Postwar Generation

Author’s Note(AN) :

Thank you very much for the support which allowed me to hold the first place in high fantasy category for a week!

I am really touched!

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“Where should we stay for the night, grandma?”

“Indeed, grandpa.”

Ferad and Elrika wandered around the city, looking somewhat lost, as they glanced around. Due to the city's inhabitants, both young and old, wearing robes and hoods, every inn seemed suspiciously like a shady establishment. They were left wondering where to go.

(W-what to do…)

Far behind them, Aldrick, the Incinerator, was also in a state of bewilderment.

(I suppose not just Sazaki-sama, but probably the hero couple as well...)

Peering from the shadows, Aldrick was an odd presence, an old man in his seventies observing the elderly couple. While he knew Sazaki and had interacted with him, he had only met Ferad and Elrika once when he was young. If Sazaki weren't absent and he hadn't received the message from Lara about their old friends visiting, he might not have noticed them.

(Master says to help her friends, but in this case... No, it's not proper to disturb their personal time...)

And in Aldrick's perception, there was a distinct difference between him and the individuals who had literally saved the world and himself, who had come to prominence in a relatively peaceful era. To him, they were like people from a different realm, despite their elderly appearance and unsteady steps.

(Th-their signatures…no, no, this won't do! What am I even thinking!)

Aldrick was feeling quite conflicted.

Those in their seventies were born around the time of the final battle against the Great Demon Lord and the era following the virtual dissolution of the hero party. They weren't part of the generation directly involved in the war. However, due to having grown up hearing the heroic tales of the hero parties, they had a considerable number of fans within this generation.

Aldrick, too, was one of those people, having played hero games with wooden swords and shields when he was a child. Therefore, now, with the ninety-year-old couple in front of him, he was finding it difficult to know how to approach them.

(Hmm? An orc?)

Aldrick's attention was drawn to a large figure approaching Ferad and Elrika from a distance. The creature was a giant, its green skin towering over ordinary humans. Although its plump belly and slightly sagging skin made it appear obese, it was, in fact, a mass of densely packed muscles. Such beings were commonly known as orcs in this world.

Focusing on the orc's massive forehead, Ferad stared and tried to recall a memory while feeling perplexed.

“Is the 'Flame Vortex' clan staying here?”

Ferad voiced his thoughts involuntarily. If his memory served him right, the red vertical stripes on the orc's forehead were the emblem of the Flame Vortex clan, an orc clan known for its combat prowess. However, the Flame Vortex was based much further south and shouldn't have had a presence in this vicinity.

In reality, this particular orc was more of a wandering traveler, separated from his clan. There weren't any clansmen from his kind around here.

“Old man, are you familiar with my clan?”

The orc let out a low growl-like sound. It wasn't meant to be a threat, but rather a characteristic of their species' voices, which were naturally imposing.

“Yes. I participated in the Battle of the Red Lake during the Great War. We stood side by side with the orc alliance, including the Flame Vortex clan, during that time. The valor of the chieftain of your clan back then, Lord Gugan, is etched in my memory.”

“What a surprise. I thought you might be a war veteran from the looks of you, but to think you were at the Battle of the Red Lake as well...”

Upon hearing Ferad's explanation, a clear light of respect shone in the orc's eyes.

Orcs were beings that sought battles befitting their ancestral spirits, their ancestors, parents, children, and clans, and they held honor in high regard. Learning that Ferad had participated in the defense of the sacred grounds struck a chord with the orc, whose species valued honor and combat above all else.

That's why during the past great war, the forces of darkness attacked the Red Lake. As a result, an alliance of orc creatures who had gathered from all around the world to defend the sacred site, along with the struggling survivors and the united forces of the hero parties, faced off against the invading dark army, leading to a fierce battle.

As a side note, humans are an entirely different species from orc, making them not considered as potential mates. This fact has led to a lack of gender-related issues even when humans are integrated into combat groups of orcs. Those who have experienced the efficiency and values of orcs' combat prowess tend to hold trust in them.

Returning to the main topic, what can generally be said is that in this world, orcs are extremely reliable beings.

"Is that lady also a participant?"

"Yes, she fought alongside as well."

"Forgive my bluntness, but would you mind shaking hands?"

"If it's even acceptable for someone like me, I'd be glad to."

"Of course."

Upon learning that Elrika also participated in the Battle of the Red Lake, the orc extended its hand, and one by one, gently shook the weathered hands of both individuals. This orc, although not directly involved in the great war, holds the battle for the protection of the sacred land in highly as a member of the honor-bound orc species. Having grown up hearing tales of this event, he sought a handshake from those who were part of it.

(Oh, this orc! I'm envious of you! Can you switch places with me for a moment?)

Watching this, Aldrick became once again flustered. If Lara were here, she would most probably be giving her disciple a knock on the head. As a side note, Aldrick's magical level, known as the Deep layer, is the highest of his generation, with only a few exceptions. It promises him excellent treatment in any kingdom. Furthermore, he holds the status of an esteemed individual who can attend the Council of Magic, an assembly only accessible to the world's chosen high-level magicians.

"Mommy, what is that person doing?"

"Shh, you shouldn't stare."

At the moment, he was a suspicious figure peeking from the shadows, even if he were indeed that same Aldrick above-mentioned. Leaving aside his identity, let's proceed.

It's been nearly 70 years since the conclusion of the war. While this spans generations, it's a relatively short time for memories to fade away. And the more significant the impact of the war, the more immense the feats of the hero party become.

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Bonus

Aldrick, the Incinerator

• His flames dance endlessly. Even dragons would tremble in fear. *shivers*

"The Battle of the Red Lake"

• The Great Demon Lord belittled the orcs. Orcs from many different clans, despite their slight connections, united in their mission to protect the sacred land, surpassing everyone's expectations and caused massive destruction.

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Author’s Note(AN) :

If you find this interesting, please bookmark ncode.syosetu(.)com/n0528ii, and should you rate it with a star ☆ below, the author will cry from joy!

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