Ambition Laid Bare

With winter's arrival, the people of the Northlands always had to worry about Orc invasions. It had been that way for many years.

However, after the Orcs and the Empire had gone to all-out war, the people of the Northlands had not seen Orcs for some time.

They were somewhat unaccustomed to it.

This winter, when Zero Crossing City was packed to the brim, the Northern Kingdom's Braveheart Guild reminded the city's people of the Orcs' savagery.

"In one month, the eight strongest adventurers will be chosen!"

"And before the Eight Knights are born, the cruel Northlands have already prepared wealth and retainers for them."

"Slaves who bravely slaughter Orcs will receive an audience with the Eight Knights."

The Northern Kingdom's Braveheart Guild existed to deal with invasions by the Orcs from the North. So long as someone bravely fought the Orcs, the Northern Kingdom's Braveheart Guild would give them an opportunity.

Zero Crossing City's arena was overflowing with people. Even outside, many who could not squeeze their way in listened to the uproar within and discussed it loudly.

"Are those the Orcs of the Northlands?"

"They're completely different from the ones seen in the South. They look much more frightening."

Adventurers from the South curiously craned their necks to look inside the arena, marveling at the various Orcs that struggled constantly and roared madly. The Orcs were tall, burly, savage, and violent. Many could not help showing fear, though fortunately, a high stone wall separated them.

Looking down from above gave them peace of mind. They watched the Orcs curiously, wondering what the Northern Kingdom's Braveheart Guild intended to do.

A tall knight leaped directly down from the five- or six-meter-high stone wall. Holding a sharp longsword, he landed in the center of the arena. The next instant, he