As Thorian and Nox weaved through the ranks of orcs, the insistent whispering amplified. Before long, they arrived at the clearing where Ventus, the wind kobold, was employing his Gale Slash skill to fell trees. Zogthar, the burly orc, stood sentinel beside him, ready to heave the toppled timber once Ventus had completed his task. Noticing the approach of Nox and Thorian, Zogthar swiveled, his expression contorting into surprise.

Caught off guard, Zogthar paused before inquiring, “Is it true?”

Thorian's eyebrow arched at the ambiguous question. “What exactly is supposed to be true?”

"Is it true you became the king of your tribe while still just a kobloid?" He clarified hastily, flicking a surreptitious glance at Ventus. "I heard you even bested a full-grown kobold."

Thorian's gaze shifted to Ventus, a silent question in his eyes. Without requiring an explicit prompt, the kobold scratched the back of his head and chuckled. “I was just telling them about all the cool things you have done. In just two days you did so many things!”

Hearing Ventus's account, Thorian felt a twinge of surprise within, though he let none of it show. He merely returned Zogthar's gaze and confirmed, "Yes, what he said is indeed true. But that's not the whole story; it's merely the beginning."

Upon receiving Thorian's affirmation, Zogthar's eyebrows shot up in intrigue. He murmured almost to himself, "Just like the Mazahithar."

Catching the orc's cryptic whisper, Thorian's brow furrowed. "What's that?"

"Oh, it's an old tale the elders used to regale us with," Zogthar elaborated. "An ancient orc king who supposedly claimed dominion over half the world. It's a pleasant myth to indulge in."

Carefully considering the orc's narrative, Thorian broke into a grin. "I can't say I know much about this Mazahithar, but the latter part certainly appeals." He then turned to Zogthar and proposed, "What do you think? Fancy conquering the world?"

Thorian's proposal momentarily stunned Zogthar. Grasping its implications, he brought his hand to his chest in a firm gesture and bowed slightly. "Yes! Under your rule, the whole world shall serve!"

Thorian nodded before issuing his command. "Zogthar, let's formalize this. Gather all the orcs and form a line."

"Right away," Zogthar acquiesced, springing into action immediately. He summoned the other orcs and delegated a few subordinates to retrieve those engaged in transporting the trunks to the Altar.

Meanwhile, Nox, having observed the unfolding events with keen interest, finally found an opportune moment to interject. "Are the orcs going to join us too? They'll be such a formidable force once they obtain their classes!"

"That's the plan," Thorian replied with a chuckle, his gaze becoming introspective.

Ventus did an exceptional job propagating my tales amongst the orcs, and Brix managed to defuse any tension with his lively singing and dancing. Without their assistance, the integration of the orcs into our ranks would have taken considerably longer.

Thorian smiled, idly scratching his furry chin. Having capable men in his company had expedited his plans significantly. Without Nox forming an unexpected camaraderie with the brown kobloids, Thorian would have hesitated to integrate the orcs into his ranks so swiftly. He required a foundation of truly loyal followers to support him before he could contemplate expansion, and the kobloids were ideal for this role.

With the addition of the orcs, my stabilization plan is almost complete. Technically, the village is at a stage now that doesn't need my constant oversight, lest the whole operation crumbles. I can go and finish those dungeon quests with a small group and there shouldn't be any problem in the village. Thorian smiled wildly at the rate of progress of his plans. The only thing left for him to think about was the Human Hunting quest.

For that one, I need the village to develop a little bit more. We should probably meet and tame the Direwolves first before we invade Locksley, but more importantly, we need to upgrade the village. That way we get access to stronger walls that would stop any type of breach even with fewer fighters guarding them. To do that, we'll need Lapis and Vivax to persuade their former tribesmen to join our ranks, only then can we upgrade the village.

The prospect of such a significant accomplishment on the horizon unfurled a grin on Thorian's face. Once the brown kobloids fully evolve into their new forms, Lapis and Vivax would find it easier to convince their old companions. The allure of growth, power, and security is a potent one; few in this world could deny its call.

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And there's the added factor of their former leader being a tyrant...

With confidence in his strategy, Thorian was drawn back to his surroundings. The orcs were dutifully forming a line under Zogthar's direction, while Ventus and Nox were engaged in a side conversation.

Upon noticing Thorian emerge from his contemplations, Ventus approached him. “I am almost done cutting these stupid trees, what should I do after?”

Thorian scratched his chin before replying, "No need to complete that job; we have ample wood for now. Once we've positioned the orcs, there's a place we need to visit."

“Oh, we’re going outside the village?” Ventus's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Are we going on a human hunt?"

"Not quite yet," Thorian dismissed with a shake of his head. "We're set to clear a dungeon first."

Before Ventus could probe further, Thorian's attention was drawn towards the orcs. Zogthar had succeeded in arranging his kin into two kneeling rows, facing Thorian.

Walking up to the forefront, Thorian directed his question at Zogthar. "Zogthar, do you pledge your loyalty to me? Do you vow to wield your sword in my name, in times of war and peace alike?"

"Yes, I swear," Zogthar confirmed, his voice soon echoed by the orcs behind him, their affirmation resonating like thunder. "We swear!"

"Good," Thorian affirmed with a nod. "From this moment forward, you are under my protection. You will serve as my spears, and I, your shield. Any who dare to wrong you will face my wrath, and any who dare harm your brethren will face yours."

Completing his declaration, Thorian let out a deep exhale. "At ease, now."

As the orcs rose, Thorian met Zogthar's gaze. The orc's face was serious, his eyebrows knit together in a steely expression.

I can't blame him. He bore witness as my flames incinerated more than half of his brethren.

Reading Zogthar's look, Thorian softened his own, gifting him a gentle smile. "Welcome aboard, brother. You're one of us now."

Seeing Thorian's placid demeanor, Zogthar's taut features eased. "Thank you for welcoming us in."

"It is I who should express gratitude for your willingness to join us," Thorian countered, sweeping his gaze over the twenty gathered orcs. "Let's commemorate this moment... by bestowing upon you all new abilities."

At Thorian's pronouncement, surprise and curiosity etched themselves on the orcs' faces as a low murmur of speculation spread through their ranks.

"Are you referring to those classes Ventus mentioned?" One of the orcs queried, raising his gaze to Thorian.

"Yes, precisely those," Thorian affirmed softly, before pivoting to lead the way. "Follow me."

Their initial stop prior to visiting the guilds was the Village Hall. Here, the orcs could become official citizens and consequently accept their five daily quests. Concurrently, every member of the group, Ventus and Nox included, undertook the Eärendil quest, a task that had no acceptance limit. Reflecting on the brown kobloids, Thorian inquired of Melina whether they had accepted the Eärendil quest. Fortuitously, the elf maiden had had the foresight to extend this opportunity to the preceding kobolds and kobloids, an offer they gratefully accepted.

Upon completing their duties at the Village Hall, the group proceeded towards the guilds. Their first destination was the Magus Guild, where Fizzlegrin evaluated the orcs' mana affinities with his specialized device. As expected, none of the orcs demonstrated sufficient talent in this class to merit choosing it over the warrior path. Their second stop was the Priest Guild.

Upon stepping into the recently constructed Priest Guild, a wave of tranquility washed over Thorian. The guild, freshly upgraded from its prior incarnation as a simple statue, emanated an atmosphere of serene spirituality. Constructed from a gentle, light wood, the walls were adorned with gracefully flowing patterns that inspired a sense of peace and contemplation.

In lieu of the typical training area to the left, Thorian noted the presence of a room devoted to meditation and spiritual communion. This tranquil space was decked with plush pillows and soft carpets to facilitate comfort during the rigorous spiritual exercises. The room was thoughtfully designed to assist aspirants in discovering their divine connection, a pivotal step in the journey to becoming a priest.

Merrygold, the Faun Guild Master of the Priest Guild, was indeed a sight to behold. His sturdy goat-like legs, swathed in golden-brown fur, supported a robust torso garbed in vividly-hued robes. His face, wreathed in curly chestnut hair, radiated constant joviality, his eyes twinkling with wisdom and humor. A pair of magnificent horns crowned his head, adding a sense of dignity to his jovial demeanor. Seemingly inseparable from his hand was a sturdy wooden mug, habitually filled with ale. A sight that confounded many, it nevertheless endeared him to most. Merrygold's eccentricity was beautifully camouflaged by the depth of his wisdom, which he imparted amidst bellyful laughs and generous swigs of ale.

Only two of the orcs demonstrated any inclination towards the priestly path, and even then, the deity they were most attuned to was a god of war. With this insight, Merrygold recommended that they acquire the "War Chant" skill, which bolstered their comrades' strength and constitution while mitigating their fatigue.

As they prepared to leave the Guild premises, Brix nudged Thorian's leg. "Ehm, master. If it's not too bold of me, could I also attempt to become a priest?"

Thorian turned his gaze to the goblin, his eyebrows creased in thought. His initial instinct was to decline, as he had no desire to empower an individual he couldn't fully control.

Hold on, ostracizing him merely because he's not easily manipulated would be foolish. If I decide to follow that course, it might be wiser to simply eliminate him.

Thorian absently scratched his chin as he considered the situation, then locked eyes with the goblin.

"Brix... What is it that you truly desire?" he inquired.