The Monster King's Legacy

Chapter 77 Orc Negotiations

Following the talk with the beastkin, the next destination was the orc settlement. Unlike the beastkin, the orcs were similar to Lance's tribe in the sense that they were similar in numbers.

With the knowledge that they would visit the orcs, they hadn't returned after visiting the beastkin, instead they made their way to the orcs, camping on the way there. Even then, the distance was still great, and they only arrived around midday.

Unlike the beastkin settlement, the orcs spotted a similar structure outwardly to Lance's goblin village. Towering wooden stakes lined the perimeter, forming a crude but formidable barricade. Inside, the orcs moved around with hulking figures with green skin and heavy muscles, their guttural voices booming in the open air. It was a sharp contrast to the beastkin and even the goblins. Somehow, they resembled the ogres, but the difference was still clear in their makeup.

Rynne tightened her grip on her spear as they drew closer. "I still think this is a bad idea," she muttered, her sharp eyes scanning the camp.

Lance shot her a reassuring look. "We need their strength. If we can convince them to partner with us and later to join us, they'll be a force no one will want to challenge." Lance said.

Zarra smirked, her bow slung casually over her shoulder. "Assuming they don't smash us into the ground first."

"Let's not give them a reason," Lance said, stepping forward shooting everyone a sharp look.

The orcs didn't take kindly to visitors, and their reaction was immediate. As soon as Lance and his group reached the entrance, two towering guards blocked their path, their axes resting heavily against their broad shoulders.

"Humans don't belong here," one of them growled, his deep-set eyes narrowing.

"Goblins too." The other said. It was clear from their looks that they found the combination before them baffling.

Lance, standing his ground, spoke unwaveringly. "I'm the chief of the goblin tribe. I've come to speak with your leader."

The orcs exchanged skeptical glances before bursting into laughter. "A human leading goblins?"

"You should confirm, we've sent word before hand." Lance said.

The guard's amusement faded, and after a tense moment, he grunted. "Wait here."

...

The group was led into the camp, surrounded by curious and wary orcs who muttered among themselves. At the center of the encampment stood the war chief—a massive orc with jagged scars crisscrossing his chest and a massive war hammer resting beside him. His piercing yellow eyes locked onto Lance as they approached, studying and sizing him.

"Yield," she commanded, her voice firm.

The orc glared at her, but after a tense moment, he dropped his club and nodded.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their respect for Rynne clear. It would appear that the orcs were more feral and would even cheer against their own.

The war chief watched the duel with a thoughtful expression, his massive arms crossed. As Rynne stepped back, he rose to his feet and approached Lance.

"You've proven your strength," he said, his voice carrying a note of grudging respect. "And your warrior has the skill to back it up. I'll hear what you have to say."

Lance inclined his head. "Thank you. I believe we can achieve something great together. Before that..." He said, approaching both fighters, and with a touch, healing both of them.

The crowd was stunned to see such powerful healing ability, and the war chief was equally as shocked.

...

The negotiations were tense but productive. Lance explained his vision of unity and strength, emphasizing the benefits of trade, shared resources, and mutual protection.

The war chief listened carefully, his expression unreadable, before finally nodding. "You speak well, human. And you've earned my respect. We will consider your alliance—for now."

"It's all I ask," Lance said, his golden eyes steady.

Lance's healing and also the influence of the dragon, made the entire process easier.

As they left the camp, Zarra glanced at Rynne with a smirk. "You really showed him up back there."

Rynne grinned, twirling her spear. "What can I say? I like making an impression."

"Hehe..."

With the negotiations done, they headed back home, having accomplished their goal.