Orcs are monsters that have evolved from hobgoblins.
When dozens of goblin groups containing hobgoblins gather to form a large goblin horde, one of the hobgoblins in the group transforms into an orc.
Once this transformation is complete, orcs are considered a separate species from regular goblins due to their immense strength.
While hobgoblins are roughly as strong as or comparable to human males, orcs develop physical prowess far surpassing humans.
In terms of height, weight, muscle mass, skeletal durability, sharpness of senses, and toughness of skin – orcs excel in every aspect, becoming beings with bodies superior to humans in all ways.
To take down such an orc, several experienced adventurers or soldiers must cooperate in hunting it, and even then, some sacrifices must be expected.
Therefore, it’s crucial to eliminate goblin groups with hobgoblins before they evolve into orcs. This is why both the Adventurers’ Guild and the Church of Life focus efforts on eradicating goblins.
…
Though orcs evolve from hobgoblins, not all hobgoblins can become orcs. Only those with exceptional physical potential can undergo this evolution. Those lacking these qualities may evolve into other forms.
For example, hobgoblins evolving in places like the Dragon’s Tomb, where the Energy of d*ath is strong, might transform into Goblin Shamans. These goblins cannot match an orc’s physical power but gain abilities to use d*ath energy like poison or animate dead goblins.
Hobgoblins evolving in freezing environments may become Frost Goblins capable of manipulating cold magic. Those skilled in leading others might evolve into Goblin Chieftains with excellent command abilities.
There are Flame Goblins too, born in scorching environments, though their fiery breath often leads to the destruction of their own groups – but let’s set that aside for now.
While goblins always evolve into hobgoblins, hobgoblins themselves can branch out into various evolutionary paths depending on their environment.
– Encyclopedia of Legendary Weapons (2): Orc Edition
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Orcs were quite sturdy.
Stronger and tougher than humans, their durability felt like a superior version of human capabilities.
Of course, they weren’t invincible! A group of 3-5 spear-wielding soldiers could somehow penetrate their defenses.
Their skin was tough but not hard enough to deflect blades.
“Grarrgh!”
The orc, its eyes darting wildly, struggled against the tree trunk binding it. Fear was evident in its gaze.
Its intelligence seemed higher than a hobgoblin’s. While hobgoblins had some level of intellect, they didn’t display such obvious emotions.
Hmm… I’d like to capture and test its intelligence through various experiments, but that would be too dangerous.
Let’s start with dissection instead.
I approached the immobilized orc and lightly poked its skin with my finger.
Solid. Not as hard as black rock, but tougher than a wild boar or beast.
Its body was pure muscle, which must produce considerable strength.
The crudely skinned hide covering its waist still had fur and fat attached – typical for goblins, but this orc’s larger size made it more noticeable.
Its face was less ugly than a goblin’s but still unpleasant. Prominent jaws with protruding fangs gave it a bestial appearance, enhanced by its greenish skin.
With some adjustments, it might look decent… but let’s move on.
It wielded a wooden club as a weapon, similar to the thick branches used by Rychlen. Despite its crude appearance, the size suggested impressive strength.
As I examined the orc, I noticed its golden iris staring directly at me.
Even restrained like this, it kept looking at me? Quite brave?
No, wait. This orc was actually smirking slightly, its lips curling up.
And… uh… its loincloth showed signs of… excitement?
Does it enjoy bondage? Or is it aroused by my appearance despite witnessing the rapid demise of its subordinates?
Ah, is this that instinct where facing d*ath triggers s*xual desire?
This is disturbing. Ugh.
Wait, s*xual desire? Orc? I’m currently in the form of a girl with dragon horns!
Do orcs lust after other races? Is their higher intelligence causing this?
Ugh… I don’t know. It’s disgusting. I want to erase this memory, but I need to investigate first.
Thus…
KACHUNK!
I severed part of its lower anatomy and cauterized the wound with fire, without anesthesia.
The orc screamed in agony, foamed at the mouth, and fainted.
Though its gaze and behavior were unpleasant, the male personality lingering in my mind screamed in horror at what I did. But it was necessary.
Cough. Let’s proceed with the live dissection.
After securing its limbs with additional bindings, it was time to begin.
—
The orc’s vitality was remarkable.
Despite cutting open its skin and exposing its organs, then slicing through muscles to examine its bones, it remained alive.
When I started removing parts of its intestines, it began showing signs of weakening, but reviving it was essential for further examination.
Its skeleton and muscular structure resembled a hobgoblin’s, just far superior in strength.
Every aspect – bones, muscles, skin, nerves – surpassed hobgoblins significantly.
Its stomach had two chambers, and its lungs and heart were disproportionately large compared to its body size.
Perhaps an adaptation to maximize digestion? Similar to how cows have four stomachs?
Another interesting point: while goblins and hobgoblins could sustain minimal life functions through photosynthesis, orcs couldn’t.
Though they still performed photosynthesis, it wasn’t enough to maintain basic life activities. Likely due to their larger bodies and increased energy needs from their muscles.
Regarding mana stones… The orc’s mana stone was about twice the size of a hobgoblin’s, comparable to smaller yet powerful monsters.
Despite incinerating the entire goblin fungus with its group, the orc’s body still contained significant magical power.
I extracted the mana stone from its nearly expired heart, causing it to finally d*e. Even with its advanced physical development, it remained fundamentally a monster.
Holding the mana stone in my hand, I drew the Sword of the Hero to test it for dark fragments. Though I thought there might be some given its size… no such luck.
After igniting a magical flame to burn the corpse, I left the site.
—
The existence of orcs, evolved from hobgoblins, gave me quite a shock.
These creatures strengthen through numbers and organization, creating a unique social structure unlike anything seen before.
Though they’re monsters, it was quite a revelation.
However, this also highlighted the increasing danger posed by goblins and orcs.
Villages in rural areas could handle small goblin groups, but orcs would be much harder to deal with.
Hundreds of goblins, dozens of hobgoblins, and a single orc…
Even if goblins are weak individually, such numbers alone pose a serious threat.
Any village without strong defensive walls or capable fighters could be wiped out by the mere presence of an orc.
That’s why I spread information about goblins through the Church of Life.
It’s important to eliminate goblin threats promptly rather than waiting for them to become problems.
Prevention is better than dealing with larger issues later, right?
Or so I thought…
Apparently, I underestimated either my assumptions or humanity’s foolishness.
