Chapter 41: Resolve
The so-called wolf riders. To the orc warriors, this was something like a dream come true.
I decided to train wolf riders for the sake of the orcs' welfare.
The gray wolves followed Mungchi's commands to the letter, so they accepted the orcs without issue and showed no resistance to carrying them. The only minor problem was the subtle rivalry between Mungchi and Kkamangi. Mungchi seemed to think that if the other gray wolves were carrying orcs, he should get to carry me too. But Kkamangi had always been my personal mount, so a quiet tension brewed between them.
I tried riding Mungchi briefly, and while there was a different kind of sway compared to a horse, it wasn't all bad. When smooth, instantaneous agility was needed, Mungchi actually suited better. Since my goal was to become a mage, Kkamangi fit me more overall, but for sword fighting, Mungchi seemed perfect.
To keep them from fighting, I told them, “We'll take turns riding, so don't worry.”
Nyaang?
Hoya looked at me with pity, as if I were pathetic.
“What? What else could I do?”
Hoya shook her head.
I had a feeling I'd just stoked their competitive spirits. But that wasn't so bad. Fostering loyalty through rivalry was one of the best ways to handle subordinates.
I wasn't discriminating against them, though. It was just a pride contest between the two.
“By the way... when the heck do these guys reproduce?”
The orcs had rebuilt their village with huts. Just a few days ago, the female orcs making cloth had been fairly slim, but now they all had bulging bellies. In human terms, they looked about five months pregnant after just a few days.
“Even if the kids grow fast, does that apply to orcs too?”
Growth seemed quick, but aging didn't. Karak looked exactly the same as when I first met him. If that was the case, this place could turn into an orc paradise someday.
“That's kinda scary in its own way.”
More territory folk was good, but infinite breeding? A little frightening.
“We'll watch for now. Kar-dok!”
Krak!
At my call, Kar-dok rode in on his wolf like a soldier, dismounted sharply, and responded.
“Round up some minotaurs. Let's make leather armor for you guys and wolf saddles.”
Krak!
The hunting season had returned. This time, with orc warriors.
***
Just switching from orc to wolf-riding orc transformed their combat power completely.
The orcs handled battle atop wolves like they'd been born to it—you'd never guess they hadn't ridden before. They ditched their crude swords and started picking up the poleaxes dropped by minotaurs—common halberds—and went berserk, outshining any cavalry.
Is this what it feels like to command mounted troops as a lord?
I didn't know where the minotaurs lived, but Kar-dok led the orc warriors to herd them relentlessly. Thanks to that, my level rose by 1, and the orc warriors all hit level 22 evenly.
One fun detail: During hunts, Karak moved with the orc warriors, taking orders from Kar-dok. There was a clear hierarchy.
Still, Karak growing alongside them was hugely encouraging.
We hunted minotaurs for nearly ten hours. The orcs hit level 25, and I reached level 37. Time to call today's hunt done.
“Karak. Process the hides well and get the sewing team to make leather armor. Separate the horns too.”
Krak!
Karak nodded he understood and directed the orcs to carry out my orders faithfully.
Skinned hides needed tanning and processing, which would take time, so I decided to visit my family in the meantime.
“Karak, prep the work properly, manage the farms well, and for the chicken coops—only eat one per day from the ones you're allowed. You know which ones not to touch, right? Don't touch the cows at all. Fodder... is over there, eat as much as you want.”
Krak!
I'd forbidden touching the Brann chicken hybrids with island chickens—they needed more breeding. Even so, the island chickens multiplied daily, so plenty left even if orcs ate one a day. Cows weren't for eating until we hit around 200 heads.
“Next time, we should start milking them.”
The cows were breeding variably. Milking cows were increasing, so mass milk production seemed imminent.
After circling the island once, Hoya and I crossed through the gate.
***
Back home, my parents were out farming. I started cooking with ingredients I'd brought.
Then I heard the door open.
“Mom?”
“Yeah, it's Mom.”
“Wanna die?”
Si-yeon came in giggling.
“Oppa!”
“No, get out.”
“Whoa, ghost much?”
I knew exactly what she'd say—no need to indulge her. There's that saying, right? Raise little sisters like army juniors... Wait, no such saying? Well, I wanted to anyway.
Novels often have sisters dragging protagonists down, so web novel readers riot when one appears. Me? I don't care what comes up. I'm a text addict anyway.
Seeing that made me wonder if she'd drag me down someday.
“If you don't want to, fine.”
“Huh? Why so quick to give up?”
“'Cause I'm your one and only little sister.”
I looked at Si-yeon quietly, then slowly spoke.
“Actually, Si-yeon. It's time I told you. You used to have an older sister. But...”
“What bullshit is that?”
“Doesn't fool you, huh?”
“Fool who?”
“Kids these days got no romance. Tsk tsk.”
Si-yeon said she wasn't fooled, but my story was true. It explained the twelve-year age gap between us. We'd had a little sister who passed at just five.
I'd been heartbroken as her big brother—what about our parents? I stroked Si-yeon's head.
“What? Feels weirdly creepy and sad?”
“That's why sharp kids like you...”
“You watch anime now? You're not an anime guy, oppa.”
“Doesn't it occur to you your silky skin might get deleted if you push?”
“Dear brother, this maiden is foolish.”
“Shut up. Go get Mom and Dad. Time to eat.”
“Okay!”
Si-yeon was always bright. Extra cheery since she was little. That's why she was such a great little sister. A bit rude, sure—but I'd raised her that way. The big age gap meant no formality. She climbed on me sometimes, but never crossed lines. Good enough.
Soon, my parents returned, and we all gathered around the hearty spread I'd made.
“Dig in.”
“What's all this?”
Mom smiled as she spoke.
“Let's eat.”
At Dad's word, we started. My Cooking skill had leveled steadily, so my food was top-notch. Level 5 now—probably tastier than any restaurant.
Our family meals were healthy. Literally—they boosted stats.
After eating, over tea, I brought it up.
“A few days ago, in front of the office...”
I told them about the berserk hunter, and their faces grew serious. Not just the rampage, but the hypnosis hunter erasing memories—that shocked them more. That was the point.
“So this world isn't that safe, huh?”
Dad nailed it.
“Yeah, I think so.”
“So what do you want to say?”
“Let's take a family trip for a real-world week.”
“Family trip?”
Si-yeon reacted.
“Yeah, to an exotic island paradise.”
“Into the gate? Awesome!”
Si-yeon bounced childishly, but it felt forced to lighten the mood.
“Hoya, wanna go to the island with Grandma?”
Mom asked, hugging Hoya.
Nyaang.
Hoya nodded. She understood human speech, not just mine.
“Alright then. Pack your bags.”
Dad immediately prepped to head out.
“Where to?”
“Gotta ask the village head to watch the fields.”
“Ah.”
Unlike cities, country life meant daily chores—you relied on neighbors. Dad would return the favor for the village head. Mutual aid was the local way. He took some health-boosting items I'd brought—no stat boosters, though.
Then Mom called Si-yeon's school about the week-long family trip. They surprisingly approved easily. Wasn't like my school days—dunno.
Si-yeon messaged friends about her trip and packed. Our family headed back to our original home after ages.
On the way, I picked up Seon-woo. He didn't complain at all about closing shop for a week and joined us. Then we all crossed the gate.
***
Krak!
Karak panicked seeing my family and Seon-woo but deserved credit for not drawing his weapon.
“These are my family, that guy's my friend. Obey them like you obey me.”
Kwak!
Karak bowed in greeting.
“Si-woo, what's this?”
Mom asked, fascinated.
“An orc.”
“Orc? What's that?”
Si-yeon answered Mom's question. Kid skipped studies for games—explanation was spot-on.
“Dude, orcs exist? And it's your subordinate?”
“This is my territory. Orcs are legit residents. Don't call 'em monsters.”
“Like I'd win calling it a monster? One-shot kill. Whoa, check those muscles.”
Dad said nothing, just toured the chicken coops, barns, and fields.
One real-world week. Five weeks here. I'd ensure my family and friend's safety at minimum.
That was my resolve.