Chapter 77: True Hero

High-level magic and high-level magic scrolls are fundamentally different concepts. To seal a complex gesture and incantation that requires a significant amount of preparation time into a magical item that a novice mage can cast instantly—this method, from a certain perspective, goes against the very principles of the art of magic. The cost of this "cheating" is usually enormous, and the production process itself is a great hassle. For instance, even making a scroll for a spell like Blazing Fireball would require the use of magical gems worth thousands of gold coins, gems that could have been used to amplify magical power instead.

Then there are spells like the Space Lock and Gravity Field. These types of magic, even if not classified as forbidden, are nearly as valuable. But when Theodorus casually mentioned them, it sounded as though they were no more valuable than ordinary magical items.

Theodorus sat in his chair, and in front of the massive form of the Minotaur shaman, the elderly human with white hair appeared frail and small. His expression and tone were not solemn, yet now, the way Shaman Timmah looked at him was as if he were gazing up at a creature as formidable as a black dragon.

The Saundfest Mountains.

Several towering peaks, reaching into the clouds, stand between the heavens and the earth. The clouds and mist that swirl around the mountains' lower slopes year-round completely shroud the summits, making them appear as though they are pillars that support the very fabric of the world—vast and immense. The strong winds between the ravines, along with the occasional thunderstorms and blizzards, rage through the range. Even the massive Behemoths, Thunderbirds, and giant eagles are but tiny insects struggling to survive in the face of this majestic and ruthless mountain range.

At the foot of the mountains, on a patch of open ground, Grutt leaned against a rock, eyes closed, seemingly resting.

In this mountain range, humans were nothing but insignificant. The winds in the ravines were strong enough to tear a fragile human body apart, and even the lowest creatures here were far larger and stronger than any human. Yet, Grutt, half sitting there, appeared as imposing as the towering mountains behind him—cold, majestic, dignified, and forbidding, a presence not to be trifled with.

A few large gray renders cautiously poked their heads out from behind rocks in the distance, only to quickly retract back into the shadows. While these creatures were a primary prey for Behemoths, they were, in fact, stronger and fiercer than the average ogre. However, their simple minds couldn't comprehend the aura of authority emanating from Grutt. What truly made them retreat was something more immediate and instinctual.

Surrounding Grutt, at his feet and all around him, were over a dozen mangled and broken corpses. Each of these corpses was many times larger than his own body, belonging to the apex predators of this mountain range—the Behemoths, Thunderbirds, and giant eagles. These fierce creatures were the kings of the Saundfest Mountains.

The open ground wasn't naturally this way; the shattered massive plants and rocks around it indicated that this area had been flattened during an intense battle.

Grutt's entire body was stained in a reddish-brown hue, the color of dried blood. It was impossible to tell whether the blood belonged to him or to the beasts that lay dead around him. The man, the ground, and the smell of blood and corpses all melded together, creating an aura so oppressive that none of the other animals dared approach.

High above, the clouds seemed to clash as if blades were being drawn and struck together, the sound cutting through the sharp winds before reaching the ground. Upon hearing the noise, Grutt stood up, his eyes opening. His pitch-black, calm gaze focused on the three blue points of light piercing through the clouds.

The three blue lights rapidly drew closer and grew larger—these were Thunderbirds, each crackling with blue lightning.

This should be the final group of "challengers." Once these three Thunderbirds were driven off, the animals here would instinctively acknowledge this territory as his own.

This was still the outer edge of the mountains, and there were no larger Behemoths or elder Thunderbirds here yet. However, establishing dominion in such a hostile region, where creatures were extremely sensitive to foreign invaders, was still no small feat. But once this territory was secured, it would be the first step in setting up a base.

Historically, no matter how powerful the individuals, no one had ever considered establishing a foothold in the Saundfest Mountains. Though those seeking magical gemstones had never been scarce, they only came to gather minerals before hurriedly leaving. The conditions were simply too harsh, and with the complete absence of any civilization nearby, the prospects for supply and survival were unimaginable.

However, for a large, well-equipped orc force, with the logistical support from a place like Orford, establishing such a base was indeed possible. The two young Behemoths captured earlier had already grown considerably, and the taming process had been quite successful. With the help of the orcs, the security of the region could be ensured and the territory expanded. After that, with planned surveys, mining, and transport, the efficiency would far exceed the small, dangerous operations of adventurers who risked their lives for a few stolen gems.

The mages of the Tooth Tower, upon seeing the gemstones he had sent back to Orford, immediately became as envious as long-time misers seeing gold. Their usual air of lofty arrogance vanished, and they hastily forged an alliance with Orford. Countless high-level and even top-tier magical gems passed through their hands, which meant endless high-tier scrolls, wands, and magical gear—an incomparable fortune and unmatched combat strength.

From then on, Orford would no longer have to worry about any force on the continent. In less than ten years, it would become the most developed, most powerful, and greatest empire in the land—a realm built from scratch by his own hands and efforts.

The three Thunderbirds were already rushing toward him. Their enormous bodies, like those of bipedal dragons, crackled with blue electricity. The air was filled with the violent surges of lightning elements, and the immense wings generated such wind pressure that even smaller rocks were blown away. Their shrill cries sounded like dozens of blades clashing against each other. The tips of their beaks were already charged with concentrated lightning spheres.

With a low growl, the sounds of the Thunderbirds' cries and the howling winds were drowned out. Grutt bent his knees and leapt, the rocks beneath his feet flying in all directions. His entire body radiated a white aura of fighting spirit as he charged toward the three lightning-wreathed birds. Under the shadows of their colossal forms, he appeared as insignificant as an insect.

With a sharp crack, the head of the leading Thunderbird, whose beak could tear through steel armor, along with the lightning ball it was about to fire, shattered into countless colorful fragments in the air.

"I didn't expect Lancelote to have such a move. I never imagined that the heroes, the knights, from the human world would use such tactics. I even sent my two sons to Celeste, but I never thought that Lancelote, who had planned this all along, could act so naturally, without me suspecting a thing..." The uncontrollable anger in Shaman Timmah's voice made it sound even more oppressive, buzzing ominously in the room.

As the most outstanding and intelligent Minotaur, Shaman Timmah had a deep understanding of human culture. Although, in his own eyes, any means that achieved the desired result was a good method, based on his understanding of human cultural morality, Lancelote's cunning and tactics seemed to be at odds with his title of 'Paladin.'

"My friend, your interest in understanding human culture and morality is a mark of your wisdom, but you have clearly been misled by these notions," Theodorus shrugged. "Anyone who rises to the status of a hero is inevitably cunning, shrewd, and calculating. There has never been a hero defined by morality—only by ability. All beings follow the same fundamental rule: the strong reign supreme. Humans, being weak and selfish, rely on morality and faith to console themselves and to unite. But true heroes transcend morality and faith, unleashing their full potential as both individuals and as powerful beings. So do not expect to shackle a true hero with the chains of morality. My friend, you simply do not understand heroes well enough." Theodorus looked at Shaman Timmah, his tone that of an old friend offering sincere advice.

"Yet, you are truly a hero, Theodorus. To call you a friend has been the most valuable part of my centuries of life." The Shaman walked to the window and looked outside. A group of wolf soldiers was marching through the square, and a few half-orcs were leading kodo beasts carrying goods, with towering buildings resembling a vast, strange forest around them. Though the stone buildings were monotonous in color, with few decorations, the bustling activity of the orcs had infused the city with vitality. "Helping the orcs build such a well-organized nation—what you've done may seem like a great transgression to ordinary humans, a violation of basic human morality, but from a broader perspective, what a magnificent achievement this is! It will change the course of history on this continent."

"Thank you for the praise, my friend." Theodorus' face flushed with the excitement typical of a young person. Anyone would be pleased to have their efforts acknowledged. "This great undertaking isn't something I could accomplish alone. I'm waiting for you and your people to come and help build it together."

"I've already written a letter to King Tazir of the Kingdom of Tatalia. He will send troops to meet you near the border. Once you cross Tatalia, you can directly enter the Wild Highlands."

"As for the settlements for the Minotaurs and Harpies, I'll start arranging for their construction immediately. Like the settlements for other races, they will be built around Orford, and within your own settlement, you'll be free to maintain your beliefs and way of life. I can say, aside from being able to bask in the sunlight, life here will be no different from living in Nigen."