The Weight of Survival: Spencer’s Revelation

Before this, humanity, led by Sheila, had emerged victorious, establishing a relatively peaceful coexistence among the various races of the continent. Yet, due to disparities in their inherent strength and numbers, the treatment each race received varied significantly.

“Beyond a race’s intrinsic power, another crucial factor influences their standing,” Spencer explained, “and that is their closeness to your human race.”

Iordera hummed softly, indicating she was listening.

“Humans were the victors, and many of the rules governing inter-racial relations were established by them. They also possess the greatest number of top-tier powerhouses,” Spencer said, gesturing towards the ground. “Saroyan, a city renowned for its economic prosperity and quality of life, despite being on the border, paradoxically stands as the most impregnable fortress, owing to the presence of four legendary powerhouses.”

“Among the non-human races, the Orcish race finds itself in the most awkward position, for a rather laughable reason.” Spencer offered a bitter smile as he spoke. “Their average strength is one aspect, but the other is… they cannot fully transform.”

Iordera paused, slightly bewildered. “You mean they cannot assume human form?”

“Precisely. No matter how much their bodies might resemble humans, they always retain a beast’s head. This inherently ostracizes us from human society.”

‘That’s certainly true; the aesthetic differences are quite profound.’

“As peace endured and Sheila, the Guardian of humanity, grew less active, the circumstances and standing of each race became increasingly delicate. The Orcish race faces the gravest danger in this shifting landscape, desperately needing to find a way to alter our current state. Otherwise, if war ever breaks out again, our plight will be the most dire.”

Spencer sighed, his gaze upon Iordera complex. “We seek a closer alliance with humanity, partly due to geopolitical reasons, and partly because your human race possesses the greatest strength. Dogget and I have both striven for this, though our methods diverge.”

His eyes gradually filled with anguish. “When I first assumed the role of diplomat, I was unaware of his actions. I believed my efforts and sincerity could help our people integrate into your society. However, it became clear I was mistaken; human society would not truly accept us.”

Iordera, having insights from her past life, understood perfectly. She pinpointed the core issue. “Because the smallest social unit for an individual is the family, and life cannot exist without it.”

‘And for an Orc with an animal head to form a family with a human… that would indeed be quite challenging.’

“Yes, and Dogget realized this fundamental problem even earlier than I did,” Spencer continued. “So, when my own efforts proved futile, and I stumbled upon what Dogget was doing, my feelings were incredibly conflicted.”

Iordera cautiously asked, “You discovered he was conducting biological experiments?”

“Yes, under the leadership of your human ‘Governor,’ he used the lives of our kin to create a ‘new generation’ of Orcs!” Spencer’s eyes were filled with profound despair. “Dogget told me that this was the only way, that by completely aligning with humans, we would have a chance to survive and prosper.”

“I felt furious, deeply pained, yet utterly powerless. Consequently, during my final period in office, I accomplished little and even attempted to request a transfer from Saroyan, but all my efforts failed.”

Iordera pursed her lips, intending to offer a small comfort. “It’s alright. Look on the bright side: Dogget also failed.”

Spencer’s expression grew even more despondent. “That’s hardly good news. So much was sacrificed, only for it to all come to naught in the end.”

“But your people despise Dogget and what he did, don’t they?”

Spencer sneered. “Of course, our people despise him and his actions, for it is a great shame. But if one were to consider the long-term, from the most rational perspective, I would have wished him success. For the future of the Orcs, to survive, even in humiliation, is better than becoming casualties of war.”

He shook his head, continuing, “Few of our people can grasp this, or perhaps many haven’t yet formed a clear understanding of our race’s predicament. They only know that if future Orcs become like those experimental subjects, our race will be utterly subjugated by humanity—a feat even Sheila could not accomplish.”

Iordera narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.

‘I see. No wonder Governor Busius Sunhand was involved in this. It wasn’t merely to provide amusement for the nobility, then.’

“The experiment failed, and our Orcs will likely face a ‘good death.’ If it had succeeded, it would have been a ‘shameful survival,'” Spencer said with a self-deprecating laugh. “Both bottles held poison, and we were forced to drink one. Such is the fate of the weak.”

Iordera suddenly asked, “Will you accept those children?”

“Of course not,” Spencer replied without hesitation. “As I just told you, in the eyes of all our people, those children are proof of our shame. They would rather see them dead, silently erased.”

“Understood,” Iordera said, her gaze turning cold. “Give me the items.”

‘They may not want me, but from today—no, from a few days ago—I, Iordera, am the mother of Awang, Little Pa, and Duo Duo!’

Spencer handed the items to her. She opened the box to find several letters and documents.

Years ago, during the initial stages of the experiment, pencils had not yet become commonplace, so ordinary pencil marks were used. Dogget, being cunning, had used mental magic to deceive those handling the letters, then arranged for an alchemist to restore them, preserving them until now. When the experiment failed, he secretly entrusted these items to me, hoping they might prove useful someday.

Iordera perused them carefully.

The letters detailed the biological laboratory, the genetic selection and modification of Orcs, the artificial offspring cultivated using alchemical apparatus, and various other crucial elements of the experiment.

Most importantly, they mentioned Busius Sunhand, with some original handwriting possibly belonging to him, serving as undeniable proof of his crimes.

“After the experiment failed, I heard there was even a rebellion in the laboratory. Dogget told me that because the experimental subjects were so pitiful, some human staff developed compassion. They destroyed the laboratory at the cost of their own lives and ensured a few of the children escaped.” Spencer’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. “How ironic. The culmination of this farce was humanity’s sudden pang of conscience.”

‘Was that person Grandma Sharp’s daughter, the one who ‘died accidentally’?’ Iordera wondered.

Having grasped the situation, Iordera picked up the items and started to leave. “Let’s go. I’ll arrange for someone to escort you out of Saroyan.”

The smuggling operation proceeded smoothly. Cat Head contacted a local gang, and with the power of money, everything was arranged.

Spencer was placed in a crate and transported out of Saroyan as illicit cargo. Iordera did not go to see him off, opting instead to inquire about another matter at a tavern.

“A fireworks display will be held tomorrow night in Spire Plaza, and The Sword Saint Sorold himself will descend from the spire to celebrate with the people.”