Orc Hero Story: Discovery Chronicles - Chapter 76.3

“I guess you’re here because the Chancellor was expecting this, aren’t you?” The Sage replied.

In response to the Sage’s words, the Chancellor’s assistant retorted:

“Only a few people know the location of the sacred scriptures. The only ones who know it is here are those to whom the Chancellor has revealed the information.”

“The way you put it makes it seem like I’m betraying them,” the Sage commented.

“Well, can you blame them for perceiving it that way? After all, you only sent eight soldiers into the enemy’s arms. I wouldn’t be surprised if you did it because they didn’t trust you.”

“No, no, I assure you, that’s not how he thinks,” a woman suddenly stepped forward, her figure illuminated by the moonlight, voluptuous and enchanting. She was a succubus.  “Why try to confront us with such a small force?”

Carrot’s eyes glowed in red. In an instant, half of them collapsed. They were all men, including those in white armor. Even Sir Fixer Mont, the Cathedral Knights’ Chief, was on his knees with vacant eyes.

“What… a fool!”

“You’re a man of office. You’ve never fought a succubus, have you? You’ve probably heard rumors, but why did you bring only men? Were you considering the church’s rule of not allowing women?”

“Our Cathedral Knights in white armor boast the highest magical resistance… How could this happen so easily?”

They were supposed to be adequately prepared. The church’s white armor was created by the Human Sage and was said to have resistance against all forms of magic.

“Because none of them could deal with this; that’s why the team to handle succubi has to be entirely composed of women. Moreover, this is ‘Carrot, the Hissing Voice’. Even with average resistance, you can’t resist her ‘Charm’.”

When half of the men had passed out, five individuals sprang into action. The nameless woman brandished her sword. An ogre wielded a powerful hammer. A harpy woman threw a dagger, and a lizardman cast a spell. Finally, a beastwoman, her claws stained red, marked the end. Apart from the eight intruders, no one else was left standing. It was a momentary event.

“More enemies than expected?” Poplatica muttered as she gazed at the pool of blood.

“It’s within expectations. In fact, it’s a bit less than what I thought.”

“What?”

“Our friend Crusader has contacts with the Church behind the scenes. That’s why he sent his private troops. However, if he really wanted to, he could have sent more. Even Prince Nazar and Lady Thunder Sonia…”

“Are you saying he skimped on reinforcements? I’ve heard that the Human Chancellor is intelligent, but could he really be that foolish?”

The Sage shook his head in response to Carrot’s words.

“No, no, he is indeed intelligent. It’s just that because he’s clever… he tends to measure everything by his own yardstick.”

“His hard stick?”

“The dead don’t come back to life. He’s probably half-skeptical about the Demon King’s resurrection, just as he’s half-skeptical that you’re seriously trying to achieve it. Therefore, he’s thinking, ‘Give them this tribute’. He’s focused on his own reality right now. How much he can surpass other countries after the war, how much he can weaken them, or perhaps even his ‘other ambitions’ afterward. In any case, his deep-rooted connection with the church in human society is absolutely essential for his goals. So, he probably sent symbolic reinforcements. Just as a show of support to the church… I’m sure he’ll come after this has been taken, but there’s nothing to fear. That will be symbolic too.”

The Sage had seen through his friend. He knew what he aspired to after the war and didn’t want to follow that path. Having experienced love in war, the Sage didn’t follow in his footsteps. That’s why he could read the situation. He knew that a significant military force wasn’t needed to take the Scriptures because his friend didn’t need it. And indeed, that was the case.

“Well then, let’s go.”

There was only one thing. There was something the Sage didn’t know; there were people making moves that he couldn’t read.

“Wait!”

People entered the Cathedral late. Their number was slightly over ten, but their expressions were enough to make those who had just killed multiple enemies a moment ago tense.

“Thank goodness! I was worried we wouldn’t make it in time.”

The “Elven Archmage” Thunder Sonia.

“My apologies. Even though I’m the prince, I couldn’t obtain any concessions from the church…”

The “Prince of the Coming Heaven,” Nazar.

Leading the group were the two renowned heroes among the Four Races, and they were joined by formidable individuals from various nations.

“However, it’s quite surprising.”

“Yes, the fact that there is indeed a “relic” and that Poplatica and the others are targeting it…”

The twin knights, famous for their service as protectors of the Human king and their fame on numerous battlefields.

The “Raging Surge Knight,” Belmont.

The “Surge Knight,” Galmont.

“We thought it was another one of the prince’s whims, but it seems we arrived just in time!”

And the knight who had killed many succubi with her massive war hammer, known as “Bloodspray” Lily,

“I told you so! Since the moment Lady Thunder Sonia sounded the alarm so desperately, we should have been more cautious! Humans are so foolish!”

“No, in fact, I recall you were the one who said, ‘Lady Thunder Sonia is starting to lose her mind again’.”

“Well, maybe I did say something like that.”

The two protectors of the Elf King, Thunder Sonia’s direct disciple known as Nemesia, the “Little Elven Magician,” Consolida, the master archer known as “Browshot.” And Bougainvillea, the “Bouquet of Poison,” who served Thunder Sonia as her protector.

“We already have enemies. So, our course of action is clear.”

The Dwarf warrior closest to the War Fiend, “The elder of Do Banga,” Barabara Do Banga.

“…Woof.”

And the Beastmen Warriors, the elite guards of the Beast Queen, and the three sharpest fangs among them, the three members of the “Shadow Dogs Unit,” Romulus, the “Shadow Wolf,” and two of his subordinates “Shadow Dogs.”