Chapter 353: Dungeon in Alka (2/2)

”The craftsmanship is subpar, but maybe they aren't as barbaric,” Gruen said hopefully. Arthur glanced his way and wondered how the dwarf ignored the bones pit beside them.

”I think these are offerings,” Rosa said as she pointed at the pit. ”The bones aren't broken, and some of them resemble a full body.”

”An offering to what?” Arthur muttered as he looked at the monument. ”Maybe to their protectors?”

As he said so, Arthur walked closer and reached out toward the ugly piece of metal. A whistle tore the silence, and Arthur stepped back. Between him and the statue landed an ax as a deep growl came from a distance away.

As the group looked up, they found an ogre on top of a cliff. The Ogre looked at them with rage for trespassing their lands. Arthur gestured to Rosa, who took a deep breath and stepped forward.

”We are here for peace!”

Her voice was powerful, and it echoed in the mountain's range. A hint of mana could be felt within it, and Arthur felt the 'meaning' of her words travel directly to his mind.

The rageful expression of the Ogre turned milder, and it spat out a few words that Arthur didn't understand. Rosa nodded and took another breath before shouting.

”We want to talk to your leader!”

The Ogre looked hesitant before it said something and disappeared. Arthur turned toward the blacksmith for translation.

”It said we should wait here until he seeks out his tribe,” Rosa wiped away her sweat.

”Is it tiring to use your ability?”

”No, but shouting the mana-infused words is tiring,” Rosa explained. ”We should wait here until the Ogre returns. It would be a good start for our communication.”

”What if it brings its companions to wipe us out?” Gruen grumbled, but Arthur understood his caution and agreed.

”Then, we'll have to rely on the Seika to save us,” Rosa said with a slight smile, to which Arthur returned and nodded.

The wait wasn't long. Finally, they heard footsteps as several figures appeared from within a few caves. The Ogre from earlier was with them.

Arthur smiled as he felt several more Ogres within the caves but didn't see it as a bad omen. They were cautious. An Ogre with a large beard stepped forward on a cane.

”Ji gu nala o?” The Ogre said cautiously toward Rosa. A hint of surprise could be seen on his face. Arthur was amazed that they could do more than just ripping you apart.

”Yes, I speak all languages,” Rosa said with a nod. ”This is my Lord. He's here to offer a peace treaty.”

The Ogre turned toward Arthur with a frown. Then, as if recognizing him, the Ogre shook its head with a hint of hate. Finally, he said a few words, which made Rosa frown.

”What did he say?” Arthur was curious.

”He said that you killed his son.” She answered with an uncomfortable expression. ”If we wanted peace, then we need to present your head.”

”I mean, my head is here. I just hope that he doesn't want it separately.” Arthur shrugged, and Rosa looked at him with a 'this is no time to say jokes' expression. ”Fine,” He sighed. ”I guess I'll just wipe them out.”

His aura exploded as he said so. Arthur recited the art of creation within his mind, and existence began to condense around him. Sinking into space itself, the pressure his body emitted was akin to those of gods.

The Ogres retreated in fear as they looked cautiously at Arthur, who turned to Rosa.

”Tell them one thing.” His voice came out overbearing, and it traveled like a whip. ”If they want war, then war it shall be. However, they shouldn't rely on their protectors for survival. I'll kill anything that stands in front of me.”

Arthur said, and Rosa nodded with a frightened expression. She repeated his words to the Ogres, who looked at him apprehensively.

'Damn, this is tiring.'

Even after his Soul Restructure and losing his arm forever, Arthur couldn't use his art for a long time. The existence that seeped into him threatened to make him lose himself. Luckily, the Ogres didn't seem to be keen on fighting. The leader replied to Rosa, and she translated to Arthur.

”He's asking about our demands.”