The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

Crunch.

“Ku, kurlgh.”

An Orc warrior coughed up green blood, staring at the arm that had pierced through his chest.

“You bastards, chwik! What have you done to our kin, chwik!”

The retreating Orc warriors shouted at the black-cloaked humans. The arm that had pierced the Orc warrior’s chest belonged to another Orc.

However, this Orc was covered in black tattoos, and its eyes were blood-red. Despite its frame, swollen muscles made its upper body look ready to burst.

This was an Demonic Orc Soldier. A bio-weapon created by the Empire through experiments on captured Orcs and Orc warriors.

“Dirty human scum, chwik! We will never forgive you, chwik.”

The regrouped Orc warriors charged back at the Demonic Orc Soldiers and the Imperial soldiers.

Boom!

And the Orc warrior unit, losing more than half their comrades, was forced to scatter and flee. They had not imagined that the Demonic Orc Soldiers would explode upon death.

“Capture them alive as much as possible! We still need more test subjects.”

“Yes, captain.”

“Oh, and don’t cross the forest boundary. There’s no need to provoke the Orcs just yet.”

Thus, skirmishes between Orc reconnaissance units and Imperial forces continued at the northern forest boundary.

Of course, the Empire’s losses were minimal. Their method of capturing enemies and turning them into soldiers was highly effective against the Orcs.

Living in small tribes, orcs took a long time to share information. The Empire was busy bolstering its forces by capturing Orcs along the forest boundary.

*

“The warriors are returning, chwik!”

The lookout on the palisade shouted, causing a stir throughout the village. Dekend Village, where Raul (Nakadu) was staying, was one of the larger ones in the north.

It had a population close to 3,000, with over 300 Orc warriors. Given that an average Orc settlement had fewer than 300 members, one could imagine its size.

‘Are they returning from a reconnaissance of the forest?’

Raul stepped out of his hut amidst the bustling commotion. He made his way towards the village entrance, following the other Orcs.

Since he planned to stay for a while, it was necessary to build rapport with the chieftain. Moreover, it would be advantageous to gather intelligence about the Imperial forces in the northern forest.

However, as he approached the entrance, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

“Healer, chwik! Where is the healer, chwik?”

“Good heavens, chwik. Less than half of the warriors have returned, chwik!”

The once proud and strong Orc warriors returned as a ragtag group of survivors. And most disheartening of all, “Chwik, is it true? The chieftain has been captured, chwik!”

Elder Buruba wore a look of deep despair.

“I have failed, chwik. I could not protect them, chwik.”

When Raul reached the village entrance, he noticed a warrior significantly larger than the other Orcs. This must have been the village’s elite orc warriors that Elder Buruba had mentioned.

‘Ch’Onggo, was it?’

He was gravely injured, green blood seeping from his wounds, and his Giant Wolf companion was equally bloodied. It seemed they had endured a severe battle.

At that moment, Ch’Onggo and Raul’s eyes met.

Ch’Onggo’s eyes widened, then narrowed with caution.

“Who are you, chwik? Why has a Great Warrior come to this remote village, chwik?”

It seemed Ch’Onggo instantly recognized Raul’s strength.

“My name is Nakadu, chwik. A warrior who follows the wind, chwik. I heard of trouble affecting the northern tribes, chwik. I decided to stay here briefly as I passed through, chwik.”

Upon hearing this, the suspicion vanished from Ch’Onggo’s face. Among the Orcs, a Wind-follower (a shorthand) was highly revered. To be called a Wind Follower, one had to reach a certain level of prowess.

Despite their outstanding skills, wind Warriors didn’t settle in one place but continued to train and solve problems for their kin, acting as roving troubleshooters.

After hearing from Elder Buruba about how Nakadu had saved the village from the Twin-Headed Ogre, Ch’Onggo could not hide his respect for the great warrior.

“Thank you, chwik. On behalf of the village warriors, I express my deepest gratitude, chwik. If times were better, we would share drinks and weapons in camaraderie, chwik. It’s a pity, chwik.”

After brief introductions, Ch’Onggo, Elder Buruba, and other key village figures gathered in the village hall. It wasn’t strange that Raul attended this meeting.

“Won’t the enemies in the northern forest attack the village, chwik?”

“What are their numbers, chwik?”

“Should we ask the tribe alliance for help, chwik?”

Various opinions were discussed as Ch’Onggo and the warriors shared the information they had gathered. However, from Raul’s perspective, it was frustrating.

‘The information we’ve gained is almost nothing compared to the losses.’

How large the Imperial army was, who their commanders were, their locations and force compositions—there was little useful intelligence to be had.

Their intelligence amounted to information on Mauling Soldiers, dark-cloaked humans, and the explosions.

‘Not that I expected much, but this is disappointing.’

Even in a relatively large village, this was the extent of their knowledge; the situation elsewhere could easily be inferred.

This was only natural.

Just like in the human world, the law of the jungle applied equally to Orc tribes. Stronger and larger tribes occupied the prime, prey-rich center of the Monster Plains.

Consequently, weaker tribes were pushed to the forest boundaries.

‘Well, at least it made it easier for me to blend in and operate.’

Whether or not these tribes were involved in battles didn’t matter. All Raul needed were witnesses to spread the word and some basic assistance.

Despite the unhelpful meeting, it was still interesting.

“We must rescue our captured kin, chwik.”

“This time, we fell short because only five tribes gathered, chwik. What if we gather warriors from ten tribes, chwik?”

“Isn’t it just a matter of avoiding those strange self-destruct attacks, chwik? Let’s set out immediately, chwik!”

Even after a significant defeat, fear of battle was hardly visible. Even the recently treated warriors clamored to fight again.

‘They truly deserve the title of a warrior race.’

However, their strategic thinking seemed lacking. Raul observed the meeting silently, and amidst the cacophony of reprimands and suggestions, the meeting concluded.

Elder Buruba was chosen as the acting chieftain. Though not the strongest Orc, his experience and bravery made him a fitting choice.

If the chieftain didn’t return, a new chieftain would be elected in a fortnight, likely the elite orc warrior, Ch’Onggo.

The decision was made to form alliances with more tribes and gather forces to rescue their captured kin.

However,

‘This is taking too long.’

The Orcs relied on couriers, not magic, to communicate. Only larger tribes had long-distance communication methods. Following through with the meeting’s resolutions meant waiting at least ten days.

‘I can’t have that.’

Raul hadn’t disguised himself as an Orc to watch things unfold leisurely.

So, Raul finally spoke up for the first time.

“We don’t have the luxury of time, chwik. While plans involving other tribes and larger forces are being made, we must act swiftly, chwik. Time is against us, chwik.”

Elder Buruba and the other gathered Orcs turned their attention to him.

“Warrior Nakadu, chwik, what do you suggest, chwik?”

“We need a swift strike team, chwik. A smaller, elite group that can move fast and hit hard, chwik. We can’t wait for the slow-moving bureaucracy to gather forces, chwik.”

Ch’Onggo nodded in agreement.

“That makes sense, chwik. But do we have enough willing and able warriors here, chwik?”

Raul’s eyes glinted with determination.

“We do, chwik. I will lead them, chwik. Gather the bravest and the strongest, chwik. We move at dawn, chwik.”

Elder Buruba looked thoughtful.

“A swift strike team, chwik. It could work, chwik. Very well, I will call for volunteers, chwik.”

Thus, Raul set in motion a plan for a rapid response team, aiming to act swiftly and decisively against the Empire’s forces.

“I need to say something, chwik.”

Everyone, who was about to disperse after the meeting, turned their attention towards him.

“What is it, Great Warrior Nakadu, chwik?”

Having acknowledged Raul’s prowess, Elder Buruba addressed him with newfound respect.

“I have heard my brothers’ opinions, chwik. But it’s too late to rescue our captured kin this way, chwik. Therefore, I will go myself and bring them back, chwik.”

“Ooh, truly, chwik?”

“In that case, take me with you, chwik!”

“I will go too, chwik!”

Surprisingly, there wasn’t a single skeptic among them. Instead, they clamored to join him, a testament to the Great Warrior’s presence. However, Raul couldn’t take everyone along, nor was it necessary.

He only needed a rough idea of where the captives were and a guide to bring them back.

“Ch’Onggo, will you join me, chwik?”

“It would be an honor, Great Warrior Nakadu, chwik.”

Elder Buruba was to stay back, forming alliances with other tribes and preparing the warriors. Thus, with just the two of them, the Wolf Riders set out towards the northern forest.

*

Tatak, tatak.

Riding a wolf was no easy task. Maintaining balance on their wildly moving backs required tremendous thigh strength and balance far beyond that needed for horse riding.

While the ride was bumpy, nothing could compare to the speed. Less than a day after leaving the village, Raul and Ch’Onggo reached the forest boundary.

“This way, chwik. From here, we need to be cautious of their scouts, chwik.”

Ch’Onggo, now dismounted, led the way into the forest. Carefully navigating through the forest, the two warriors and their wolves remained alert.

However, after walking a considerable distance without encountering any enemy presence, Ch’Onggo frowned.

“Strange, chwik. Their base should be around here, chwik. Why can’t we see anyone, chwik?”

“If we can reach our destination without meeting them, isn’t that better, chwik?”

Raul chuckled, and Ch’Onggo nodded in agreement, continuing to guide them. Though Ch’Onggo wasn’t aware of the real situation.

Far ahead of their path,

Whoosh! Thud!

Slick!

“It’s a monster!”

“H-how is the weapon moving on its own… Urgh.”

Dozens of flying daggers had swiftly slaughtered the Imperial scouts. Among them was a knight, but even his mana blade couldn’t stop the aura-infused daggers from piercing his throat.

The corpses, now impaled with multiple daggers, were discreetly moved to the underbrush. Raul, who had silently orchestrated the clean-up, observed Ch’Onggo leading the way.

‘Good. Now to ensure we get all the information we need.’

Unless someone had an exceptionally keen sense of smell or sharp observational skills, they wouldn’t easily spot the bodies in this dense forest.

With Raul’s controlled weapons taking out the scattered scouts, it was no wonder they encountered none.

Shortly thereafter, Raul and Ch’Onggo arrived at the site of the skirmish.

“Wait here, chwik. I’ll send this one back once I’ve dealt with the enemies, chwik.”

Though Ch’Onggo wanted to accompany him, Raul knew he’d only be a hindrance. Having left Ch’Onggo behind, Raul walked through the forest for a while before launching himself to the treetops.

“Hmm. That looks like the place.”

Even with aerial reconnaissance photos, finding the target in the dense forest was challenging.

However, from the top of a tree, Raul could see landmarks he had set as references—large trees, hills, and cliffs.

“Well then… time to pay a visit.”

With a fierce glint in his eyes, Raul darted through the trees towards his destination.

*

“Lieutenant Tian, you worry too much. What are a bunch of Orcs that you need to set up such a border?”

“Keep your voice down, the soldiers might hear. Besides, you know the higher-ups are tense. The failure of the wall operation has displeased the Emperor. We need to be cautious now more than ever.”

“That’s their problem. I’m just annoyed that we lowly officers have to suffer for it.”

Built with bone pillars filled in with soil, the makeshift walls were guarded by two Imperial officers, their expressions weary.

Since the battle with the Orcs a few days ago, security had tightened, and shifts had lengthened. The grumbling was common among both officers and soldiers.

“Really, even if the Orcs are tough, aren’t they just monsters? We outnumber them; they won’t be a match for us.”

“Don’t be so complacent. Some of them were at knight-level. Still, I agree, they’re just monsters.”

The battle had ended, and the captured Orcs were now mere test subjects. Despite the large number of Orcs in the plains, they were experimental material.

What was there to fear?

Something appeared on the field before the fortress.

“…What’s that?”

“It’s a Wolf Rider or something, urgh.”

With a thud, daggers embedded themselves in the foreheads of the two officers, cutting off their conversation. The nearby soldiers standing guard met the same fate.

“Time to get started.”

Riding the black wolf Gale, Raul leapt over the wall effortlessly.

(To be continued)