Chapter 17: Fierce Battle with the Orcs - Part 2
Let's go back in time for a moment.
After parting ways with Rabi and the others, I approached the Orcs from behind.
Peering from the shadows, I involuntarily averted my eyes from the gruesome scene that unfolded before me.
"I have gained the ability of endurance."
"I have gained the ability to breed."
Intense nausea overwhelmed me, and my head grew hot as if boiling. I wanted to help them immediately, but it wasn't the right time yet.
The woman seemed to have lost consciousness already and was just going along with whatever was happening to her.
Suddenly, I heard the Orcs' screams. It was the signal to make my move.
"My level has increased."
It must have been Rabi or Schwein who defeated the Orcs. Their levels went up.
The Orcs seemed completely focused on Rabi and the others who had barged in and didn't notice our approach from behind.
(...Die.)
First, I decapitated the Orc that was on top of the woman. Blood gushed out like a fountain as it collapsed.
In my mind, I apologized to the woman for getting covered in blood. Then I beheaded another Orc that was waiting in line with my returning blade. A nearby Orc, who noticed that their comrade had been defeated, glared at me.
"My level has increased."
(...Three more left.)
Two Orcs came charging at me.
(I don't really want to kill them easily, but I don't want to draw the leader's attention either.)
The sharpness of my death-sized blade, infused with magical power, was truly godlike. It sliced through the massive bodies covered in thick muscles as if they were butter.
The two Orcs, who lost their upper bodies, collapsed powerlessly.
"My level has increased."
(Only the High Orc leader remains.)
The High Orc leader was engaged in a fierce battle against Rabi and Schwein. He was undoubtedly strong.
Absorbing all the souls and further increasing his level.
"My level has increased."
The leader is a High Orc. Being the top-ranked C-rank monster, I probably won't win if I fight him directly, but...
[RANK] C
[SPECIES] High Orc
[AGE] 3
[STATUS] Anger
[LEVEL] 13
[STRENGTH] 987
[MAGIC] 0
[ATTACK] 988
[ENDURANCE] 985
[AGILITY] 498
[INTELLIGENCE] 183
[SKILLS] Superhuman Strength, Endurance, Breeding
While appraising, Rabi was killed.
"I have gained the ability of superhuman strength."
In the meantime, I got closer to the High Orc, and Schwein also turned into particles of light.
"Thanks, Rabi, Schwein. Thanks to you, I can kill this guy."
With the Superhuman Strength skill, Death's Size felt as light as a pair of chopsticks.
I swung Death's Size. It should have cleaved him in half, but perhaps the blade was too sharp because the High Orc didn't realize that he had been cut.
As the High Orc's body gradually shifted, our eyes met one last time. His eyes were filled with astonishment and despair.
"My level has increased."
"My level has increased."
I hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to absorb their soul. Even though it's a summoned beast, it's the one who killed my comrades. Frankly, I don't feel inclined to do so.
However, I need immediate firepower. After much deliberation, I decided not to absorb their soul and instead made a contract with them.
With this, I obtained a powerful card in my hand.
***
After appraising the woman who had been attacked, unfortunately, she had been impregnated by an orc offspring. However, when I gave her the divine water, all traces of the orc disappeared completely, and she returned to her healthy state before the attack.
Not only could it heal her physical wounds, but it also surprised me how much it revitalized her. Divine water is truly amazing.
Since the woman was a resident of a nearby village, I escorted her back, and she was extremely grateful. Her parents even asked if I could marry their daughter, but I declined, saying that I already had an engagement. She was a lovely daughter, so it was truly regrettable, but a chill ran down my spine.
I informed the village chief about the orcs and made sure he took appropriate measures to avoid going outside for a while. I reassured her that I had informed the guild, so an investigation team would arrive soon, which seemed to give her some relief.
Afterward, I returned to the forest and hurried to complete the sketch.
"Summoning Sketch, arise, Sturk!"
[Rank] B
[Name] Sturk
[Race] High Orc
[Age] 3
[Status] Contracted with Kakeru
[Level] 31
[HP] 1496
[MP] 0
[Attack] 1488
[Defense] 1485
[Speed] 798
[Intelligence] 236
[Skills] Mighty Strength, Indomitable Stamina, Breeding
Even though it's my third summoned beast, it's quite strong. I feel like it could defeat me with a single blow if it hits me.
The fact that there are other High Orcs and Orc Generals in the orc base is significant. Having a force that can engage in a frontal battle is crucial. Relying solely on surprise attacks has its limits and narrows our strategic options.
I'll summon Ravi and Schwein again. By the way, a summoned beast that has been defeated cannot be called upon for the next 30 minutes. I might need to summon more summoned beasts in the future.
All three summoned beasts are over two meters tall, so they're quite reliable when surrounded, but I can't help but think it's a bit excessive to be surrounded by big men. I really want cool magical beasts or cute fairies.
"Sturk, do you know the destination of the other squads?"
"Of course, master. Let me guide you to the nearest squad from here."
With Sturk's guidance, I followed another squad. I wanted to minimize the damage to the surroundings and reduce the number of enemies.
Thanks to Sturk, we were able to crush three squads.
As a result, I defeated two High orcs and twenty-two regular orcs, and rescued seven women. My level also increased by 9 and reached 40. I formed a contract with the two High orcs and added them to our fighting force. Their names are Halt and Halk.
Now, we decided to split into two groups. Since all the summoned beasts are at level 40, they should be able to defeat a squad of regular orcs easily. Even if we are separated, we can communicate through the sketchbook connected to the summoned beasts.
I, Ravi, and Shtark will form one group, while Halt, Halk, and Shubain will form another.
Because the members of Halt's group stand out in appearance, they have been ordered to run away if they encounter adventurers or humans.
By splitting into two groups, our efficiency increased, and we successfully defeated four more squads in one hour. Our levels also increased to 45. I will keep the souls of the High orcs just in case.
It seems that the monsters defeated by the summoned beasts count as my kills, so it's possible to make a contract with them through the sketchbook. Although I currently don't have the time to draw them, I might be able to create an army of High orcs if I decide to. But I won't do it.
It's about time Chloe arrived at Primera. Even if the guild moves immediately, they probably won't take real action until tomorrow morning. It's common sense that infiltrating enemy territory and fighting at night is too dangerous.
Just today, we managed to eliminate over 20% of their forces. We should return for now and join up with Chloe and the others. That's what we should do.
But... I can't do that. I can't forget the miserable state of the girls we saved today. What will happen to the captured women if we wait until tomorrow? Just thinking about it makes me sick.
I have no choice but to do it. I came to this world with powerful abilities for a reason. How can I become a god if I can't even save those within my reach?
Wait for me, you orcs. I will devour every last one of you, quite literally. Especially Chloe.
***
Name: Kakeru Watanohara (Male)
Race: Human
Age: 17
Status: Free Citizen
Occupation: Adventurer (D-rank)
Condition: Good
Level: 45
HP: 1797
MP: 8578
Attack: 1797
Defense: 1797
Speed: 1797
Intelligence: 8578
Luck: 90
Skills: Instant Memory, Sketchbook
Divine Protection: Death God's Blessing