Chapter 306

Rudra took the parchment gently. He unrolled it and scanned the coordinates, noting they were scattered across the various borders of the Empire. 

He looked up at Mellory, tilting his head with genuine curiosity.

"Goddess Mellory, thank you for this," Rudra said politely. "But... I notice there are no human settlements on this list. May I ask why there are no human worshippers among your followers?"

Mellory froze.

The bright, bubbly smile on her face vanished, instantly replaced by a frantic pout. Her cheeks puffed out, turning a vibrant shade of cherry red. She tapped her index fingers together, looking away nervously.

"Ah... w-well!" Mellory stammered, trying to maintain her cheerful tone. "Humans are just... a little too obsessed with war and gold right now! My beauty just isn't trending! Not to mention those other guys who keep messing with me! It's a very sore subject!" She covered her flushed face with her hands. "Oh, don't ask a maiden such embarrassing questions! I must go!"

She turned around and literally fled, shooting back up into the sky like a rocket to hide her extreme embarrassment. The clouds snapped shut behind her, and the golden light vanished.

Rudra blinked. "Okay then."

Rudra finally looked at notifications he got when the Orcs acknowledged to follow him now.

[You have acquired the complete loyalty of the Valiant Orc Tribe!]

[You rule over more than 3 different races as their Lord!]

[You have acquired the title [Different Species' Lord]!]

[Different Species' Lord]

[You have proven yourself worthy of a Lord's authority over many peoples by embracing non-human species as your own.

★ Permanent Effects

- Non-human species regard you noticeably more favorably by default.

- The probability of increasing Affinity with a non-human target is increased by 50%.

- Some proud or warlike species may still wish to test your ability personally before fully accepting this.

★ Limited Effects

- The 'Contract' system is activated by this title.

- One additional slot is granted for every three distinct non-human races formally settled within your territory.

- Current available contracts: (2/2) ]

[Contract]

[If the target is another species, you can propose a contract.

The target you contract with will 'awaken' strengthened racial characteristics. You will acquire some of the racial traits of the contracted target.

You can't destroy a contract once it is made.

However, the other person can destroy the contract at any time and the racial trait you acquired will disappear. In addition, the contract will be cancelled if the target dies and the racial trait you acquired will disappear. In both cases, the contract count can't be recovered.]

Rudra was quite satisfied with this title, especially the part where the contract slot would increase with every three non-human races he recruited. As for the penalty that the contract can be cancelled by the other party, he wasn’t too concerned, as anyone he was going to sign a contract with would have max affinity with him, so they wouldn’t betray him.

He looked at the title that he got as part of completing the quest next.

[Muse of the Goddess]

[You have embodied the peak of physical symmetry and form, earning the blessing of the Goddess of Love and Beauty.

- The [Charm] stat is permanently doubled.

- The effectiveness of the [Charm]-related skill would be 100% more effective.

- The Skill experience acquisition rate of the [Charm]-related skill would be 100% more effective.

- You emit a passive, overwhelming presence that makes you highly attractive to all entities, irrespective of their race, gender, or orientation.]

Rudra wasn’t really all that interested in the effects of the title as he didn’t really have any skill that used his [Charm] stat so it was just there to make him pretty, but he stared at the last line.

Irrespective of their race, gender, or orientation.

Rudra frowned. He immediately felt incredibly weirded out by that. He definitely didn't want to attract everything he walked past. He quickly dismissed the window before he could think about the implications too hard. 

He walked off the wooden stage, picking up his clothes and putting them back on before equipping his coat and armor. 

Winfred walked over.

Winfred walked over. The tactician looked exhausted, but his ledger was finally closed. The migration columns were completely organized, and the barrels of exfoliating mud were loaded onto the transport carts. 

"Stormbreak is ready to receive them, my Lord," Winfred said warmly. He looked at the Valiant Chief and gave a polite nod.

The Chief nodded back, wiping a final tear from his eye. "We are ready."

Rudra then activated the skill [Mumud’s Mass Teleport] to push his 1.2 million Mana to transport the entire group directly to his home.

"Take them home, Winfred," Rudra said. "I have a few stops to make first."

Winfred nodded as the magic circle consumed the entire group.

A massive blue magic circle expanded across the entire village. Mana rushed into the air.

Flash.

Winfred and the three hundred Valiant Orcs vanished, teleporting safely back to the coast.

The muddy village was suddenly empty. The wind blew through the abandoned huts.

Rudra adjusted his coat. He checked his inventory to ensure he had enough supplies, then looked at Iris. She was standing near the edge of the clearing, her hands resting casually near her pistols. 

"Ready to go to work, Guild Member?" Rudra asked.

Iris uncrossed her arms.

"Yes," Iris said.

Rudra turned and walked toward the eastern tree line, following the first set of coordinates on the golden parchment. Iris fell into step a half-pace behind him.