With very little time left until the delivery day, the warrior orcs began working in teams. Alyon reorganized the warriors based on the decimal system. The number of warriors, reaching a thousand with the addition of the hunter orcs, were practicing maneuver, attack, and defense tactics under Domuzkuyruk's command. The consciousness of Nafız, who performed a second-level technique without possessing one-tenth of her predecessor's power, still hadn't returned. Losing a portion of her blood essence caused great devastation on her body.
Dimitri finally shed the fear he carried throughout the journey when he saw the orc tribe from afar. Constantly sending images had cost him quite a bit. While calculating profit and loss, he saw that the foothills of the slope where the tribe was located were enclosed by wooden fences. Dimitri's astonishment was clear on his face as he stopped his locomotive while two orc warriors with axes in their hands walked toward them.
"Mr. Merchant, please follow us!"
The address from the two orc warriors further astonished the already surprised merchant. What had happened in such a short time to the orcs who were running around recklessly and couldn't speak properly just a month ago? The merchant, entering the tribe with his wagons, was unaware that the real surprise awaited him inside. The supply tents at the entrance were gone, replaced by positions made of wood and metal shields. In these positions, warriors not in training were waiting on guard duty, fully equipped.
"Sasha, are you sure this is the tribe we came to before?" When Dimitri turned to speak to him, Sasha was looking around with stupid eyes. "My Lord, it's unbelievable; it's like we've entered the main orc tribe!" Sasha had gathered some impressions when they went to the main tribe a few times for trade. Although he didn't want to believe it, he felt that the atmosphere in this small tribe was tougher than in the main tribe.
After climbing half of the slope accompanied by a group of soldiers, they saw that Domuzkuyruk was greeting them. The same orc had greeted them in front of the Chief's tent on their previous visit, but it didn't even cross the merchants' minds to utter the words they dared to speak that day.
"Welcome to our tribe! Domuzkuyruk, Chief of the Supply Section, greets you!" The merchant and his apprentice hurriedly disembarked from their locomotive to salute this orc whom they hadn't looked at before.
"I, Dimitri the traveling merchant, and my assistant Sasha also present our respects to the Section Chief!" Domuzkuyruk, dumbfounded by the praise from the merchant, continued his words without showing his confusion.
"I invite you to the supply section for the counting and inspection of the cargo in your wagons. When the procedures are finished, our Chief will receive you in his tent!"
While the merchant was busy unloading his cargo, heated topics were being discussed in a tent half a day's distance away.
"Chief, the merchant has entered the tribe. As we predicted, strange events are happening in the tribe." A scout was giving his report to Kızılkuyruk, the Chief of the Red Storm bandit group.
"What kind of changes are there in the tribe? Give me a bit more detail!" The scout's report had piqued Kızılkuyruk's curiosity.
"My Chief, a fence has been built around the tribe from stakes, and various positions have been prepared on the slope of the hill. I couldn't observe more because there were warriors patrolling the vicinity." The bandit, tearing off the haunch of the animal in front of him, burst into laughter.
"These miserable orcs must have found something indeed. They are stupid enough to think these simple barriers can stop my Red Storm. Everyone prepare; we're setting off!" The bandit giving the order was overjoyed as he took a huge bite from the haunch in his hand. If these foolish orcs put so much effort into it, what they had must be very valuable, he thought.
Meanwhile, as the counting of their materials was finished, the merchant and his assistant entered the Chief's tent. When they entered through the leather door opened by the guards, Dimitri and Sasha knelt on one knee and gave their salutations.
"We respectfully salute Alyon, the Great Orc Chief!" Sasha, finishing his words and scanning his surroundings, breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that the female orc was not in the tent. Dimitri the wily merchant, while saluting, was also scanning the interior of the tent. When he saw the armor worn by the Chief, he couldn't take his eyes off it for a long time. The matte black armor, covering his entire body, seemed to have taken the merchant's mind.
"My armor seems to have piqued your interest, Mr. Dimitri?" Alyon, with a smile on his face, addressed the merchant whose eyes were locked on his armor. Dimitri, waking up from a dream in response to the Chief's words:
"My Lord, your armor has a structure that seems to enslave all colors. No matter how hard I try, it's impossible for me to take my eyes off it. If you have any thoughts regarding the trade of the armor, I would be honored to assist."
"My dear friend, this armor was given to me for an important purpose by a person I deeply respect. I don't think anyone capable of taking my armor could be living in this world; not even death can take my armor from me!" When the Chief finished the speech he started with a laugh, Dimitri felt his soul wanted to leave his body. Turning suddenly to the sound coming from beside him, he saw that Sasha had fainted.
"I suppose my young friend couldn't withstand the energy I emitted. Please don't worry, he will come to shortly. Please step forward to receive your payment." The orc Chief, speaking with a huge smile on his face again, took the merchant's mind. Dimitri began walking toward the chest where the treasure was located, while his assistant lay unconscious.
When he opened the chest, he saw that along with the horns and hooves, the Minotaur's fur was also inside. Alyon, seeing the astonished expression on the merchant's face, interjected.
"Our original agreement was for the horns and hooves, but we thought to give you a gift for your dedicated work. Consider this fur a token of our commercial friendship, which will further develop in the future." Dimitri didn't know what to say; was this person one of the savage and stupid orcs he had traded with for years? Dimitri, closing the lid of the chest, began to speak, bowing respectfully before the Chief.
"Chief Alyon, today we have sown the first seed of our trade that will last for many years. With the mechanical pigeons I delivered to the supply section, you can send me news wherever you are." Both sides were very happy to have established this commercial connection. Alyon, although accepting that they had become very strong thanks to the consciousness and equipment they inherited, knew it was impossible to obtain the necessary materials without exposing themselves. On the other hand, Dimitri was eagerly awaiting the future actions of the people who had provided him with so much benefit in their first trade.
"Chief Alyon, I request your permission to set off!" Dimitri was eager to take the goods in his hand to Golden City.
"What's your rush, my merchant friend? Your assistant hasn't even come to yet. We must celebrate this beautiful agreement between us; I even had human-style food prepared for you." Dimitri, looking at his assistant lying on the ground, accepted the Chief's offer, seeing he had no other option.
At the table set up inside the Chief's tent, besides Alyon and Dimitri, the supply and warrior section chiefs were also sitting. Beside Domuzkuyruk, the Chief of the Supply Section, was Sangre, representing the warriors. While the meal continued with pleasant conversation, a shout from outside dropped like a bomb into the atmosphere.
"Stupid orcs, the Red Storm Brotherhood has surrounded your tribe. Hand over the valuable goods and the merchant you have, and we will spare your wretched lives!" Upon hearing this, Sangre slowly stood up and said, "My Chief, the enemies we were expecting have reached our tribe. I await your commands!"
"What information did the scouts bring?" Alyon spoke from where he sat.
"My Chief, the enemy consists of a force of about three thousand people. Apart from a few mechanical tools, their weapon status is the same as ours." After thinking for a while, Alyon turned to the father and son and gave his command.
"This war will be a good test for you. While I attend to my guest, you will take care of these bandits who have come to our door. Annihilate the enemy, leaving not a single person alive!"
"As you command!" The father and son, giving their salutations with a deafening sound, exited the tent. In contrast to the merchant's whitened face, Alyon seemed flushed with excitement, and he began to speak, looking at Sasha, who was slowly coming to:
"Dimitri, what do you say to taking our young friend and enjoying the show?"