We spent another week completing preparations. We had the location of the orcs’ den, and I took the time to scout them in the shadows. Thanks to my [Garments of the Night] it was easy to get around and I managed to learn a few things about them. Being this close I got a proper look at them, to my surprise they looked more like humanoid pigs, with bodies of large frames and muscular arms and legs and large bellies. There seemed to be around maybe 5 of them in total, each of them seems closer to Mordred’s size though he still towered over them in comparison.

  It was a bit difficult to understand their hierarchy at first, but I did happen to figure out that they would regularly engage in a sort of tussle within themselves with only one winning on top, I surprised when I found that they had some strong regenerative ability as one had lost a hand only for it to recover in a minute! It seems they, like all the other monsters I’ve encountered follow the “Strong leads the weak” mentality. So, it seemed to be best to face them head on like I did with the wolves.

  Just remembering that fight made me feel exhausted, especially the fact on how Mordred tossed me towards their leader. I’ll have to find a way to convince him to help me this time, since I’ll need to rely on a more group effort. I used the excuse that my arm hasn’t fully recovered so I wouldn’t be able to fight on my full strength which wasn’t a lie, while I had full use over my arm it still felt a little strained with enough force on it. That seemed to work, as he gave me a thumbs up.

  “I guess we should count our enemies lucky then! I’m sure you would have dominated them otherwise. At least that means I can get into the fight myself! ~” Mordred was laughing loudly, enough to surprise everyone within earshot.

  I had to bring up something crucial to him though before it was too late, so I pointed right at him. With the height difference I had to point high up “Now remember... we are not going to kill them; we’re just going to subjugate them.”

  The huge minotaur pounded his fist at his chest, a dangerous smile formed across his face. “Of course, boss! They’ll recognize your authority soon enough!!”

  In the meantime, while I was busy finishing my preparations, three familiar kobolds were conversing with each other.

  “Now that I think about it, this will be the first time we get to see what he can do.”

  “I still doubt he’s that strong, I mean come on, its already ridiculous to think a kobold could conquer any strong monsters….”

  “Well… he did something to make that minotaur follow him that’s a fact...”

  As usual I decided to ignore the three stooges. Soon enough they will get to see for themselves what I’m capable of. Veehahahahaha~

  We then set off, Mordred on vanguard with me riding on his shoulders as always, the wolves behind us with the kobolds riding on them. I figured it was easier for everyone if they did as they would have a hard time keeping up with us and it also makes it easier to keep them safe.

  It took some time, but we managed to make it to their den without any incidents. We took formations as the kobolds kept their distance to watch from afar, not wanting to join in the fight as usual. We went inside and the first things we saw were all the orcs holding their weapons in their hands. It seems they had noticed us and were prepared for battle.

  Not being intimidated by the sight before me I hopped off Mordred’s shoulder as I brandished my trusty blade and pointed it at our adversaries and proudly proclaimed.

  “Orcs!! Today is a special day today for this will be the day you will all join me!! If any of you have doubts about me then I challenge you to resist my dominance!!”

  The area was quiet for a bit, Mordred was looking at me with awe over my statement while the wolves looked nervous, clearly showing their reluctance to go along with this but still staying to not leave their pack leader behind. The kobolds…. Well, they were all panicking probably thinking I was crazy.

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  To my surprise my own body was shaking as well, I clicked my tongue in annoyance. I had thought I had conquered my own instincts, but I guess they still want to fight with me. No matter, I will get through with this in the end. I did my best to ignore those feelings of running away as I waited for their reaction.

  The orcs finally responded and how they reacted was rather… annoying… They had started to chuckle. Soon... the echoes of their laughter started to boom across the area! They were mocking me!!

  I was extremely pissed, so angry that it canceled out my instincts as I ready my blade for battle, but before I could Mordred had already leapt past me, axe at hand and slammed it at the ground, just barely missing the orcs. The shockwave of the impact shook the entire cavern, the tremor causing many of us, friend or foe, to lose our balance. I barely managed to keep my footing having to use [Material Forge] to keep the ground beneath me elevated.

  In front of me I could see Mordred, it didn’t take long for me to realize what was happening. His body language alone said it all. He was panting heavily, his eyes were bloodshot, he was beyond pissed! “Dare to laugh at the boss huh!? I’ll make you pay!!” With weapon at hand the enraged minotaur went on a rampage.

  At the same time, I suddenly got a notification from my [Game Screen].

  [Bloody Rage]?? I quickly took a look at Mordred’s status and found the skill mentioned. I pulled out it’s details and a look a dread was made in my face as I realized what was going on…

  Seeing the danger of this skill I had to act quickly in order to stop him! “Hey Mordred calm down! Remember we don’t want to kill them!!”

  But it was no use, at this state I doubt he could even hear me! Damn I’ll have to do my best to navigate myself through this situation, making sure to defeat the orcs while at the same time keeping Mordred from going too far. This’ll make the fight harder, but I still don’t plan to give up!!

  “Let’s go everyone!!”

  At my command the wolves began their hunt, baring their fangs as they sprinted at their prey! While my fellow kobolds stayed behind, cowardly hiding behind some rocks at a distant…

  “We’ll just stay right here…”

  “Yeah… we’ll cheer for you for your success chief…”

  “Go get them…”

  I lead the charge as I aimed at the closest orc, activating [Material Forge] I reshaped the ground before me in a tilted direction and used the sudden momentum to have it launch me quickly towards my opponent. My [Silver Short Sword] was ready for action as it aimed towards him. The orc must have been ready as it pulled its arms up to defend itself as my blade pierced through the flesh of his arm! It wasn’t enough though as I found my weapon stuck inside his arm, seeing the opportunity the orc used its free arm to pommel me! Its towering fist looming over me and at the next second it slams me to the ground, blood splattered at the ground!

  Meanwhile the wolves were handling their own orc, they were having an easier time dodging the swings of the orc’s large club! They chomped and clawed at its’ flesh, but it was never deep enough. What’s worse the wounds they inflicted were starting to recover, the orc’s natural regeneration taking effect. While they were in a stalemate, it wouldn’t take long for exhaustion to slow down their speed.

  As for Mordred, the last three orcs were ganging up over the minotaur. With their strength and numbers, even the large beast was starting to struggle. It didn’t help that he was still enraged and wasn’t thinking straight. His strikes were powerful but sloppy, making it easy for them to dodge and any that did make contact would while devastating recover not long after. Meanwhile while the orcs tactic of rushing at him was reckless it proved to be surprisingly effective as while one or two would be caught up in his attacks at least one was able to land a blow themselves!

  At a distance, the kobolds were looking on with fear…

  “This is bad… Like really bad…”

  “What should we do?! Shouldn’t this be the moment we run for our lives right now?!!”

  “R-right!! We should do that n-”

  Suddenly one of the orcs started to look at the kobolds’ directions, without an opponent to face its eyes were focused on new targets.

  “…. oh shit”