Chapter 221
A handsome middle-aged man with sapphire hair and blue horns stood on a desolate land in the middle of a blizzard with his eyes closed.
“You’re here,” he remarked as he opened his freezing, sapphire eyes.
A man of epicene beauty with nine pairs of wings descended from the sky. He had silver hair and eyes, a spinning halo over his head, and Holy Force resembling white lily petals falling around him alongside the snowflakes.
“Biphatogenes,” the angel greeted.
“Gabriel.”
They were Ice Dragon Biphatogenes, the leader of Nivalis under Echion’s banner, and the archangel Gabriel, the Angel of Revelation. Those who could see it would see two vividly shining stars hundreds of meters above them. A blue star that looked like ice and a pure white star were engaged in a power struggle, shaking the surroundings.
“Welcome, Gabriel of the four archangels. Oh, would it be the three archangels now that Uriel is dead?” Biphatogenes remarked.
“The God of Heaven has already birthed a new Archangel of the North. That aside, I heard Nivalis has lost against Cadaver. I am sure you had an earful from Regnator.”
“We did not lose. We had simply grown sick of the needless waste of resources.”
They continued their war of nerves as they stared at each other, then silence fell.
“Enough of this. It is a waste of time,” Biphatogenes said.
“Agreed.”
“So, what is your answer?”
Gabriel’s silver eyes flashed as he nodded. “We will participate.”
“Great.” Biphatogenes smiled and continued, “The birth of Underground is already a fact. It appears Echion and Orbis are the only sane ones.”
He thought, Lee Kang-San... You’ve monopolized all the attention. You dare take the causality that was rightfully mine?!
Gabriel agreed, “Inferior races who continuously get in the God of Heaven’s way deserve divine punishment.”
Cheon Seong-Hwi! He exposed the angels’ involvement at Pollon Nest and dared to destroy the statue of the God of Heaven in Ferrum! He is a first-class assassination target! Gabriel thought, his expression crumpling in rage.
“We will commence our attack once preparations are complete. We must take this chance to show the inferior races their place thoroughly.”
“Agreed. We have the justification. As of this moment, Underground is still an illegal confederation that has yet to receive the Sēmen’s approval.”
Biphatogenes and Gabriel looked into each other’s eyes and smiled.
“Our target is...”
“The Capital.”
Humanity had rapidly developed and taken a massive step forward, but the more they advanced, the stronger the headwind. The more one gained, the more they would inevitably lose. There was no such thing as a happy ending in the Mirror World. A giant storm was approaching humanity.
***
You win some, you lose some.
***
The sound of drums echoed across the plains as the sun set on the horizon. An advance party of the Tusk tribe army had set out from Garapan and stood before Fortitudo’s gates.
“Chwik! Damn cowards! They occupied the city while we were away!”
“They will have a blood revenge! We must receive ten times as much blood from them as our Tusk tribesmen have shed!”
“What were they even thinking, starting a rebellion? Chwik, we have Lord Bodonchar on our side!”
They had set up tents at a distance so that throwing weapons couldn’t reach them, and were assembling siege weaponry to prepare for war. The idea of defeat wasn’t even on their minds. Not only was the Tusk tribe the most populated of the five great tribes, but their leader, Bodonchar, was a World Ranker.
They highly doubted that their opponents had someone of a similar level, and the Tusk tribe had far more experience in siege warfare. They would attack as soon as the main party arrived and once they finished their preparations. They were certain that the rebel army would be wiped out in a few days.
“Chwik... Tonight?” an orc whispered in a deserted area of the camp while the Tusk tribesmen were relishing in the ecstasy of war.
He was repeatedly reading a slip of paper that a hawk, flapping its wings on his left forearm, had delivered to him. He was Gurun—no, Honin wearing Gurun’s skin.
“Chwik, Cheon Seong-Hwi... Why is he going to this extent for us?”
Honin was an eighth-tier Sahun, an exceptional orc warrior and Tasha’s loyal subordinate. He knew the deceased Gurun better than anyone. His younger cousin, who had been Gurun’s servant many years ago, had been beaten to death by Gurun.
Honin had been investigating Gurun since then, waiting for the day to take his revenge on the Tusk tribe. Hence, he did not hesitate to have his skin removed and wear Gurun’s filthy skin to infiltrate the enemy camp.
“Chwik. The faster he makes his move, the better. I could be discovered at any moment,” Honin said to himself as he grabbed a note from his pocket and tied it around the hawk’s leg.
It contained key information about the camp’s current situation, locations of supplies, the armory, and Bodonchar’s tent, and patrol routes.
“Chwik, go!” Honin said as he shook his left arm.
The hawk sprouted its wings and soared through the sunset sky.
***
Taidzu, Tasha, and Seong-Hwi looked down at the plains from atop the rampart.
“There are easily over five hundred thousand,” Seong-Hwi mumbled as he scanned the busy Tusk tribe camp.
Taidzu replied, “There will be well over a million once the main party arrives.”
“A million, huh?”
“A number that could easily cover these plains.”
Five hundred thousand was already enough to fill their field of vision, so a million would be like an unending wave.
“Bodonchar’s influence throughout the plains is vaster than you might think. As humans have Lee Kang-San, the orcs have Bodonchar,” Taidzu said.
“Chwik. Seong-Hwi, there are countless small tribes in the plains besides the five great tribes. Bodonchar likely plans to bring them all under his control using his influence,” Tasha added.
Seong-Hwi nodded and asked, “You said the rebel army can mobilize a little over a hundred thousand, right?”
“Yes. They are brave warriors from the Blade, Hawk, Wind, and Sun tribes,” Taidzu answered.
“Why only that many?”
“There are several reasons. First, we currently do not wish to wage an all-out war against Bodonchar,” Taidzu said as he stared at Seong-Hwi, expressing that his opinion has yet to change. “That is why our main party is retreating to the rear with the refugees we’ve freed from Fortitudo. The people who have remained here are warriors and civilians willing to lay down their lives to buy enough time for the others to retreat.”
“I see.”
“And the four tribes may be helping me to become the next Abkai, but it’s only because I have a chance against Bodonchar, not because I’m from any of their tribes.”
Seong-Hwi nodded. Taidzu was originally a member of the Tusk tribe. He may have been the key to rallying the Blade, Hawk, Wind, and Sun tribes, but he was still an outsider.
“But if you defeat Bodonchar despite the heavily outnumbered odds... You will earn the four tribes’ unbridled support and unwavering trust,” Seong-Hwi remarked.
He then thought, Forget the four tribes, you’ll take Bodonchar’s place and become the hero of the plains, as you had in my past life.
Taidzu smiled and replied, “I am also a member of the Tusk tribe. In that sense, I will become a true patriarch who unites all the tribes.”
“Chwik! Master Taidzu! Many sympathize with your cause! All orcs, united as one! I will support you, even if my tribe chief and Bi oppose it!” Tasha declared.
“Thank you, Tasha Sahahun.” Taidzu smiled as he nodded, his eyes blazing as he looked across the plains.
He has ambition, Seong-Hwi mumbled inwardly as he stared at Taidzu.
In his past life, Taidzu had waited until the right moment to overthrow Bodonchar and become the orc patriarch, the Abkai. He then united the southern plains and advanced northward toward the center of the Mirror World, which was why he had often engaged human cities in their path.
“We will be in your care once you become Abkai,” Seong-Hwi said.
“You speak too soon. You have yet to succeed,” Taidzu answered.
“I will, and you will have to choose by sunrise.”
Taidzu momentarily remained silent and asked, “What is your goal? This civil war only involves orcs. In the perspective of the other races, the longer this civil war drags on, the better.”
Seong-Hwi smiled and replied, “Do I look like a hyena who preys on the weak for profit to you?”
Taidzu remained silent again.
“I wish to devour the flesh and blood of powerful prey. Who would benefit the most from inferior races like us tearing each other apart?”
“The superior races,” Taidzu said.
“Exactly. Instead, why don’t we join forces and sink our teeth into the superior races’ necks?”
Taidzu laughed heartily, “Ahahahaha! Are you inviting me to join Underground?”
“I only ask that you consider it if I succeed.”
“I see what kind of man you are. You work diligently for the good of your people,” Taidzu remarked as he nodded.
He finally understood what Seong-Hwi was thinking. He wished to bring Fortitudo into Underground and raise the confederation’s power.
“Gehehe! Chwik! It’s not a bad idea, Master Taidzu! Seong-Hwi is a man worth befriending,” said Tasha, who had been listening in silence, as he laughed.
Seong-Hwi did not rebut their statements. It was partially true, and he could use any good opinions they had of him. However, he also had a different aim.
If I can obtain Bodonchar’s genes and a hint about my unique caliber...
He had never absorbed a World Ranker’s genes besides Curiositas’s. It could serve as a hint to realize what his unique caliber was. Just then, a hawk flew in a circle above them and landed on Tasha’s left arm. Tasha removed the note tied to its leg and nodded after reading it.
“Chwik. The information you wanted is here, Seong-Hwi. Honin has reached back to us.”
“Good. I’ll make my move once it’s dark,” Seong-Hwi answered.
“Are you sure about going alone? Chwik, maybe I should come with—”
“It’s okay. I plan to hit and run as fast as I can.”
The key to his plan, which he named Operation Bee Sting, was to fly like a butterfly and sting like a bee. It wasn’t just any sting, but the dirtiest and most critical sting imaginable.
Bodonchar, even if you’re a World Ranker with unique caliber, you’ll be powerless against this sting!
Seong-Hwi’s eyes gleamed with filthy bloodlust.
***
The plains were filled with a long row of tents, torches illuminating the surroundings.
Honin, disguised as Gurun, looked around and whispered, “Are you here?”
A voice replied out of thin air, “I’m right in front of you.”
Seong-Hwi, who had been concealed via Shadowless Plum Blossom Branch and the Hermit’s Robe, revealed himself.
Honin, startled by Seong-Hwi, replied, “Chwik! The patrol will arrive in ten minutes!”
“That’s more than enough time,” Seong-Hwi replied as he wore the Myriad Cheoyong Mask.
[Activating Artifact Skill: Myriad Faces.]
[Target: Gurun]
[Continuously consuming mana.]
Seong-Hwi’s face, aura, body, and even his clothes changed, becoming another Gurun. Two identical orcs stared at each other, akin to a B-list horror film.
“Chwik. How do I look?” Seong-Hwi asked.
“Chwik! It’s flawless! But Atanggi, the Tusk tribe’s Bi, stands guard in front of Bodonchar’s tent.”
Bi was a title given to a tribe’s greatest shaman. They were of the same tier as the tenth-tier Sahahuns.
The detection skill didn’t raise any alarms since my entire skin was replaced, but it’ll be hard to fool Atanggi with any trickery using mana, Honin thought.
Seong-Hwi smiled, his tusks widening, and said, “Chwik, no need to worry. When the time comes, they won’t even have the time to pay attention to me.” He then crouched, patting Bulgasal lying on the floor, and said, “You memorized where you need to go, right?”
Pwoo! Don’t worry, Daddy! Slurp, I’ll eat it all up! Bulgasal shouted, licking its lips as its eyes sparkled.
“Good boy. Now, go. Supper time.”
Pwoo! Bulgasal answered energetically and trotted into the darkness.
“Chwik. You should go too. Stay with people who will prove your innocence,” Seong-Hwi said to Honin.
“Chwik! Best of luck to you!” Honin replied as he also turned around and disappeared into the darkness.
Seong-Hwi stood still in silence, waiting for his time. Just then, large explosions sounded in the distance, tearing several tents apart.
“Chwik! What’s going on?”
“Chwik! The armory was attacked!”
“Ahhh! Chwik! Emergency! The metal splints on the carts, wagons, and the battering ram are gone!”
“Argh! Chwik! Some bastard stole all the steel ballistas and arrowheads!”
“Find them and stop them!”
The sound of drums echoed throughout the camp, alerting them to an ambush.
“Chwik. Now’s the time!” Seong-Hwi shouted.
Bulgasal had arrived at the armory and was eating all the metal equipment, creating the perfect diversion. Seong-Hwi smiled and sprinted toward the tent of the World Ranker, Bodonchar.
***
“Chwik! What’s going on out there?!” Bodonchar screamed from inside his extravagant tent.
“C-chwik! There seems to have been an ambush from the rear! We will receive a detailed report soon!” a subordinate reported.
Bodonchar lost his temper, shouting, “Chwik! Those fearless sons of bitches! They dare leave the castle to attack us? The nerve!”
Thinking the rebel army had planned an ambush, he snorted as he unsheathed his treasured sword, Wolf Fang Scimitar. Just then, a commotion sounded from outside the tent.
“Chwik! Move! Get out of the way!”
“M-Master Gurun! Chwik! Not even you can avoid the standard inspection!”
“This is an emergency! Chwik! Will you take responsibility if the damages become greater because the report was late? Which tribe are you from, dammit?!”
“C-chwik! Even so...”
Bodonchar asked irritably, “Chwik. Who’s out there?”
“Well... Master Gurun is insisting on seeing you.”
“Gurun? Chwik. He should be in the rear, so why is he here? Let him in.”
“Chwik! As you command!”
The subordinate went outside the tent to bring Gurun—to be more exact, Seong-Hwi, disguised as Gurun.
Seong-Hwi kneeled and recited the words Honin had taught him. “Chwik! I greet the almighty Abkai of the orcs, the sharpest of tusks, the master of House Solho, and my father, Lord B—”
Bodonchar swayed his hand and interrupted, “Enough. Why are you here? Chwik. I believe I told you to reflect on your weakness in the rear.”
Bodonchar! I’m shaking just from being close to him! Seong-Hwi thought, tensing every muscle in his body.
Bodonchar’s aura was much more ferocious than what Seong-Hwi had felt from afar in Forestis. However, it was not as overwhelming as when he had encountered Curiositas in the Research in Progress dungeon, or when he met Lee Kang-San and Bafor in Ferrum. It did not mean Bodonchar was weak, but that Seong-Hwi had grown much stronger since then.
Seong-Hwi recited what he had prepared in advance. “Chwik! The armory in the rear was attacked! They targeted mostly the siege weaponry!”
“What? Chwik! Damn it all!” Bodonchar cursed as he frowned.
The siege weaponry was crucial to take the castle in Fortitudo. The opponents may have little experience in siege warfare, but the battle would take much longer and be more annoying if they held out inside the castle. The siege weaponry had been prepared to wipe the rebels out in one go once the main party arrived, but the opponents had used that opportunity to attack.
“Chwik! Send the great warriors to the rear immediately! No, I will go myself!” Bodonchar shouted as he passed Seong-Hwi and opened the tent.
Seong-Hwi smiled, and a vein in his right hand wriggled like a snake.
Now!
[Activating Unique Skill: Borrowing Destiny.]
[One who Confirmed the Death of God]