"My uncle is the one stationed here permanently. He’s the guard against the Empire... and the Dragon." Ragna smiled. Ever since they entered their territory, his mood had improved as his spirit lifted.
The trip back at the Vorrakyn had ended in total failure as things took unexpected turns. But now, they were back, and he was all smiles again.
Vacuse looked at him.
Lord Ragna was not strong himself. In fact, what made him terrifying was his brain. He knew how to plot, and it did him a lot of good because, in his past life, the Orc had actually begun the conquering of other Clans.
If it came down to a fight between them, then Vacuse could kill him with a sneeze.
What he was more worried about was the guard that was following him around. Captain Valka, the one who got the title of Dragon Killer in his past life.
’... Throughout this trip, this bastard didn’t show any of his real power, but still. I wonder how things are going to play out... Ragna... I’m finally in your hands, what are you going to do...’
Vacuse smiled. "Lord Frostveil. The first general of the Warbine. The first one to qualify for that title in hundreds of years."
Ragna’s eyes glittered. "We, the Warbine, are the Clan of the Chief of Chiefs. And our standard must be as high as that of the Unifier! The title of First General had remained empty for hundreds of years because there were simply no worthy candidates.
"Until my uncle came along. Sadly, there isn’t anything great to show his power and might."
Vacuse maintained his smile. ’... And you’ll like to change that, won’t you... create a chance like that...’
Vacuse clasped his hands. "Then I should congratulate your family."
"Thank you. But won’t you rather extend the congratulations to the man himself? We’re going to see my uncle!"
See... the First General?
Things passed quickly after that. Their group moved in a new direction, and the Orcs finally took the lead on their journey. Patrol groups joined with them, each of them bowing to Lord Ragna and saluting him.
Vacuse observed everything. He also took special note of the way the Orcs looked at them with hostility and hatred.
The humans were finally at the receiving end.
Fortunately, the Dragon Guards and the New Dawn were trained well, and none reacted to the open provocation from the Orcs. Only Vacuse himself reacted; he would smile at them and nod his head as if he were greeting his men.
This only made the Orcs bristle with more hostility, but they dared not do anything.
And then they reached the fortress of the First General.
It was far bigger, about twenty times the size of Standpoint Fortress. Its walls were made of thick stones, big enough for five people to walk atop abreast.
It was painted black with red blood markings on it. Apparently, it was some kind of bloodline magic because it radiated an intensely powerful fluctuation.
Vacuse looked at it solemnly and then he looked at Lord Ragna. A chill ran down his spine. The fortress was far bigger than anything that was reported.
In fact, it seemed to have been recently expanded and rebuilt.
As Vacuse stared at it, he finally understood how much he had underestimated the Orcs.
The Orcs wanted to fight the Empire, and the Vorrakyn would be the stepping stone. What Vacuse did not understand, though, was if the Warbine were already in alliance with other High Clans.
’... Ragna was sent to test things out... and now I’m going to invite them into my land... I really should hope the Emperor responds in time and does not drag his feet...’
"This is a great fortress." There was nothing but awe in Vacuse’s face as he stared at it.
Lord Ragna looked at him, studying his expression, but he did not see anything amiss on Vacuse’s face. He looked as if he were actually enjoying looking at the fortress. Ragna was taken aback, but then he smiled too. "It is, isn’t it? The First General must have a fortress worthy of his title."
"Come. My uncle must be waiting for me."
And he must. Vacuse nodded and hurried along to join Ragna, and thus it was the two of them who took the lead.
A horn blew from the fortress, deep and low.
The large gate rumbled open and an army of Orcs poured out.
They rode monster hyenas like the Bone Riders, but the hyenas they rode seemed like actual monsters instead of pet-like beasts. Each of them seemed vicious, and their eyes radiated malice.
The Orcs atop them were even more terrifying. Their dark eyes had hints of red, and their red gleaming armor looked as if it were drenched in blood.
Killing intent flickered between them as they rode forward, so strong that the winds howled around them and dust billowed up. The bloodlust surged forward and swept everything in their path, giving the feeling as if the army would crush everything before them.
As the army came at them, Vacuse and the others could not help but tense because they were not slowing down one bit.
The ground shook as they bore down on them.
Captain Mera moved her men closer to Vacuse.
But just as the first rider was about to hit them, he swerved to the side, and the army parted like the sea. They encircled the group and completely swallowed them.
After that, one massive Orc climbed down and bowed low to Ragna, his eyes wild and filled with violence. "The First General bids you, Lord Ragna of our Warbine High Clan, to his fortress.
"We are here to welcome the heir of the great Warbine family!"
All at once, all the surrounding warriors began to shout. "Great Warbines!"
The ground shook as their shouts echoed together with their bloodlust, forming a canopy that completely enveloped them.
Everyone was left shaken, even Vacuse’s eyes widened.
It was almost as if the Orcs were pointing blades at them.