Overlord: Welcoming the Birth of the King
Chapter 41: Justice Value, Encircled!

Looking at the changing values on his status panel, Tang Zheng felt his efforts over these past days hadn't been in vain. His "Sword Saint" class had finally reached max level.

Next, he needed to focus on leveling up his "Genius" class. Once he raised it to level 10, it should meet the basic prerequisites. "The experience requirement has reached '5000'. The higher the level, the more experience needed," Tang Zheng remarked as he swallowed a mouthful of wild boar meat.

But there was nothing he could do about that.

Tang Zheng had always worried about reaching higher levels where there might not be enough monsters to kill. He shook his head. That wasn't something he needed to consider right now.

"The Justice Value has changed."

"After killing so many goblins, the value increased positively. So this 'Justice Value' is judged from my own race's perspective?" Tang Zheng stared thoughtfully at the Justice Value displayed on his status sheet.

In the game "YGGDRASIL," Justice Value was also an important stat. It wasn't just related to race, equipment, and class issues, but also significantly amplified or weakened certain skill effects.

For example, the 8th-tier spell "Moral Distortion" could twist a high Justice Value individual into having negative Justice Value. The 10th-tier "Divine Flame" dealt more damage the higher the Justice Value, but when negative, its power might not even match a 1st-tier attack spell.

From Tang Zheng's perspective, having Justice Value too high or too low wasn't ideal. In "YGGDRASIL," there were plenty of skills and spells targeting Justice Value. Keeping it at a low level was the better choice.

If there were no requirements from class, race, or equipment, maintaining a Justice Value of zero would be safest.

Gulp.

Tang Zheng took another swig of water, his gaze falling on the notched iron sword. It seemed this sword was about to break. Fortunately, he had prepared ten iron swords beforehand, so he wouldn't be left weaponless.

"Considering mid-tier classes provide higher stats than low-tier ones..."

"A max-level 'Sword Saint's' attack power should surpass that of otherworld adventurers at level 15. Maybe not by much, but it should be around level 17?" Tang Zheng speculated internally.

With the skill "Swift Strike" and passive bonuses, he could deal 120% of his physical attack power, effectively increasing his strength by another level.

Rustle.

Rustle rustle.

Rustle rustle rustle—

Hmm?

Tang Zheng expressionlessly raised his head toward the noise coming from the bushes ahead.

Thud!

The heavy sound of footsteps crushing leaves echoed as a massive dark-yellow figure pushed through the tall shrubs and emerged.

"An ogre?"

"I knew it. This goblin tribe was quite large—there had to be an ogre around." Seeing the ogre appear, Tang Zheng showed no panic. Instead, the corners of his mouth curled into a smile.

But the next moment!

Tang Zheng's smile froze.

Behind the first ogre emerged another.

Two of them?

Rustle rustle—

Crunch—

Rustle rustle rustle—

From all around the forest, the sound of rustling leaves grew louder.

One heavy footstep after another approached.

Tang Zheng's smile vanished completely.

Ogres emerged from all directions, spreading out to encircle him.

"Hey now... Six ogres? That's not normal," Tang Zheng muttered to himself.

The appearance of six ogres instantly made the atmosphere tense.

Tang Zheng stood up, his expression serious.

At his current level, dealing with one ogre was no problem. Two wouldn't be much trouble either. But six at once?

This wasn't just about whether he could fight them.

"Ogres aren't smart enough to set up ambushes like this."

Tang Zheng's eyes flickered as he shifted his stance slightly, keeping as many ogres in his field of vision as possible.

The small goblin tribe he had just wiped out couldn't possibly sustain six ogres. Moreover, they had appeared in perfect formation to surround him.

This didn't match the ogres' low intelligence.

However!

The ogres gave him no time to think.

"Human!"

"Roar!"

"Die!"

Almost simultaneously, the six ogres roared with twisted faces, swinging their massive clubs as they charged at Tang Zheng.

The heavy footsteps thundered in unison.

Their two-meter-tall, bulky frames generated an invisible pressure as they barreled forward.

Can't let them surround me!

This thought flashed through Tang Zheng's mind. He quickly scanned his surroundings and locked onto the ogre farthest from him.

"Magic Arrow!"

This was no time to conserve mana.

Mana surged from Tang Zheng's body.

Three magic arrows materialized mid-air and shot toward the distant ogre.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The three arrows struck the ogre's chest, leaving fist-sized bloody holes.

"Grahh!" The ogre howled in pain.

But!

For a creature as large and thick-skinned as an ogre, such wounds weren't nearly enough to cause serious harm.

After all, Tang Zheng's "Magic Attack" stat was only 13.

He hadn't expected his magic to deal much damage anyway.

The moment the magic struck, the ogre's charge faltered, creating an opening in their encirclement.

Tang Zheng had already started moving, dashing toward the gap.

"Grahhh!"

The injured ogre saw Tang Zheng approaching and angrily swung its club.

A heavy whoosh cut through the air!

Whoosh!

While sprinting, Tang Zheng abruptly crouched, letting the massive club pass overhead. He seized the moment to break free from the encirclement.

"Let's play another time."

Without looking back, Tang Zheng pushed off the ground and sped away.

Yet!

The six ogres clearly weren't about to let him go. They roared in unison and gave chase.

Thud—! Thud—!

Their heavy footsteps sent faint tremors through the ground.

The dense thickets and trees posed no obstacle to the ogres. Their massive bodies smashed through the intertwined branches and leaves as if they were nothing.

The forest was their domain!

But for Tang Zheng, the foliage severely hindered his speed.