With dwarven weapons on their way to arm the Hobgoblins, the unified command structure was still chaotic, but the need for raw power was critical.
The Orcs would inevitably field powerful individuals, and the Goblins and Lizardmen lacked the firepower to reliably counter them.
Arthur realized that the Ogrelords, though few in number, were a necessary countermeasure.
"Rimuru, we have our numbers and our weapons, but we need specialized power,"
Arthur stated, standing with her as the first shipment of dwarven swords and shields was being distributed.
"The Ogres—a powerful race in this forest—are the natural enemy of the Orcs. They are also currently being wiped out by the Orcs and their allies."
"Wiped out?"
Rimuru transmitted, her new human face showing genuine concern.
"We have to help them, then! They're allies and they're in danger!"
Arthur quickly gave her the critical details.
"They are proud and desperate. They will not easily trust a Slime leading a Goblin army, especially since the Orcs were recently allied with a faction that may have framed the Goblins for a prior attack. You must approach them with caution, and with proof of the Orc Disaster's true scale."
Arthur and Rimuru, still in her masked human form, set out with a small detachment of elite, swift Tempest Star Wolves.
They traveled deeper into the forest, following the path of conflict the Orcs had already carved.
The journey was difficult and fraught with tension.
Rimuru, still adjusting to her human body, constantly relied on Arthur's presence and acute senses. She also maintained a stream of nervous chatter.
"What if they don't believe us, Arthur? What if they attack us? I don't want to hurt them; they're our potential allies!"
"If they attack us, we will subdue them, not kill them,"
Arthur reassured her.
"But you must show them strength and reason. Your ability to name and evolve the Goblins is the proof they need that you are a powerful, reliable leader, not just another forest monster."
As they traveled, they came across scenes of recent devastation—shattered trees, scorched earth, and the unmistakable magical residue of a powerful battle.
Finally, they found a small, heavily fortified camp.
They were immediately surrounded by the remnants of the Ogre tribe.
The Ogres, tall, powerful, and radiating intense grief and hostility, were led by the imposing figure of the Ogre prince and his six surviving warriors, including his sister, the fierce and beautiful Shuna.
The Ogres were wary and immediately hostile toward the masked figure and the mighty Dragon standing beside her.
They had just suffered a devastating blow, with their chief slain, and they were looking for revenge.
"Who are you?"
The Ogre prince demanded, his voice thick with sorrow and suspicion.
"Speak quickly! And why do you walk alongside a Dragon?"
Rimuru stepped forward, standing firm despite the surrounding hostility, and began her plea, explaining the Orc Disaster and her formation of an allied army.
However, the Ogres' focus was still on a prior, deep-seated wound.
"Lies!"
Roared one of the surviving Ogres.
"It was the Goblins that ambushed us and poisoned our warriors!"
The hostility intensified, their weapons ready.
It was clear that the Ogres were not going to be swayed by mere words or even the presence of a powerful Dragon.
They needed a direct, undeniable demonstration of power, and a resolution to their burning desire for revenge against the supposed "Goblins."
Arthur stepped forward, a single, definitive move that drew all eyes.
He released a barely controlled sliver of his Dragonic Aura, silencing them not with fear, but with the pressure of absolute authority.
"Enough,"
Arthur commanded, his voice resonating with deep power.
"The Orc Disaster is the threat. The attack on your village was a ruse executed by those allied with the Orcs. You are being manipulated into fighting the very people who would be your allies. Trust Rimuru. Join her, and together, you will avenge your chief."
His intervention, coupled with Rimuru's desperate sincerity, successfully halted the immediate hostilities.
The Ogres were in turmoil, their need for vengeance clashing with the overwhelming authority of the Dragon and the logic of the Slime's plea.
The Ogres are swayed by Arthur's authority but still deeply suspicious of the Goblins.
They require final proof and a chance for revenge.
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