Observing the End, Volume 3: Protagonism

Chapter 18: Farewell

Observation Log: 153446

Observer 131, reporting on our situation.

The time has finally come. After 1976 Orcheim days, or 576 Earth Days, we are setting off to begin our expedition into Chaos Valley.

Today, Talia is approximately 30 Orcheim years old, yet only roughly 2 Earth years have passed. She has become an adult, at least physically. It is likely that the main reason for her rapid growth involves the magical techniques that she was subjected to as a fetus, because the offspring that Michael produced since the founding of “Lorekeeper Village” as still toddlers and small children. Their intellectual growth is significantly faster than that of the regular orcs, but their physical bodies are still fragile and relatively weak.

“Talia, take us with you!”

“Big Sister, don’t leave without us!”

“Young Matriarch, is it really necessary for you to leave?”

“Daddy, don’t go!”

“First Lorekeeper, please be careful.”

“Goddess, please watch over the Matriarch and First Lorekeeper!”

Hundreds of different people were speaking at the same time, while gathered in front of the largest house in the village. Michael and Talia were obviously very popular. However, ‘Silvia’ was the deity that they all worshipped. Since I was traveling into Chaos Valley with Michael and Talia, at the very least, the crowd was assured of their safety.

Of course, their understanding of the true dangers within that valley… Is rather inept. I have confidence that we will survive. Michael has the tenacity of a cockroach. He is also nearly 180 centimeters tall now. Still a dwarf compared to the orcs, but at least he would not be shunned by humanity for being too small anymore. Aside from that, his appearance has not changed much.

Even Talia has grown into a powerful orcish woman. The large tusks that most orcs take pride in, she has always filed down to appear more like her father. Her right iris is golden, while the left is silver. However, if she so wished, it is not difficult for her to alter her eye color.

There was a phase during her adolescence when she wanted to fit in with her friends and colleagues, so she modified her Optical Enhancement to turn them brown. In response, Michael figured out how to do the same and altered his own irises to match the way that hers used to be. She eventually told him “Daddy, please stop! It looks weird! I’ll change my eyes back, so just… Don’t do that anymore! I can’t even look at you…”

Knowing Michael as well as I do however, I knew that he was not attempting to teach her any sort of lesson. In fact, after that incident, he learned how to alter his own skin color to different shades. Eventually, he even made himself dark green, purple, red, black, yellow, orange and fluorescent white. He also learned how to make his skin glow with enough lumens to act as a huge beacon in the night sky.

Talia’s facial features were much more feminine than her father’s and far softer than her mother’s. Unlike the other orcs, she did not have any tattoos or brands on her skin. It was not that she did not want them, but simply that her body would repel normal ink and the nanites would heal wounds rapidly. It was even more impossible for her to have earrings or other bodily jewelry. At least, not until she could force her own flesh to stop healing so well. Ultimately, she did not have the resolve required to spend so much time and effort on something that was unnecessary.

Thus, her body was totally devoid of markings or scars. Her dark-green flesh was smooth and her muscles were lithe, rather than bulky. She was however, quite tall compared to her father. At 205 centimeters, she would be considered a very short orc. That combined with her lack of bulk, made her seem weak in comparison. Yet, the tensile strength of her muscles was at the same level as her father. Overall, his muscles were much more densely packed and his bones were much denser than hers…

They are both nothing compared to me of course. Even if my body has not grown or improved physically, I have focused much of my time and effort into the study of magic. The ability to manipulate and control mana is something that requires great dedication.

Although Michael is innately attuned to chaotic mana, and Talia has always been rather gifted in regards to Nature magic, I mainly focus on the most primal form of mana. The Arcane Orb is my main source of information and understanding in regards to the Arcane. My main priority has always been the ability to bend or warp spacetime.

If we wish to leave this world, we will need a ship. However, even before that, we must understand how the Chaotic Void functions. What are its laws and rules? How can we protect ourselves? Also, how can we subvert the basic laws of physics utilizing magical techniques?

“Alright, alright! Enough sentimental bullshit! I love you all, but we can’t take any of you guys with us! You would die, or worse. And yes, there are much worse things than death. Especially where we’re going…”

Michael is currently standing up at the back of the wagon I am pulling and shouting to the large crowd that are following behind us.

“Anyway, good luck, have fun and for f**k’s sake, be careful! The world is a dangerous place. No matter how many wars and battles you win, never underestimate your enemies! Also, read my book! Sure, there might be a lot of s*x, cursing and maybe a tinsy bit of filler, but other than that, it’s great! Remember our motto!”

At that moment, everyone, including those who barely understood what he was saying, roared in unison: “We are the protectors of history, the keepers of knowledge and the pioneers of progress! No one f***s with us!”

Michael yelled “Yeah, you’re goddamn right we are! Now go on! You’ve still got plenty of work to do! Tons of s**t to build! Lots of inventions to invent and games to play! Live long and happy lives, but don’t get dragged down by the depressing s**t! You ain’t just orcs! You’re motherfucking Lorekeepers!”

“I love you Daddy! Have fun! Good luck! Don’t get r***d and-or murdered!”

“I love you Big Sister! Good luck! Holy s**t! Be careful!”

“I love you Talia! Have motherfucking fun! Be careful!”

“I love you Daddy! Good luck! Be goddamn careful!”

“I love you Daddy! Have fun! Good f*****g luck!”

Although many of them were close personal friends or family members, there were also many who simply called out “First Lorekeeper!”, “Silver Goddess!” or “Matriarch!” as they slowly stopped following us.

Yes, as you might have noticed, many of them learned how to speak English from Michael. Talia rarely ever uses profanity though. Likely because she sees it as a means to differentiate herself from her father. Regardless, I cannot fathom what sort of culture and society would develop from the so-called ‘teachings’ that he has passed down to them. Perhaps their entire race will face extinction in the near future because of his actions? It is impossible to tell.