In the dim twilight of the dense vegetation surrounding the military camp, Unglar, the half-orc, cautiously observed. His instincts told him to choose the right moment to reveal himself to the humans gathered there. However, experience had taught him that things didn’t always go as planned, and any misstep could cost him dearly.

Prejudice and mistrust were constants in his life. From a young age, he had yearned to earn the respect of humans, fighting to prove that he was more than just an unwanted half-breed. His half-orc status made him an outcast, rejected by both orcs and humans alike. To both sides, Unglar was seen as an aberration, an anomaly that belonged nowhere.

Among humans, he was considered an abomination, the unwanted result of an unthinkable act. Many assumed that his existence could only be the product of a brutal rape, as the idea of a consensual union between a human and an orc was inconceivable to most. “After all,” they whispered, their words dripping with prejudice, “what man in his right mind would willingly involve himself with an orc female?”

These assumptions and rumors, repeated countless times, had solidified into an accepted truth within society. A truth that weighed heavily on Unglar, shaping not only how others viewed him but also how he saw himself.

This belief fueled the hostility and prejudice he constantly faced. Some believed he was merely the result of dark magic, a creature ripped from the earth by sinister forces. But Unglar knew exactly where he came from. And for a brief moment, a blurry image tried to form in his mind, a fleeting memory. However, he shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside, and kept his attention focused on the road ahead.

Unglar kept the truth of his origin locked away in his heart, a secret he shared with no one. He had no hope that humans would ever fully accept him, but that would not stop him from fighting for a place among them, to prove his worth and find a greater purpose in his existence.

The missions he had completed had earned him a slight softening of his companions’ cold treatment and a sliver of reputation. However, these missions were almost always extremely dangerous. To humans, his life seemed an insignificant risk, a small price to pay. He felt compelled to demonstrate his loyalty to them, betraying the orcs without a trace of remorse, even when the reward for these acts of espionage was little more than a nod of recognition or a quiet thank you.

Deep down, he felt out of place, unable to fully identify with either men or orcs. He couldn’t remember the exact moment when he chose to side with the humans. His appearance always leaned toward his orcish side — large and strong like a bull, with tusks jutting from his broad mouth, forming an intimidating expression. His face, marked by hard and determined features, was often compared to an “orc inside-out ,” an insult he heard frequently, especially from children who, surprisingly, proved to be the cruelest in their taunts. Among the orcs, he was seen as half-human and rejected with equal intensity.

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Now, standing before the military camp, Unglar decided the time had come to reveal himself.

However, before he could move, a noise from the forest caught his attention. The twilight in the forest danced with the shadows, creating a mosaic of movements and patterns that only trained eyes could discern. He stopped suddenly, his keen senses picking up a familiar sound.

It was the symphony of war approaching. The metallic clinking of armor echoed through the night, mingling with the ominous rattle of sheathed swords. The rhythmic cadence of heavy boots crushing dry leaves and fallen branches created a somber march through the dense forest.

Unglar immediately recognized it: only a military convoy could produce such a combination of sounds. His muscles tensed instinctively, and he crouched with the agility of a seasoned predator. Blending further into the shadows and vegetation, the half-orc became nearly invisible, his sharp eyes locked on the direction of the approaching sounds.

The men emerged from the trees, carrying a large, full-body shield. Upon the shield lay a body draped in a thick cloak, only the tip of an ornate boot revealing the presence of the deceased. The solemn silence that accompanied them was a testament to the respect the fallen evoked. Though exhausted, the soldiers moved with determination, their shoulders bowed under the weight of the burden they carried.

He watched for a moment, weighing his options. He knew he could reveal himself now and risk rejection or worse, an attack. Or, he could choose a more cunning path, one that would allow him to demonstrate his willingness to help without exposing himself completely.

Making his decision, Unglar silently slipped behind the convoy. His eyes, focused and determined, remained fixed on the men carrying the heavy shield. With cautious and precise movements, befitting an experienced hunter, he approached the group.

Though his muscles were powerful, they protested the effort of moving so slowly. Unglar ignored the pain, focused on his objective. Once close enough, he reached out with his calloused hands and grabbed the back of the shield.

With a subtle yet clear gesture, he signaled for one of the more exhausted soldiers to step aside. The soldier, surprised by the sudden appearance of the half-orc, stared at him for a moment. The shock was evident in his tired eyes, mixed with a hint of distrust. However, the relief of having help with the crushing weight of the shield outweighed any hesitation. With a barely perceptible nod of gratitude, the soldier stepped back, yielding his place to Unglar. The half-orc took the position, blending into the convoy as if he had always been part of it.

With his face hidden by the shadow of the shield, Unglar followed in silence with the convoy, another shadow among the shadows, a ghost carrying the weight of the dead. He could feel the curious glances upon him, but no one dared speak. And so, he managed to enter the camp, hidden in plain sight, an enigmatic presence whose true face would only be revealed when the time was right.

He understood that, for now, it was best to remain in the background, offering his strength and support without drawing attention to himself. He was there to honor the fallen and show that, despite his unusual appearance, he, too, cared and could make a difference.

As he continued walking alongside the soldiers, Unglar knew this was just the beginning of a journey that would lead him to face even greater challenges. But he was determined to prove his worth, exceed expectations, and find his place in this world, even if it meant fighting against the prejudice and distrust that surrounded him.