There Is No World For ■■
Chapter 135: There Is No Disaster For The Protagonist (5)

* * *

Late-night in the Demon Domain, where the two moons had risen, Balagu could be seen kneeling in the desert.

“So, it has come to this in the end.”

He spoke as he watched Yeomyeong approach him with a pair of handcuffs. From his tone, it sounded as if he had finally resigned himself to the inevitable.

Yeomyeong looked at him briefly before tossing the handcuffs he’d brought from another tent in front of him.

Thud—the dark metal handcuffs sank into the desert sand, leaving a long trail behind.

“If you want to live, bind yourself.”

Balagu didn’t bother asking if they would truly spare his life.

Was it because not a single one of the handcuffed clan members had died?

While that was partly the reason, he was also certain that the Earthian before him could kill everyone in his clan anytime he wished.

It was a ridiculous thought, but these handcuffs symbolized the Earthian’s mercy—a promise that his life would be spared as long as he wore them.

Balagu fastened the handcuffs on both his wrists in silence and let out a sigh.

“…They’re more uncomfortable than I expected.”

“I bet the slaves you sold off had the same thought.”

Yeomyeong sneered, but surprisingly, Balagu nodded in agreement.

“Ye— I mean, I’m sure they did.”

Detecting a trace of regret in his tone, Yeomyeong looked down at him indifferently.

“Are you feeling guilty now?”

“Guilt? I used to feel that once. Not long ago, in fact.”

“…”

“But I reasoned it was better to sell others into slavery than to let my family suffer because of my guilt…”

The orc fiddled with a large scar running across his face as he gazed up at the moons. The pale, somber twin moons cast a soft light on his face.

“…And now, I’m being punished for it. How will you deal with my clan?”

“Who knows? We might sell them as slaves.”

“An eye for an eye… Justice may be slow, but it finds its way eventually.”

Balagu’s expression looked almost relieved. Watching him, Yeomyeong fiddled with the hilt of his sword.

Truthfully speaking, he had no intention of letting the orcs live.

If they were ordinary nomads, maybe—but they were slave traders.

From the moment they served Seti tea laced with drugs, their fates were sealed in stone.

Yet… Seti had a slightly different view. She believed that slave traders should be sold as slaves themselves.

However, when Yeomyeong responded by saying she should cut off their limbs one by one, Seti dismissed it immediately.

And before Yeomyeong could argue any further, Seti stormed out of the tent alone and reduced the nomad camp to ruins.

Whether it was to preserve their market value(?) or simply to prevent Yeomyeong from killing, he couldn’t be sure—

“Yeomyeong! I’ve finished sweeping all of them!”

Just as he was about to delve deeper into his thoughts, Seti’s voice brought him back to reality.

He turned his head and saw Seti seated atop a large camel.

She was holding a large, bulging leather pouch, and as she drew closer, the jingling of coins grew louder.

“…In the meantime, she even managed to tame the chieftain’s camel. You’ve got a pretty bold wife.”

With that remark from Balagu, Seti leaped off the camel gracefully.

Even with the heavy pouch in her hands, she managed to land softly, without making a sound.

“There wasn’t as much to loot as I assumed. I was only able to fill one pouch even after dragging the chieftain around.”

And as if to prove her point, Seti opened the pouch and showed its contents.

Strange coins that weren’t silver or gold, some crude ornaments, rolled-up parchments, and papers…

Aside from the coins, the rest of the things were something you’d usually find in an antique shop.

“Their wagons were mostly loaded with canned goods and food supplies… but they did have plenty of camels and goats. We should be able to cover our travel expenses after selling them.”

“Then we’ll need to head to a place where we can sell livestock. Is there a map?”

“A map? Wait a moment… I’m pretty sure it’s in here…”

As Seti started rummaging through the leather pouch, Balagu, sitting nearby, chimed in.

“The parchment tied with the red cloth. That’s the clan’s map.”

Out of the blue? Seti shot him a puzzled look, then pulled out the parchment wrapped in red cloth and unfolded it.

Suspicious that it might be a trick, she examined it—but it was a Demon Domain map.

It was a secret map of the clan that meticulously detailed landmarks such as noteworthy rocks, rocky mountains, oases, and wells.

“It’s real? Uh… Mr. Orc? Thank you for telling me.”

Seti said with a slight smile, but the orc ignored her and spoke to Yeomyeong instead.

“My name is not ‘Orc’; it’s Balagu, the Castrated Balagu.”

“…Castrated?”

“I was castrated by humans when I was young. Orc genitals apparently sell well as aphrodisiacs.”

“…”

It was the kind of story that would make any man flinch in horror. Upon hearing that, Yeomyeong frowned slightly before taking the map from Seti.

He spread it out, and using the moonlight as his guide, he began comparing the map with the stars.

“…You know how to read the stars, Yeomyeong?”

“I just know the method, but this is the first time I’m actually trying it.”

Figuring he probably learned it from some documentary, Seti watched him quietly as he studied the stars.

Noting how well the nomad outfit suited him and how he seemed more muscular than when they’d first met, her thoughts soon began to drift.

Just then, Yeomyeong pointed to a particular spot on the map.

Slightly north from the center of the Southern Demon Realm.

“Already? You really figured out our location just by looking at the stars?”

“No, I actually failed.”

“Huh?”

What was that supposed to mean? Seti looked up at him, and Yeomyeong simply shrugged.

“Knowing something and actually implementing it is a bit different.”

“…Then why’d you point at the map?”

Yeomyeong replied while tapping the map.

“Here, I found the well we dug up earlier. These orcs were probably heading there too.”

As Seti checked the well marker on the map, Yeomyeong continued his explanation.

“The quickest route from here back to Earth… is to head straight north.”

He traced his finger upward, pointing to a large city marked on the northern edge of the map.

The city’s name was…

“…Dreitherial?”

Also known as the City of Scums.

Unlike the other unfamiliar names, it was a place Seti recognized well.

After all, the city was used as the setting of a globally popular crime drama series.

“Once we get there, we can sell these orcs and livestock, convert them to cash, and catch a train to the city with the Dimensional Portal.”

“Oh… so we can return to Earth sooner than I thought?”

She’d estimated that the journey would take at least half a year, but if they followed Yeomyeong’s plan, they’d be back in two months at most.

“…Thank goodness.”

Seti sighed, half from relief, half with a hint of wistfulness.

With his hands cuffed, Balagu gazed at the horizon with a meaningful look.

It was in the direction toward Dreitherial.

* * *

People often wondered why this land was called the Demon Domain.

Of all things, why use such an ominous name like Demon Domain?

Why not the Southern Desert, the Great Desert, or something more pleasant?

The cynics claimed it was because the Empire’s official name for it was too long and ridiculous.

The enthusiasts speculated that it was a cursed land where demons dwell.

The locals said it was simply because it had always been called that and so it stuck.

However, the wise, or those with an interest in legends, spoke of a certain tale.

The tale of a hero who opened the Dimensional Portal and fought the monsters that invaded this world.

The legend goes on to say that the Demon King, the ruler of these monsters, made his domain on the land.

The land of monsters and the Demon King.

Thus, this place came to be known as the Demon Domain. And even after the hero defeated the Demon King, the land never managed to recover, and so it remained the Demon Domain.

From a scientific perspective, it was utterly absurd, but legends were often like that.

A blend of imagination, time, and numerous embellishments—the tale was exactly like that.

If you were to dissect the legend, it could be speculated that ancient people might have occasionally come across natural mana storms in the desert and imagined the presence of the Demon King…

“That’s a rather cynical perspective.”

Yeomyeong said while looking at Balagu, who was chattering non-stop.

“…Aren’t you familiar with this perspective? I understand that Earthians think of myths and fairy tales in the same manner.”

Balagu was sitting on one side of the cargo cart drawn by three camels, leaning back casually with his legs spread wide, exuding nothing but a sense of ease.

If it weren’t for the handcuffs on his wrists, it would have looked like he was simply on a leisurely outing.

Holding the reins of a camel, Yeomyeong replied.

“Sure, Earthians might think that way… but don’t the desert orcs pride themselves on being descendants of warriors?”

Was it really okay to deny your identity so easily?

Understanding what Yeomyeong’s words implied, Balagu snorted.

“The Empire and the dwarves also say the same thing. Well, unless the legendary warrior was some sort of unrestrained philanderer who pursued all races indiscriminately, that’s complete nonsense.”

“…”

It was as if someone was slandering Dangun¹ in the presence of a Korean, so Yeomyeong checked the reactions of the other orcs.

However, the orcs sitting inside the cart didn’t really oppose Balagu’s opinion or get angry.

Did they all share similar views? Or…

…Is it because of the apathy that comes with slavery?

Five days had passed since Seti subdued and shackled the orcs.

Some tried to resist or escape upon hearing they’d be sold as slaves, but after being beaten up by Seti each time they rebelled, and they no longer dared to resist.

Unable to escape or resist any longer, the orcs had fallen into a collective state of apathy.

Eating, defecating, and doing nothing except following orders—it was the typical behavior of slaves.

One orc in particular, named Gadudu or something similar, had it especially bad; he even avoided meeting Seti’s gaze and hid himself deep inside the cart.

Only the chieftain and Balagu managed to avoid falling into a state of apathy.

It was easy to see how the chieftain was keeping himself from becoming apathetic.

His sense of duty. For days, the chieftain had been rallying his clan and trying to strike a deal or bargain with Yeomyeong and Seti by any means whatsoever.

In comparison, Balagu’s composure… was incomprehensible.

He was just chatting away nonchalantly, as if he believed everything would somehow work out.

“Shall I continue with the story about the Demon Domain? Or would you prefer a different tale?”

“…”

“How about the story of the distant Whitefire Kingdom or the founding myth of the Empire?”

As Yeomyeong silently observed Balagu, he suddenly realized why Balagu was yet to succumb to apathy.

Hidden in the depths of Balagu’s blunt, orcish eyes, was a glimmer of emotion.

Something you’d never see in the eyes of someone being sold as a slave.

Hope.

“…Balagu.”

“Yes, what is it, temporary master?”

“What are you scheming… no, what are you hoping for?”

It was a sudden, blunt question.

Balagu was about to give him a random excuse but realizing Yeomyeong had seen right through him, he swallowed his words.

After a brief silence, Balagu straightened his previously relaxed posture and spoke in a low but firm voice.

“The truth is, I am originally from Dreitherial.”

“So?”

“I was raised on a slave farm, castrated, then sold as a servant to a prominent Mage. That’s why I know that place quite a bit.”

“…I’m not interested in your past, so just get to the point.”

“We’ve got plenty of time, so why not….”

Before Balagu could finish, a translucent ice spike appeared right in front of his forehead.

“Uh, an ice spike…?”

Yeomyeong had instinctively created an ice spike.

While it was more like a needle than a spike due to the desert’s heat, Balagu, who knew how difficult it was to do even that, opened his eyes wide.

“…So you’re not a knight but a Mage?”

Neither affirming nor denying it, Yeomyeong created another ice spike, aiming it at the back of Balagu’s head.

The chilling sound of the air freezing filled the cart, and Yeomyeong issued his final warning.

“Keep it short and get straight to the point.”

Balagu willingly complied with the warning.

“Well… if you continue heading toward Dreitherial following this path, you’ll end up entering the territory of a Dark Mage known as the Wraith.”

“…”

“Perhaps we are already in his territory.”

Yeomyeong didn’t bother asking Balagu how he knew this.

Balagu had been there listening when they’d opened the map and set their course.

“…So you knew from the start that we’d enter the territory of this so-called Wraith.”

“Yes, from that spot, the fastest route to Dreitherial is through the Wraith’s territory.”

Yeomyeong let out a short laugh, half in disbelief.

“So, that’s all your hope amounted to? Leaving us to fight the Wraith?”

Balagu smiled, his thick scar curving into a strange expression.

“The Wraith is a scum-like bastard. He takes orc clans’ families hostage and demands tribute under the guise of quotas… he’s the most vile son of a bitch.”

So that was the reason the orc nomads had turned into slave traders?

Yeomyeong crossed his arms, as if to say, ‘Go on, keep talking.’

“If you lose to the Wraith, we’ll simply become his dogs again. But if you somehow manage to kill him…”

“Then you’ll be sold off in the slave market.”

“Even so, the clans whose family members are being held hostage will regain their freedom. That’s enough.”

It was neither a plan nor a scheme, but a simple hope.

Without making any judgment, Yeomyeong moved the ice spike.

The sharp ice spike pierced through Balagu’s green skin, heading straight toward his skull.

Or rather, it almost did.

Just as Balagu squeezed his eyes shut and blood trickled down his forehead, Yeomyeong clicked his tongue and dispelled the spell.

“Tsk, I guess they’re not so noble either.”

“Pardon? What is that supposed to mean…?”

Before Balagu could finish his question, the desert sky began to turn pitch black.

Whirrrr!!

The source of the darkness was an immense swarm of flies filling the sky.

There were so many that the sound of their wings alone drowned out everything around them.

“I-It’s the Wraith!”

“The Wraith is here!”

The terrified orcs covered their ears, and Balagu, also shocked, leaned out of the cart.

“Stay here and don’t move.”

Yeomyeong drew his sword and leaped off the camel.

* * *

I got ambushed.

Hovering mid-air with her camel, Seti thought to herself.

It wasn’t that her opponent was particularly skilled; rather, it was her own carelessness that caused this.

It was a sign of carelessness for her to believe that she could see beyond the horizon just by turning her head. And thus, she had failed to notice someone approaching them.

However, as if mocking her complacency, the enemy had attacked from somewhere other than the horizon or sky.

It came from deep, deep underground.

Like a landmine exploding, an enormous creature shot up from beneath the camel’s feet, sending her and the camel flying.

Magic? A bomb?

As she steadied herself mid-air and glanced around, she saw something far beyond her imagination staring her down.

…A centipede?

The centipede was so enormous, that its exposed length outside the ground could block out the sun.

As soon as she landed on the ground, Seti checked her weapon before the centipede could even move.

The hammer she’d hung on the saddle of her beloved camel for days.

The hammer was intact, but unfortunately, the camel was flattened beyond recognition.

She immediately unleashed her Flying Kick technique and grabbed the hammer as she looked up at the centipede.

- A knight? A wench, how?

Atop the centipede’s head stood an emaciated, almost skeletal old man.

Judging by his worn and tattered robe, he appeared to be a Mage, though strangely, there was no staff in sight.

“Who are you? A thief? A bandit? Who the hell are you, ambushing us like this?”

Seti asked, gathering her mana.

- It was me who wanted to ask you that. Who are you? Who dares to rob my subordinates and trespass my land?

His dry, cracked voice echoed in the air.

“…Subordinates?”

- *Don’t pretend otherwise! That cart you’re dragging—all of it belongs to the Kiran clan! They are mine!*

Seti’s eyes narrowed as the old man continued shouting, practically throwing a fit.

“So, you’re the master of those slave traders orcs, huh?”

- That’s right, you wench! I don’t know what foolish courage made you to step into the Demon Domain, but I will make you answer for daring to covet what is mine!

No sooner had he finished speaking than a swarm of flies began to rise from the hole where the centipede had emerged from.

Whirrr!!

The enormous swarm shooting skyward was intimidating enough to resemble a whirlwind, yet Seti showed no reaction.

This was understandable because her martial skills were well-suited for situations like this.

- My children, seize her!

Unaware of this, the old man directed the flies.

The moment countless flies surged forth like a black wave, casting a long shadow over Seti’s head…

“I guess I should clean things up before Yeomyeong arrives.”

She slammed her hammer down.

Footnotes

1. 1. Dangun or Tangun, also known as Dangun Wanggeom, was the legendary founder and first king of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom. He founded the first kingdom around the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. He is said to be the "grandson of heaven", "son of a bear", and to have founded the first kingdom in 2333 BC.

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