Wortenia Senki (LN) - Volume 27 - Chapter 1.1

Chapter 1: The Price of Pride

A few hours before the elephant corps was ensnared by the trap laid by Ryoma Mikoshiba and met their doom, preparations were underway.

Lubua Plains stretched south of Jermuk, dotted with small hills and forests that served as the setting for numerous clashes between the Kingdom of Myest and the Kingdom of Brittantia over the years. Countless soldiers from both nations lay buried in this land, which one might have aptly referred to as a place of bloody corpses.

On the northern hills of these plains, soldiers from Brittantia and Tarja had gathered, preparing for the upcoming battle. Rows of fieldworks had been erected, and countless flags fluttered in the wind.

The encampment resembled a fortress. Tents were everywhere, with soldiers and horses moving back and forth. For them, Ryoma Mikoshiba’s surprise attack that had broken the siege of the fortress city of Jermuk was nothing but humiliating. After all, they had victory in their grasp—ninety percent of the battle was theirs—only to have it overturned in an instant. It was natural for them to burn with the desire for revenge. They all shared this fervor, from the supreme commander of the allied forces, Bruno Accordo, to the lowest-ranked soldier on the front lines.

Having joined forces with reinforcements from their homeland, their army had grown significantly larger than that of the enemy. Their morale burned so intensely that it seemed ready to set the skies ablaze. However, one section of the camp differed from the chaotic furor of the rest. The soldiers there didn’t lack motivation, nor did they have low morale. In fact, their fighting spirit might have surpassed that of the rest of the allied forces.

The difference lay in their goals. Where the others burned with fiery passion, these radiated an icy coldness, or a steellike ruthlessness. Even their appearance distinguished them from the rest. While most Brittantia and Tarja soldiers were clad in metal armor, a common sight in the many countries of the western continent, this group of warriors seemed more lightly equipped. Leather armor protected their torsos, leaving their arms bare from the elbows down, and their legs were only lightly guarded with shin protectors. Their attire favored being agile and unencumbered. Moreover, their armor and its design varied widely among individuals.

Some wore lavish, ornate pieces adorned with gold and silver, while others donned simpler attire. They resembled mercenaries more than soldiers from a formal army. This indicated that their combat style prioritized mobility and individual skill over the collective formations typical of large units. Another distinguishing feature was their weapons. Instead of the double-edged longswords commonly used in the western continent, they wielded curved, single-edged swords. These swords were not Japanese katana or Chinese liuyedao but something distinct.

The blades were slender and sharp, designed primarily for slashing enemies. However, the cross-shaped hilt, the knuckle guards on the handle, and the double-edged tip suggested their weapons were similar to the talwar, a sword used in India. In any case, their equipment was unusual for this part of the western continent. The cloth wrapped around their heads and mouths was even more striking than their swords and armor. Red or white turbans covered their heads. These were not the simple head wraps commonly associated with Sikh followers from India, which covered only the head. Instead, their style resembled that of Arab tribes, where the cloth also covered the mouth and concealed their expressions.

This appearance was both foreign and unsettling to the many inhabitants of the western continent. And it was this unfamiliarity that bred contempt and disdain.

Many of Brittantia’s and Tarja’s soldiers despised and underestimated these warriors, viewing them as barbarians. Just looking at their simple armor, they may have seemed like poorly equipped soldiers from a destitute nation, hastily gathered just to pad the army’s numbers. However, such opinions would soon vanish when one encountered them up close and met their gaze. The sharpness in their eyes, visible through the slit in the cloth covering their faces, and the tense aura radiating from their entire being set them apart from ordinary people.

That presence was a testament to the fact that they were battle-hardened warriors who had survived countless life-or-death encounters. Once someone saw their rugged physiques, those who dared to dismiss them as mere scum would regret their shallow judgment. In reality, they had surpassed the limitations of the human race.

“All right, let us pass. Ayun, it may be a burden, but keep a close watch on the surroundings for a while,” said a man as he lightly patted the shoulder of a soldier wearing a turban with feather decorations.

The man stood about two meters tall and had a muscular, well-built frame. His arms were as thick as a woman’s thighs, and he appeared to be around thirty years old. It was an age where the balance of mind, body, and technique came into perfect harmony, approaching the peak of a warrior’s prowess.

Indeed, his skills as a warrior were exceptional. Even more than that, the man exuded a certain dignity and presence that naturally befitted a leader, which made sense considering the man stood second only to the chief’s daughter in this group.

“Yes, Lord Rahizya... Even if I must give my life, I will not allow a single dog near this tent. Please rest assured.”

Upon hearing these words, the man called Rahizya nodded deeply, sensing Ayun’s firm resolve in his expression and tone. Ayun would fulfill his duty, even at the cost of his life. This resolve was palpable not only from Ayun but also from the soldiers standing behind him.

These are reliable men. I hope I can reward their dedication, thought Rahizya.

Rewarding the efforts of subordinates was the duty and obligation of a leader. It remained the same whether in modern corporate life or among the nobles of this world.

It was a necessary action for maintaining any group, though wanting to reward them and doing so were two different things. This scenario resembled how a company president would like to raise salaries and bonuses but could not do so without sufficient profits.

In short, you couldn’t give what you didn’t have. Moreover, Rahizya had his own personal limitations.

After all, I’m just a fox borrowing the authority of my father. It’s frustrating, but...

In such circumstances, favoring those loyal to him would be difficult. While possible in theory, Rahizya knew favoritism would invite backlash and resentment. Some members of the troop followed Rahizya, but just as many harbored hostility toward him.

Actually, saying “just as many” might be a bit of an understatement.

Only about twenty or thirty percent of the tribe had openly declared their opposition to Rahizya. But even those who weren’t openly opposing him bore dissatisfaction and resentment in their hearts. These people outwardly pretended to obey orders, but inwardly, they waited eagerly for Rahizya to make a mistake. If one counted these potential adversaries, their numbers might well have exceeded seventy percent of the tribe. Rahizya had worked hard to pacify these opponents, sometimes using force to keep them in line. He wasn’t pleased with the current situation.

It’s a fact that the tribe has been fractured.

Despite Rahizya’s understanding, he wasn’t willing to give up on the path he had chosen. While he knew that persuading everyone with words would be ideal, he also knew that achieving such an ideal would take time.

But we don’t have that kind of time, mused Rahizya as images of his homeland flashed through his mind.

He knew many of his people would starve if he gave up. Nonetheless, avoiding conflict wasn’t an option for him either.

I must press forward even if there is no other path and it’s thorny. If it means protecting the future of the children and the tribe, I’d make a deal with the devil... Even if it costs me my soul. That’s why we cannot let anyone know about the internal strife in the tribe. Should anyone find out, there’s no doubt they’ll turn their forces against us.

Rahizya was in a precarious situation, teetering on the edge of disaster. While the nations of Brittantia and Tarja had temporarily allied with these “outsiders,” their relationship was fragile. Though they seemed friendly on the surface, both nations saw the outsiders as potential enemies. Letting them learn about the tribe’s divisions would be catastrophic.

We are, quite literally, like a disease festering within the southern kingdoms.

The nations of the south saw the outsiders as a threat to their very existence. If they saw an opportunity to eliminate this threat, they would strike, no matter the cost. The existence of the outsiders had always been met with disgust, hatred, and fear from the people of the southern kingdoms.

As outsiders who have been persecuted by them, we feel the same way. Given the historical animosity between us, it’s no surprise.

Both sides were trapped in a cycle of hatred. Neither were purely good or evil, but rather a mix of both. No matter how long they stalled or deviated from the path, one outcome was inevitable.

The day when this would be settled, once and for all, was fast approaching. It was a decision that even the gods could not avoid.

Although we may be unable to avoid it, we can at least choose the day to cross swords.

For that reason, information control was essential to ensure that no unfavorable intelligence leaked to the enemy. That said, exerting such control was exceedingly difficult. It was truly a case of “easier said than done.” One had to appreciate having people like Ayun, who understood the difficult position Rahizya was in and cooperated sincerely. When considering who they’d meet for the upcoming grim talks, their help became even more invaluable.

“Yes, it’s a burden for you all, but don’t let your guard down. Many close to the chieftain are already dissatisfied with this war. In such circumstances, the last thing we want is for those lowlifes to see us faltering.” After spitting out those words, Rahizya pushed through the entrance of the tent. There, a woman was waiting to meet him.

In a word, she was beautiful. With bronze skin, a warrior’s toned yet feminine body, lustrous black hair that flowed from her head like a gift from the heavens, and sharp, almond-shaped eyes, she would undoubtedly draw attention.

Yet few would find her beautiful now. Of course, it wasn’t that her perfectly sculpted face had changed. The intimidating aura she radiated overshadowed any sense of beauty. Fury filled her eyes, and her body trembled uncontrollably with rage. Most people who saw her in that state would shrink back in fear. Moreover, the sharp fangs visible between her peachlike lips made her look even more terrifying, like a demon incarnate.

And rightly so, because she wasn’t human. She was a type of demi-human known as an oni, specifically a race referred to as yaksha. On top of that, her anger and disgust toward Rahizya distorted her face further. Her otherwise divine beauty only made her appear more frightening. Her name was Harisha. She was the commander leading a contingent of outcasts who had joined the war. Harisha was about to engage in a fierce verbal battle with Rahizya in the center tent, which was heavily guarded by warriors.

“Are you really going to cooperate with those people? Do you really believe that’s the path our proud tribe should take?” Harisha’s words, filled with rejection, came forth as if she were spitting blood. “Why must our proud Manibhadra tribe lend its strength to the filthy Kingdom of Tarja? We are nothing like the greedy fools who live in that city of stone!”

Harisha’s honest thoughts showed the cry of her soul as both the chieftain’s daughter and the commander of the warriors sent to the allied army as reinforcements. Truthfully, she had no desire to participate in this war. As the daughter of the tribe’s chieftain, she couldn’t accept forcing her people into a conflict that had no connection to the morality or justice she knew.

Yet Harisha’s words fell on deaf ears when it came to Rahizya, the deputy commander sent by the tribe’s elders. Or rather, Rahizya deliberately ignored her feelings, even though he understood them.

“My lady, please don’t be selfish. We have entered into a contract with the Kingdom of Tarja. That is the consensus of the Manibhadra tribe. Even you, the chieftain’s daughter, must obey this decision.”

At Rahizya’s words, Harisha’s face flushed red with anger.

“Don’t be ridiculous! Consensus? What consensus? My father’s illness has been taken advantage of! The only reason this decision was made is because your father, Druv, used his condition to manipulate the elders! If my father were well, do you think he would ever have accepted such a thing? Do you even understand what those cowards from that stone city have done to our tribe?” Harisha declared.

Her words reflected a sentiment shared not just by the Manibhadra tribe but by many of the tribes collectively known as the “outcasts.”

But even after facing such accusations, Rahizya showed no signs of fear or shame. In fact, a cold smile crept across his face. His appearance revealed a man fed up with the lofty ideals of a girl who knew nothing of politics. In truth, this was a conversation they had had many times since leaving their village in the Kingdom of Tarja’s territory. The content and outcome were the same each time, so Rahizya had grown weary.

Rahizya had tolerated Harisha’s outbursts because she was the chieftain’s daughter and barely sixteen years old. But his patience was wearing thin. Finally, Rahizya unsheathed the blade of logic he had kept hidden.

“So, do you intend to break the contract with Tarja?”

His voice had an air of irritation, but his words carried enough reason to brook no argument. Harisha, momentarily taken aback, fell silent. As she struggled to respond, Rahizya continued his sharp verbal assault.

It was indeed the violence of logic.

“But we’ve already distributed the food and supplies we received as payment to the tribe. We’d have to take them back by force from the people’s homes to return them now. But doing so would risk causing deaths from starvation, particularly among the women and children. Are you willing to go that far to break this contract?”

Faced with this question, Harisha was lost for words. Rahizya looked at her with a cold smile. He could at least understand her if she were the kind of person willing to sacrifice her people to uphold their pride and history. Likewise, if she prioritized survival by casting aside that pride, that too would be a path worth considering.

But this girl lacks the resolve to do either, and we no longer have the luxury of time to choose the “right” path that would satisfy everyone.

The people left behind in their village were fighting a very real battle against hunger. The Manibhadra tribe, like many of the other yaksha tribes, lived deep within the forests of the southern kingdoms, relying primarily on hunting and gathering. However, widespread deforestation had made it increasingly difficult to sustain themselves through hunting alone in recent years.

The southern region is the largest and most contested region in the western continent, with over a dozen nations fighting for control. Whether it’s Tarja or Brittantia, bolstering national strength is a top priority.

In that fierce struggle for survival, a nation’s rulers would want to adopt policies to increase their population. More people meant greater military and economic strength.

But to support a larger population, securing enough food is essential. And the most efficient way to do that is through agriculture.

Unlike fishing or hunting, farming provided a stable and abundant food supply. To increase a nation’s population, improving agricultural productivity was a necessary step. Of course, such measures also came with challenges. Improving productivity required the development of better tools, crop varieties, and more.

Among the many factors to consider, securing arable land is the biggest challenge for both countries.

There were two main ways to increase farmland: seize land suited for agriculture or clear unsuitable land through hard work.

Cultivating suitable agricultural land oneself isn’t entirely out of the question. But most of this land has already been developed or is inaccessible for various reasons.

One could imagine that the land might be located in conflict zones with other nations or controlled by high-ranking dangerous beasts, often referred to as “named” creatures. In both cases, resolving the issue would take considerable time and effort.

That’s why they chose to clear the forested areas within their own territory.

They likely wanted to increase their national power as much as possible before attacking other countries. Selling the felled trees as lumber or charcoal could also have a positive economic impact, so it wasn’t a bad choice.

At least, it was the best possible option for Brittantia and Tarja.

But that also means the forests in the southern part of the continent are shrinking.

As a result, the game available for hunting had significantly decreased. This year, the impact had been severe and had become a major problem for the Manibhadra and all the other tribes living in the forests of the southern region, often referred to as the “people beyond civilization.”

Disputes over hunting grounds with other tribes had become more frequent, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Amid this crisis, Rahizya’s father, Druv, and one of the elders of the Manibhadra tribe brought the proposal of a mercenary contract with the Kingdom of Tarja. Most of the tribe members agreed with Druv’s suggestion.

In truth, when faced with the kind of hunger that disrupted daily life, pride in one’s tribe became a secondary concern.

“Well, I...”

Harisha’s face was filled with torment because her position weakened when forced to argue with reason. In fact, the mercenary contract with Tarja was an efficient and effective solution to the problems facing the Manibhadra tribe. This was something even Harisha, as well as the entire tribe, recognized. The only issue was that it severely damaged their pride as a tribe. But that was a real problem, so Harisha stood firm in her beliefs and spoke out against Rahizya.

“But not everyone in the Manibhadra tribe agreed with that proposal.”

Some people placed the highest importance on the tribe’s traditions and pride. Harisha was the prime example of such individuals. The question wasn’t about who was right. It was about what choice to make—whether to value the tribe’s pride or pursue practical benefits.

Rahizya pressed Harisha even further, though. “Milady, can’t you see reason? To be honest, the so-called pride of the tribe that you so loudly proclaim is nothing more than a useless relic for us now. No, perhaps it’s even more accurate to call it a hindrance.”

At this point, it seemed that Rahizya had given up on hiding his true feelings. He had long suppressed these words, forcing himself to endure, but could no longer hide them.

“What did you say?! Are you telling me to forget the history and traditions that our tribe has woven for generations? To bow down to a weaker race with bodies inferior to ours?”

Harisha’s roar came in response to having the pride and tradition of her people, who had lived in the forests of the southern continent for hundreds of years, declared worthless.

Still, Rahizya snorted and sneered at her. The Manibhadra tribe, like other races referred to as “yakshas,” were naturally born with powerful bodies and life force comparable to that of elves. In addition, they had much greater reproductive capabilities than the elves. As a species, their basic physical traits were overwhelmingly superior to humans. But just because a race was physically superior didn’t mean it would always emerge victorious in the survival of the fittest.

No, the fact that the human race was the dominant power in the western continent proved that Harisha’s words were nothing more than the howls of a loser.

Why can’t she understand such a simple truth...

Of course, in battle, the yaksha were strong. Even Rahizya couldn’t deny that.

We yakshas’ physical superiority over humans gives us a considerable advantage in the wars of this world, where hand-to-hand combat is the norm. It’s also true that, as beings, the yakshas are stronger than humans.

Moreover, the yaksha possessed the ability to control and command monsters. This technique, known as beast taming, was unique to the yaksha and unavailable to other races like humans or elves. The combat power gained from commanding these creatures was overwhelming.

On this note, Harisha struggled with the war elephant unit she led. In this world, it was an irreplaceable military asset. The massive creatures known as “four-tusked elephants” had tremendous destructive power, making them a biological weapon, and a trump card for maintaining the independence of those living in the untamed lands. Whether Harisha’s war elephants joined the battle could be a decisive factor in determining its outcome. On the plains, the sheer power of the war elephants to break through enemy lines would be enough to sway the results of any conflict. That was why the participation of Harisha’s war elephant unit had been included in the contract in the current war.

Because of this, some individuals, like milady, mistakenly believe that we yakshas are superior to humans.

To Rahizya, this was nothing more than a great misunderstanding. As a race, the yaksha didn’t necessarily have an absolute advantage in this world. Of course, they had their strengths.

We were born with muscles far stronger than those of the human race. In this world, physical strength is undeniably the most reliable weapon, and there’s little debate about that.

Few would dispute that assessment. Even the humans, who had long looked down upon the yakshas as savages, understood this well.

Above all, we have that.

Although it came at the cost of one’s life, that secret technique granted them godlike power. This was undeniably a special ability that only the yaksha race possessed. The problem, however, was the misconception that this superiority was absolute and unchanging.

We oni races, including the yakshas, are undoubtedly powerful. But can we say we’ve secured an absolute advantage? Not when this world has techniques like thaumaturgy, which allows the weak to fight against the strong.

As long as thaumaturgy existed, physical toughness and combat prowess weren’t enough to ensure victory. While the soldiers of the Manibhadra tribe were undoubtedly a vital asset to the allied forces in the current war, they couldn’t be considered the main force. The fundamental reason for this was the yaksha’s numerical disadvantage compared to the human race. In truth, the yaksha were losing in the struggle for survival, which meant they were weaker than the humans.

We are labeled as “savages” and forced to live in the forests because we are weak. When faced with that reality, what use is tribal pride?

While Rahizya didn’t dismiss Harisha’s words as mere nonsense or delusions, he did think her ideals were out of place for their current situation.

Being weak is not a sin. But accepting our weakness and envying the strong is wrong, thought Rahizya, knowing that one who took pride in their yaksha life wouldn’t brag. Pride is one of the most hollow and shallow things. One’s way of life is their true pride, and that’s not something to be spoken of.

Because Rahizya understood this, he refused to bend his beliefs.

“I’m not saying we should submit. But there’s no realistic alternative. Would you prefer to break the contract and refuse to return the money like some scoundrel? Even if humans are contemptible, would your so-called pride accept that?” said Rahizya.

“Of course I don’t think this is acceptable. I understand what you’re trying to say, but there’s a line I can’t cross. If we lose our tribe’s pride and bow to the people of the stone cities, this won’t just be a problem for the Manibhadra tribe. All the yakshas living in the southern forests could end up submitting to that cowardly, foolish human race. Are you willing to accept that? Is that truly what’s best for us?”

“That’s clearly not ideal. But do you have another solution? Please tell me if there’s a way to keep our people from starving while preserving our pride! I’d gladly follow it.”

Rahizya’s emotional outburst was rare for someone so composed. It was clear to everyone, including Rahizya, that if they could save their people from hunger without losing their pride, that would be the best path.

But such a dreamlike solution doesn’t exist... If it does, then we must prioritize life over pride.

Whether this priority was correct was uncertain, but it was Rahizya’s belief. That was why he sought power within the tribe alongside his father, Druv, even if it meant being labeled power-hungry.

All of it is to suppress the blind chieftain and his followers... Rahizya’s gentleness and consideration sometimes made him question whether he was truly doing the right thing. If the young conqueror of Wortenia were here, he would have purged them and their families without hesitation.

Rahizya had heard countless rumors about the young leader commanding the enemy forces in the current conflict. Of course, he wasn’t sure how many of those rumors were true.

Even if the rumors had only been half true, it was the nature and the dream of those in power to imagine how much easier things would be if they could eliminate all constraints without hesitation.

Contemplating a reckless move that would halve the strength of the Manibhadra tribe was a pointless fantasy that only those in leadership positions experienced. This was something that didn’t change, whether they were yakshas or any other race, as long as they formed a group.

Thus, Harisha and the others had to understand Rahizya’s considerations. They also bore the heavy responsibility of deciding the path the tribe must follow.

“Milady... What you are saying is nothing more than an idealistic fantasy. Please choose your words carefully while keeping a firm grip on reality. I hope you understand that your words and actions will determine the fate of our tribe.”

These words were the honest feelings that Rahizya had long kept hidden. He would no longer need to play the hated role if they chose a more realistic course. In response to Rahizya’s words, Harisha bit her lip and hung her head low. Her fists were clenched tightly, and her shoulders trembled with a mix of anger and humiliation.

Did I go too far in my emotional outburst?

No matter how much one regretted their words, they could not take them back. Even so, a half-hearted apology or consolation would only make things worse; that much was clear. If Rahizya were to say something like that, the stubborn Harisha would reject him even more.

It’s probably best to give her some time.

With that thought in mind, Rahizya gave a slight bow to Harisha and turned to leave. But his consideration did not reach Harisha.

“Wait!”

Her shout stopped Rahizya in his tracks.

“Do you need something else?” he asked.

Harisha’s body trembled angrily as she shouted, “Tell General Accordo that the war elephant unit under my command will lead the vanguard.”

Rahizya tilted his head at her words. “They will indeed see that as a most welcome proposal, but are you sure about this?”

To fully utilize the war elephant division, the best time to strike would be right at the start of the battle when the enemy was still forming ranks. If the creatures joined the battle after it had descended into chaos, they would surely end up trampling friend and foe alike. However, Rahizya had not expected the normally reluctant Harisha to volunteer to take the vanguard in this battle.

That was why he had arranged with Bruno Accordo, the commander of the allied forces, to hold the elephants in reserve as a decisive force to sway the outcome when the battle neared its conclusion.