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.

"So, you’re the human chief I’ve heard about?" the war chief said, his voice a low rumble. "What business do you have with us?"

Lance stepped forward, his posture calm but confident. "I’ve come to propose an alliance. My tribe is growing, but we face threats that will only get worse. Together, we could be stronger."

The war chief chuckled, his laughter carrying an edge of menace. "And what makes you think we’d bother with goblins?"

Before Lance could reply, one of the orc warriors shouted, "Let them prove it! A duel!"

A ripple of agreement spread through the crowd, their voices rising in anticipation.

The war chief’s grin widened, showing sharp teeth. "A fine idea. If your tribe is as strong as you say, let’s see it. One of your warriors will face one of mine in ceremonial combat. If you win, we’ll listen to your proposal. If you lose…"

Lance didn’t need to hear the rest. He turned to Rynne, whose smirk said she had been waiting for this.

"I’ll handle it," she said, stepping forward.

The crowd formed a tight circle as Rynne faced off against a towering orc warrior wielding a massive club. The orc sneered, flexing his muscles as he towered over her.

"Are you sure you want to do this, little goblin?" he taunted.

Rynne’s golden eyes narrowed. "You’ll regret underestimating me."

The duel began swiftly with chants from the crowd. The orc charged, swinging his club in a wide arc, but Rynne sidestepped with ease, her spear darting out to slice across his arm.

The orc bellowed in anger, swinging again with greater force. Rynne ducked low, her movements swift and precise. She moved around his strikes, her spear finding weak points in his defense—his side, his thigh, his shoulder.

Her streak of victory didn’t last though, after the orc finally landed a hit, even though he only managed to graze her rather than a direct hit. No matter how fast she was with avoiding his attacks, she was not as nimble.

Rynne now understood the danger of getting hot by this opponent she faced against, so she reengaged with better guard, but she ended up having to take two more heavy hits, one knocking her back and the other one dislocating her shoulder, which she forced herself to fight with.

Finally, with a final, calculated strike, Rynne swept her opponent’s legs out from under him and pointed her spear at his throat.

"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.

This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.

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.