Chapter 105: New Encounter

Jinwoo and his party carefully moved their feet along the waterway.

There might be other intelligent beings living here besides themselves.

However, that fact alone didn’t change their way of acting.

Regardless, it had clearly caused a change in their state of mind.

“Well… honestly, unless it’s something truly extraordinary, it probably won’t pose much of a threat.”

“I think so too.”

Jinwoo nodded at Shin Seom-hwa’s words.

As mentioned, Jinwoo and his party’s skills were at a level that could aim for even an S-class party in society.

Unless some ridiculously strong monster appeared, they wouldn’t even be a threat.

Of course, letting their guard down wouldn’t do any good.

That’s why Jinwoo and his party were walking through the forest right beside the open waterway.

Hilde asked with a cautious expression.

“Hmm, do you think that person will act hostile towards us?”

“There’s no guarantee they will, but it’s better to assume they might be hostile than to assume they’ll be friendly.”

For now, they were dealing with an opponent capable of using a bow as a weapon.

The possibility that they might consider us enemies couldn’t be ignored.

“Well, there are about three possibilities.”

Jinwoo slowly opened his mouth as he walked.

“First, the possibility that the opponent is someone stranded and surviving on the same uninhabited island as us.”

Although this is a different island from the last one.

It’s still an island that was connected to the previous uninhabited island.

The possibility that another survivor might be living here isn’t entirely nonexistent.

This is an island that has been denying common sense since the last time.

It seems like nothing would surprise us anymore.

Although I didn’t mention it specifically,

I had also kept Xiao Lin’s existence somewhat in mind.

“Second, the case where they are natives who originally lived here.”

“Honestly, that would be a hassle. If they can craft bows, they probably have more than just one or two people.”

“Considering the environment here, it’s hard to imagine their numbers would be small.”

After all, even we managed to survive after being dropped onto the uninhabited island initially.

If they were the original inhabitants, perhaps they could craft dozens or even hundreds, at the very least.

We should probably consider them at least tribal level.

“And the last one… honestly, this isn’t a scenario I want to consider, but-“

Jinwoo suddenly stopped walking.

It wasn’t just Jinwoo.

Hilde, who was leading the way, and Shin Seom-hwa, who was preparing magic slightly behind, were the same.

Everyone stopped in place as if they had made a pact.

“Huh? What’s wrong?”

Only Han So-young tilted her head, not understanding what was happening.

-Kkang!

Hilde suddenly swung her spear.

Then, a sound of something colliding echoed through the air.

Thud, an arrow fell to the ground.

Judging by the angle, it seemed closer to a warning shot than an attempt to target a person.

‘Nothing particularly impressive.’

While Hilde’s spear skills are excellent,

the arrow didn’t seem to contain any special magic.

At this level, Jinwoo could crush it alone.

Of course, there’s also the possibility they simply held back because it was a warning shot.

“Stop playing games and show yourselves already. Quite a few of you have gathered.”

A brief silence followed Jinwoo’s words.

But soon, the sound of rustling through the bushes spread from all directions.

Gradually, the opponents revealed themselves.

Jinwoo’s eyes widened upon seeing them.

‘Elves and Orcs?’

Races commonly found in fantasy.

It was obvious that quite a lot of elves and orcs were surrounding them.

‘I thought other races might appear… but wow, seeing them in person is even more surprising.’

I’ve seen simple monsters like goblins often enough,

but this is my first time seeing other high-intelligence races like this.

Jinwoo observed the two figures standing at the very front.

One was a typical Orc with an imposing build and an axe strapped to his back.

However, rather than the commonly depicted ugly image, he gave off more of an impression of a muscular warrior.

The other was an elf with an arrogant expression, holding a bow in his hand.

This one also had tanned skin, unlike the commonly known pale skin.

Could this be what they call a Dark Elf?

‘What an unusual combination.’

Orcs and Elves… honestly, the only scenarios that come to mind are lewd ones.

But these two don’t seem to be in such a relationship.

In fact, their close formation gives the impression that the Orc is the Elf’s subordinate.

“What are you?”

The Dark Elf, who appeared to be the leader in the center, spoke.

Jinwoo shrugged his shoulders and replied.

“Isn’t it customary to reveal your own identity before asking about others?”

“Ha! It seems you don’t grasp the situation.”

The Dark Elf arrogantly lifted his chin.

“With a single gesture from me, I can turn you all into a beehive. Not killing you immediately is the mercy I’m showing you.”

The elves spread throughout the area aimed their bows at us.

However, from Jinwoo’s perspective, it didn’t feel particularly threatening.

‘There are many of them, but not enough to overwhelm us.’

Shin Seom-hwa’s magic is, in the first place, an ability specialized in slaughtering large numbers.

If she set her mind to it, she could inflict massive damage and then escape.

The reason we aren’t doing so is simply because there’s no need to fight them.

They are another race that has continuously lived on this island.

Surely they must possess information we don’t.

Moreover, we didn’t know their exact combat strength either.

‘And the elves’ figures are quite excellent.’

Jinwoo’s gaze swept over the scattered elves one by one.

Even as Dark Elves, they lived up to their name, with appearances that rivaled most idols.

Their faces were like sculptures, their hips were magnificent, and their stomachs and sides were completely free of excess fat.

Their tanned skin also gave off an exotic charm.

Especially that arrogant Dark Elf who seemed to be the leader, his chest was quite-

“Ouch.”

As I was having those thoughts for a moment,

Hilde pinched my side with a sulky expression.

“You were thinking lewd thoughts just now, weren’t you?”

“……Sorry.”

So Hilde has reached the realm of reading even thoughts now.

I’ll have to be careful from now on.

“We have no intention of fighting you. Don’t you want to talk?”

“Hmph! That’s something you do between equals. There’s no reason for us to-“

“Wait a moment, Maia.”

The Orc standing sternly beside him spoke.

His deep voice carried a strange sense of power.

“You saw them deflect the arrow earlier. Their skills are extraordinary. There’s no particular benefit to be gained from fighting, and here…”

Just as I thought a somewhat sensible remark was about to be made,

the Dark Elf called Maia kicked the Orc’s leg.

“Shut up, you pig bastard. Don’t you dare speak to a noble Dark Elf, you beast.”

“……”

Despite being treated like that, the Orc said nothing.

He merely narrowed his eyes slightly.

It certainly seemed that the Dark Elf had the upper hand over the Orc.

‘Judging solely by the difference in physique, it looks like he’d get fucked right away and go ‘heuuung’.’

Could it be that he’s being blackmailed or has some circumstances?

The Orc, lost in thought with his eyes closed for a moment, continued speaking.

“…We just want to protect our subordinates. Wouldn’t it be problematic for you too if your forces were significantly reduced while the fight with the elves isn’t over yet?”

“But the enemy is only four people?”

“If it were me, I could kill ten elves alone before an arrow even hit my head.”

“Hmm……”

The Dark Elf showed signs of contemplation at the Orc’s words.

Jinwoo considered intervening but remained still.

Information was practically falling into his lap just by staying put,

and the conversation was proceeding in a favorable direction.

“So what are you suggesting? Are you telling me to bow my head to the enemy first?”

“If the opponent doesn’t intend to fight, that’s also an option.”

The Orc sighed deeply.

As if he knew the Dark Elf wouldn’t do that in the first place.

“Or, following the old tradition, the leaders could settle it with a one-on-one duel.”

The Orc drew his massive axe.

His gaze was fixed directly on Jinwoo.

“Warrior I haven’t seen before. You are the leader of this group, aren’t you?”

“Well, if you insist.”

Jinwoo gave a slight shrug.

Of course, he was strictly on equal terms with the women,

but if a representative had to be chosen, it would be Jinwoo.

“Let us duel honorably. If you win, we shall let you go. However, if you lose, you must follow us obediently.”

“Hey, wait a minute! Why are you proceeding with this arbitrarily! I never gave permission for something like that!”

“This is the method that minimizes casualties. Or is there any reason for me to fight an opponent who can defeat me single-handedly?”

The Dark Elf frowned displeasedly but shut his mouth tightly.

Although his build was indeed imposing, it seemed clear that the Orc was strong.

“……This is interesting.”

Jinwoo calmly took out his weapon from his inventory.

As he gripped the ‘Returning Knife That Comes Back on Its Own,’ which now fit perfectly in his hand, his body tensed.

“Wait a moment.”

Shin Seom-hwa stopped Jinwoo.

“Is there really a need to accept that proposal? If you set your mind to it, we could just kill them all and escape.”

Although it sounded brutal at first glance, if Shin Seom-hwa could do it, then it was possible.

Jinwoo himself was confident he could win in a direct confrontation right now.

But Jinwoo shook his head.

“You challenged me just now, didn’t you? A man has to accept a challenge.”

“……Honestly.”

Shin Seom-hwa sighed but didn’t try to stop him further.

She and Jinwoo had sparred many times before.

The result was Shin Seom-hwa’s complete defeat every time.

Jinwoo’s skills were now more than sufficient, even exceeding S-rank.

In fact, I also wanted to confirm those skills.

Not in a simple sparring match, but in a real fight for our lives.

“I don’t think you’ll lose. But be careful, Master.”

“Don’t worry.”

Jinwoo walked forward, knife in hand.

The Orc leader also pushed through his subordinates.

As the others gave them space,

a shape resembling a sparring arena naturally formed.

“Thank you for accepting the duel.”

“No need to thank me.”

“……I know the ones behind you are also powerful individuals comparable to you. If we were to fight as we are, it would be our complete defeat.”

Jinwoo let out a light whistle.

It was a gesture of praise.

The ability to assess an opponent’s strength just by looking at them isn’t easily cultivated.

‘His skills look quite good too. At this level, he’d be at least A-class.’

Probably similar to Hilde or Shin Seom-hwa, maybe slightly less.

I don’t think I’ll lose, but he’s not an opponent to be careless against.

“I don’t understand. With skills like yours, why follow the words of such a blockhead?”

“Pfft! Blockhead. He’d probably throw a fit if he heard that, but it’s the perfect description.”

The Orc chuckled for a moment before giving a bitter smile.

“Unfortunately, we have our circumstances too. To be frank, I’d consider myself fortunate if I could save my subordinates with just my own life.”

“……What’s your name?”

“It’s Kite.”

“My name is Kim Jinwoo. Remember it.”

“That’s a fine name.”

Jinwoo kicked off the ground, and the Orc leader swung his axe.

Soon, a roar that tore through the air spread.