DISENGAGING GEARS


    The lizardman chief nodded at thetest war report.


    It had been four days since his conference with Soei. Three days remained until the two armies woulde together formally, but for that day, it looked like they could pass yet another night without any major losses.


    The orcs attack was, as they expected, severe. The corridors were teeming with them, pouring in like a flood. Asbyrinthine as the caverns were, that didnt matter as much if it was covered from corner to corner with the enemy. They had set traps in some of the chambers to whittle down the numbers a little, and that was about all the offense they had attempted.


    But not a single lizardman life had yet been lost. They had focused on the defense effort, trying to keep casualties as low as possible, and it was paying off. Their knowledge of the caverns yed a major role, as did the lizardmens ever-rising morale. Thework of cave paths ensured that their escape routes and emergency ess passages remained untouched. The teams facing the brunt of the orc attack switched in and out in shifts, ensuring that only the bare minimum of troops engaged the enemy at any one time.


    The lizardmen had their chiefs umon leadership skills to thank for their sess so far. But the chief refused to rest on hisurels. He knew that things were still under control mainly due to the promise ofing reinforcements. The warriors who had actually fought the orcs reported on the astonishing amount of strength their foes exhibiteda far cry from anything an orc should be capable of. It was clearly the result of their orc lords special skills, and if they had opted for a full-frontal sh, the lizardmen would have been decimated.


    They had lost nobody, but only because of their single-minded focus on defense. The lizardmens elite troops had not seen their defensiveworks prated yet, but with the sheer numbers they faced, they couldnt let their guard down for a moment. They had to keep their foes from growing any more powerful, no matter what.


    For now, everyone among the lizardmen had to admit that the chief was right. He had strict orders in ceif any fighter was wounded, he was to be reced on the front lines immediately. Anyone dying in battle would be consumed by the orcs, and that would only make them stronger. Everyone understood that they needed to be careful, thorough, and that the defensive lines must be protected at all costs.


    And it was only for three more days. Three more days until the reinforcements came, and they could stage a counterattack. Then they could use the caverns to their advantage and fight backor, at least, devote more men to offense instead of defense. Little by little, they all believed, it would turn the tables and bring this seemingly endless stalemate to an end.


    It was a hopeful scenario for the chief to picture, one that relieved him a little.


    And it was at that moment when an aide told him that Gabil was back


    Gabil was beside himself with anger.


    What is this? he thought as he hurried to the chief. The proud lizardmen, burrowing in their holes like cowards, hiding from the pigs Well, no worries now. I have returned. And now we can fight with the pride of true lizardmen.


    It ddens me to see you again, Gabil. Were you able to gain the confidence of the goblins?


    Yes, my lord! They only number approximately seven thousand, but I have their support, and they await our orders.


    I see. Hopefully they will be of service to us.


    Are we off to battle, then? Gabil asked, his tone already growing confrontational. He was back, and he had no interest in letting the pigs have the initiative. He was sure the chiefhis fatherhad been waiting for his arrival with bated breath.


    But the reply he received was nothing like what he expected.


    Mm? No, not yet. While you were away, we received a request to form an alliance. Their forces are set to arrive here three days from now. I n to wait for them, formally agree to the alliance, then discuss strategy at that point. After that, we will go on a full offensive.


    The news was aplete surprise to Gabil. It did not sit well.


    What? Our chief wasnt waiting for me at all?!


    Relying on these mystery reinforcements from who knows where, all for the sake of defeating a stupid little herd of pigs? It was uneptable to Gabil.


    My chief, if I take the lead, the pigs will be eliminated in a sh. Please, give me your order to strike them down!


    No, came the cold reply. We begin three days from now. You had best rest yourself today. You must be exhausted.


    The chief was wholly uninterested in the idea. Gabil seethed with anger. Tossing him aside in anticipation of these reinforcements? Unforgivable.


    Chief Father, you have to get ahold of yourself! I fear your advanced age is making you fail to see reality!


    What?


    What is the meaning of this, Sir Gabil? the head of the chiefs guard asked, while the chief himself eyed his son suspiciously.


    Gabil sized the two up, his gaze filled with pity. He felt oddly calm now. He had been patient with his father as the leader up to this point. There was much about him that he still respectedeven he had to acknowledge his innate leadership skills.


    He certainly did not hate his father, the leader of all lizardmen. If anything, it was his desire to earn the praise of his chief that drove him from day to day. The refusal to give him any rankled Gabil. In that case , he reasoned, let me stand above him and make him recognize me . That was the best way to word it, though Gabils pride made that difficult for him to ept, deep down.


    He nodded, then sent the signal to his men.


    Father, he bellowed across the chamber, your era has ended. Starting today, I will serve as the new chief of the lizardmen!


    With the deration, a battalion of goblins swarmed into the chamber, stone-tipped spears aimed at the chief and his guard. Gabils own elite guard stood by him, ensuring there would be no unwee resistance from the outside hallway.


    Gabil, what is the meaning of this?! the chief spat out, at a higher octave than usual. It was a rarity to hearand it only made Gabil feel even more superior.


    Father, I thank you for everything youve done for us. Now, I want you to leave the rest to me and enjoy life in retirement.


    With another order, Gabils team disarmed the chief and his guard.


    Answer me, Gabil! What is the meaning of all this?!


    Perhaps, Father, using our mazelike corridors to fight the orcs was a good idea. But it spreads our fighters out too sparsely around the entire structure. We have no way of staging a useful counterattack, and it dooms us to exhaustion sooner orter.


    Dont be ridiculous I told you, once we confer three days from now, we will get back on the


    Too little, toote! We are lizardmen! We are strong, and that strength is at its best in our homnd, the marshes. It is in those muddy, flooded regions where we are at our most mobile, and our enemy at its slowest. Our greatest of natural weapons. And what ruler of the marshes simply holes up in the dark and waits for their problems to go away?!


    He took the chiefs weapon in hand, a spear that served as the symbol of the lizardman leader. It was a Vortex Spear, a magical weapon to be wielded only by the strongest of tribal warriors, and as far as Gabil was concerned, he was born to hold it.


    Now he could feel the power within it, a sure sign that the spear had epted its new master for all time. Looking down at the chief and his guard, he held his new weapon high in the air for them to see.


    The spear has epted me. Lizardmen require no alliances! Allow me to prove that to you!


    Wait, Gabil! I cannot allow you to do this! At least wait until the reinforcements arrive!


    You may leave the rest to me, he replied, ignoring the shouted plea. You may find things a tad ufortable until the battle is over, but do try to hold out for me.


    Sir Gabil! My brother! You dare to betray us?!


    Could we save family concerns forter, my sister? I am not betraying anyone. As I told you, I am going to show you what the new era will be for us lizardmen.


    Thats nonsense! replied Gabils younger sister, the head of the chiefs guard. Everyone knows what a talented warrior you are. Why now, of all times? Is this what you truly want for us?!


    Do you think I am joking? Get out of my sight. Take her away.


    He could hear his sister shouting as the goblins hauled her out of the room. It didnt matter to him any longer. He had no intention of killing her or anything of the like, but he didnt want anyone in his way. He would defeat the foe that the former chief found impossible to overthrow. The results would turn him into a new hero, the perfect event for establishing his position at the peak of lizardman society.


    Then , he thought as his heart raced, my father will admit it. He will admit that he was proud of me all along!


    His men were already dealing with anyone who sided with the chief, with goblins to hammer the message home. They wouldnt be expecting it anyway, their attention too focused on the orcs in front of them. Theyd never expect their fellow lizardmen to attack them through the emergency tunnels.


    Before long, the news had arrivedall opposition had been suppressed. Gabil sat down on his fathers seat, the picture of calmposure. And then, as if waiting for this exact timing:


    Hows that chair feel to you, then?


    Ah, Sir Lace. Thanks for your hard work. It went even easier than I expected.


    Oh, lovely, lovely. d to be of service.


    It was a masked man, one with an asymmetrical smile that made it look like he was sneering at anyone he showed it to. His clothing stuck out, too, clown-like with its rabble of colors and patterns. It was a ridiculous sight, but Gabil was unfazed. This man, Lace, was in the employ of Gelmud, the man Gabil loved more than almost anyone else.


    He had first appeared before Gabil as he was returning to his homnd with his newly earned goblins. Lace is the name, he began. I used to be vice president of the Moderate Jesters, a group ofjacks-of-all-trades, you could say. Lord Gelmud has hired me to serve youanything you need, I provide.


    This Lace did with efficiency, freeing Gabils men from the dungeon and providing regr reports on the lizardmens moves. It was Lace who removed the seal on the Vortex Spear for him, ensuring his coup ended in sess.


    The original n called for Gabil and his elite guard to suppress the chief and his men while the main force was out fighting in the marshes, but with the army hunkering down in the caverns, that idea was a bust. It angered Gabil immensely, but Lace offered an alternative path. He brought the goblins, and Gabils own troops, right to the chief himself without arousing any attention. It was like magic, the way he led them through the escape corridors without a single lizardman noticing.


    In short, Lace was the triggerman for the entire coup.


    Aw, cmon, Gabil, Laceughed. Im really nobody that special, no. But he was to Gabil, this man working for Gelmud.


    Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha. Enough modesty, Sir Lace, Gabil replied. We are coworkers, after all, under the watchful eye of Lord Gelmud. Lets make it a useful rtionship.


    Sir Gabil, we have all the tribal leaders in our grasp.


    It was the news Gabil had been waiting to hear. Now, at longst, every branch of the military was under his control.


    Oops! Sorry if Im in the way here. Id best head off to my next job, then


    Ah yes. Sorry to detain you, Sir Lace. I think its time I whip those orcs and show my strength to Lord Gelmud, once and for all!


    With one final, sneering bow, Lace disappeared from the cavern.


    You were quite helpful to me, Lace. Lord Gelmud has so many talented people working for him Id best hold up my end of the bargain, then.


    Gabil stood up, supremely confident. It was time to attack. He couldnt even imagine defeat at this point, and the advice from his father failed to reach his ears. His loyal followers were now cheering his every move, especially the younger lizardmen who formed his most passionate support base.


    He called each tribe leader to his chamber, ordering them to prepare for an all-out attack. To teach those pigs exactly how daring and brave the lizardmen truly were, as he put it. The order was greeted with cheers from every tribe, weary from days of siege warfare. Their former chiefs order to hold the fort and prevent casualties at all costs had, ironically enough, made it all the easier for Gabil to consolidate his own power. He was giving the people what they wanted, and that made things go his way.


    ddened by the response, Gabil sat back down. His time was here. He was confident about that. Defeating the orcs, at this point, was just a minor detail.


    How could this happen?


    Waves of despair rankled the chief.


    Soeis final adviceto watch his backwas referring to this, no doubt. He thought he had the people under his full control. Even the more hawkish were faithfully following his orders, solidifying their defenses. And then his own son betrayed him.


    Desperation overtook him. This was a terrible situation. If it kept up, the lizardmen would be ruined before tomorrow, much less in three days.


    He looked down at his chief guardhis other child, Gabils sister. She noticed the signal and nodded. Go! he shouted, and the chief guard immediately slipped out of her shackles and ran off.


    The alliance forces needed to be notified as soon as possible. They might get caught up in all of this otherwise. He had to prevent that. His pride as a lizardman, and as a leader, demanded it.


    That envoy, the man named Soei, didnt bother hiding his aura from him. Once they were out of this natural fortress, they might be able to follow it to wherever he was now. It was a slim chance, but it was all he had to offer his chief guard.


    The lizardmen guarding the dungeon had taken measures to restrain both of them, butperhaps out of distaste at the idea of abusing their former leaderthey were not doing so with very much fervor. She quickly took advantage of that to escape.


    For now, the chief felt relieved. He would have to stay here; that was his responsibility for now. All he could do was pray his daughter couldplete the mission he gave her.


    Only seven days. That was what he promised, and he had failed. He cursed his own worthlessness, there in his cell, and hoped it would not lead his allies to abandon him. Soei offered that alliance because, to his master, the lizardmen held some sort of value. If this coup made him change his mind, that would seal all their fates.


    If this battle costs us the lives of those faithful to Gabil, so be it. Perhaps they had iting. I just wish we could keep our women and children safe


    They had yet to even formally enact the alliance. The chief fully understood that he was wishing for the stars. But one desire still ruled over himthe desire that this tragedy wouldnt spell doom for all the tribes he oversaw. He felt he owed them that much, after all these years, and no one could me him for it.


    The chief had a good idea of what was about to happen. Once Gabil was in control of all the tribes, he would immediately order an attack. They would have nothing left in the corridors, not even any defense mechanisms. Without any fresh soldiers to rece the wearied frontline fighters, and against an orc force that grew stronger as the fight wore on, it would only be a matter of time before their defense began faltering.


    The women and children of each tribe had been evacuated to a chamber deep in the heart of the maze. They would then have nobody to protect them.


    How did this happen?


    Wailing about it now was pointless.


    I will have to be the cornerstone of our final defense. I have toat leastbuy them a little more time


    Just a little more time. That was the best he could offer right now.


    On that day, the marshes werepletely covered in orcs. An observer in the air would have seen them swarming for the cavern entrances like so many ants.


    But even that was only a small part of the horde. Many were still in the forest, making their way toward the marsnd region. And the main force, marching northward along the river, was stilling. They faced no resistance, nothing preventing them from covering the marshes and descending upon the caverns like an avnche.


    Now, though, there was amotion in one small corner of the hordethe first sh between orc and lizardman out in the marsh.


    In thesends, the lizardman was king. Powerful inbat, they were capable of nimble, quick movements in the muddy, overgrown swamps they called home. That was how the battle begana handful of fighters hiding in the tall grasses, sneaking up on a clutch of orcs.


    Everything was going exactly as Gabil had hoped. His father, the former chief, and all those still loyal to him were shut up in arge underground chamber, and now he was back on the surface to reorganize his newly united troops, taking full advantage of the twisty ess paths that crisscrossed over one another inside. The defensive forces were still in ceGabil nned to wrap up the fight before they exhausted themselves.


    He didnt have an exact bead on the number of troops at the orcs disposal, but judging by the natural abilities of the two races, he figured there was nothing to worry about unless they were outnumbered ten to one or so. So what if they were throwing a ton of orc bodies at them? That didnt change the core fundamentals of this matchup.


    Plus, he had ordered his fighters to take a stick-and-move approach, dealing a blow or two and quickly falling back, just in case. Staying on their toes like that would let them regroup as often as necessary, readying themselves for the next strike.


    Over time, it would cull the orc numbers drastically, dealing them a decisive blow. The orcs on the inside would lose contact with the outdoor forces, and with that, theyd be forced to retreat.


    The lizardmens natural agility in these marshes made that strategy possible. Gabil was no talentless fool. Hecked his fathers ability to instantly gauge the entire theater of war in one nce, but the way he led his fighting men and women was worthy of praise. He had inherited a lot of talent from the former chief. Lizardmen were naturally attracted to the strong, the powerfulmerely talking a big show wouldnt be enough. Gabils men loved him, and the love proved that he was more than just bravado and mindless courage.


    But would it be enough?


    The final line of defense, the forces tasked with guarding thergest underground chamber, numbered a thousand strong. That room was now filled with nothing but women and childrennobatants. The grown women could fight if it came to that, but there was no use relying on them. That was why a thousand fighters were defending them, spread out across the assorted hallways linked to this room.


    Each defensive line nned to gradually fall back over time, grouping en masse around the site of the final stand. Everyone elseseven thousand goblins, around eight thousand battle-ready lizardmenwas under the direct control of Gabil. The new chief believed they could win in straightbat, without using whatever geographical advantages thebyrinth offered. Thus, only a skeletal defense team was left inside, every remaining avable soldier sent off to the marshes.


    The initial strike came as aplete surprise to the orcs, who found their battalions cut off from one another and heavily damaged. The stragglers who managed to flee the lizardmen were subsequently isted, making them ripe for the picking by the gangs of goblins. For a bunch of freshly minted soldiers, they performed magnificently, following Gabils orders to the letter. As they should have. Their lives were riding on this, too.


    It was hard to predict in advance, but the armies under Gabil were showing a remarkable amount of synergy. So far, so good.


    Behold! Gabil thought. There was no need to fear this herd of pigs at all. My fathers age has clouded his mind. He fretted far too much about matters. Once he sees what I am capable of out here, I am sure he will recognize me as the new chief. Wed best clear the marsh of these pigs before long


    Gabil wanted this to be decisive. He wanted no room in his fathers mind for doubt about his sons superior abilities. And even now, the cheering he heard in the distance seemed to indicate he was on the right track.


    Look at that! These orcs could never hold a candle to us lizardmen!


    He liked what he saw, as he surveyed the marshes before him. But this would be the end of his streak of luck. He had been expecting piles of dead orcs, and their foes morale subsequently crumbling. He was not aware of what made the orc lord a truly terrifying foe. His father didand now, that single difference of opinion was making its presence known.


    Splish, crunch, splish, crunch.


    The orcs appeared to be advancing over the bodies of their kindred, on all fours, attempting to gain purchase over the muddynd. It was only when one grew closer that the truth became clear.


    It was actually a banquet, a feast upon the dead, and it was enough to make an observers hair stand on end. Even the most seasoned fighters on the lizardman side felt sick to their stomachs viewing it.


    An eerie aura began swirling around the orcs. One fighter, rearing back in horror at the scene, lost his footing. The orc soldiers immediately seized upon his body, dragging it through the mud, ripping all the limbs off. The first lizardman casualty of the battle, and the turning point for the entire war.


    The orcish infantry gnawing on the bare flesh were transferring the lizardmans abilities to the orc lord himself. It would not be a perfect duplicate like the ones Rimuru could engineer with his Predator skill, but it had one advantage: It could give the caster not only the consumed victims skills, but also their innate physical traits. Whatever the orc lord managed to absorb from the body, he could then feed back to the rest of his army.


    This was known as the Food Chain, another ability unlocked by the Ravenous skill. It let the orcs function both as a horde, and as a single conscious entity. Ravenous did not work the way a well-trained direwolf pack did, but the effects it could have on an enemy could be just as devastating.


    It was exactly why the lizardman chief feared, above everything else, losing any of his men in battle. Doing so meant losing any inherent advantage his species brought to the table. Even if the orcs couldnt fully seize the skills of their foes, they could still gain some feature of the lizardmenand it would instantly be gifted to every member of the horde. Perhaps theyd grow webbing around their feet, letting them more freely move through the mud. Or perhaps scales would spontaneously appear over the more vulnerable points on their bodies, boosting their defense. They were little changes, yes, but they would have dramatic effects on how the battle would turn out.


    Do not fear them! Gabil shouted. Show them the power we enjoy as the proud lizardman race!


    It was enough to inspire his men that little bit further. They knew they were fighting on familiar territory, and they were certain they had the mobility advantage. The orcs would be too bogged down to catch up with them. And even if they were outnumbered, a nimble attack on their nk would cut them off, just like before.


    Or so they thought


    Matching the armys movements step by step, the orcish army stayed in formation, following their foes unerringly. They were now perceptibly quicker than before.


    Huh? The orcs are moving differently?


    But by the time Gabil noticed, it was already toote. With newfound speed, the orcs spread out to the left and right, enveloping the advancing lizardman force.


    In perfect order, the twenty-thousand-strong force hadpletely sealed off the escape route Gabils men used to have. The new chief had pushed his men too far into the fray, cing too much confidence in their mobility and figuring they could easily get away if need be. But right now, Gabils force was pitted against the ten-thousand-strong splinter force that had attacked the ogres, plus another thirty thousand, the advance force from the main horde. Half that number were now behind the lizardmen.


    It gave Gabil pause, but only for a moment. He decided to try breaking through the army in front of him. If things turned against him here, the lizardmen would be surrounded on all sides and annihtedto say nothing of the much slower goblins. And while Gabil didnt see the goblins as much more than cannon fodder, he wasnt heartless enough to simply abandon the whole lot at once.


    After me, men! he shouted as he began to run forward. Were breaking through the orc encirclement!


    If this was a typical orcish army, one not under the effects of Ravenous, Gabils desperation tactic might have had a chance. But now, that was only a hypothetical. The reality was much harsher.


    In a moments time, the powerful attack the lizardmenunched at the orcs before them ended with a whimper. And at that moment, the lizardman armyand by extension, Gabil himselfdoomed themselves to defeat.


    The encirclement was almost fullyplete now, and more orcs from the main horde were flowing in. There was no refuge from the enemy, in any direction. They were like a bug surrounded by a boundless number of army ants. As much as they wanted to resist, they were doomed to fall sooner orter.


    Gabil was not ipetent. In an instant, he recognized the dilemma his army faced. But as for why it had happenedthat was beyond his intellectual skills. He knew they had been the overwhelming favorite, and all of a sudden, their attacks were having next to no effect. It was unthinkable to him.


    Yet, he pressed on, trying everything his army was still capable of doing. He called for his troops, attempting to rally them back into position. The goblins were almost hysterical, and their panic was beginning to affect the lizardmen as well. He had to prevent that, no matter what, because once panic took over, the entire chain ofmand would fall apart. Then came defeat, and then annihtion.


    He considered a retreat, but only for a moment. He knew there was no escape route left. Even if they could punch their way through this encirclement, there was no ce to escape to anymore.


    Once he had wrested control from his father, he had ensured that all the troops under hismand had exited the caverns safelybut the caverns were too tight to let them all back in. It would be a stampede if he gave the order, the entrances quickly bing choked with crushed and mangled goblin bodies, and they would be left waiting for death at the orcs hands.


    Assuming they could even reach the caverns now. There was always the forest to flee to, but with the orcs suddenly quicker on their feet than before, all the forest offered was a future where theyd be chased down and picked off.


    So no retreat. Gabil could understand that much. And now, finally, he understood why his father had taken such a conservative approach. He knew how impossibly stupid he had been.


    But it was toote for regrets. What could he do right now? Not much. Nothing, in fact, apart from rallying his forces and doing whatever he could to calm their anxieties.


    Gah-ha-ha-ha! he shouted gleefully. Dont you start panicking on me, boys! Im right here with all of you! We could never lose to these pigs!


    By now, he was having trouble believing it, but he had to say it anyway. His troops needed inspiration, even as their fates were quickly catching up with them.


    Haah


    The chief, too, was full of regretregret that he couldnt convince Gabil that the orc lord was a real threat and not some fairy-tale bogeyman. Now he realized that his son needed things exined in more concrete, visceral terms. He didnt ce enough importance on that, and now he hated himself for it.


    This is all my fault , he thought. If he had a more urate idea of what the orc lord could do, perhaps Gabil would have been a bit more careful. But that didnt matter anymore. The chief sighed as he quelled the thought from his mind.


    He still had things to do. His brethren were still in thatrge underground chamber, anxiety all over their faces.


    In that chamber, there were four wide routes to the marsnds, along with one escape route behind them. That route connected directly to a hilltop near the foot of the mountains. It would be the long way to the forest, but it was safely away from the marshes themselvesand the corridor was a straight shot, ensuring that women and children could evacuate through it without getting lost.


    Which meant that the four pathways at the front of the chamber were the main worry right now. The forces that had beenunching attacks at the interior orcs had slowly, but surely, retreated back through them all. The final line of defense deployed in each one numbered around fifteen hundred at this point; not all the toons had made it fully inside yet.


    The orc numbers were high. With so many, they would discover this location soon enough. Before they did, the chief at least wanted the entire force back there, if he could.


    He shot a nce back at the escape route. This was arge chamber, but it was now crowded with so many lizardmen that the space felt cramped. If the orcs swarmed in here without warning, he doubted they could all flee in time. They had best start evacuating now, while things could still be kept orderly. It would take just a single spark, a moment of panic, to plunge this room into chaos.


    But what if they did all make into the forest? Would the orcs simply find and massacre them over there? It seemed usible. And even without the orcs, the forest presented an unclear future for everyone.


    For now, they needed more time. Time to wait for reinforcements, despite the chief having no idea if they wereing or not.


    But the chief didnt get to enjoy the dream for long. The sounds of battle began echoing from a corridor, apanied by the smell of blood mixed with sweat and metal.


    Theyre here


    Anxiety pervaded the chamber. The chief sprang into action, bringing the women and children to the rear of the chamber and positioning those who could fight up front, just in case the orcs had broken the blockade. The fighters formed an arc ahead of them, readying their spears far earlier than they expected.


    All four corridors in front should have been fully blocked off. The lizardmen were instructed to pick off the orcs as they appeared, giving them no quarter regardless of how much weaker they were. The hallways were narrow enough that only a few orcs could engage at once, a wee advantage. In a one-on-one fight, a lizardman could make quick work of any orcish soldierand this formation, the chief thought, offered them at least a few advantages.


    Things worked as the chief thought they would, at first. The orcs were stronger than normal, it was true, but the lizardmen were handling them well enough.


    The forces assigned to each of the four corridors devoted themselves to staving off the hordes. They took turns at the front lines, ensuring they were careful with their work, but not even they couldst forever. The corpses piled up near the exits, but the orcs simply consumed them and kept pushing forward. It was such a horrid sight that even the hardiest of the lizardmen couldnt deny the fear it began to strike in their hearts.


    Then, the decisive moment came. A yellowish aura covered the orcs.


    What on? the chief thought, just as an even greater nightmare attacked him. The orcs used to be a level below the lizardmen in strength. Now, it was disturbingly even. The difference wasnt dramatic, but it was more than enough to destroy the equilibrium from before. Quickly and efficiently, it removed any advantage the lizardmen enjoyed up to now.


    Observing the battle, the chief realized theyd be lucky tost the day like this. The reinforcements woulde after three days, if they came at all. It was untenable, and already they were losing good lizardmen at the defense lines.


    They had to get the women and children out. It beat waiting for their doom in there.


    Listen to me! I will have to ask you all a favor. It is a grim one, but it must be carried out, or else the history of our people ends right now, on this very day. We must survive. And I will provide you the time to do it!


    Escape was pointless. It would just extend the misery they all experienced before their ultimate deaths. He knew thatbut there was still one final dream he could hope for.


    You must get out of here, now, and ce your trust upon the monster known as Rimuru! Now, go! Go, all of you!


    Heh-heh-heh-heh! The path is blocked, my friend!


    A group of orcs walked out from the escape route, firmly crushing the chiefs final hope. They were orc knights, d in full-te armorand as they entered the light, screams began emanating from one of the four outer corridors.


    Appearing behind the shouts of pain was a hideous-looking orc, his body covered in jet-ck armor that was spattered with blood from head to toe. This most unusual orc was a bizarre sight, the fires of insanity burning in his eyes.


    Is thatthe orc lord?!


    The chief was stunned as he beheld the figure, farrger than even the orc knights. But if anything, the truth was even worse.


    You will all serve as an offering to our mighty orc lord, the orc in ck intoned. We will not let a single one of you escape.


    Now the chief knew who he was. He was not even the orc lord, just another one of his servantsand yet, all this power he wielded. He was an orc general, and now he was here, a heavy long-handled halberd in his hand. The mere sight of him called to mind a boundless hellscape of despair.


    This is it , the chief thought, his heart crushed. But I wontI wont go down that easily!


    Ha-ha-ha-ha! You will be a worthy adversary for me, orc general. I dly ept the challenge!


    The chief knew this was the end for himself, calmly readying his spear as he approached the general. He would be thest chief of the lizardmen, the one who led them to their final fates, and he intended to do so with pride


    The chief guard of the lizardmen ran through the forest, the orders still fresh in her mind. Her exact destination, though, wasnt clear. As much as she honed her senses, searching for a trace of the aura that belonged to the envoy known as Soei, she could find nothing. So instead she ran, trusting in her instincts.


    Lizardmen were nimble creatures in the marshes, but less so on drynd. Her breathing was ragged, her heart felt like it would explode, and she could feel herself growing more fatigued by the second. But she never stopped running. She had a bare minimum of duty for the monster who offered them an alliance, and she intended to fulfill it.


    It had been around three hours since she began running. It had been a constant run ever since she slipped out of her bonds, and while her mind was still strong, a single moments distraction and she was likely to fall on the spot.


    She knew the truth well enough. There was no guarantee that the monster Soei was anywhere ahead of here. If he was, there was no guarantee he would lift a finger to help. The thought was starting to ur to hermaybe she should just keep running? For good? Away from home?


    No! How could I betray my people? My own father?


    She tried to banish the thought, focusing on other matters.


    As far as she was concerned, the charge engineered by her brother Gabil was something she should have stopped. She knew that, above everything else, what her brother wanted was their fathers approval. But she could never bring herself to tell the chief. She respected Gabil too muchas her brother, and as a lizardman warriorand she thought he would be a splendid chief in time without her butting in on his affairs.


    And now look at what that earned them.


    Perhaps this was just the result of a hundred happenstances coinciding at once, knocking everything out of whack. But she couldnt help but think it. If only she talked things over with him more, as a sister, maybe they couldve avoided all of this. And if that was the case, she had a responsibility to uphold.


    No, she couldnt abandon her homnd. If she stopped running now, shed never run again. So she kept at it.


    Someone was watching her. Someone that she, running with all her might, could never have noticed. He was nimbly leaping from tree branch to tree branch, following her every move without a sound.


    Now he smirked to himself, a bit of drool falling from one edge of his lips. He was waiting for the moment. The instant when her exhaustion took her, and she could no longer move


    And when it did, he soundlessly descended in front of the chief guard.


    His arms were long, like a goris, his legs those of a carnivorous animal. His head and torso, however, unmistakably identified him as a member of the horrifying orcish race.


    Geh-heh-heh You appear tired. Your muscles must be so well-toned, so delicious.


    Pain filled the chief guards eyes as she looked at the monster. He was a high-level orc, no doubt about it. And he had more with him, a few dozen behind his back. Survival was not in the cards for her.


    You


    Geh-heh Bah-ha-ha-haaaaa! I am one of the generals of the orcish army. Consider it an honor to take up residence in my stomach!


    Anan orc general?!


    The chief guard readied the spear on her back. But it was clear to everyone involved how this fight would go. She was already slowed by her fatigue, totally bereft of the strength she would need to defeat the orc general and his men.


    She knew it was hopeless. But she was ready to fight anyway. Her pride dictated it.


    Oooooh yeah! Now this is getting good!


    The mysterious man did a little dance where he stood, his cheerful voice booming. His eerie-looking mask and clothing were like nothing else on this.


    Lace, the man who had exchanged a few words with Gabil earlier, was ying with three crystal balls, as if teaching himself how to juggle. Each one was about the size of a persons head, and images were visible inside them all. A keen-eyed observer would be able to see that each one depicted a scene from a battlefield.


    All three were valuable magical items by nature, capable of seeing through the eyes of any person of ones choice and projecting their field of vision into the crystal. Only one person could be followed with each ball, and that person had to physically touch the orb to make the connection work, so Lace could only track three at once. But that was more than enough for his needs.


    He had connected the crystals to three of the orc generals he found easiest to control, and now he was using them to steal nces of the current battle. It wasnt something he took a prurient pleasure in. It was his job, part of the duties his client ced upon him. But Lace was still taking full advantage, apparently having a st as he peered into each orb in session.


    The war was unfolding just as he wanted it tojust as he had been enlisted to make happen. Nice! That oughta please the boss, he said to nobody in particr.


    But something was different this time. He actually got a response.


    You seem to be enjoying yourself.


    Whatre?!


    A woman appeared before the confused Lace, a fleeting beauty to her form. Her green hair was as tangled as a wall of ivy, loosely covering her entire body, and its translucence made the contours of her frame visible.


    I am Treyni, one of the dryad wardens of the forest, and I have no intention of letting the monster tribes do as they please here. Thus, Im afraid I must remove you.


    The moment shepleted her deration, she began casting a spell. This unnerved Lace.


    Whoa! W-wait a second! I aint in no monster tribe!


    Silence. The disturbance you have caused to the forest already makes your crime clear.


    The magic began to take effect.


    Wait! Wait-wait-wait! Whats that spell?!


    Come to me, spiritual summon Sylphide. And with you, I summon the extra skill Unify!!


    The dryad constructed a shell of magicules over her own spiritual body. It was simr to Rimurus Replicationalthough she did not, strictly speaking, have any physical form at all, apart from the holy tree that housed her soul. Those properties allowed her to unify her spirit with others like her.


    Unified with the high-level Sylphide, Treyni now had the ability to wield the full powers of that spirit. And what she unleashed next was one of Sylphides most powerful magics.


    Your judgment is here. May you pray for your ultimate forgiveness. Aerial de!!


    The spiritual Unification meant Treyni no longer had need for long casting times. In an instant, Lace was locked inside a gap in the air itselfone upied solely by great des of air that rent everything they shed through. There was no escape once imprisoned.


    It was a fearsome move, and Lace, if anything, weathered it well. His own intrinsic Anti-Magic skills let him escape mortal injury. All it managed to take from him was a single armand with a puff of smoke, the arm went into so-called Stealth Mode. This was an original skill, exclusive to Lace, thatbined illusory magic like Deception, Infiltration, and Concealment, and he was so deft at casting it that it even let him deceive the spiritual senses of a dryad.


    Yikes. Prone to violence much,dy? You coulda let me at least get a word in edgewise Well, my works done here anyway, so I think Ill get while the gettins good. See you around!


    He had apparently set up several potential escape routes for himself in advance. When the smoke cleared, Lace was gone.


    I cannot believe he escaped my grasp, Treyni whispered. Butnot from a monster tribe? Then who are those people?


    No one was there to answer. Treyni filed the question away forter, instead turning her eyes toward the battlefield. Running her mind through the roots of the nts that surrounded her, she used her dryad skills to swim in an ocean of information.


    Things do not appear to be going well I wonder how much I should really be trusting him.


    The whisper disappeared into the wind, just like the one before it. Traces of concern began to manifest themselves upon her face.


    She should have been the one taking care of the orc lord. But she could sense someone maneuvering behind him. Until she could grasp who, she couldnt make any rash moves. And while it might not be likely, if the orc lord managed to absorb her as well, it could spell the creation of a new demon lord and make it impossible for her own sisters to handle him. That prevented her from doing too much in public.


    It also prevented her from going very hard on the magic-born Lace, giving him the chance to escape. That hurt her. The lizardmen were being consumed by the orcs out there, and she couldnt do anything about it.


    But Treyni was still focused on her own role as a warden of the forest, and what that meant to her.


    Gabil continued iling away in his desperate battle. Things were getting more and more one-sided.


    The orcs seemed to know no fatigue, attacking them without pause or end. The federated goblin-lizardman forces, unable to escape from their encirclement, found themselves picked off one by one. And even if Gabil tried to break through, how many of his menwounded and in a state of total exhaustionwould follow him?


    It seemed clear that now was the time to abandon the slower goblins for good. There was no room for retreat, but by this point, Gabil had to think about guaranteeing himself as many survivors as possible. Warfare, in general, stopped once it became clear who the victor wasbut these orcs seemed intent onpletely wiping Gabil and his force off this ne of reality. There would be no terms offered; just murder, and then the feast.


    The orcs saw them as nothing but prey, and it triggered a primal sort of fear. The formation began to fall apart at the seams, the weaker-minded ones sumbing to terror like frogs being eyed by a snake. The goblins were already a lost cause, running around like mad in search of any sce, and the orcs werent having any of it. They chased them down, killed them, and consumed them. Not even three thousand functioned as a fighting force any longerand to the lizardmen, a good fifth of which had fallen, the news was no less grim.


    It was already bing difficult to lead them as a cohesive army. But Gabil kept pressing his teams forward, prodding the orc lines for any possible route of escape. His tactics were impable, his abilities being used to their fullest.


    Then a group of those orc soldiers in the ck armor began to move. A well-ordered team, unlike themon rabble, and each one protected from head to toe by metal. They might have been as physically strong as any other orc, but they functioned as a trained army, and their equipment was a massive upgrade.


    The orc leading them bore an aura that overwhelmed all the others, proving how much stronger he was than the rest. An orc general, as powerful as an entire tactical squadron all by himself. And hejust one of five among the hordehad two thousand stout orc knights following him. His rank was A-minus, and he answered directly to the orc lord himself, the leaders most trusted of officers.


    Its over


    In Gabils eyes, the demonstration of power was decisive.


    No escape, either. Best prepare to die in battle, then


    If he wanted anything right now, it was to die like a warrior, at least.


    Gah-ha-ha-ha-ha! So its the leader of these cowardly pigs! Do you have the courage to duel me?!


    He could never win. Gabils scale mail was already in tatters, the fatigue building across his body. His foes armor was a work of art, enhanced with magical protection, and the aura he exuded told of his strength.


    If he epted this invitation, at least Gabil would enjoy a glorious end on the battlefield. Perhaps he could take a general with him, if things went well enough.


    Guh-huh-huh Very well. Let me take you.


    Striking down the enemy leader, crushing thest true support his lizardman fighters had to rely on, would make the massacre that much easier to carry out. That was the orc generals thought, and Gabil was aware enough of that. He also knew that struggling any more than this would only lengthen the agony. Any thought of the reinforcements the chief apparently counted on was gone from his mind.


    He had already selected this patch ofnd as thest one he would ever stand upon.


    I thank you.


    Then all was solemn as they began their duel.


    Holding his magical Vortex Spear, Gabil sized up his foe, searching for any weakness.


    Come on! the orc general howled.


    Bring it! Vortex Torrent!


    With all his remaining force, Gabil released the most powerful attack he coulda killer move,bining histentnce skills with the magic his current weapon provided.


    But


    Chaos Eater!!


    The orc general spun his own spear in the opposite direction, canceling out the force of Gabils vortex. It began whirling faster and faster, unleashing its own aura that took on a sickly yellow color before descending upon the lizardman.


    Is he trying to eat me?!


    He rolled to the side, relying on instinct, but the aura continued to close the distance.


    Geh-heh-heh! Just another reptile, the generalughed. Your kind deserves to slither along the ground!


    Gabil refused to give up. At least one strike; that was all he wanted. He grabbed a clod of earth, throwing it at the orc geners childish as it must have looked, he had to deliver at least one clean blow. The attack disappeared futilely within the yellow aura, showing exactly how outssed he was.


    Gabil was too upied with dodging the aura to focus on any other strikes.


    The orc general thrusted his spear at him, a twisted smile on his face


    Whoa! Better not get distracted, there!


    A familiar voice reached Gabils ears. At the same time, he felt himself beingunched backward, just barely avoiding the hilt of the orc generals spear.


    Wh-what happened?! the confused Gabil thought. Then came a roar that deafened the battlefield, like the heavens had fallen upon it. Gabil thought it was another orc trick at first, before realizing it wasnt. Even the orcs, with their insurmountable advantage, were visibly panicking.


    The tides were changing anew, and violently so.