Savage Ascension: Starting with God-Tier Plunder Ability-Chapter 62: Worst Possible Disaster

Yuval was lost in thought.

’I’ve never experienced anything like this.’

Even ten years from now, Yuval wouldn’t forget today. That’s how absurd the situation had been. The worst possible disaster.

’They weren’t even wandering orcs.’

Orc tribe failures. Young coward orcs who couldn’t properly wield a weapon, or old ones with missing tusks. Those types were the majority, but not this time.

’They weren’t even orc warriors.’

He’d never seen an orc warrior with the power to send a massive heavy infantryman flying dozens of meters through the air with tattoo-enhanced strength. That was like a great warrior who led orc warriors. Of course, Yuval had never seen a great warrior.

He’d only heard rumors. Ridiculous tales about axes demolishing houses, but today he felt like he’d witnessed it.

He touched his throat.

’What if they really were great warriors who got lucky escaping after losing a tribal battle?’

It was a miracle they were alive. He should be grateful his head was still attached. But still, regret hit harder.

’What do we do now? We’ll be resting for at least a year.’

He’d have to rebuild the mercenary group. But even rebuilt, it wouldn’t be the same Skull Mercenary Group as before.

The young scout was dead. Youngest Sen, who’d always ensured the mercenary group struck first and took initiative anywhere, was a mercenary skilled enough to divide the Skull Mercenary Group’s income precisely by 1/N.

The heavy infantry was dead. He’d been the best assault trooper, a reliable guardian. Seven years younger, but he’d commanded presence like an older brother in battle. Even when things went wrong, they’d often bulldozed through danger with Keireon’s strength.

The assassin was dead. Nobody could touch Bedum when facing numerous enemies. A shadow-like dagger striking the backs of shouting enemies!

’Damn...’

Normally this lineup would’ve stuck together for 10, 30 years, but they’d been wiped out—three members—on some measly job killing a wandering orc.

"So you’re here. Just the two of you?"

Rowan appeared with the crow Kaiya on his shoulder and the brown wolf Dono at his side. Moving quietly, he really looked like a hunter.

"Mr. Rowan... you don’t have a single scratch."

Yuval looked him over first. He called Rowan "mister" because of his distinctive calluses. He figured Rowan was descended from fallen knights.

"Are orcs normally that strong?"

Yuval and Merein shook their heads vigorously. Frowning deeply, both spoke up.

"Absolutely not. Today was cursed. I’ve never experienced such a cursed day in my life."

"It’s a shockingly memorable day."

Rowan nodded. The orc he’d faced was slightly below Sendabil’s level. Of course, that didn’t mean it posed no threat to Rowan. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

’The difference in presence.’

Bandit boss Sendabil, who could rightly be called a human butcher, had killed hundreds of people. The aura he gave off was truly formidable. Rowan had been terrified to even spar with Sendabil once.

The three shared information. Rowan heard from them that an orc really had sent Keireon flying through the air.

’So it was real.’

He’d suspected it might be real while doubting it, but hearing it confirmed made his heart pound even harder. Killing that thing would definitely let him gain that power.

He wanted it even more. But for now, it was like pie in the sky. Too strong.

"What are you thinking of doing now?"

At Rowan’s words, Yuval sighed. The immediate need was rest. He was too exhausted. Suspecting he’d faced an orc great warrior, his palms were drenched with sweat. He couldn’t think about anything else.

"Let’s get away from here first and then think."

Answering wearily, the group hurried to flee further away. But they didn’t head to Mushroom Mountain Village. Who knew what might happen if they went there. Blood is thicker than water. This world, practically a closed society, didn’t even have the internet. Even with the internet, questioning ethics when mine slaves existed was laughable.

Rowan knew that well. The mercenaries knew it even better. While it wasn’t easy for a village to harbor ill intentions, they’d already clashed with Mushroom Mountain Village members from the start.

They’d even coveted the village’s communal resource of 8 silver coins. It was justified and reasonable, but the villagers would think it was robbery and hold a grudge. Nobody liked handing over money they’d gotten their hands on.

’Still, we have to pass near the village to get back on the road.’

Because of the cart. Yuval didn’t seem like he’d abandon the cart. And Rowan couldn’t leave on his own either. If he did, he’d have to return to Black Mountain Village, and that journey alone would take 4 days.

’Dangerous road.’

It’d be as insane as a woman traveling alone to India. Rowan was confident in his skills, but he wasn’t confident he could maintain razor-sharp combat readiness for 4 straight days.

’No choice. We have to go this way.’

They were already in the same boat. If Rowan, who’d already collected payment for the bear hide, suggested abandoning the cart, he wouldn’t come out looking good. What mercenary would abandon 50 silver coins? These were people who lived without knowing when they’d die.

The moment he opened his mouth about that, Rowan would just be a greenhorn. A thoughtless greenhorn who couldn’t tell his ass from his elbow. If the mercenaries really abandoned the cart like Rowan suggested, they wouldn’t be mercenaries—they’d be some kind of secret cult.

"Ugh!"

They pulled the cart along the rough mountain path. Going where there was no road was grueling. They headed for the village road. They at least had to use that road somewhat. But even that wasn’t easy.

Something flashed past Rowan’s eyes. Something pure white passed through the brush. The distance was considerable. Fifty paces? No, thirty paces? The forest blocked his view, making it hard to judge distance properly.

"Get down."

Rowan spoke quietly. But the experienced Merein and Yuval immediately lowered themselves. They gripped the cart tightly and slowly eased off the force. The cart stopped suddenly with a sound.

"..."

Nothing was visible. But Yuval and Merein didn’t make a sound. They trusted Rowan’s sharp eyes. He’d escaped the fight with the orc warrior without a scratch. Even accounting for help from the wolf and crow, it was impressive.

In reality, Rowan had single-handedly pushed back the younger brother Amantous without hesitation, but they couldn’t deduce that. Thinking he’d won using animals was the best conclusion the mercenaries could reach.

Because three of them had gotten their throats cut. Acknowledging Rowan’s strength as-is didn’t sit well with their pride. Wasn’t he just an inexperienced greenhorn from some backwater mountain village? No matter how grand his name, he was only 15.

People’s minds don’t work as rationally and logically as they’d like. It couldn’t be helped. Humans are irrational animals.

"All clear."

"What was it?"

"Villagers. A torch wrapped in oiled cloth passed through the brush."

Gulp.

Yuval swallowed.