PS: Yesterday's three updates burned me out. Sorry I'm late today, but here's a 5,300-word mega chapter!
Half-orcs did not think quite the same way normal humans did.
Although half-orcs were not subject to the constant influence of Gruumsh, the chief god of the orks, as orks were, they were still a belligerent race whose nature inclined toward evil and chaos. Some half-orcs lived among humans and could understand love, order, and altruism to some degree. Others lived among orks and knew nothing but blood, glory, and killing, killing, killing.
But all half-orcs shared one trait: they craved recognition and the respect of others.
For half-orcs, this bordered on obsession. As a race with evil ork blood flowing through their veins, those living in human society would go to any lengths to make humans accept them. Those living among orks would likewise try every means available to make the orks acknowledge them as members of their society.
Thus, although Doherty regarded Aaron as "the man who saved his life," the half-orc merely interpreted Aaron's rescue as recognition of his strength, courage, and conviction.
What, then, was the best way to repay Aaron?
Naturally, it was to demonstrate his strength and defeat him! To show him that saving his life had been the right decision.
When Doherty saw Aaron raise his hand, his expression turned positively ecstatic.
"Good! You! Come!" The Half-Orc Sword Saint pointed his two-handed brass saber at Aaron's face, his fighting spirit blazing.
Below the platform, Aaron remained calm, with even a faint, peculiar smile on his face.
He had been considering how to give the snow elf siblings a little taste of Chaos. He had not expected this half-orc to deal the elder brother, Rellta, such a brutal blow before he even acted.
Looking at the unconscious