Orc Hero Story
Chapter 49. A warrior in the rain
Deep in the forest.
Half a day’s journey from the succubus capital. The barriers, repeatedly and cleverly placed, caused one to get lost in the forest, and most never reached the place. There was no doubt. One was always led in the direction of the capital. For this reason, even after the war, the succubi kept this place unknown to the other races. And even if they had known, they would not have done anything special about it.
The succubi called the place “Sanctuary”.
They did not build a city around it like the beastmen, nor did they hold festivals nearby. It was hidden and protected by many barriers. People of other races would not even know that a succubus sanctuary existed, let alone the barriers. Not even young succubi knew of its existence. However, there was certainly something there that the succubi had protected and believed in for many years.
In such a place, there was a woman.
“Hey, you…”
The sanctuary still existed silently there. But the floor was soaked with blood, and all the barriers had lost their light, except for the last one. The bodies of several succubi lay around.
“Who the f̲u̲c̲k̲ are you…?”
The fallen succubi were all renowned warriors. They had chosen service to their country over freedom in a world of peace. These succubi lay on the ground in the most pitiful manner.
The last remaining succubus stared at the one who had done such a thing outside the last barrier before the sanctuary, the kind of barrier that physically prevented entry.
She was a woman. Probably human, but she had an unpleasant appearance. Eighty percent of her face was hidden, with only her eyes peering out. She stood aloof, but somehow did not leave any openings.
She answered the succubus’ questions in a light tone.
“I am not obliged to answer you, but I am impressed by your devotion, so I will tell you. I have already lost my name. I don’t intend to use it either, so please, let’s spare me that part. I just want to draw power from your sanctuary and use it for revenge.”
“Power…?”
“You don’t know? Well, even I didn’t know until recently, but there are places to gather power all over this continent, and it’s said that if you gather that power, you can perform miracles. Although miracles are a bit vague, it seems that anything is possible. For example…” The woman’s distant tone softened a bit. “…bringing the dead back to life.”
The strong succubus warrior shuddered at these words.
“You’re going to resurrect Gediguz, aren’t you?”
“You guessed right. That’s right.”
“You’re human, aren’t you? Why would you do that? Aren’t humans in charge now? Elves and dwarves are no better off than your race. Then why?”
“I told you it was for revenge, didn’t I? I’m a human, but I’m not on the human side.”
“A swordswoman of your caliber? I’m sure you’ve done them a lot of good on the battlefield, haven’t you?”
“Yes, it’s a funny story. Humans are idiots.” Shrugging, the warrior shook her head. “Well, let’s cut the small talk, succubus warrior.”
“…”
“Normally here I’d say I’d only spare your life if you break the barriers, but despite what I do, I love succubi. I won’t do anything to hurt their pride, so I’ll kill you like a warrior.”
“You don’t think this act in itself hurts our pride?”
“I don’t. In any case, if my wish comes true, you will regain your pride. Now get ready.”
The succubus reacted to these words. She brought her fists forward, red eyes blazing and a thick pink mist around her. Even though she knew it wouldn’t work on women, the mist was meant to give strength to her fighting spirit.
“I am the second-in-command of the Succubus Queen’s Second Battalion, Nion the Smothering.”
“I am very sorry, but I have no name to give you.”
The woman raised her sword. It was as if she said, “Just in case,” and it made Nion’s nerves tingle. But considering the difference in power, that might not be an option.
Nion knew that she wouldn’t win. The woman was unbelievably strong. Not even the elite Nion had assembled could give her a scratch.
“So, goodbye.”
A beam of light appeared in Nion’s vision. Its path was invisible, and she could only feel the heat on her neck.
“…Curly, I’m sorry… Nio, Your Majesty…” Convinced she would die, Nion’s mind filled with the image of her beloved queen and her sister who worked as her assistant. Nion’s vision faded into darkness, ending her long life as a succubus.
“…Haa.” At the pile of corpses, the woman brushed her hair as she breathed. The blood stains on the sword she held were quickly washed away by the downpour. “Well…” The woman pulled out a key. It was decorated with ornaments and a jewel that glowed with an ominous light, and it could be seen at first glance that it was an object filled with a great quantity of magical power.
She inserted it into the last barrier. An ominous light emanated from the place where it was inserted. However, as if it collided with something, an unpleasant sound rang out.
“Oh, doesn’t it open right away?” The woman said, shrugging her shoulders again, but glancing at the barrier. There were still a few succubi inside. They were the last mages holding the barrier. “As expected from a succubus barrier. Even with the magic barrier-breaking key, it will take some time.”
“…”
“However, this magic key is absolute. After all, it is the national treasure of the demons. It is only a matter of time before it is broken. So, I have a suggestion… why don’t you just remove the barrier? You haven’t been out for days. You must be going crazy with hunger. I think it would be better for all of you to go out and fight rather than continue to suffer.”
The succubi locked within the barrier knew this. Those who died before their eyes were veteran warriors, all known and all who had fought in many battles. And they died brutal deaths. They were struck down by an overwhelming sword without being able to lift a finger against the woman.
So they understood. The woman said, “I will kill you without making you suffer, so come out”. The mission of the remaining succubi was to protect the Sanctuary. It was true that they were starving, but they would not abandon their duties. They had no choice but to hold out and wait for reinforcements.
“Are you waiting for the next reinforcements? Well, well, I thought the succubi would be braver than that, but I’m disappointed.”
They were not to fall for the woman’s provocation.
“Perhaps the barrier will be lifted first, or the reinforcements will come first, but… let me assure you. You won’t come out alive. Right now you are wasting your time and suffering in vain.”
The woman said, perhaps sensing the uneasiness spreading through the succubi’s minds. But they did not move. There was no way they would move.
“Well, that’s fine with me. I’ve said it many times, it’s only a matter of time…”
The words reached the succubi, but they were drowned out by the sound of the rain as they disappeared into the forest. No one else heard her voice.
“Do you really think you can resurrect Lord Gediguz?”
It was the one of the succubus inside the barrier who murmured these words. Hearing this, the woman laughed.
“Yes, I think so.”
“But isn’t it absurd to bring the dead back to life?”
“I think so too. In fact, it is said that to bring a dead person back to life requires enormous power beyond human knowledge.”
“Then…”
“But this land has the necessary power.” The woman began to speak, in a tone as if trying to convince the succubi, though that was not her intention. “This is a story that someone found in the writings of a certain archaeological site: it seems that this world was built over the corpses of ancient creatures, great creatures that fought each other in ways that mankind cannot even imagine today. Some of the corpses still have power and have been a blessing to those who inhabit them. Some people have praised and believed in the power that resides in the corpses as gods… and your Sanctuary is one of them. Then perhaps it’s time to use it, isn’t it? Because believing in a corpse will not help us. If we resurrect Gediguz and start the war again, the Seven Races Federation will win this time. The demons, succubi, and ogres will be able to escape their current hard lives and enjoy the beauty of victory. Just like the filthy humans of today.”
One of the succubi, unable to understand what the woman was saying, reacted to the last words.
“‘Filthy humans’… don’t you have any pride in your race?”
“No.”
“…”
“There is no pride in such selfish and self-serving scum.” The sound of the woman’s voice was cold to the point of chilling. “That is why. I apologize for provoking you. So please lift the barrier. You will die, but it won’t be so bad for the other succubi.”
Some of them were impressed by the woman’s words about resurrecting Gediguz. But after hearing the last thing she said, no one wanted to follow her.
Her words were that scary and terrifying.
