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"Since that's the case, why not stay in our village?"
Benimaru was very enthusiastic. That was how the Ogre Clan was—loyal, righteous, and proud, disdaining the use of schemes and tricks.
They were grateful to Rin and Ogerpon for saving their lives.
Of course, there was another point: their strength.
If a powerful spellcaster like Rin could join the village, and with Ogerpon, an A-Rank Ogre, the Ogre Clan's strength would undoubtedly leap to a whole new level.
"This, we need to consider."
Rin did not agree directly but feigned hesitation.
"Brother, you're being too rude."
Seeing Rin's slight reluctance, Shuna quickly interjected, saying there was no need to rush and that they should first properly host the two of them.
As for whether they were willing to stay, that could be decided after visiting the Ogre village.
"Right, right, I was too hasty."
Having not yet experienced the pain of clan annihilation, Benimaru was still a straightforward, big-hearted simpleton.
"All right then."
With the Ogres' warm invitation, Rin naturally wouldn't refuse.
After all, he already had the intention of subduing the Ogre Clan.
Rin had a good impression of them. He knew their future trajectory and didn't want them to be annihilated by the Orc Lord.
Three hundred Ogres, with an average rank of B.
Such a force, if brought under Rin's command, would allow him to formally establish a foothold in the Great Jura Forest.
Moreover, the Ogres' potential was high. In the future, they could evolve into Kijin, or even into Fair Oni and Wicked Oni.
Rin had no reason to pass up a ready-made army like this.
Thus, Rin joined the Ogres' group, preparing to return with them to the village.
Before that, the Ogres still needed to collect the remains of their fallen comrades.
They did not blame Rin's Explosion Magic for blasting some of the Ogre bodies to pieces, even turning many to ash.
About this, the Ogres had only one thing to say: "Perhaps it's not bad to be buried in the Great Jura Forest."
"Besides, there are so many Insect Monsters to be buried with them…"
The Ogres were very open-minded about life and death.
And in such a critical moment, it was already a miracle that Rin had acted. Who could dare ask for more?
The reason for cleaning the battlefield was only to confirm whether there were any survivors.
The result did not exceed Benimaru's expectations.
The Insect Monsters' claws contained extremely terrifying venom. Even the Ogre Clan's strong bodies could only resist for a short while.
In this regard, Shion surviving was truly very lucky.
"Rest in peace, everyone…"
"Rin and Ogerpon have already avenged you."
Soon after, led by Benimaru, the Ogres held a simple mourning.
Rin and Ogerpon stood silently off to the side, not participating but waiting patiently for the ritual to end.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting."
"No matter."
"Please follow us."
Benimaru led the way toward the village, with Rin and Ogerpon walking behind the group.
During this time, the two girls, Shuna and Shion, frequently looked back.
They were very interested in Ogerpon.
However, Ogerpon stayed right by Rin's side to protect him, making it impossible for them to find a chance to approach and express their thanks.
"We've arrived."
"Welcome to the Ogre Clan's village!"
Stepping out of the dense forest, what appeared before Rin's eyes was an ancient village.
The village wasn't large, with architecture leaning toward Japanese style—mostly wooden structures, arranged along grid-patterned streets.
Rin naturally understood the reason for this.
Hakurou's grandfather, Araki Byakuya, was an Otherworlder who had crossed over from Japan more than 300 years ago.
It was because of his influence that the Ogres used swords as weapons and valued loyalty and righteousness more than the knights of this world.
The Ogres would not submit to others.
Conversely, once they pledged allegiance to someone, they would follow them wholeheartedly.
"What exactly happened?"
The Ogres in the village had already noticed Benimaru and the others' return.
The families of the fallen wept, and the women and children sobbed softly.
But sadness was meaningless. The world of monsters was not like the world of humans, where people could wallow in grief.
Perhaps they had long since accepted life and death.
The Ogres who had lost loved ones took their family members or what remained of them and buried them in the cemetery near the village.
Throughout the entire process, Rin showed no displeasure. He simply gave them the basic respect they deserved.
"Father!"
After dealing with the affairs of the fallen, Benimaru finally had time to introduce Rin to his father, a red-haired Ogre much older than himself.
"Thank you very much for your assistance."
"Please accept our sincere gratitude!"
Led by Benimaru's father, a group of Ogres bowed deeply to Rin in unison.
"No need for this."
Rin waved his hand and said, "I just happened to be passing through. I also have a grudge with those insects, so I helped out."
"No matter the reason."
The red Ogre leader replied sincerely, "In such a critical situation, if it weren't for your righteous intervention, my son and daughter would surely have perished."
"Father! How much longer are you going to make Rin and Ogerpon stand here?!"
Shuna said, "They just fought a fierce battle and traveled all the way here with us. They must be exhausted!"
"Ah, yes, yes, yes."
Like his son Benimaru, the red Ogre leader scratched his head awkwardly. "It was my oversight."
"Honestly!"
Shuna turned around and gestured to Rin and Ogerpon. "Please wait a moment. I'll have hot water prepared for bathing right away."
"Uh…"
Rin initially wanted to say there was no need to go that far.
But seeing Shuna's serious gaze, he and Ogerpon exchanged looks and could only nod.
"All right then. Thank you for the trouble."
Shuna was right.
They had been traveling through the forest all day, and the sun was already setting. Saying they weren't tired would definitely be a lie.
Rather, the fact that Shuna could notice such details showed her thoughts were far more delicate than the other Ogres.
(To be continued.)
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