章 12: Compensation

[Ding!! congratulations to the player for unlocking a new system function!!]

[Titles!]

[Ding!! new title acquired!!]

(Title: Heart breaker)

(Description: A man who leaves a trail of shattered hearts in his wake. To unlock the special effect, break the hearts of nine more women.)

"What? Heart Breaker?" The words echoed in Akun's mind, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief. How could he be labeled a heart breaker when he had only rejected Azra's proposal? It didn't seem fair, especially considering the countless battles he had fought and the victory over Borax, which had gone unnoticed by the system.

"So, rejecting someone's feelings is considered more significant than defeating a powerful foe like Borax. I suppose the system has its own unique way of measuring achievements."

As he read the description, Akun's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

muttering to himself, Akun said. "Nine more women, huh? I wonder what this special effect could be. Is it worth pursuing?"

However, Akun quickly dismissed the thought. He had other priorities and goals to focus on.

Akun, with a raised eyebrow, looked at Azra as she mentioned the compensation they had discussed earlier.

"So, about that compensation you mentioned... What exactly do you have in mind?"

Azra hesitated for a moment before responding.

"Well, to be honest, I don't really have anything of great value on me right now. But if you come with me to the orc tribe, I'm sure we can figure something out. I promise, you won't be mistreated."

Akun couldn't help but smirk sarcastically at her words.

Akun said sarcastically. "Oh, of course, I should just blindly follow you to enemy territory. What a brilliant idea! Who needs to be cautious when dealing with someone they just met?"

Azra's expression faltered as she sensed Akun's sarcasm. He continued with a serious tone, his previous lightheartedness replaced by caution.

"Look, Azra, it's not that I don't appreciate your offer. But let's be realistic here. Trusting a random character who just appeared and promises something is a big no-go. I've seen it happen in too many games and mangas. You could be leading me into a trap or setting me up for an ambush."

Akun's words were filled with skepticism, born from his experiences and knowledge as a gamer. He had learned the hard way that blind trust could lead to dire consequences.

"If you want me to believe your intentions are genuine, you'll have to offer more than just words. Show me that you can be trusted, prove that you are sincere. I won't be led astray without concrete evidence of your intentions."

Azra looked slightly taken aback by Akun's response, realizing the weight of his concerns.

Azra replied."I swear on my name as the princess of the orc tribe that I have no other motives or intentions to deceive you. I am being genuine in my offer and my promise to compensate you."

Akun's gaze shifted from Azra to Salelvrin, who seemed to be avoiding eye contact, clearly feeling guilty about his earlier behavior. Akun took a deep breath, contemplating the situation before responding.

"Fine, I'll trust you for now. But understand this, Azra. If you do end up deceiving me, if I find out that you've played with my trust, I won't hesitate to take action. I'll make sure to drag your soul to any hell you end up sending me."

Akun then called out to Ember and Ivy, who were hiding in the bushes nearby.

"Ember, Ivy, come on out. We're going to follow Azra to the orc tribe."

Ember and Ivy emerged from the bushes, their eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation. They trusted Akun's judgment and were eager to see what awaited them in the orc tribe.

Ember: "Boss, are you sure about this? Going to the orc tribe?"

Ivy: "Yeah, it sounds dangerous. What if they try to attack us?"

Akun smiled reassuringly at his loyal companions.

"I understand your concerns, but Azra has sworn on her name as the princess of the orc tribe that she means us no harm. We have to trust her for now. Besides, it's an opportunity to learn more about this world."

Ember and Ivy exchanged glances, contemplating Akun's words. They had seen his tactical brilliance and strength in battles, so they trusted his judgment.

Ember: "Alright, boss. We'll follow your lead."

Ivy: "We're with you, boss. Let's see where this journey takes us."

Just as they where about to leave, Akun's eyes landed on Salelvrin's tattered clothes, a result of their previous intense battle. His expression tightened as he clenched his teeth. Without hesitation, he opened the Supreme Gamer Shop interface and swiftly purchased a new set of identical clothes for Salelvrin. He handed the clothes to the guard.

"Here, change into these. Your current clothes are in no condition to be worn."

Salelvrin's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude as he accepted the clothes. He immediately dropped to his knees, overwhelmed with emotion.

"Thank you, thank you so much! You truly are a god."

Akun sighed, his tone becoming stern as he interrupted Salelvrin's words of praise.

"Stop calling me a god!. I am not doing this out of kindness, Consider this as a temporary arrangement. You will find a way to pay me back in the future, understood?"

Salelvrin, still on his knees, nodded earnestly, his gratitude mixed with a determination to repay his debt.

"Yes, I understand. I will find a way to repay you, I promise!"

Akun nodded, acknowledging Salelvrin's commitment. He turned his attention back to Azra and the journey that lay ahead.

"Alright, let's get going. Azra, lead the way. We're following you."

As the group ventured back to the orc tribe, they encountered a few monsters along the way. Akun effortlessly defeated them, showcasing his strength and mastery over his silver Abilities. With each battle, his confidence grew, and he became even more curious about his companions' abilities.

During a moment of rest, Akun decided to use his Appraisal skill on Azra and Salelvrin to uncover more about their stats.

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he read the information displayed in their status windows.

Akun, thought to himself. "Azra, an Orc shaman at the human grade stage 6... That's impressive. But Salelvrin... an orc blademancer at the human stage 7? That doesn't make sense. He's four stages ahead of me, yet he was so weak!"

Akun pondered for a moment, trying to make sense of the situation.

"It's possible that the Endless Evolution System plays a role in our differences. It might not be solely based on stages, but rather the paths we choose to evolve in."

Though he couldn't find a definitive answer, Akun decided to let go of his confusion for now.

As they finally arrived at the orc tribe, Azra was warmly welcomed by her people, who were overjoyed by her safe return. The tribe members looked at Akun, Ember, and Ivy with curiosity, unsure of who these unusual creatures accompanying their princess were.

In response to the questioning gazes, Azra addressed her people confidently.

"These are our honored guests, who have aided me on my journey. They seek an audience with our Queen."

The orc tribe members, trusting their princess, accepted her explanation and welcomed the group. Azra then turned to Akun and gestured for him to follow her.

"Come, Akun. I will lead you to my mother, the Queen."

Akun nodded and turned to Ember and Ivy. "Wait here for me. I'll be back soon."

Ember and Ivy nodded, understanding that this was a crucial moment for Akun. As Azra led him through the orc tribe, Akun couldn't help but be amazed by the grandeur of the surroundings. The orc tribe was nothing like the depictions he had seen in games and manga. The orcs carried themselves with dignity, and the ornate decorations of the tribe displayed their rich culture.

They finally reached the throne room.

The orc Queen Grukka was initially surprised to see Azra returning so soon from her journey. She welcomed her daughter warmly, but her inquisitive nature couldn't resist asking the pressing questions.

"Azra, my daughter, you have returned. Have you found a suitable partner? How soon can I expect my grandkids?" Grukka asked.

Before Azra could respond, her gaze shifted to Akun, his handsome face and majestic silver armor catching her attention. The Queen's eyes widened, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Ah, so you are my son-in-law! How fortunate we are to have such a fine individual gracing our presence."

Akun, taken aback by the unexpected declaration, quickly interjected. "No, Your Majesty, that's not the reason I am here. I seek compensation for the actions of your guard towards me."

The orc Queen's expression turned serious as she turned to Azra, seeking confirmation. "Azra, is what he says true? Has there been an incident involving this young man and our guard?"

Azra nodded solemnly, not hesitating to acknowledge the truth. "Yes, Mother. Salelvrin, the guard who accompanied me, acted disrespectfully towards Akun. We owe him compensation for his mistreatment."

The orc Queen pondered for a moment, her eyes scanning the room as she considered the situation at hand. she then said. "Ok, why don't you just take my daughter as your compensation!"

Akun: "Huh?.... Huh!?..."