Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Orc Subjugation!

According to Kuro's information, there are around 80 to 90 orc individuals.

There are two locations: a village that was cleared in the forest and a cave beyond that.

There are no hostages.

"Are you really going to do it?"

"Yeah!"

"I won't lose to Al for sure~!"

They were being persistent, so I decided to tell them about attacking the orc village. They seemed interested, so I let them come along as spectators.

On the way, when I asked, "Is Al really the strongest in this world?" both Al and Nero didn't acknowledge each other as the strongest.

So, I casually proposed a competition.

"Since I'll be the judge, how about a match?"

Both of them were eager.

Especially Nero, who often ends up being second to Al, was even more fired up.

The game is called "Orc Smashing Game."

The rules are simple:

- The start is after I defeat 20 of them.

- There are two victory conditions: whoever brings back the largest head and whoever collects more core nuclei.

- That's all.

Even if Al defeats one, if Nero takes a core nucleus, it belongs to Nero.

We'll have to make sure to defeat them one by one to win.

If we cause significant damage to the forest with large-scale attacks, it's an immediate disqualification.

"Got it?"

"Yeah, all we have to do is kill them and take their core nuclei!"

"To collect more core nuclei than Al~ and bring back a big head~"

"Alright, once I defeat 20, it's the start. Kuro, Shiro, make sure they're not cheating."

"Understood. Before that, I request everyone to register in the party without any irregularities."

"Yeah!"

"Got it~!"

...What does registering in the party mean?

I don't even know about that function in the first place!

I wish they wouldn't just assume things and move on as if it's obvious for someone like me who's alone.

"What does registering in the party mean?"

I asked, admitting my ignorance.

"Oh! Tact, you've never formed a party before? Then it means that we're having our first party."

"Being the first sounds nice~!"

For some reason, both Al and Nero are excited.

In the status, there is a function called party registration, and the leader can select and register companions from the friend list.

It seems like a maximum of six people can be registered.

"Tact, you're the leader!"

Al said that, inviting me as the leader.

Naturally, I agreed, and the "party formation" was established.

There are still so many things I don't know. Really.

"Well then, let's go for real this time!"

Saying that, we walked towards the orc village and started killing them one by one, one by two.

As the orcs noticed the attack, they kept coming out one after another.

When I killed the 20th one, a gust of wind blew from the left and right, and blood splatters flew in front of my eyes.

Their speed was too fast to follow with my eyes, but I could tell orcs were being killed one after another.

I was amazed by Al's status values, but witnessing the battle, there was nothing but fear.

I don't think they're going all out, but even at this level...

It became clear why the Demon King is a feared presence in this world.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

"How about that!"

"I won~!"

In less than five minutes since I launched the attack, the orc village was completely wiped out.

Al and Nero in front of me are arguing over who won.

"First, let's compare the size of the orc heads! Boom, smack! Smack!"

"What's with that 'boom, smack! smack!'?"

It's embarrassing to be asked seriously like that. Especially since it doesn't mean anything...

"Oh, it's a phrase I use to psych myself up! It's my way of showing determination before judging!"

"I see, 'boom, smack! smack.' I'll try using it next time too!"

The sizes are almost the same.

Although I feel like Nero is slightly smaller.

"Al wins!"

"Hmph!"

"Why~!"

"Nero's right ear is missing. Even though the sizes are almost the same, Al's closer to the original form, so Al wins."

Al celebrates the victory while Nero seems dissatisfied with the judgment.

"Next, let's have a contest of the number of core cores!"

"Boom, smack! Smack!"

"Boom, smack! Smack~!"

I feel like I'm being made fun of.

"Al has thirty-three, and Nero has thirty-five. Nero wins!"

"Yes!"

"That can't be right! Count properly!"

"Al also has thirty-five core cores, but two of them are cracked and on the verge of breaking. Therefore, Nero wins with a more perfect one!"

Now, Nero is celebrating the victory, and Al seems dissatisfied with the judgment, the opposite of before.

"For now, let's call it a draw, okay!"

The two of them are not satisfied.

"Next time, let's have a rematch in some city!"

"I want to do it in a crowded city in the center~!"

Hmm, they're casually saying something really scary.

"If you guys do something like that, I won't play with you anymore."

"Why?"

"Aww~!"

It's dangerous to let these guys run wild.

"When I come up with something fun, I'll definitely contact you guys. So, can you promise not to engage in destructive actions or kill anyone until then?"

"Yeah, we promise!"

"We promise~!"

For now, I can rest easy with that.

"Master, there are no more orcs around."

"Thank you!"

I collected the orc cores that I defeated myself and put all the orc weapons and belongings into the [Item Box].

I disbanded the party and completed the subjugation.

I decided to return to the village of Gondo.