NOVEL WEB Chapter 264: The Ashen Orc
The pale moon glowed in the starry sky when the carts reached Foliaris' high walls.
After a nod and a command to the guards to store the loot in the warehouses, Vrashnak's eyes widened, and his astonished voice filled the air as they walked into the city.
"You didn't tell me you already started the war and conquered Oikos' eastern bastion. Not bad."
The orc's green eyes sparkled as he observed the humans, elves, and demons smiling at each other in the clean surroundings. The well-maintained buildings on the outskirts—a rare sight compared to the human cities he had the displeasure of visiting—drew his attention along with the fresh scent.
Adam chuckled. "I also conquered the harbour north and the lumber city south, so..." His eyes narrowed as they walked to the palace. "Why not become one of my subjects?"
"Hmm?" Vrashnak halted and wrapped his fingers around his chin, a frown creasing his brows. "I don't particularly enjoy submitting to authority. So, what's in for me and what are my obligations?"
Adam shrugged, his finger hovering above his interface and his eyes darting to Merlin's sparkling staff by the inner city gate.
"Nothing will change. You'll go west to rally the magical creatures as planned. I won't mind if you want to reclaim your warlord title and leave me by then. It's more for the form than anything, really."
Vrashnak scratched his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
"Well, it's not like you're branding me with a slave spell. I'll take your word for it." Shadows danced on his pale face as his voice grew somber. "As you said, you can't stop me if I want to leave once I reach the wilderness."
With his words, the notification Adam had been waiting for appeared under his finger.
[Vrashnak wants to join your territory. Accept? Yes/No]
That's why he never questioned the orc's strength or immediate intentions. He didn't need to—not when he and his generals were far from their peak conditions. But with Merlin around? The concern didn't apply anymore. Vrashnak was now in the palm of his hand, and his loyalty value would lie bare before his eyes.
'I hope it's not zero.' His finger twitched as he pressed yes, his eyes scrutinising the unfurling window. 'It'd be a pity to kill you.'
Name: Vrashnak
Race: Ashen orc
Affinity: Darkness
Job: /
Class: Scourge-born Warlord
Loyalty: 40
LVL: 85
HP: 68.000/68.000
Vitality: 6.800
Strength: 6.000
Agility: 5.400
Unbroken Will: 2.500
[Unbroken Will: After enduring the worst torments for decades, Vrashnak's body mutated. Negative alterations empower him, and the more damage he sustains, the stronger his attacks become .]
He sighed at the forty points in loyalty. Though low, he could work with it since Vrashnak wouldn't attack him out of nowhere as he dreaded.
Horror wrapped around his heart as he noticed his level and stats.
'Shit. He would have ripped us to shreds in our states if we acted on our suspicion and attacked him. And what's with this strange unbroken will?'
Confusion slithered in his heart. Where was the mana he had expected?
Feeling the intrusive glare and Adam's twisted lips, Vrashnak crossed his arms over his chest and burst into laughter.
"So that's what you aimed at. I can't say I like it, but smart." He ran a finger on his neck, a dangerous smile splitting his face. "I would have killed and usurped your army if you were just a powerful fool. But I enjoyed our talk and your sharp mind, so I changed my mind."
Dropping the fake cruelty, he patted Adam's shoulder.
"And I'm glad I did. I need smart and trustworthy allies, not opportunistic vipers." He pointed at the citizens. "I believe someone who can unite these three species has what it takes. Maybe you're even worthy of becoming my lord..."His voice trailed off as he sized Adam up, a snarky smile tugging at his lips. "After you gain a few centimeters and hundred pounds of muscles."
Adam shivered at the close call, yet a frown creased his brows at the mention of his build.
He pointed at his face and sneered.
"And you'll be worthy of becoming my subject after you become half as handsome as I am."
They locked gazes for a tense second before they both laughed. Then, he gestured to Merlin and continued.
"I have a few monsters under me. You'd better not joke with some of them."
A shudder ran down his spine as he imagined the orc joke with Ozymandias. His head would surely roll on the floor a second later. Achilles and Gilgamesh would most likely dislike it, too, not to mention Tiamat.
Meanwhile, Vrashnak nodded, his gaze drawn to the city.
"I'll try not to forget. Since we're done, I'll tour the city a little before departing tomorrow at first light. I can't give you an accurate time, but you can expect my reinforcements in what? Two months?"
"Too long." Adam shook his head. "Wait for two days. I'll arrange recruits to follow you and gift you a weapon of your choosing and a set of armor." He glanced at the orc's bulging bare chest and the rags covering his crotch and covered his face. "Or is walking half naked in public one of your fetishes?"
Joke aside, he took a slight risk there. But he couldn't delay Oikos' conquest nor give them more time to prepare. After all, he knew his territory would never match an established kingdom's weaponry production.
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"I'll lend you five thousand recruits. Join me in their western city in two weeks. We'll attack their last three cities by then."
Vrashnak cracked his knuckles, a fire igniting in his eyes and his muscles tensing.
"You're asking for a lot, hybrid, but I can't miss this kingdom's fall. Very well! Let's meet in two weeks." He turned and waved his hand. "Until then, see you."
Adam rolled his eyes as he observed the orc's departing back. Did he think it was just a joke?
"Tsk. Catch." A leather pouch, clinking the noise of coins, whistled to Vrashnak's hand. "Buy some clothes first!"