Chapter 129
Chapter 129
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 129
Chapter Title: King of the Orcs (2)
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Already summer had passed, and Cain rode onward, feeling the fragrance wafting from the reddened autumn fields.
It wasn't quite enough rest, but it would have to do. Thanks to their string of consecutive victories, the soldiers' morale was sky-high.
However, Cain and Morgana's expressions weren't particularly bright. Naturally, it was Cain who spoke first.
"Your Highness... I'm worried about what others might think if we keep traveling like this. It could cause a scandal."
"Who would question a knight escorting royalty? And besides, this is strictly for my safety..."
Her face flushed beet red like a radish, her voice trembling, which immediately undermined any persuasiveness she might have had.
Right now, Morgana was riding with Cain on his dragon horse. In other words, she was practically in his arms.
Of course, from Cain's perspective, this was preferable. It meant he could protect her somehow even in an emergency.
That said, the soldiers and knights were indeed whispering about the blatantly close pair.
"Who would've thought Her Highness the Princess was involved with General Blackguard in that kind of way..."
"Her Highness can't ride a horse, so isn't this just unavoidable for her protection?"
"S-Still, that's a bit..."
"...Let's get straight to the point."
Cain cut to the chase to push aside the mounting headache. Morgana's expression returned to normal at once.
Just seconds ago, she had the vibe of a girl smitten with love... Now she was cold as forged steel.
"Very well. What would you like to know?"
"I want to know the biggest variable."
"For that question, I'd point to the orcs' leader—the Emperor."
Emperor Urdan.
To describe him in one phrase... He was a beast king who had cast aside both responsibility and intellect to seize what he desired.
Unlike the Beast King, who had come to grasp responsibility upon becoming the leader of the Seven Sovereign Beasts, Urdan hadn't even had that turning point.
He lived a life far more bestial than any beast itself. A warrior through and through, for better or worse.
Anyone hearing this far would have one inevitable question. The Beast King versus the Emperor... Who was stronger?
These sorts of matchups usually lacked a clear answer. But Morgana responded decisively.
"By current standards, the Emperor is several times stronger than the Beast King."
"Quite definitive."
"Unlike the Beast King, who chose to live bearing the duties of a king, the Emperor fights solely for his own pleasure, then and now."
In fact, even before Arnold stepped up, it had been the Emperor's role to cull the demonic beasts spilling from the Demon Realm.
In other words, his blade had never even rusted. Though it was more axe than sword, truth be told.
Besides, the Emperor was like a massive sun at their side. Even the average orcs were no pushovers.
And with their numbers so vast, it was downright terrifying. In terms of raw forces, they were nearly legion-scale...
"You're saying a mere tribe can stand against an imperial legion?"
"It's too vast to call a mere tribe. They have over 20,000 orc warriors alone."
"20,000... And each one capable of taking on at least five elite soldiers."
"To match a single orc warrior, you'd need to be at least an Expert."
Cain nodded. He got it—orcs weren't to be underestimated. But then, neither were they.
Especially the current 12th Legion, now bolstered by the wyverns and beastkin who had focused on defending the Demon Realm. It was their absolute peak force.
Moreover, even the legion's soldiers were battle-hardened veterans with all sorts of experience. They wouldn't go down easy.
Right as those thoughts crossed his mind, someone hugged him from behind. He knew who without looking.
"Scarlett Royal Blood."
"Correct!"
"Bored again and craving attention? What's with the sudden bullshit?"
"You told me to let you know if anything suspicious was ahead."
"...No way."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than an overwhelming pressure stabbed at his skin like needles. This was imperial territory, without a doubt...?
It wasn't far from the border, sure... But had the orcs already made the first move and seized the area?
Countless questions bubbled up, but the first one Cain voiced was the most pressing.
"How long have you known the orcs crossed the border and advanced this far?"
"Hmm, about two hours ago?"
"..."
Come to think of it, there'd been no reports from the scouts. They were supposed to check in every two hours...
Which meant it was safe to assume the scouts had already fallen to the orcs. And Scarlett had known...
The moment that realization hit, Cain reached for his sword. Had Morgana not been in his arms, he definitely would have.
As if anticipating that far, Scarlett continued with a sly grin, utterly unfazed.
"Relax. Those kids are still alive."
"...If you keep up the pointless banter, I'll sever your neck right then."
"You might want to hurry. Orcs never take prisoners as a rule. No one knows how long this exception will last."
"Tch."
Cain let out an involuntary groan. Deep down, he wanted nothing more than to settle things with this monster once and for all...
But that would drag on too long. And he doubted the orcs would treat their captives gently for much longer.
In the end, Cain dropped the bickering. Rescuing the captured men was the top priority now.
"Don't think this will blow over like usual. Scarlett Royal Blood."
Of course, he didn't forget to issue a chilling warning.
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The Emperor and the Beast King.
Whenever they crossed paths, they always fought with killing intent at full throttle. This led to widespread misconceptions about their relationship.
People thought the Emperor and Beast King were rivals quarreling over territory... But that was a misunderstanding born of ignorance.
The Emperor and Beast King were bosom friends and companions who truly understood each other. At least, that's how the Emperor saw it.
Those glorious days of yore, when they staked their lives in all-out battles. Nothing had been as exhilarating as the blood they'd shed back then.
So, had the Emperor personally stepped up for the Beast King's vengeance? That too was ignorant nonsense.
"Falling after an all-out clash with your arch-rival? A splendid death. Enviably heroic."
"That's heroic? Looks to me like he just got too weak and died..."
"Surrounded by snakes who can't comprehend the dragon's will, with his sole true friend having claimed heroic glory first. Only booze left to soothe his soul."
Strength was merely a means to relish combat. But what happens when one grows too strong?
Unrivaled might no one could touch. The moment he reached the pinnacle, Urdan felt ennui.
There are many reasons to pursue strength. Some for a greater cause, others just to protect those around them.
But for Urdan, who had grown powerful solely for the thrill of battle, it bred boredom instead.
'Applause needs two hands clapping. Possessing power none can challenge made it all too dull, robbing even the joy.'
In truth, the Emperor wielded the second-highest martial prowess in the Alliance, right after the War God. Some even ranked him higher.
Yet the reason for his boredom was simple. He couldn't wage a proper slaughterfest with the War God.
Frankly, the Emperor didn't care what became of the Alliance. The sole reason he followed it obediently was one: the dying wishes of his grandfather and father. He stayed only to honor their will.
But Urdan's movements halted as he poured his drink. A killing intent pierced his skin like blades.
How long had it been since he'd felt such pure bloodlust? Free of any stray thoughts... Just the raw intent to kill.
"Chief, there's presences ahead."
"What should we... Huh, you're smiling?"
"Far bigger fish than I imagined."
Cain Blackguard. He'd heard the name plenty. A young master swordsman, they said.
And he'd beaten the Beast King, no less. He'd had some expectations, but this exceeded them.
The Emperor looked up. There, atop a black demon horse, a black-haired man glared down at him.
Instinct told him. That was Cain Blackguard... Urdan grinned as he raised his axe.