Let's briefly talk about how to kill an orc…

Although orcs are classified as monsters, they’re still living beings, so they can die if their heart or brain is struck.

Aside from that, orcs can be killed in various ways: by bleeding out, shock, electrocution, incineration, and more.

But as for the novice swordswoman Journey, she’s probably limited to simpler methods.

"Haahp!"

Thrust.

"Haat!"

Or slash.

Regardless of my disdain for mages, this is why they’re welcomed wherever they go. They can adapt to a variety of situations beyond combat and have many more attack options than those who wield weapons. They can burn enemies, make the ground slippery to trip them up, and so on.

Of course, those who wield weapons aren’t completely incapable of using elemental effects. Once you master mana, you can at least infuse some attributes into your weapon, even if you can’t use multiple elements. Alternatively, if you have enough money, you can buy a weapon with an elemental attribute—but that’s hardly an option for novices.

It’s no wonder mages are highly valued. Since you can’t even start learning magic without talent, there are few of them. Comparing beginner mages to beginner swordsmen, mages are overwhelmingly useful.

So why am I suddenly talking about this...?

‘Why…?’

I held my head in frustration as I watched Journey fervently swinging her sword at the orc.

Orc hides are pretty tough, making them difficult opponents to fight with weapons, but it’s not like an expert-level swordsman would struggle against them. With expert mana and swordsmanship, you should be able to cut through an orc’s hide as easily as a breakfast steak.

However, watching Journey fight gave me the sneaking suspicion that a beginner mage would be more helpful.

…No, wait. Why should I feel bad? I’m not the problem here—it’s Journey’s beginner-level skills that are the issue.

“Die… already!”

Journey’s sword lodged into the orc’s neck with a furious shout.

“Hiyaaah!”

It seemed to catch on tough hide and bone, but eventually, she managed to tear through, fully severing the orc’s neck.

Though she was still better than average mercenaries, I couldn’t say I was entirely satisfied with her performance.

“Guuuhk!”

A mercenary fighting nearby suddenly screamed as another orc approached, too close to block or dodge.

“Uh, aahh!”

Shrrrak!

“Uh, uh…?”

"Is this really that hard?"

I mumbled as I swiftly separated the orc’s head to save the mercenary. Something like this doesn’t even require mana coating on my sword—basic physical enhancement suffices. For someone with decent physical strength, even that isn’t necessary.

Leaving the bewildered mercenary behind, I lightly sprang off the ground.

“Th-Thank you…”

“I’m alive…!”

“Hu, huhh…”

Each mercenary reacted differently as I rescued them from their predicament. As I cut down an orc swinging an axe over one mercenary, the survivor collapsed to the ground, unable to hold back a certain dampness in their trousers. I chose to ignore it to spare their dignity. After all, he’d practically crossed the river of death and returned.

“Hrrrph!”

Squelch!

While I was saving the other mercenaries, Journey took care of the last remaining orc. She quickly charged and pierced its neck. When the bubbling sounds of blood ceased and the light faded from the orc’s eyes, Journey retrieved her sword from its neck.

“Ugh, gross…”

I approached as she flicked the fat and blood off her sword with a look of distaste.

“Journey.”

“Oh, Kana. You’re back!”

“Back?”

I didn’t go anywhere. I was keeping an eye on Journey’s fight while helping the mercenaries.

“So, how was I? Pretty good, right?”

Journey asked, mimicking a few sword swings with a look of pride. She must have been feeling accomplished after taking down several orcs without help. Objectively, Journey did take down the most orcs, so she’d be this battle’s MVP—if you didn’t count me, of course.

Adults shouldn’t interfere with kids' games. Let the kids play amongst themselves. I’d only step in to help a bit when things got dangerous.

“Sweet lies or bitter truth. Which do you want?”

“…”

Journey rolled her eyes before finally replying.

“P-Please, sweet lies…”

“You’ve improved a lot.”

That’s a fact, actually. It might be a sweet lie, but it’s also the truth.

“Too sweet!”

“But—mmph.”

“Wait! I didn’t ask for the bitter truth!”

Just as I was about to point out her flaws, Journey seemed to sense it and quickly covered my mouth.

Kids these days are the problem. They only want to hear pleasant things. No wonder they never improve.

“Excuse me…”

Someone called out while I was scowling at her. I’d noticed them approaching anyway. Turning around, I saw that the surrounding mercenaries were all bowing their heads.

“Thank you for your help!”

“You saved our lives…!”

I gave a nonchalant nod in response. It wasn’t like I helped because I liked mercenaries, so that seemed like an appropriate reaction.

“Heh heh heh.”

Journey giggled happily, even though I was the one who received their gratitude.

I thought about correcting the misunderstanding but decided it was too much hassle. Besides, it would feel like I was bragging if I said something.

“We didn’t expect to face a horde of orcs in a place like this… We survived thanks to you two…!”

When the mercenaries stepped back, the merchants approached to express their gratitude as well. While I could understand the mercenaries' relief, seeing the merchants so grateful was a bit much. They were the ones who hired us for this job, after all. Isn’t this a bit too grateful?

I don’t know. I’ve never received much gratitude before, so this was too complicated. Instead of dwelling on it, I focused my attention elsewhere. Specifically, on the scattered orc corpses around us.

“…Do you want to eat them?”

“…”

I do want to eat them, but that’s not why I’m looking. It’s not like I’m obsessed with food and only think about eating.

Journey then asked the merchant about the spoils of the battle.

“What do we usually do with the loot and by-products?”

“Typically, we’d appraise and buy them, but since you’re an Apostle, that won’t be necessary.”

“Huh? Why not for Apostles?”

“Apostles have their own storage spaces, so they don’t have to worry about carrying extra weight. Also, since we tend to offer lower prices, it saves them the hassle. If you prefer, you could carry your share separately, though most people don’t bother.”

“Ah, I see. But are you sure you should be saying that openly?”

“The mercenaries have agreed to it, so it’s fine. We offer a lower price in exchange for sparing them the trouble. You can keep what you want and carry it if you prefer. So, what would you like to do?”

“Hmm… please handle it for us. Ah, but could I keep a bit of the meat?”

“The by-products are mostly meat, so that would lower the value. Is that alright?”

“That’s fine. My sibling loves orc meat.”

“Oh…”

The merchant glanced my way.

“In that case, we’ll handle the purchase, and I’ll prepare orc meat for dinner.”

“Ah, no, there’s no need…”

“Please, let us do this. If it weren’t for you two, we couldn’t have faced this many orcs without casualties. It’s not much, but let us show our gratitude this way.”

“I told you, there’s no need to thank us!”

“Oh my, such modesty…! You truly are the ideal Apostle.”

Journey groaned with an almost tearful voice. Meanwhile, I kept my gaze on the orc corpses, lost in thought.

‘It’s not unusual for orcs to move in groups…’

Given their high breeding rate, a single pair can multiply quickly. But it’s rare for a group of orcs this large to roam around. Usually, they’d leave some behind to guard their territory and only roam with a few.

This many at once usually means they’ve invaded another territory, either human or monster.

“…Well, I guess it doesn’t matter.”

If they’re expanding due to overpopulation, they’re dead now anyway. There might be some left in their territory, but with this many slain, they won’t be active for a while.

“Huh? What’s up?”

Journey, who was despairing for some reason, looked up at my mutterings.

“Is something wrong?”

“No.”

Whatever the reason, free food’s always welcome. Freshly caught meat tastes best, after all. Although it’s not as refined as breakfast, it has its own appeal—like camping versus dining at a restaurant.

I’ll pay for it if necessary. The thought made me salivate.

“So you were thinking about food.”

“…No, I wasn’t.”

I mean, I do want to eat it, but that’s not the only thing on my mind. Really.