An Orc

Me and Merli and made a great home for ourselves surprisingly. The only thing we lacked was constant water which we had to go to the river to get. Merli however was smarter than me at the time and grabbed the kettle from the farm house to fill with water. The Goblins had one of their own, but it was beat up and was clearly scavenged a long time ago. Especially since they didn't take it with them. Merli said it was heavy so maybe it was just they couldn't take it.

At the moment though I was looking over my status screen deciding whether I should do something more daring. As Merli explained Taboos were not well liked by anyone, but demons. Commit enough taboos and you gain power, but you will be essentially cursed with bad karma and stuff. So I was left to stare at theses three new achievements.

<You have an insane achievement that might make a god intrigued by your existence. You have become a cannibal without incurring a Taboo. You are a monster! Feel disgust as you grow fangs and serrated teeth. You gain 30 strength, 40 vitality and the skill Munch is turned into Crunch.>

<A terrifying achievement, You have eaten your own mother and father. You are a cursed being and yet this feat has incurred no Taboo! ???? ????? ????? Unlocked!"

<Problem? A dangerous mistake has occurred. You have gained an achievement considered impossible for your species. You have unlocked a sub species evolution. You can take on this sub species along with any new species you evolve into.>

The last one wasn't really an achievement. Though it did make Merli look at me with surprise. According to it, Merli was a sub-species from birth due to being a mixed breed. Merli had explained to me a sub species usually was referred to as a variant. Since not all sub species were really made sense in how they were created like in my case.

Merli broke me from my thoughts. "You still thinking about our evolution?"

"Well, Obviously."

Merli sighed as it held up the pants it was making. "Well I can understand, your variant is called Dread Beast. If you go down any of the normal Tauren evolution you are gonna become something like Dread Beast Shaman Tauren, or Dread beast Bison Tauren."

"I already decided what i would evolve to so I'd actually be a Dread Beast Beastly Tauren."

Merli looked past the pair of pants at me with confusion. Beastly Tauren? Never heard of one of those."

I shrugged, "The entry I got for it describes it as a Tauren that has grown tired of Herd life. It has grown dark eyes and sharp claws to defend itself in the wilds alone. High state grown in physical stats with medium stat growth in Mystic and Charm."

Merli nodded, "Mystic increases your mana density and speeds up your Spiritual sense, it isn't bad. I have extremely high Mystic since its the core stat for psychic monsters and Elves. Honestly not a bad pick. No wonder I haven't heard of it either, since the requirement sounds like you can't have a herd."

I shrugged, "Yeah the stat grown sounds great to me and since I already have the teeth I figured having some claws would be nice. I really hope its literal."

Merli nodded, "At least your evolution is nearby, mine is at level 70 and I am only level 34. Not to mention thanks to my sub-species I have incredible low mana density."

Merli was right mine was at level 30. While its was way higher. I figured mine was lower since it changed the stat distributions while Merli's evolution would spike its strength dramatically and allow for some elemental changes. Merli's only real hope of early evolution would be changing its path. Which essentially meant going against the known and set evolution. Though kirins had no lost or forbidden evolution so it basically just meant forging a new path.

Merli jumped from its prone position, "WHO IS THERE!"

When Merli spoke I reacted and jumped up myself. When no one responded Merli pointed with its horn and I understood. Grabbing one of the primitive stone knives we had made I threw one at the hidden intruder.

"GAH!" An Orc fell from the tree and began to run. However he didn't really have a choice when I threw a another rock through his leg.

Merli and I charged forward as Merli shouted! "ROOT!"

The next second several strands of grass drove themselves into the orc binding him to the ground. When were were above him he stared down. He spoke, "Finish ME!"

I looked at Merli and it responded. "Its an orc thing, looking at his leg he would be considered a cripple now if he isn't close to evolving he would be tossed out by his tribe."

I nodded, and the orc scoffed, "An Orc thing! It is about my honor! I am Tuk of the Twilight Wolf Clan! I am the best scout of my people! It is not an Orc thing, PRETENDER!"

Merli shook its head, "Orc thing yet again, Mama subjected them with her power, but I am unable to do so they don't recognize me as the guardian of the forest despite me literally owning the mana source for the forest."

"Mana Source?"

The Orc looked at me like i was stupid, but Merli responded, "Its complicated. Its more like a magic stone that can restore the forest in case of a wide scale destruction. It was created by my Great Grandmother."

The Orc spat, "It is not just a stone you stupid kit! One that calls for their Mother, Mama can never understand!"

I Stomped on the squishy bits the orc had and Merli cringed, but gave me a look of approval while the Orc shed a single tear. "Merli is the one who noticed you Tukless."

The Orc looked up, "You wouldn't understand banished!..." He sniffled as more tears followed, "It is the law of th-"

"I evolved from a normal cow. Also you seem more distracted by Merli then the fact I had stomped out your manhood."

The Orc sniffled again and Merli spoke, "He likely is considered ugly so he is unable to find a mate. Usually the Orc chief has pick of the women. They can have up to 5."

Tukless whimpered, "ERH! You are somewhat right about that, our bastard chief has betrayed the code and has more than 5. He even taken ratty goblin brides!" The Orc slammed his fist down causing more grass needles to stick him and pin his arm.

The Orc sighed, "I am defeated... If your friend here is of true glory I can not blame his stupidity. His strength is true."

Merli shook its head, "You won't ask us to kill you?"

Tukless shrugged, "No I will still ask, but I wish to ask a question...."

I raised an eyebrow and Merli motioned, so the Orc spoke, "In three days from now, a festival will begin. In the 'honor' of the chieftain's benevolence letting some goblins join us. Truthfully it will just be him forcing all the clans women into an orgy. My sweetheart, Isa! She is still pure, please save her. While you complete your quest young pretender."

Merli's face soured at the last remark, but sighed. "Fine... except it isn't really up to me."

I nodded, "How strong is the chief of the twilight wolf clan?"

The orc looked between us, "Ah so the Kirin will be the vessel while you unit the forest? Not bad... The chieftain is level 40, he however only has 20 strength and relies on his Vitality."

I looked at Merli, "You think i can win?"

Merli's face changed a few expressions, but settled. "Pretty much, you lack skills and a weapon, but your stats are likely higher than his."

I whispered to Merli, "Even at my level?"

Merli nodded, "If their chief relies on vitality he was likely the clans bait for hunting parties.. Most likely the 8th son of the past chief. They will likely collapse even if we don't do anything."

The Orc shouted, "Please! I do not wish Isa to suffer.... An outside can become chief if they claim Veni-Tura! Specially if you are truly of glorious evolution."

I looked at Merli, "He sounds like a simp for this Isa. What do you think?"

Merli spoke, "What's Veni-Tura?"

"You kill me and bring my head to the clan. It is a challenge of glory, if you win you will be able to decide the next chief and gain the clan's pledge of loyalty! It even grants an achievement if I am remember. The point is it will allow you to easy conquer this forest!"

Merli counter, "Isn't the Twilight wolf clan the weakest in the forest?"

Tukless sighed, "This is true... We survive due to our many shamans. So glorious one! Will you do it and become leader of the twilight wolf clan?"

I shook my head, "I don't really want to become a chieftain. Though I will do this whole Veni-Tura thing. You got me hooked on the achievement."

The Orc closed his eyes, "I am ready!"

I shook my head, "I won't kill you though, I may get experience, but... this Veni-Tura how many know the exact details?"

The Orc looked back up in confusion. "Just the shamans and me i suppose."

Merli spoke getting a idea of my plan, "How do you know?"

Tuk spoke, "My brother is a shaman... What is it you are planning?"

I patted Tuk on the shoulder, "We change the rules dear Tuk the new chieftain of the Twlight Wolf Clan."

He looked at my the grimace on my face in what seemed to be horror while Merli smile back at me nodding. We were on the same page, now we just needed to get Tuk aboard.

-------

Tuk would return to his clan. With more bruises then before, with grave news. He would speak to no one, but the clans shamans. Even with the stares of shock at his warped leg. Even with his beloved Isa's stare in horror he stood strong.

To describe how a monstrous Tauren that grew from common cattle would soon descend upon the clan. he would be guided by the pretender. Who had told him of Veni-Tura! Except Tuk would describe Veni-Tura far from the truth that the Shamans knew.

His brother a quick-witted Orc caught on, and brought the others to the idea. It would be dishonorable, but the clan would fall in due time anyway. So the shamans would inform the Chief of the horrors to come and how he had to absolutely do his best!