Chapter 172: To the East
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 172: To the East
“What will you all do?”
“We are still deliberating… Three years… It’s a bit long, but considering the humans we met during the Warrior’s Exam, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea to build up our strength…”
“I don’t understand why we must wait another three years after passing the test of Strength, Wisdom, and Honor.”
“Protecting our clan members is more important, Apachi. We only managed to overcome it because we were together. No, to be precise, we didn’t even overcome it. It’s shameful, but it would be more accurate to say we fought to a draw.”
“I am already strong, Crugar!”
After receiving a fervent welcome, those who had completed the test of Strength, Wisdom, and Honor gathered in their assigned tents to talk. The idea of waiting three years before they could raise their own banners was incomprehensible at first, but in a world like this, it was an appealing prospect.
Of course, the hot-tempered Orc, Apachi, didn’t seem to think so, but Crugar, the more thoughtful Orc shaman, did.
Looking around, Crugar saw that the other chieftains also seemed to find the idea favorable, and he smiled to himself.
“In that case, Crugar, which settlement will you choose? There are many options, and we’ve heard all sorts of explanations, but now that we have to actually choose, it’s a bit of a dilemma.”
“First, I’ll give you a broad overview. As you all know, there are the East, West, South, and North. In the center, there are plains and jungles, but the plains are closer to the West, and the jungle is closer to the East. The Great Tribe Leader resides in the glorious lands of the South, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other influential chieftains rooted there.
Among them, there are four major clans in the South. The first is the southern Orcs, the Sand Glave Clan. I heard their settlement is somewhere in the desert, and not only are all their members excellent warriors, but they do not fear death. However, the southern Orcs are currently in charge of the Green Skins who arrived before us, so I doubt we can choose them this time.”
“Hmm… That’s a shame.”
“Second are the Green Goblin Clan of the West and the Minotaurs of the plains. The Green Goblin Clan isn’t that large, but I’ve heard that the nearby Earth Wave Clan supports them, allowing them to live in balance with the human cities of the West.”
A Kobold raised his hand, curious.
“What about the North?”
“The North is quite unified under the werewolf, White Silver Fang. Their solidarity is strong. If there are any warriors who can withstand the harsh northern environment, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to consider joining them.”
“Hmm…”
“Finally, there is the allied tribe of the East. It’s famous as the land seized by the Demon, Blood Dagger, the Ogre, Goff, and the Troll, Black Spear, who became sworn brothers and defeated the demonic beasts of the East. Black Spear is not an option at the moment, but I believe you all have much to learn from the intelligent Blood Dagger and the powerful Goff. The Big Ogre Clan in the nearby jungle is also one of the clans that always comes up in these discussions.”
As everyone nodded, Crugar slowly spoke again.
“The choice is yours, but I’ve heard that just because a settlement is large doesn’t mean you’ll learn more. In fact, a larger settlement might not have the time to pay you much attention. Choosing a smaller settlement and fighting alongside them to grow together is also a good method.”
“As expected, Crugar is wise. Do you have a clan in mind?”
“I’m thinking of going to the Goff Clan.”
“Oh?”
“To be precise, I have a strong desire to see with my own eyes how the three glorious chieftains who have taken root in the far East live. Except for Black Spear, they’ve only been here for three years. The fact that they built such a force on their own is proof that they possess something different from other Green Skins.”
That was truly what Crugar thought. Of course, the other Green Skins who had endured the three years of patience also exuded a powerful aura. But the champions of the East he had seen yesterday definitely had something different about them.
It wasn’t just the magnitude of their strength. In particular, when Crugar recalled Blood Dagger staring silently at him, an inexplicable chill ran down his spine. The choice was ultimately theirs, but this was also an extension of the exam. Naturally, he couldn’t help but be tense. That was why he had chosen the Goff Clan in his heart. He felt his disposition might actually align better with Blood Dagger, but for some reason, he felt uneasy.
“If that is Crugar’s thought, then I, Apachi, will choose the Blood Dagger Clan. Hmph.”
“You must think this through carefully, Apachi. Following me is not the answer.”
“Who said I was following you? I have no intention of becoming true brothers with you, Crugar. I simply wish to test the man named Blood Dagger. Three years of waiting is by no means a short time.”
Crugar clutched his aching head. Apachi was strong and belligerent, but his problem had always been that he didn’t know his place. Since there was no particular reason, he probably wouldn’t initiate a sacred duel where they would risk their lives, but Crugar was extremely worried about what would happen if he foolishly challenged Blood Dagger to a duel under the Great Tribe Leader’s banner.
He was concerned that since they would be joining brother clans, the consequences would affect him as well.
“They are strong Green Skins who deserve respect, Apachi. Don’t get any foolish ideas.”
“Hmph. We won’t know who’s better until we face off.”
“Apachi. I have warned you.”
“You are a coward, Crugar. Watch me closely. I am different from you.”
It was a moment he regretted getting entangled with the guy since the Warrior’s Exam. He was incredibly worried that he would do something rash. Judging by his expression, he had already made up his mind and was lost in his own thoughts. Until now, his confidence had produced good results, but Crugar was naturally skeptical whether it would this time.
Clutching his aching head, Crugar prayed.
Please, don’t let him cause any unnecessary trouble.
*
After hearing Black Spear’s startling words, I fell into deep thought. Thinking about it, it really did seem plausible. Storm Shadow having vacated the East meant that we had become the largest power there.
I had expected new Green Skin tribes to arrive, but it seemed the others already considered us a great tribe of the East.
“I’ll be in your care, Blood Dagger.”
“Let’s get along, Goff.”
“If you ever go out hunting, let’s go together.”
Thanks to this, I was able to hear various stories from the other chieftains who had settled in the East. From their perspective, they were just stopping by to pay their respects, but the fact that I could feel their respect for our tribe was a very good thing. I thought Mev would be overjoyed as well.
Come to think of it, the great eastern metropolis ruled by Jang Ye Ri and our settlement were in an unofficial alliance. It didn’t seem like an exaggeration to say that the entire East had fallen into our hands. Of course, I happily shared this news with Goff and Black Spear, and their reactions were very similar to mine.
“Looks like we’ll have more to do from now on. We’re going to be busy.”
“Isn’t it exciting?”
Though he said it like a complaint, seeing Goff and Black Spear smile, seemingly because they felt they had taken another step toward their dream, was quite a pleasant sight for me as well. Overall, the weakening of the East’s military power was a problem, but it was a challenge we would have to overcome in the future.
“By the way, have any of them contacted you separately?” I asked Goff and Black Spear as I walked, just as I usually did.
“No Green Skins have contacted us separately, but since we’ve become quite famous, there were many who sent us subtle glances.”
“Hmm…”
“Given the circumstances, the ones we take in this time are also important, Goff. Little Finger, who I’m in charge of, is adapting well, but there are others who aren’t… It’s especially crucial since humans are also living in the Brother’s Land. If there are any Green Skins who are too assertive or cause trouble, we must establish discipline.”
Black Spear was right. While we were liberal about matters concerning the tribe, we needed to be much more careful now that we had taken in humans as clan members. It seemed there were quite a few belligerent types among this new batch, and I was hoping for quiet ones rather than troublemakers.
The Green Goblin seemed to be praying that at least one would fall into his lap this time, as his clan was strangely unpopular, but for some reason, I had a feeling he would come up empty-handed again.
It was then, as I continued my stroll, that it happened. Other chieftains and Green Skins were sitting around their tents talking amongst themselves when the surroundings began to get quite noisy. The newcomers were heading somewhere in a group.
Of course, there were some who didn’t show themselves, but seeing the ones moving about so actively, their adaptability seemed impressive. It didn’t look bad.
The place the group arrived at was, unexpectedly, where I was. I saw the Orc at the front look at me and open his mouth.
“Krrrr… Strength, Wisdom, and Honor.”
“Strength, Wisdom, and Honor…”
It seemed he had some business with me. The way he was staring at me, breathing heavily through his nose as if excited, looked for all the world like he was about to enter battle. The ones behind him were watching the Orc in the lead with expressions full of anticipation. I could naturally tell that he was their leader.
“I am Apachi. Blood Dagger, warrior who has lost his honor.”
“What is it?”
“I’ll get straight to the point, Blood Dagger. I wish to spend the three years of waiting under you.”
“Hmm…”
I didn’t particularly like the guy, but the thought that at least someone had chosen me made me think it was alright. As I observed him carefully, I saw traces of diligent training. His muscles were quite swollen, and he seemed to be a similar type to Goff—a warrior who enjoyed battle but knew how to fight cleverly. Not the best, but a decent second choice.
Even Goff was looking at me with envy. I chuckled a little, but for now, I nodded at the Orc.
“The selection is tomorrow.”
“I am aware of that, Blood Dagger. I have already decided to choose you, but I have only heard many stories about you; I do not know you at all. I already know that you are the warrior who established a great land in the East. However, I too am a warrior. I do not necessarily think I am beneath you. What do you say? Will you not clash with me once under the Great Tribe Leader’s banner?”
“…”
Fucking lunatic.
His statement made me retract all my previous assessments. This was exactly the kind of guy I absolutely did not want in our clan, my number one person to watch out for. The clan members and chieftains following him were all looking at me with such excited and expectant expressions, as if this was the most interesting thing in the world.
“It’s Apachi! Apachi has requested to clash with Blood Dagger under the Great Tribe Leader’s banner!”
“Apachi is truly strong!”
“Woooooah!”
The murmuring grew louder. I glanced around and saw that even Goff and Black Spear were staring at the Orc named Apachi with utter disbelief. The difference in our strength was obvious to anyone. Just by looking at the experience or the magic power flowing from an opponent, he should have known that his chances of beating me were nonexistent. Even Gark, who was standing behind me holding the Blood Dagger banner, was staring blankly at this absurd situation.
“For Blood Dagger! You are not worthy, Apachi! I, Half Blade, will face you!”
“How dare you seek to test Blood Dagger!”
Hark also looked extremely agitated. If Apachi hadn’t held the position of chieftain, it looked like they would have beaten him to a pulp and thrown him out. But the Orc’s expression was quite arrogant.
“Hmph! This is a conversation between chieftains. What ill-mannered clan members! Is this not disrespectful to your chieftain?”
That last remark confirmed it. This guy wasn’t just crazy. He was completely and utterly insane. He was the craziest Green Skin I had ever seen in my life. The remark was like a newly commissioned second lieutenant dismissing two sergeant majors at once. When I stared blankly for a moment, he, with an air of utter confidence, ignored Gark and Hark and spoke to me once more.
“I have not yet heard your answer, Blood Dagger. What do you say?”
With the unexpected commotion in the Land of Glory, all eyes were on me. The other chieftains of the East, and even chieftains from other regions, were watching this ridiculous disturbance, and my face flushed for no reason.
I had never tried to appear like a pushover, but it seemed that’s how I looked in the eyes of the newcomers. It was utterly baffling. Among the newcomers, only one person looked anxious. There was at least one with some sense, but all the others seemed to be pinning their hopes on Apachi for some reason.
“Well… this is…”
“If you wish to avoid it, you may. Oh, Blood Dagger.”
Just when the chaotic atmosphere in the Land of Glory was finally settling down, the appearance of an unexpected mad Orc couldn’t help but displease me. I pressed a hand to my forehead and slowly spoke to those around me.
“Bring the Great Tribe Leader’s banner.”
It meant I accepted his proposal. Naturally, the atmosphere heated up.
“Blood Dagger and Apachi are fighting under the Great Tribe Leader’s banner!”
“Apachi is a valiant warrior!”
“He was a warrior who knew no fear even in the Warrior’s Exam.”
I decided I would make sure he learned what that fear was today. Amidst the noisy atmosphere, others must have heard the rumors, as they were craning their necks to watch. What had been an empty clearing with only a few people was now packed tight with other Green Skins.
“The Great Tribe Leader’s banner is here!”
There was no turning back now. The banner symbolizing Strength, Wisdom, and Honor slowly approached, and eventually, even the Green Skins directly under the Great Tribe Leader, who resolved such disputes, made their appearance.
“Killing is forbidden in a fight under the banner. The honorable Green Skin Apachi has proposed a fight under the banner. The fight will continue until one is unable to battle. Do both chieftains agree?”
“I agree.”
“I agree as well.”
A circle formed naturally. Countless Green Skins began to watch us, and I looked at him and smiled viciously.
A newborn pup doesn’t know to fear a tiger. As a welcoming ceremony to the continent, I would give him a memory he would never forget. That’s what I thought.
An unforgettable lesson. I began to feel a strange sense of excitement at the thought of slowly showing him a real education, not just a simple release of anger, for a very, very long time.
“Then, let the fight begin.”
The moment it started, I used my ability to change the large glaive he was holding into a dagger.
“Let the lesson begin.”
It was only natural that his face would be painted with bewilderment. I hefted the large glaive, and the curtain rose on a suddenly spectacular welcoming ceremony.