Chapter 2, My Task

The Orc King turned to his father and said, "Alright, let's do it this way. Tomorrow, I will send some selected merchants to your residence to teach Lei Xiang about certain etiquettes and precautions of humanity."

Many women have cast curious or strange glances at me, causing my face to flush repeatedly. The merchant teacher once told me that my appearance is considered very handsome among humans, and that I would surely attract many girls' affection in the Dragon God Empire. However, I did not expect the women here to be so bold. It seems that taking off my hat was a mistaken decision. Nevertheless, human girls appear much more pleasant than female beastmen, perhaps because they share a similar appearance with me, I quietly tell myself. I would surely attract many girls' affection in the Dragon God Empire, but I did not expect the women here to be so bold. It seems that taking off my hat was a mistaken decision. Nevertheless, human girls appear much more pleasant than female beastmen, perhaps because they share a similar appearance with me, I quietly tell myself.

The general first looked into the distance and, seeing that I was indeed the only one there and that I was human, softened his tone considerably and said: "These orc bandits are truly despicable, and so are you. What business do you have with them? It's not worth risking your life. Come, open the city gate a little and let him in."

The three of them burst into laughter simultaneously. The bear-like man mocked, "Nonsense, why would we stop you if we weren't robbing you? Don't waste our time, quickly hand over your valuables, or else tonight you'll be braised to accompany our drinks."

Complete the task? I am filled with doubt in my heart

She saw me walk up to the stall and asked, "What fruit would you like to eat? These are all grown by my family and are absolutely fresh"

Go undercover among humans

Yes, Father, I will take my leave now

I nodded emphatically, "Yes, I am going there to complete a secret mission"

I turned back and took a deep look at the city where I had lived for sixteen years, took a deep breath, and began my journey to complete the task

Father, I have arrived. Father looked up at me, then handed over the paper in his hand, saying: "Take a look, this is your identity information for the undercover mission this time. You need to memorize it on the way. I heard those merchants say that you have already mastered what they taught you. This matter should not be delayed; tomorrow, pack your belongings and set off quietly by yourself."

I picked up the fruit and was about to turn away when a sinister voice said: "Kid, leave behind everything valuable on you, otherwise, heh heh, you'll become today's dinner for the gentlemen."

Mother seemed to have cried herself out. She took out a necklace from her bosom, made of small silver beads, with a delicate amethyst carved into a small dragon hanging from it. She silently glanced at me and then placed the necklace around my neck

What my father said is indeed a fact. It seems that the Orc King is not a fool after all; he is aware of his people's shortcomings. This is a good approach, but whether it can be realized depends on me. For me, this is also a very good opportunity. If I can learn human knowledge, it would indeed be the best way to enhance my strength. Moreover, I do have Orc blood, and making the Orcs stronger is also my aspiration.

But she is ultimately my mother, even though she did not raise me; after all, I am born of her. I let out a deep sigh and said, "Mother, this time I am going to the Dragon God Empire"

"What was that dark energy in your hands just now?" my father asked

The first to suffer misfortune was the bear man. The sound of our fists colliding produced a low, resonant noise, and both the bear man and I heard the sound of his bones shattering. Before he could let out a scream, his towering body was already sent flying 5 meters away by my strike. I was very confident in my own strength; I knew he would have to wait until his next life to commit robbery again.

I pretended to sigh and said, "Don't mention it; being able to return alive is already a stroke of luck, General. You have no idea how terrifying the orc bandits are. They kill anyone they see and rob anything in sight"

There is no need for so much, just take out three-quarters. Give me the rest

I do not know why the other party did not continue the pursuit; had he landed another punch, I would have had no chance of survival. I struggled to get up from the ground, staggered for a moment, and finally steadied myself, unable to help but spit out another mouthful of blood

Yes, you are only 16 years old this year, and most importantly, you have human blood in you. With your human appearance, you can definitely blend in with the human crowd. I give you 5 to 10 years to learn everything you can, and then we will spend another 10 years training the troops. In the future, the continent will be our orc world, so you should understand the importance of this mission. If you successfully complete this task, the position of the Beast King will be yours.

After receiving my father's approval, I exited his room. On my way back, my heart surged with waves of excitement, something I had not experienced in four years. Humanity? Is it humanity that resembles me? I, Lei Xiang, am coming.

I nodded slightly and said calmly, "Alright." After speaking, I dragged my aching body back.

Mother took a small bell from under the mattress, shook it in her hand, and it emitted a crisp sound. The bell seemed to be made of a special material, radiating a faint blue light. Her gaze was very complex, shifting from tenderness to anger, then to helplessness, as she reluctantly placed the bell in my hand. A single crystal tear fell onto the bell.

I have never taken care of you for a single day; you help me complete this task, and consider this necklace as your reward. Her words were still so cold.

I replied softly, "Yes, Father."

This time the answer is the werewolf, "You are right, this world is indeed one of the survival of the fittest, where the weak can only become the food and prey of the strong. Do you not understand such a simple principle?"

If I were not wearing a bamboo hat, they would likely be able to see a hint of a cold smile at the corner of my mouth

Before leaving home, I went to see my mother. She is still the same, with vacant eyes and a reluctance to speak. When I visited, she was indifferent as well.

The father said: "Yes, Your Majesty. I shall take my son and take my leave now."

"Good, you truly are my son Leo. The Orc King has instructed me to find someone to infiltrate the humans. As you know, we Orcs have always been the weakest among the three major races. Why is that? First, it is because we do not possess magic. Second, it is due to the generally low intelligence of Orcs, as we do not have as many outstanding generals as the humans. This mission is to go to the humans and steal their tactical and magical information."

I quickly knelt down on the ground and said, "Yes, I will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust."

Upon my first arrival at the palace of the Orc King, I gazed in wonder at the towering structures around me. Although the craftsmanship was rather crude, the atmosphere was imbued with a powerful presence. All the buildings were constructed from massive granite, appearing exceptionally solid and weighty

The elderly woman's face showed a look of difficulty as she said, "But I have no money to pay you."

I spoke the lines I had long planned: "I am a merchant who does business with the orcs. Our caravan was attacked by orc bandits, and I am the only one who managed to escape. You see, I am human." I removed the hat I had been wearing for over a month.

The Stru Fortress is built on the foundation of Stru City. Upon my first arrival in a human city, everything appeared so novel to me. This place is indeed much more prosperous than the orc territories. The streets are bustling with activity, with open transactions taking place, creating a scene of thriving prosperity

I bitterly smile within; is this truly my father? He completely disregards his son's well-being. If my strength were just a little weaker, I would likely have to go underground to accompany my grandmother.

The elderly woman, while taking out the fruit, said helplessly: "You are truly a good person. After years of war, being close to the capital is still fortunate; the civilians in the war zones suffer even more. Among us orcs, only those who serve in the military or possess great strength can have food to eat. For someone like me, who cannot fight, managing to make ends meet is already quite difficult. Is this enough fruit?"

Under the shroud of night fog, I could not clearly see the other person's face, but from his figure, I immediately recognized that it must be a Behemoth. Who could it be? The situation before me left no room for further contemplation; preserving my life was of utmost importance. If I were to be struck, given the opponent's strength, facing my half-baked Thunderbolt without armor would only lead to one outcome: I would be thoroughly reduced to a pulp.

I slowly walked up to the werewolf and coldly said: "It was you who taught me the principle of the survival of the fittest; I hope you will be a bit wiser in your next life"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I, the minister (as I am the Vice Commander of the Behemoth Legion, I also refer to myself as a minister), will certainly dedicate myself wholeheartedly and serve until death."

I let out a cold snort, "Is this a robbery?"

I endured the endless sorrow within me, gripping the amethyst dragon tightly, allowing the hard crystal to pierce my palm. I took a deep breath to calm my turbulent emotions and said, "Alright, I will definitely deliver it for you." After saying this, I turned and left this mother who gave me life yet whom I despised.

Hehe, I happen to be at my father's place, so I came by to see you. I heard you are going out to carry out a secret mission, and we won't be able to see each other for quite a long time.

The guard bowed and said, "Yes." He then turned around and shouted loudly, "King Leao of the Behemoth requests an audience." His voice echoed in waves toward the interior of the palace. Before long, another leopard-man guard emerged from the palace and respectfully said to his father, "King Leao and the *Tu* Book King, His Majesty requests your presence." After speaking, he turned and led the way ahead.

Returning to my room, I still found it difficult to suppress my agitated emotions. I decided to practice my skills. I changed into my training outfit and went to the courtyard. First, I performed the Heavenly Thunder Unarmored Transformation to channel energy throughout my body. Then, with a loud shout, I began practicing the Heavenly Thunder Eighteen Fists, which my father had taught me. This set of martial arts is entirely designed for charging into battle, characterized by bold and expansive movements, making it most suitable for use against colossal beasts. It was created by my father just in the past two years. Each punch is filled with an unstoppable momentum, embodying a fierce confrontation.

The general from the city just now was also among them. Upon seeing my handsome appearance and tall stature, he immediately took a liking to me and said, "Was the loss significant?"

Stepping out of the door, the bright sunlight warmed my entire body. My elder brother's robust figure appeared before me, and walking alongside him, I felt so insignificant.

I folded the map away and sat cross-legged on the bed, beginning to practice according to the scroll of the Heavenly Demon Technique. A cool and transparent sensation gradually spread throughout my body. Recently, I feel as though my mastery of the Heavenly Demon Technique has been advancing rapidly. Although I have only been practicing the second layer for a little over six months, I can now utilize some intermediate dark magic. My ability to integrate the power of darkness with the Heavenly Thunder has improved compared to before. Could it be because I have killed many people recently? In truth, I do not know. The Heavenly Demon Technique is the highest-level martial art of the demon race, belonging to the category of martial arts combined with magic. The foundational skills of the first segment are more inclined towards slaughter, darkness, and ruthlessness. Due to the fact that I have killed many bandits, I have unconsciously aligned with the requirements of the Heavenly Demon Technique, which is why my progress has been so swift.

A figure resembling a general looked down from the city and shouted loudly, "Who are you?"

I answered firmly and resolutely: "Father, rest assured, I will never let you down."

What task does my father want me to complete? He wants me to lead troops into battle, which is impossible. My several older brothers are at home; it makes no sense for a novice like me to go to the battlefield. What could the task be? Aside from fighting, with my father's prestige among the orc tribe, isn't everything else just a matter of a word? Is there really a need for me to be involved?

It feels as if the air itself is my enemy; with every punch, I exert all my strength, and the sounds of thud, thud, thud, thud continuously resonate beneath my fists, causing dust to swirl in the courtyard.

I accepted the fruit she handed me, feeling a twinge of compassion in my heart. It is the common people who suffer in war, and this is likely the same in any country.

Finally, we have reached the border between the Orc Kingdom and the Dragon God Empire. The Stru Fortress of the Dragon God Empire stands at the junction of the two nations, with its towering walls blocking the advance of the Orcs

Father, it is I, Lei Xiang

However, just before leaving, I still entrusted my elder brother to take care of her

This city is free from the smoke of war, and everyone coexists harmoniously. I strolled around the streets of the city, bought some food, and then returned to the hotel

The werewolf was stunned by the scene before him, and the knife in his hand clattered to the ground. With a wild roar, he turned and ran. I let out a cold laugh, picked up the knife he had dropped with my foot, and with a swift kick, the knife struck the werewolf's vital spot on his back with lightning precision, embedding itself deep into the tree beside him.

As the bear man was sent flying by my strike, two weapons simultaneously struck my left shoulder and right back. The werewolf and fox man felt as if they were not hitting an enemy, but rather striking against a steel plate; the blades were jolted at the same time, and not even my clothing was torn.

The sun has risen directly overhead. Although it is still May, the sunlight is already quite intense. After walking for a whole morning, I am feeling somewhat fatigued. I looked up and noticed a simple shade structure on the right side of the road, which I guessed might be selling some food. I hurried over, and indeed, it was a fruit stall. The owner appeared to be a female werewolf, looking to be in her fifties.

I only stopped when I was completely exhausted, drenched in sweat all over, yet I felt an indescribable sense of comfort

The weather today is splendid, with a clear blue sky stretching for miles and the crisp chirping of birds occasionally coming from the trees lining the road. Having left the cage in which I lived for sixteen years, my mood is as bright and open as the sky.

Having traveled far from the Beast Emperor City, my mood has gradually improved. Everything seems so novel to me, as I have never ventured far from home before

Upon hearing my words, she trembled all over and turned her head, "Is it true? You are going to the Dragon God Empire?" My mother's gaze finally lost its coldness, revealing a hint of humanity.

You go to the Dragon God Empire to find a person named Lin Feng, give this bell to him, and tell him that Ling Ling is sorry for him. After saying this, my mother's tears gushed out like a spring, and she collapsed onto the bed. I stood there holding the bell, not knowing what to do.

Seeing that I was in a bad mood, she did not dare to say much. She immediately wrapped up a little of everything and handed it over to me. It was indeed a large package, enough for 10 people to eat. How could I possibly finish it all

Upon leaving the palace, my father unexpectedly patted my shoulder affectionately and said with joy: "My son, you must strive to bring honor to our Bimon clan. This opportunity is truly excellent, and His Majesty holds you in high regard."

I stepped forward heavily and threw a punch at the strongest bear man.

Mother shook and stood up from the bed, and I hurriedly stepped forward to support her. She murmured: "Empire, Empire, Father, Father, A-Feng, A-Feng"

There is no other way; I will exert the only dark energy I have. A faint black aura emanates from my hands. Using the same method as before—clashing directly (it was only after enduring the hardships of 'one force subdues ten weaknesses' through numerous battles that I came to understand the importance of technique)—I strike with both fists against my opponent's fist. I noticed that once the dark energy was channeled into my hands, the meridians that had been injured earlier surprisingly recovered about sixty to seventy percent.

I felt as if my entire body had been shattered and was violently thrown away by the opponent's overwhelming strength, a mouthful of fresh blood gushed out, and I heavily fell onto the ground five meters away. If it weren't for my use of dark energy, that single punch could have taken half my life.

Describing my journey in the Orc Kingdom as carving a bloody path is by no means an exaggeration; every bandit and robber I encountered was annihilated by my thunderous methods. By the end, I had lost count of how many I had killed, and I had long since become numb to it.

The old woman at the fruit stall had long been frightened into a trembling ball. I walked up to the fruit stall, picked up the fruit I had just bought, tossed a gold coin over, and said, "Bury them." I turned and left.

They clearly did not expect me to counterattack. The knife in the werewolf's hand and the longsword in the fox person's hand simultaneously swung towards me. I paid them no mind and instead threw a straight punch at the bear person. The bear person was about my size, but appeared much bulkier. Seeing my attack, he showed no hesitation and extended his massive bear paw to grasp my fist.

I glanced at them and said, "Alright, I understand. Thank you for your guidance"

Come in

The other party let out a "huh".

The werewolf groaned, murmuring: "You... you... are... so... ruthless..." before taking its last breath

After a short while, the city gate opened a small crack, and several guards welcomed me inside

With a heart full of trepidation, I arrived at my father's door and gently knocked. My father's deep voice resonated: "Who is it?"

I turned around and found that three individuals had already surrounded me from behind: a bear man, a fox man, and a wolf man. The one speaking was likely the fox man, known to be the most cunning among the beastman races. They were all rather ordinary characters

Father laughed heartily and said: "Your Majesty, you can rest assured about this. He can now withstand 30% of my strength in a single strike (Father exaggerated for his own pride; I would have trouble even with 20%). Although his physique does not resemble that of our Bimon tribe, he definitely possesses the strength of a Bimon."

Through this journey, I have come to understand why the orcs cannot compete with humans. Although orcs are naturally brave and strong, there are hardly any true masters among them. Among the hundreds I have slain, it can be said that not a single one was a match for me. Relying on the formidable strength inherited from my Behemoth clan, wherever I went was like a tiger entering a flock of sheep

Boom

Alright, we have arrived. You can go in by yourself; I will leave first

I reluctantly lifted my head, focused my gaze, and was stunned to discover that this formidable enemy seeking my life was, in fact, my father

While I was still looking around anxiously, my father pulled me, and then his voice came: "I, Leo, present my son, Lei Xiang, to Your Majesty." I hurriedly knelt on the ground and shouted in unison with my father: "Long live our king, long live, long live for eternity"

A deep and steady voice came from directly ahead, "At ease, brothers, we don't need this formality." My father and I stood up together and raised our heads, and only then did we see the king of our orc clan

Upon arriving among humans, I feel that there is no longer any need to wear a bamboo hat. Seeing so many people who resemble me for the first time, I cannot help but feel a sense of excitement. Although I am the smallest among the Behemoths, here, almost no one’s height can compare to mine, and walking down the street gives me a feeling of standing out like a crane among chickens

I asked with difficulty: "Father? Why is it you?" hetushu.com.com

The Orc King did not doubt his father's words and happily said, "Truly, heroes emerge from the youth. Good, it is settled then; Lei Xiang will go undercover in the Dragon God Empire. This matter is highly confidential, and you must not disclose it to anyone. For this operation, I have not even informed our ally, the Demon Clan. Lei Xiang, you may face significant difficulties, but this mission must succeed; failure is not an option. Otherwise, I will not show mercy. If you complete this mission, I will appoint you as your father's successor, the next generation of the Behemoth King." The Orc King was both benevolent and authoritative in this instance, which also underscored his emphasis on the importance of this mission.

I nodded slightly but did not respond. My elder brother, accustomed to my demeanor, did not find it strange.

I am dressed in samurai attire, wearing a large conical hat on my head, from which hangs a three-foot-long veil, making it impossible for anyone to see my face from the outside. This is still the realm of the orcs, and humans are not very welcome here, so I have no choice but to conceal my human appearance to avoid unnecessary trouble

My father and I followed him into the most magnificent building I had ever seen. The throne hall of the orc king stood at a height of 20 meters, supported on both sides by enormous granite columns with a diameter of one meter, making my own height of 2 meters seem so insignificant

It was only outside the capital's boundaries that I realized the fruit shop was merely the beginning of my journey of slaughter. Everywhere I looked, there were orc bandits and outlaws; apart from the large towns guarded by soldiers, pillaging and destruction were rampant. No wonder, despite the orcs' naturally superior physical attributes compared to humans and demons, they rank at the bottom among the three major races. Such a societal atmosphere leaves everyone in fear, making it impossible to develop into a powerful entity. I suppose I should assist His Majesty the Orc King in tidying things up.

I nodded and said, "Please go ahead, I will certainly do my best to assist you as long as it is within my capabilities"

She merely glanced at me, turned her head, and no longer paid me any attention. It seems that my life or death is of no concern to her. After all these years, I have long since become numb. Aside from my grandmother, no one has ever given me warmth.

Lei Xiang, could you help me with something

I expressed my gratitude many times and secretly let out a sigh of relief

Alright. Goodbye. After responding, I directly walked into my father's room. My father was sitting behind his large desk, holding a stack of papers and reading.

It turned out to be a task assigned by the Orc King. My expression showed no signs of fluctuation; I simply asked in a calm voice, "What is the task? Please assign it to me, and I will definitely complete it." No matter what difficulties I face, I will overcome them. I want to become an unparalleled strongman to show my father. The thought of my grandmother's death brought a flash of hatred to my eyes. Ever since my grandmother passed away, I have learned to conceal my heart; no one can see through my true thoughts. I will never reveal my hatred for my father until I become strong. I want to become an unparalleled strongman to show my father. The thought of my grandmother's death brought a flash of hatred to my eyes. Ever since my grandmother passed away, I have learned to conceal my heart; no one can see through my true thoughts. I will never reveal my hatred for my father until I become strong, but the seeds of hatred have already been deeply buried in my heart. I must avenge my grandmother.

The Orc King exclaimed: "No wonder you say your young son is the best candidate for an undercover agent; humans would certainly not recognize his orcish lineage. Child, the future rise and fall of our orc race rests upon your shoulders, so do not let me and your father down"

Well, Leo, how is your son's skill?

Starting from the day after I met the Orc King, I began to learn human etiquette from the merchants who had visited the Dragon God Empire. My memory and ability to imitate exceeded their expectations; what was originally planned as a three-month training only took one month, after which they had nothing more to teach me. Since learning human etiquette and hearing human stories, my interest in the human realm has deepened, especially since I possess one-quarter human blood. What is my mother's country like

A deep voice came from outside: "Leixiang, your father is looking for you." It was my eldest brother, Leilong. Among my three brothers, only the eldest treated me relatively kindly; the other two looked down on me completely. It was a good thing if they didn't come to bully me.

My father and I stopped in front of the largest house. The leopard-man guard at the entrance, upon seeing my father, respectfully said: "King Leo, greetings to you"

The body of the Behemoth is indeed very sturdy, and with the completion of the first stage of the Heavenly Thunder Armor Removal technique, I managed to recover from my injuries significantly in just one night

I thought to myself, can it be that not even a single silver coin can be found? Is the life of the orcs so difficult? I couldn't help but ask, "Is life really that hard? There's no need to find change; you can just give me the extra fruit."

The father uttered a word of gratitude and said, "Please help me convey this."

"Elder brother, why have you come in person? Why didn't you send a messenger to inform me?" I said calmly

I half-turned with the book and kicked the fox man's chest, the sound of bones breaking was distinctly audible. Like the bear man, he flew far away and crashed heavily to the ground, blood gushing wildly from his seven orifices, clearly on the verge of death.

Father continued, "I used 10% of my strength for the first punch, and then added another 10% for the second. I thought you wouldn't be able to get up, yet I didn't expect you to still be standing. It seems you've been working hard lately." This might be the reason for his earlier surprise

I asked plainly: "Do you often rob and eat passersby?"

Lei Xiang, you have grown up. I used to think you were the most useless coward, but since you went berserk four years ago, your performance has greatly satisfied me. Although you do not have the robust physique of your brothers, your strength is no less than theirs, and your potential surpasses theirs. The Orc King has entrusted me with a very important task, and I would like to send you to accomplish it

The general said: "Alright, do not be too upset. Rest assured, our Dragon God Empire will eventually annihilate them all. You may go now, take some time to rest in the city. Once you are on our human territory, there is no need to be afraid."

The father nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, tomorrow I will take you to meet the Orc King, and then I will have a merchant familiar with humans train you for three months, after which you will be ready to set off"

The Orc King is a Lionman, sitting there, his height is not discernible, but he is certainly taller than I am, likely around the same age as my father. He is clad in a python robe with a jade belt, and wears a dazzling golden crown on his head. He is also sizing me up. The piercing light in his eyes makes it clear that he possesses strength comparable to my father's. His wise gaze is something I have never encountered before; no wonder he can reign among the Orcs, as he indeed has exceptional qualities.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The child's mother is human; he has inherited the power of my Beamon clan, as well as his mother's appearance"

The night is already deep, and I take out the map of the Dragon God Empire from my package. It is still over 3,900 kilometers to Dragon City, which is quite a distance. I need to set off early tomorrow morning; it is better to arrive sooner so that I can prepare more thoroughly for the exam.

A satisfied smile appeared on my father's face as he said, "I didn't expect you to be able to withstand two of my punches. I can now rest assured to let you complete the task."

I found a relatively clean inn to stay in as taught by the merchant teacher, preparing to rest for the night before continuing my journey to Longcheng tomorrow

The simple-minded father did not think much, he merely frowned and said, "Alright, you may go back. Come find me tomorrow morning; I have a task to assign to you"

My father arranged for me to go directly to the capital of the Dragon God Empire—Dragon City, where there is one of the four major academies of humanity, the Heavenly Capital Academy. My task is to go there for further studies and to learn as much knowledge as possible. It is now May, and the Heavenly Capital Academy begins enrollment in August, so I must arrive there before August to participate in the entrance examination

I arrived at the city gates and called out: "Generals, please open the gates and let me in."

I took out a silver coin and threw it over, coldly saying: "Just a little of each."

Leo, this is your youngest son. If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have truly thought he was a human.

Upon receiving the paper, I noticed it stated: Name: Lei Xiang, from Luomu Village on the outskirts of Aika City in the Dragon God Empire, Father: Lei Fu, a craftsman, Mother: Sha Die, engaged in handicraft production. He has had a passion for martial arts since childhood. His father passed away when he was 10 years old, and his mother died when he was 13. He has been wandering and honing his skills alone on the continent for three years now, and he has an introverted personality. The remaining content consists of a detailed introduction to his identity, which appears to be meticulously crafted with no flaws whatsoever. I know that this person who shares my name must have been killed by my father's subordinates, as this has always been my father's style—never leaving any opportunity for the enemy.

I was secretly taken aback, recalling my grandmother's warning not to let my father know about the existence of the Heavenly Demon Technique. I feigned surprise and said, "What black mist? You must be mistaken; perhaps it is just too dark outside."

Mother, I am going to travel far away and I am afraid I will not be back in a short time

I do not feel sorrow for killing. Since childhood, my father has taught me that among orcs, only overwhelming strength is the currency of conversation. No one will show sympathy for the weak. When dealing with enemies, one must never show mercy, striving for a decisive kill and leaving no opportunity for retaliation. Even when a lion hunts a rabbit, it must go all out; otherwise, it must eliminate the opponent by any means necessary.

I pushed open the door and walked slowly into the room. My father sat upright in a tall-backed chair, squinting at me. I stood there calmly, not the least bit affected by his piercing gaze