Back at the settlement, the orcs were naturally alarmed following Ed's declaration. Vorgarag wanted to confirm things before doing anything but given the presence of outsiders, he instead went to arrange the food for Sharog.
Vorgarag was really curious since it was impossible for Ed to know if the attackers were coming without the ability to travel between areas or some sort of special premonition skill. Nonetheless, he would need to ask later.
Ed was thus left alone with the confused Duma and Sharog.
"I am sure you guys are confused so I'll quickly explain things" Ed spoke with haste not leaving time for the others to respond.
"Humans. They are our adversaries for this occasion. They are capable of using powerful magic like the shamans and have impressive battle techniques and skills. A single orc might not be a match for a well-trained human." Ed's quick rundown of a human's strength almost seemed full of praise. There was a reason for this.
While Ed didn't know how a person's strength was arranged in this human society, he knew for a fact that a regular person didn't stand a chance against an orc. These orcs wouldn't be facing regular humans though, he felt it was a much better idea to incite fear or even to rouse their battle spirit by creating the image of a strong opponent in their minds.
"Since that's the case we will be borrowing your settlement, Duma." Those were Ed's concluding words as he waited for Duma and Sharog to ask questions.
"How did you find out about these humans?" Sharog was puzzled by the existence of humans since this was the first time she had heard of such a thing.
'This is why a smart person can have its downsides' Ed thought as he saw the cowering Duma. He was probably thinking of ways to back out of the fight right now.
Regardless, Ed didn't shirk away when hearing this question as he had already expected to hear it at some point. That being the case he came up with a story of half-truths. He didn't know to what extent he could trust his "allies" after all.
Of course, them knowing that he is immortal for example wouldn't really do him much harm, maybe it could even instill some sort of reverence. But similarly, them knowing this wouldn't do him much good either, maybe they would even stop caring about him if they did indeed care. So he decided he would tell them whenever he felt it necessary.
Ed refocused his thoughts and not missing a beat, lest it arouses suspicion, he promptly answered the question
"Do you know the rumors of the mysterious cavern?" He whispered to the two of them as he glanced around warily. Ed was hoping that reminding them of these rumors could make it more convincing, he also added his act for a bit of extra spice.
After "confirming there were no listeners" and heaving a sigh of relief, Ed proceeded with his tale hoping that his acting wasn't too exaggerated.
"Under orders of Vorgarag, I actually went there to investigate. The direction was near Duma's settlement which was actually how I found him in the first place" Ed said believably.
Hearing this Duma couldn't help but curse out Vorgarag inwardly for sending Ed his way. Sharog on the other hand continued to pay attention to Ed's words.
"After finishing some "errands" there I continued on my way and finally found myself face to face with the entrance to the rumored cavern. I warily entered it but to my surprise, the cavern was filled to the brim with dazzling crystals! The multi-colored lights looked amazing but they weren't the main reason for me to enter that place." Ed made sure to convey genuine emotion to further sell his story. They both seemed to be buying it all, though Duma seemed to be in his own place...
"I went to gather the ancestor's knowledge so I headed deeper only to find myself with a hideous creature that emanated a terrifying pressure. I was tempted to immediately turn back but Luckily, not only was it asleep, but I could see the knowledge left behind by our ancestors there. The historical knowledge told of a prophecy, it spoke of humans and when they would ultimately besiege our lands. That time is now! We need to prepare quickly!" His last few words were said with genuine urgency.
Sharog still felt dubious but luckily Vorgarag entered the cottage at this moment.
"Nag will get the food delivered outside, what's the plan?" Said Vorgarag as soon as he entered in a carefree manner.
"We need to relocate" Said Ed as he pulled something out of his bag which he handed over to Vorgarag. This was a mana crystal, but it wasn't one of the ones that Vorgarag had given Ed.
"Duma's settlement is not only closer to the cavern but it is also better fortified. Still, we should try to expand on it and gather more allies. Three weak tribes are barely enough for resistance." Vorgarag examined the peculiarly colored crystal as he listened to Ed's words. He then placed it inside his clothes and asked a question.
"And how should we go about that?" No one with half a brain would readily agree to attack an unknown threat just because someone said so.
Ed awkwardly scratched his head, he wasn't too sure either. He did know of a sure-fire way to get it done which was by force but they shouldn't dwindle their forces. So he thought of another way which may or may not succeeded. Forceful methods could be kept as a backup.
"How about promises?" Ed said thinking of Sharog. Did she not join after being promised food? If Ed was able to provide food to the other settlements they might just consider joining.
This wasn't the only hand Ed could play either. The healing herbs he found at the cavern could also be used to bargain depending on how well Vorgarag could use them. Most of the settlements had injured orcs after all.
"Promises?" Vorgarag said as he mulled over it.
"I think it could work" Said Sharog nodding. This method would be particularly effective on weaker tribes like hers. She knew this as not only a living example but as an individual that was going through such tough circumstances.
"Alright then. Worst case scenario we forcefully subjugate them" Said Ed joyfully.
Hearing this, all of the ones present started to laugh. Although Duma's laugh felt forced as the person with the highest manpower he would likely face the brunt of the losses if such a situation were to occur.
***
Samuel watched as Eon spoke with the now re-deceased Augustus. He wasn't too far so he managed to hear the conversation that the two individuals had.
'Legendary? Regrets?' Samuel was not as knowledgeable as Eon so his mind couldn't help but fill up with question marks. Speaking of questions, there was one he now needed to answer.
Samuel glanced around the now empty boss room. The traces of battle were everywhere on the large battlefield. Corpses, blood, chunks of earth, holes, the injured.
He also examined his own body. His armor was full of holes and slash marks. His trusty blade was also starting to show signs of decline after undergoing such an arduous struggle against Augustus' expertly crafted blade.
Actually…
Samuel neared Eon, well more accurately, Augustus' location. Eon noticed his approach but didn't pay it much mind. At least not until he saw him grab the sleek green sword that Augustus was using.
"You shouldn't keep that" Said Eon towards Samuel who was examining the elegant blade.
"if it's about money I'll pay for it." Samuel threw Eon a glance hoping he would concede.
The rule of adventuring was essentially finders keepers but this only applied to disorganized parties. The gains of expeditions needed to be shared among the participating adventurers and if they couldn't, then monetary compensation would do.
The main reason was that expeditions were usually handled by organizations so having it set up this way painted them in a good light. It also ensured that others would be willing to work for them in the future.
"It has historical value, you can't afford it." Eon retorted.
Samuel was now sure that Eon knew something about Augustus but that wasn't the main issue right now.
"We need to decide if we are retreating or proceeding." Told Samuel to Eon who at times acted as if he were the boss of the party.
Eon wasn't willing to let go of the blade but he decided to temporarily put that matter aside, Samuel was right after all. The injuries they had suffered were not small and he himself was not as his peak.
Yet at the same time, Eon felt greedy. He greed for more knowledge as any mage worth his status would.
Samuel on the other hand had to consider if his sense of urgency was not misplaced.
Proceed? ....or retreat?