The plaza was alive with activity as Volk entered, his mind still reeling from the news he’d received that morning.

The towering structure at the center of the plaza, emitting five colored flames that danced in the early light, was a sight to behold, but Volk’s thoughts were far away, consumed by the revelation that he would soon be a father.

The magical world he’d been thrust into seemed to move at a breakneck pace, and now, the reality of his impending fatherhood added another layer to the complexity of his situation.

As Volk approached the tower, he was suddenly greeted by a familiar figure—Gozorm’al, the massive orc who had attacked him during their brutal training session.

Gozorm’al stepped forward, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

The tension between them was palpable, and for a moment, Volk tensed, unsure of what to expect.

But instead of hostility, Gozorm’al bowed his head slightly, a gesture of respect. “Kaz’rogal Volk,” he began, his voice deep and resonant, “I have come to apologize for my actions during our training. As an orc, I acted out of line. I disrespected you, and for that, I am truly sorry.”

Volk blinked in surprise.

This was not the response he had expected.

Before he could react, Gozorm’al continued, his tone solemn. “I have dishonored myself by underestimating you, and as an orc, I must make amends. Therefore, I recite the vow of our kind—never again will I look upon you as a simple Labor Orc. You have proven your strength and your worth. I acknowledge you as the strongest among us, as the true Kaz’rogal!”

A murmur rippled through the crowd of orcs that had gathered around them. Volk could hear the surprised whispers and exclamations from those nearby.

“He called him the strongest Kaz’rogal!”

“Gozorm’al got his ass beat, it’s only natural he’d acknowledge him!”

“Did you see how he took that hit and got back up? Unbelievable!”

“He’s not just any labor orc, that’s for sure. He’s a warrior, through and through.”

“Gozorm’al wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true. This Volk must be something else.”

“Is this the same guy who beat Gozorm’al? The Kaz’rogal this year?”

As the orcs voiced their opinions, Volk noticed that even the elves in the vicinity had taken an interest in the exchange. Their conversations, quieter and more reserved, floated on the air as well.

“So, this is the Kaz’rogal everyone’s been talking about?”

“He’s the one who took down Gozorm’al, right?”

“I didn’t think a labor orc could rise so high.”

“Maybe he’s different. He doesn’t look like the others.”

“There’s something about him… almost like he’s got more than just muscle.”

“If Gozorm’al acknowledges him, he must be exceptional.”

Gozorm’al, his voice booming, suddenly interrupted the murmurs. “Elves! Bring it forward!”

From the edge of the plaza, several elves appeared, struggling under the weight of a massive beast hide that was bulging with some unknown content.

They moved carefully, placing the heavy bundle before Volk.

The crowd fell silent as all eyes turned to the scene unfolding.

Gozorm’al stepped forward and gestured toward the bundle. “Kaz’rogal Volk,” he said, his voice reverberating through the plaza, “this is my apology to you. This hide contains one of the finest warrior armors of our tribe. The orc who wore this armor in battle saved many lives—he killed twenty-two slaves of a Dark Elven witch to protect the tribe.

This armor carries with it the honor and the blood of our strongest. I have been given permission to bestow it upon someone worthy, and I believe that someone is you.”

Volk’s eyes widened as the elves carefully unwrapped the hide, revealing the armor beneath. It was a magnificent piece, crafted with a brutal elegance that spoke of both power and protection.

The dark metal gleamed under the light of the five-colored flames, intricate runes and patterns etched into its surface.

The armor seemed almost alive, as if it carried with it the spirit of the warrior who had worn it before.

Volk stepped forward, placing a hand on the armor. He could feel the weight of its history, the sacrifices that had been made by those who came before him. He looked at Gozorm’al, who was watching him with a serious expression. “Thank you, Gozorm’al,” Volk said, his voice sincere. “I accept this gift with honor.

And I forgive you for the training… though I was planning on bashing your head in next time.” He added the last part with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.

There was a moment of stunned silence as Gozorm’al processed Volk’s words.

Then, suddenly, the massive orc let out a deep, hearty laugh that echoed across the plaza.

“GURAHAHAHAHAHAH!”

The sound was so infectious that Volk found himself laughing too, though he wasn’t entirely sure why.

Soon, the entire crowd joined in, the tension melting away into shared mirth.

As the laughter died down, the elves moved forward to help Volk don the armor. The moment the armor was secured around him, it felt as if it had been made just for him.

The weight of it was solid, grounding him, but not oppressive. Instead, it felt right, as if it was meant to be worn by someone of his strength.

Before Volk could fully take in the moment, a sharp, commanding voice cut through the air. “Everyone, prepare yourselves! We leave for the lowest level dungeon!”

The feminine voice belonged to a tall, stern elf woman who had appeared at the edge of the plaza, and her presence immediately commanded instant attention.

The orcs around Volk reacted immediately, raising their weapons and armor, their battle cries filling the air.

“Lok’tar Ogar!” they shouted, their voices fierce and unified.

“Dra’nor val!” another cry echoed, followed by a chorus of “For the Horde!”

Volk felt the surge of energy around him, the raw anticipation and excitement that pulsed through the orcs as they prepared for battle. He raised his own weapon—a massive club studded with wicked spikes—and let out a roar that mingled with the others, his voice carrying across the plaza.

“For the Horde!”

The collective energy was palpable, a shared purpose that bound them all together.

Volk could feel it in his bones—the thrill of battle, the call of war. His earlier thoughts of fatherhood and the future faded into the background as the adrenaline took over.

With the warriors around him, Volk began the march toward the dungeon, his steps heavy with resolve.

The plaza, now a sea of orcs and elves united in their goal, moved as one.

The journey ahead was uncertain, the dangers unknown, but Volk felt ready. He was no longer just a labor orc; he was a Kaz’rogal, a warrior with a purpose. And as he marched with his brothers and sisters into the unknown, he knew that whatever lay ahead, he would face it with the strength and determination that had brought him this far.

The ground beneath their feet trembled as the army of orcs and elves moved forward, their destination clear, their spirits high.

The lowest level dungeon awaited, filled with dangers and treasures untold. But Volk knew that he was ready.

With the strength of his tribe behind him and the promise of a new future in front of him, he felt unstoppable. And as they descended into the depths, Volk knew one thing for certain—this was the beginning of his journey in this fantasy world.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep