Orc Hero Story: Discovery Chronicles

“Nazar. Stop.”

“I understand…”

With Lunius’s words, Nazar resumed his seat.

“Although not everyone, we should clarify which race is involved and who our enemies are. Before Gediguz resurrects.”

Everyone nodded at Lunius’s words. The phrase “Before Gediguz resurrects” was used without hesitation, assuming the absurd notion that the dead would come back to life. It indicated how deeply Gediguz’s existence was ingrained in their minds. It showed how formidable he had been as an enemy. In three years, there had been a power disparity between the Four Races Alliance and the Seven Races Federation. If they were to fight now, they could exterminate them. But if Gediguz was near, that could change. Without any evidence, they still believed it deep down.

“Currently, the ones we’re sure of are the demon Poplática and the succubus Carrot. There are also rumors of a skilled sword user wearing a mask.”

The meeting room’s gazes turned to Thunder Sonia. Everyone had some clue about the mask.

“Uh, why is everyone looking at me? Do you really think I would do something like that? If you think so, I have some ideas for you too. After all, was I the only one wearing a mask and wandering around? Huh?”

Thunder Sonia’s gaze shifted to Nazar. Everyone followed suit. Upon reflection, they also had some leads about masks on their part.

“Since the rumored individual is a woman.”

“But I’m not a swordsman, I’m a mage…! Oh well, enough jokes. Anyone else?”

“The harpy Luckatiel, the lizardman Kuzanbejil, also the lizardman Tidevolga, and the ogre Bogo Bogo. We haven’t confirmed it one hundred percent, but the possibility is high. And…”

In response to Thunder Sonia’s words, the Human Chancellor continued, listing names one after another. Most of them were individuals who had survived the war but had left their countries. There were, of course, elements of doubt about them, such as not knowing where they were or even if they were alive. Whenever a name came up, Thunder Sonia would chime in with comments like, “Oh, did they leave?” or “No, they’re probably dead,” or “Ah, maybe they are,”…

“The Orc Bash, the Fairy Zell.”

“No, they’re not with them.”

When these two names came up, she reflexively denied it.

“Oh my, is Lady Thunder Sonia defending them?” The Chancellor’s glasses gleamed.

“Do you know what those two have been up to in the past year? They exterminated zombies in the Siwanasi Forest, saved their fellow slaves in the Do Banga’s Pit, and fought against them in the Red Forest.”

“But in the Red Forest, they also approached them for recruitment.”

“And they refused.”

“It might be, but on the day they left Lycant, they attacked the Demon Territory’s checkpoint and killed all the soldiers guarding it.”

“They attacked a checkpoint? I never heard anything of that.”

“It’s rare for anything to escape those long ears of yours.”

“Long ears, huh? Are you trying to flirt? If you want to marry me, divorce your wife first. Huh?”

Without feeling particularly flattered, Thunder Sonia absentmindedly touched her ears. Pushing the Chancellor against the wall wouldn’t be necessary, but it might speed up his path to marriage.

“They might not know because some here went to the succubi country. But it’s true. All the soldiers have disappeared, and there’s a note left at the scene.”

On the paper that the Chancellor placed on the table, it undoubtedly read: “The Orc Hero Bash passed through here.” The handwriting was so terrible that it could have been mistaken for the work of a fairy. However, they didn’t believe that an orc could write. Even if he could, it would probably be that messy.

“So, are you saying that Bash crossed the checkpoint and entered the demon country to join Poplática and the others?”

“Yes. It seems the checkpoint was a sea of blood. There were body parts scattered everywhere, soldiers’ arms and legs, it seems.”

“No, that’s absurd… Bash, of all people. I thought he was someone I could respect among the orcs… He really helped us in the Siwanasi Forest. He can even be considered a benefactor to the elves.”

Thunder Sonia sighed deeply. The Chancellor continued to look around, maintaining his composure.

“Certainly, his activities in the past year are remarkable. But at the same time, haven’t you tought about it? Even if one person does something, it’s impossible for orcs to survive as a species. That’s why he accepted the offer he once rejected.”

At those words, a woman emitted a growl, a small one, but those with keen ears turned their gaze to the person who had made the noise. It was the Beast Princess Silviana, who had been sitting quietly since before. This time she was allowed to be present, but apparently, she was forbidden to speak. However, her gaze was fixed on the Chancellor. Her eyes said it all: “That can’t be true.”

“I can’t believe it.” Nazar replied in his place. He also knew about Bash’s actions in the beastmen’s country. He remembered the man’s back who had helped him. He didn’t seem like the kind of man who would change his mind about such an offer so quickly, not even a month later. “I was there in the Red Forest when he refused the recruitment offer… He didn’t seem like a man who acted so casually. We should talk to him.”

“Oh, right! What you’re saying makes sense! Let’s do it. Let’s call Bash and talk to him. What’s the problem? I get along with him quite well. He’ll answer my questions. After all, he even proposed to me!”

“But we don’t even know where he is, do we?”

The Chancellor ignored the word “proposal” as it was irrelevant to the current discussion.

“If he passed the checkpoint, he must be in the Demon Territory, right…? Oh, wait, if that’s the case, there’s no way to call him here, is there? We should catch him when he leaves the checkpoint. Although we don’t know if he’ll leave. Either way, he… I can’t imagine him being involved in something like this. I mean, it doesn’t seem like he travels with such a casual mindset, does he?”

“Well, certainly, I can’t picture that man fleeing in such an easy direction.”

Thunder Sonia’s words were followed by the muttered comment of a Dwarf. It was Barabara Do Banga, the son of the War Demon Doradora Do Banga, and the eldest son of the Banga clan among the Dwarves. He was particularly famous for his martial prowess. His defeat at the hands of Bash during the Armament Festival, almost a year ago, was still fresh in everyone’s memory.

“So it’s a good idea to bring him here. Although I don’t think an Orc will willingly accompany us when forced to do so.”

In response to the Chancellor’s half-smile, Thunder Sonia frowned. However, if someone had never met Bash in person, it would be understandable to think that way. She had also changed her mind when she realized it.

“Hmph, I see. Well, I think he’ll come. If there’s an opportunity to ask him questions, do it.”

“Oh, yes. If I can confront the ‘Orc Hero’ in person, defeat him, and capture him alive, I will.”

As the Chancellor chuckled, the door between the round table opened. A human soldier entered the room, looking tense.

“What’s happening?”

“We’ve received a message from the team investigating the checkpoint.”

For a moment, everyone appeared puzzled, but their expressions quickly tensed. They were accustomed to receiving bad news through messengers. They could make guesses. However, it wasn’t bad news.

“They have captured the suspect who violated the checkpoint, Bash, the ‘Orc Hero’.”

In response to this unexpected report, Thunder Sonia and the Chancellor exchanged glances.