Okay…. even I can admit how badly screwed we were right now. Thanks to multiple situations that were totally out of my control, we were currently lost in the forest.

  None of us seemed to recognize where we were on account of the fact that none of us really had much experience exploring the region. Me and most of my fellow monsters for having lived in the cave in our lives, my goblins too scared to travel far from their own forest, and Paimoth who has only recently left his home country.

  Everyone was looking concerned, all eyes were on me, and I could practically hear some of them whispering among themselves about how I managed to get us all lost. Even Mordred and Paimoth showed expression that tells me that they were trying not to point out my mistake.

  This is bad…. At this rate, they might actually start to question my own authority. And if that happens…...

  “I’d say you definitely messed up here.”

  I was taken aback. I was surprised to have gotten a mental call already, but then I remembered that I didn’t actually accept any calls, so I wondered how. Then I realized, after recognizing the voice, that it started to make sense.

  I decided to reply back in my mind, trying not to have any of my followers notice. “How are you doing this? And what do you want?!”

  “I am in our own head after all. Did you not think I wouldn’t be able to mess around with that [Game Screen] ability of yours? Though I admit, it was rather difficult to figure it out at first. If I didn’t have your world’s knowledge of what a game is, it would have taken much longer.”

  It seemed that during this time, that other self or original soul or whatever he had been exploring further and saw what else he could do now that he didn’t have to worry about me. I still refused to call him Rob though.

  Not Rob continued, “As for what I wanted. I thought I’d let you know that I could sense some danger coming ahead of you. You really do have a knack for getting yourself in danger all the time, don’t you?”

  Danger? Oh right, I nearly forgot he was practically the Kobold Instincts that were both a hindrance and a helpful tool. If he’s telling me all this, then that would mean there are some strong creatures not that far off us.

  I decided for us to go in that direction despite his warning, or because of it. I was surprised not to hear an objection from him. Instead, he responded with “I figured you were going to do that. Just don’t go doing something too reckless or I’ll have to step in.”

  Geez, what are you, my mother or something?

  “No, but I sure have to work like I am.”

  …. Right, he can read my mind. Uugghh… And here I thought I would only have to worry about him in my dreams…

  “Too bad, we’re both stuck with this so suck it up”

  Pretending he was not there for now I continued us forward, trying not to listen to everyone’s murmurs.

  Sure enough, not long afterwards, we started to see evidence of some kind of community. There were felled trees, and the ground looked to have been traveled through repeatedly, with others looking to have several heavy objects dragged through it. As the trees started to appear scarce, there were signs of a cavern that felt as familiar as our own.

  We then found out where all of the fallen trees have been taken to. There were used to make crude looking walls and placed around a large cavern entrance. Within the walls were a group of Orcs gathered around.

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  I quickly recognized some of them as the ones that I had freed from their prison. It seemed they had taken an interest to the walls of the Mivtic Kingdom and started to implement it themselves. I was honestly impressed considering how most of their kind are like.

  Without thinking I started to step into view only to be met by the sounds of horns playing, signally everyone inside to our presence. It wasn’t long before all of the Orcs surrounded us.

  Things were getting a bit intense as everyone had ready their weapons for battle. With a species as battle hardened as them, it was to be expected. But my own followers where just as prepared with their own hands ready to unsheathe their weapons and my wolves baring their fangs.

  “You’re in our territory. You better leave. Now.” One of them proclaimed before asking a question with a grin on their lips. “Unless you came for a fight, then we welcome for the challenge! ~”

  I could already see the twinkle in Mordred’s eyes the second they mentioned a fight. But before I had the chance to say something another of them had started to point at me with wide eyes.

  “I-it’s you! The little lizard I told you all about! He’s the one that saved us from before!”

  I felt a blood vessel pop as I angrily walked in front and furiously pointed at the Orc and glared at him. My followers backed up from me, knowing how I would react and the Orc who made such a comment felt my anger and got nervous.

  I decided to let this Orc have it for making such a comment. “I hope you’re not implying something here. Or did you not appreciate what I did for you?!”

  He immediately dropped his weapon and waved his hands. “No no, we all definitely grateful for what you did for us! Isn’t that right everyone?”

  The rest of them stepped back, seeing that we weren’t any immediate threat as well as getting the sense that any mood for battle was just ruined. Seeing that the initial danger had quelled we all calmed down.

  I finally managed to relax from the comment, seeing this both of my henchmen walked up and said their piece.

  “Got to say boss, I was kind of worried we were getting lost, but you must have known we would reach their territory the whole time!” Mordred said, sounding impressed.

  Uhhhhhh what?

  Paimoth nodded, putting a hand over his chest while his glowing eyes brightened. “Just as we expected of you Master Vladimir. After our last battle, refilling your ranks is a must. You are ever a step ahead of us.”

  …. Sure, let’s go with that. I totally knew what I was doing. “Veehahahahaha!! But of course! It was a matter of time I grew my influence!”

  “Sure, you did~”

  You be quiet!!

  I shook my head at annoyance with having to have a commentator on my actions. Behind me I could hear everyone else clap, with a mix of enthusiasm.

  “Seems not everyone fully believes you.”

  God, do I want to shut you up right now!

  “Can’t, we’re practically the same monster right now.”

  I decided to ignore him for the time being, at least try to. Even if it’s proving to be rather difficult.

  Sensing that whatever happened earlier was done, the other Orcs began questioning us but with a bit more respect than before. “Is there something you wanted from us?”

  I cleared my throat, ready to speak in my most authoritative tone of voice. “Why yes of course. I figured after some time you all have made a decision on my offer. Have you decided? ~”

  They all looked at each other. Confusion masking their faces before they looked back to me and answered. “…. About that”

  “We haven’t been able to fully agree to your offer of serving under you.” Was another had said.

  Then the Orc from before who had recognized me finished their answer. “While we appreciate you saving us, we have our pride as monsters to follow only the strong. And we don’t know how strong you are.”

  Fair point, the might makes right mindset of most of us monsters would still apply. Of course, on cue, the orcs that serve me had started to argue back.

  “That shouldn’t be a problem then! Boss here is strong; he even beat the Minotaur before you in a one on one!”

  Hearing my victory over Mordred their eyes widened with many of them asking in a shocked tone. “Really?!”

  Then their eyes glistened in anticipation when my Orc minions recounted their own fights from before. I couldn’t help but give a toothy smile, even through the exasperation from the not Rob in my head.

  “Let’s battle then! I want to see how strong you really are!” One of them enthusiastically suggested.

  The rest of them nodded in agreement. That’s uh…. A lot of them for me to face. I suddenly felt my confidence start to dwindle with the idea of having to face them all.

  Thankfully, Mordred stepped up and placed his Axe on the ground in a show of declaration. “Before that, I want to have a go at them. I’m itching for a fight.”

  He stared them all down, but none of the non-Minion Orcs backed down. In fact, they seemed just as excited as before.

  “Let’s do it! I call first”

  “No way! I want to have a go first!”

  Mordred slammed his Axe on the ground once again to quiet them down. I couldn’t help but notice the seriousness from his eyes, one that I was not quite used to it.

  “I shall take every one of you at once. Come at me!”