prevent any mishaps like before. Good, time to show some male pride.
A clear fragrance wafted from Cloudy's body. Breathing it in seemed to clear my head a bit. With that refreshed mind, I sketched out a plan. The ogre would be huge and fast, so we'd have to adapt on the fly.
"E-rank Kobson!"
"Here!"
Then Kobson was called. I looked over. It was the Kobson I knew. I waved at him as he approached the watchtower. He spotted me and came running.
"Hey! Over here!"
"Oh, Barbarian. You got here first... But what's this? Can I join in?"
Kobson, who had been running over, hesitated upon seeing Cloudy in my arms. Surprisingly principled, he seemed reluctant to intrude on a couple.
"Why not?"
"Alright then. Anyway, listen up, Barbarian. Seems a few D- and C-ranks joined the subjugation team too. Word is, there's a 1-gold bounty for whoever lands the killing blow on the ogre. They're probably here for that."
"Yeah? I'm not really expecting anything."
With those guys around, I had no shot. Cloudy might go for it, but just because she could didn't mean I could.
"Still, wouldn't hurt to try for it. If the three of us team up, we'll surely get a chance."
"Maybe..."
Well, if it worked out.
For now, once we saw the ogre and gauged it, we'd go for it if feasible; otherwise, we'd play it safe and pick our moments. I asked Cloudy.
"Cloudy. Think we can do it?"
"I'm confident. But C-rank? Curious what the Adventurer's Guild C-ranks are capable of."
"Ten times weaker than you. I guarantee it."
"Really? Kinda anticlimactic."
C-rank, huh. C-rank adventurers were definitely strong for real.
But having seen their strength firsthand, I could assert Cloudy was several times stronger. Remember William during the cockatrice subjugation? He was strong, but nothing compared to Cloudy. Her speed was literally "invisible."
"By my standards, C-rank is seriously strong..."
Well... thinking back then, Winia was there too.
She was a powerful mage.
Owner of magic that could roast a cockatrice in an instant. If that's C-rank level, then Cloudy was at least A-rank.
No, even A-rank felt too low? Truth is, I'd never really seen anyone above C-rank in action. Once you get that strong, you quit adventuring for something else. With accumulated experience and trust, you switch careers.
"Huh?"
Wait a minute.
A few C-ranks mixed in?
A ominous thought struck me.
—Winia.
Suddenly, goosebumps erupted all over my body. Thinking of Winia triggered it reflexively. Anxiety surged. My heart pounded like I'd been caught lying.
I tried to push away the bad thought, but like a balloon filling with wind, it only grew larger. Ominously, forebodingly, swelling to burst... The balloon grew, and balloons burst eventually.
No way.
No way, right?
The world's so vast—odds of running into her here again? But last time she came for the cockatrice too. So maybe she rushed here on the ogre rumors?
No... no chance... Calm down, Kim Geun-tae. The ogre showed up days ago—would Winia come here? It's been five days today. Logically, timing's off... Or maybe not? Anyway, no need to worry. Winia coming here? Ridiculous.
And then the armored man shouted.
"C-rank Mage Winia!"
"Here!"
—Thunderbolt from a clear sky!
What?
For a moment, I doubted my ears.
My whole body stiffened. A chill like a hole punched in my chest swept over me, sweat beading on my forehead. I didn't have the guts to look that way. Had to be a namesake. Definitely. Something's wrong. A mix-up. I must've misheard. I walk around with crap in my ears all the time, so yeah.
But unlike my rationalizations, my body was honest.
As I trembled, Cloudy asked.
"Katt...? What's wrong? You hurt?"
"N-no, n-noth-noth..."
In panic, I buried my face between Cloudy's breasts to hide. Hers were surprisingly ample—plenty to conceal an adult man like me... No, wait. Fear was messing with my head. Screwed.
"Ah! That tickles my chest! S-stop, not here... Everyone's staring! Th-that stuff's for when we're alone... I'll do it plenty then, ah...!"
Winia was that terrifying a monster to me.
Hadn't I fled Krasheim like a coward back then? If spotted here, she might grill me on why I ran and try to kill me. Her magic would turn me to ash instantly, no doubt.
Painful memories flashed through my mind. Oh god, can't breathe, save me please.
"Hoo, haa... haa..."
"Eek...! Huh? Katt? Wait, you're shaking?"
Then Kobson, oblivious, yelled.
"No way, Lady Winia! Nice to see you!"
I jerked out from Cloudy's cleavage in horror. I wanted to smash Kobson's face in right then. But too late. He kept yelling.
"Huh? Who're you?"
Winia approached.
Her voice confirmed it was her. My body shook.
"Kobson! The one who was with you during the cockatrice subjugation!"
"Ah, right. I remember. That time with the blacky and th—"
Her words halted.
"—Huh?"
Our eyes met.
For an instant, delight flickered on Winia's face.
Wh-what? Is it okay?
I tried to say something with trembling lips.
"Bl-blacky!"
But Winia's face twisted into a demonic rage in a flash. A shrill scream escaped me.
"Eek!"
"Y-you bastard! Where the hell have you been, ditching me like that...! I searched so mu—huh?"
Winia drew her staff and strode over.
I quickly ducked behind Cloudy, hugging her waist to hide.
"C-Cloudy-sis!"
"Kyaa! K-Katt? My lower back's... sensitive! Tickles!"
"Help me out!!"
—Tap.
I peeked up at Winia.
She stared at my face with a somehow deflated expression.
Trembling in terror, I hugged Cloudy's waist tighter.
"...Who's that woman."
Winia suddenly glared at me and said. That woman?
Those words snapped me back.
Right!
I had Cloudy!
What do you think, you crazy bitch! My bodyguard! You're done for now, you fucking cunt!
Fear had paralyzed my brain moments ago, but I had Cloudy. She could beat Winia like a ragdoll!
"Blacky, ignoring me? Who's that woman?!"
She brazenly pushed again. I looked up at Cloudy. She eyed me and Winia alternately, then spoke.
"Oh ho. Is that how it is?"
Cloudy smirked slyly, pulled me out like extracting a possession, and scooped me into her arms. I ended up naturally embraced by her.
"Makes sense—a fine man like you would attract women."
Then Cloudy leaned in to kiss me.
—Mmph?!
H-here? I tried to pull away, but she restrained me with strong arms and kissed me savagely. Her tongue plunged deep, intensely. Pleasure twisted my body.
"Bl-blacky?!"
—Smack, slurp. Smooch, smooch-slurp!
She sucked noisily, blatantly. Felt like my soul was being yanked out through my mouth. After a long kiss, Cloudy pulled back. She looked at Winia and declared.
"This one's mine."
"......!!! "
With a melted face, I panted hot breaths while glancing at Winia. My body was limp. Drained of essence by Cloudy, I could barely stand, leaning on her.
Winia's face flushed crimson, and she spun away abruptly.
"Y-you idiot! Blacky idiot! Fucking moron!"
Winia cursed me out and fled like she was running away.
I watched the scene in a daze.
What just happened? Did the power of love chase off the monster?
Hey hey, the power of love is mighty!
Intense euphoria surged.
"...Katt. You know that girl?"
Cloudy asked.
I nodded faintly.
"You seemed scared of her."
"She's a mage... Got put through a lot by her before."
"A lot?"
I recalled the past. Horrific memories. I shared them with Cloudy.
"Yeah. Suffered tremendous pain. She took a ton of my money too. Against normal foes, I'd fight back, but being a mage, I just kept taking it."
"Heh, I see?"
Cloudy caressed my face with both hands.
"Then I'll protect you now—no worries."
"..."
"I love you, love you... Katt..."
Breathing hotly, she kissed me again.
I, Katt, could only swear that my ownership had transferred to Cloudy.