"Working for you? How does that work?" Nox queried, his brow furrowed in confusion. Even Thorian, who had been observing from a distance, was intrigued. He had not expected a Guild Master to show this degree of interest.

"Well, you see," Whisperwind began, "These skill scrolls don't materialize from thin air. I have to personally inscribe them. Once you've fully mastered a class skill, you can inscribe them with the appropriate tools. Your task would simply be to do this for a few hours daily, and in exchange, I will provide you with Arcane Coins."

"Oh, interesting," Nox responded, his voice imbued with excitement. His expression quickly shifted to one of solemnity as he looked downward, "But I don't have any skill that I've completely mastered. Even Backstab that I've had for the longest time is only about 80%."

"That's perfectly fine," Whisperwind reassured, shaking his head and laughing lightly. "As long as you concentrate on mastering that skill for the rest of the day, you should be able to achieve 100% proficiency. And don't trouble yourself about the other skills. Since they're racial ones, you won't be able to inscribe them."

Nox's spirits lifted at Whisperwind's encouraging words. But before committing, he turned to Thorian, asking, "Hey, Thorian, what do you think? Should I go for it? I could purchase more skills with the Arcane Coins."

"That doesn't seem like a bad idea," Thorian replied thoughtfully. "If I were in your shoes, I'd seize the opportunity."

The mention of "shoes" caused the shadowstalker to furrow his eyebrows, but sensing Thorian's endorsement, his face lit up. Turning back to Whisperwind, he nodded emphatically, "Yes, I want to work for you."

The shadowkin returned a faint smile before pivoting away, "Good, follow me so we can finalize the official paperwork."

As they made their way towards the Guild, Ventus, who was seated next to Thorian, clicked his tongue in mild annoyance, "Lucky Nox. He always gets the best opportunities, while I'm stuck chopping trees for four hours."

Thorian fought back a chuckle, deciding to ignore Ventus. He instead surveyed the rowdy crowd of orcs who were engaged in spirited conversation and laughter. They were reliving Nox's adventures as if they were their own.

Nox really has the ability to make everyone like him. I guess it’s that childish naivety that is so endearing.

After Nox had formally become the Assassin Guild's inaugural employee, the group made their way to the Warrior Guild. Rumblestone, as usual, appeared both delighted and self-satisfied about the growing number of warriors under his guild. While the financial benefits from so many members buying skills were undeniably beneficial, his ego was soaring. After all, he was currently the master of the village's most populous guild.

The warrior orcs were divided into three factions. Of the eighteen, five selected the Taunting Shout skill, six went for Charge, and the remaining seven chose Power Strike. In general, despite their lack of long-range damage support, the group exhibited a commendable diversity and synergy as a warrior unit. In close combat, they promised to be a formidable force.

Having concluded their Guild tour, Thorian ushered the band of orcs to their next assignment: the southern gate. As they neared their post, the distant sounds of battle became discernible.

As Thorian ascended the wall, he could see a trio engaged in a fierce struggle against a horde of Thumpalopes, aided by a priest in the rear. The priest, similar to the one at the Northern Gate, bore silver-white fur marked with moon tattoos all over his body. Bathing the two magi and the warrior in a steady stream of buffs and heals, the trio seemed invincible.

Observing the combat squad, Thorian immediately spotted something intriguing.

Ifrit was a girl?

At first glance, it wasn't noticeable, so Thorian hadn't picked up on it earlier. But upon closer inspection, Ifrit's feminine attributes became rather discernible.

Thorian quickly averted his gaze from the flame kobold, shaking his head. We need to acquire some gear soon, preferably robes and armors.

His eyes then found Saxum, who was positioned mid-range between the priest and the front liners, Ifrit and Inly. While the pair engaged in frontline combat, Saxum provided cover fire with his rock bullet, and also utilized his new skill. After a brief chant, the ground beneath the Thumpalopes' feet would shift and latch onto their ankles, effectively immobilizing them. Deprived of their greatest strength - speed - the oversized rabbits were virtually sitting ducks.

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Like wingless birds, the Thumpalopes were lambs awaiting the slaughter. Ifrit, employing her Combustion Touch spell, set many of the giant rabbits ablaze. Inly joined the fray, wreaking havoc with his axe. In no time, the group of rabbits was efficiently dispatched.

As the skirmish concluded, the orcs opened the gates and stepped outside. Thorian gave his orders, "From this point forward, you're responsible for guarding the southern gate. Engage wisely in your hunts, and avoid any enemy you're uncertain of defeating. In the face of such a foe, retreat immediately and dispatch people to the other gates for backup. Understood?"

"Thank you for your leniency, my lord," Zogthar responded with a slight bow.

"Raise your head," Thorian instructed. As they locked eyes, Thorian scanned the group of orcs, his gaze finally landing back on Zogthar, "These men are under your command. Do not squander this fresh opportunity you've been granted."

The orc looked earnestly at Thorian, "I won't, my lord."

"Good," Thorian acknowledged, his features softening. Looking around, he noticed the goblin engaged in conversation with a few orcs at the rear.

"Brix, come here," Thorian called out, much to the goblin's surprise. The green creature bid farewell to the orcs and hurriedly scampered toward Thorian.

"Yes, master. Do you need me for something?"

"Take those inside," Thorian gestured towards the numerous Thumpalope carcasses strewn across the field. "They'll serve as our food reserves."

"Right away, master," the goblin nodded before scampering off towards the fallen rabbits.

Realizing that the task would take an age for Brix to complete alone, Thorian turned back to Zogthar and suggested, "Could you assign some of your men to assist him? At this rate, he'll take an eternity to finish."

"Immediately, my lord," Zogthar responded, before addressing the orc warriors. "Jabath, Flamoth, go and assist the goblin."

Upon hearing their leader's command, the two orcs jumped into action. While Brix struggled with a single Thumpalope, each orc managed to hoist three under their arms.

Meanwhile, the quartet of kobolds, who had been guarding the gate earlier, approached Thorian.

"Are the orcs with us now, king?" Ifrit inquired with interest.

"Yes, they are," Thorian responded with a grin. "They've all pledged their allegiance to me. They're your comrades now."

"As expected of our king," Saxum lightly chuckled. "All races seek to serve under you. They must have witnessed the same might you exhibited in the cave when you became our king."

As Saxum and Ifrit lavished Thorian with praises and laughter, Inly and the priest exchanged wary glances, observing the orcs. Finally, the priest turned back to Thorian and asked, "Can we trust them, my king?"

"They're loyal enough," Thorian reassured. "But always remain vigilant. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, inform me immediately."

"I will be sure to do so, my king," the priest responded, punctuating his assurance with a respectful bow.

"Oh, forget about that," Ifrit interjected with a laugh. "Now that the orcs are here, what's our next move, king? Should we stay and assist them?"

Thorian regarded the scene thoughtfully before replying, "I need you to remain here for a while, Ifrit. The orcs aren't accustomed to guarding the wall, so your guidance would be invaluable."

"Oh, can I be their leader?" Ifrit's eyes sparkled at the thought.

"You can act as their advisor," Thorian responded with a sigh. "Coordinate with Zogthar and inform him that you'll be assisting them by my directive."

"Advisor, leader, it's all the same!" Ifrit exclaimed, jumping with enthusiasm before turning to approach the orcs. "Thank you, King! You're the best!"

Observing the flame kobold's nonchalant attitude, Thorian couldn't suppress his concern. He turned to the warrior, instructing, "Inly, could you please stay here and ensure everything proceeds smoothly?"

"It would be my honor, my king," Inly responded, bowing slightly.

As Inly prepared to trail after Ifrit, Thorian added one final directive, "Maintain vigilance and report any developments you find noteworthy."

Inly nodded silently in response, then strode off to follow Ifrit, leaving Thorian standing with the priest and Saxum. Meanwhile, Ventus and Nox, who had been conversing nearby, joined the trio upon noticing Thorian had finished speaking.

"First, we're headed to the Village Hall," Thorian declared, casting a glance at Saxum and the priest. "You both need to undertake the Eärendil quest."

"Eärendil?" Saxum echoed, a puzzled expression on his face. "What is that?"

“You will know soon enough.”

Upon Thorian's announcement, the group of five proceeded back to the Hall, where Saxum and the priest accepted their new quest. Afterward, Thorian led the group outside the village.

As they vaulted over the wall, Nox couldn't contain his curiosity. "Ehm, what's our next move?" he asked.

Thorian looked back, a smile playing on his lips. "It's time to delve into some dungeons."