Chapter 44: New Plan?
The orcs had an unexpected encounter. A small group of humans tried to get past them, and soon they realized it was a delivery bound for the goblins—something they had no choice but to allow. Among the humans was a woman, one of the ugliest things the orcs had ever laid eyes on. But orcs didn’t share the same perception of beauty as goblins, so her presence hardly mattered.
The humans, however, wouldn’t take no for an answer. If the orcs denied them passage, it would only raise suspicion, and suspicion was the last thing they needed. The orcs had only one real option, but Kragg himself intervened. There had been no prior notice of this delivery, and with tensions already at an all-time high between orcs and humans, every decision mattered.
"Why haven’t you granted us passage?" one of the humans demanded, his tone showing no trace of respect. Perhaps it was arrogance, or perhaps it was because they had been delayed longer than usual. It was the time of trade, after all.
Unlike humans, who were willing to endure these exchanges with goblins, elves would never lower themselves to such dealings. Too arrogant, too proud, elves considered goblins filth—yet they never hesitated to profit from their resources, reselling them for easy coin. Elves were one of the wealthiest races in the world, rivaled only by the growing influence of humankind.
"We have to make sure the goblins are expecting you. It is protocol," Kragg answered, his voice cold. "You’re welcome to turn back if you do not wish to wait."
The sharp look in his eyes left the humans with no doubt—Kragg was not in the mood for games.
The human cleared his throat nervously, eyes darting away from the towering orc. "F-Fine," he conceded.
Kragg glanced over his shoulder and caught Shava’s nod. That was enough.
"Open the border," Kragg commanded.
From the carriage, the fat woman peeked out, her eyes trailing up and down Kragg’s massive frame. He was toned and towering, larger than any human alive. She bit her lip unconsciously. A beast like that... she wouldn’t mind being ravaged by him. But unfortunately for her, she wasn’t being delivered to the orcs. She was meant for the goblins.
The humans passed through the border, looking utterly exhausted from their long journey. Kragg saw an opportunity.
"You are welcome to rest here for the day and resume your journey tomorrow," he offered.
The humans blinked in surprise. Never before had the orcs offered hospitality during these exchanges. Suspicion flickered in their eyes, but the sight of orcish warriors—majestic, powerful, and undeniably attractive even across races—softened their hesitation.
Kragg leaned in, sealing the deal. "It will be my treat. Eat, drink, or engage in... other activities to relieve your stress."
The humans exchanged glances. Their instincts told them to be wary, but after so many days on the road, their exhaustion won out.
"Okay, we will rest here," they finally agreed.
-
Meanwhile, Drekk noticed the orcs had stepped up their security. It was impossible to get close without being spotted now. This was a problem—not only for his warriors’ movements but also for the reinforcements he had requested. If security was this tight, there was no guarantee his backup could even make it through.
He hadn’t kept close tabs on Murkfang lately, but according to reports, they were on track to meet their quota. That was all that mattered for now.
Still, Drekk could see the fire in his warriors’ eyes fading. Their vigor, once hot and untamed, was dissipating. He had to act while their blood was still burning. If he delayed, they would lose momentum.
He clicked his tongue in irritation. Byung, somehow, had the power to rally goblins in a way no one else could. And not just the violent kind—those were easy enough to stir into bloodlust. Byung had even rallied the ones consumed by lust, goblins who lived only for indulgence, not war.
That kind of influence was rare. Dangerous.
Even so, Drekk still hadn’t heard a single word from the so-called Goblin King. He wasn’t sure if such a figure even existed anymore. At this point, it seemed more likely the king was just a rumor, a convenient ghost to keep goblins obedient.
"Boss, we’ve gotten word—the humans have come to trade," a goblin reported.
Drekk paused, momentarily caught off guard. Then it clicked. He had completely forgotten about the trade. But now... this was an opportunity.
If humans crossed into goblin territory, they could be a bridge to the outside world. The orcs might control the borders and suppress information, but once the humans made it through, word could spread.
"Prepare the camp to welcome the humans. Get human food ready," Drekk ordered.
If they wanted anything from these humans, they had to feel welcomed. A good impression was key. And if, by chance, the female they brought could help increase the goblin population—even by one—it would be a blessing.
It had been too long since conception was successful. Failure after failure had proven how weak their seed truly was. Yet Drekk couldn’t shake the thought: if he could get even a single goblin past the orcs’ prison-like control, it would change everything. That goblin could return with help.
But it couldn’t be just anyone. No, it had to be a goblin of great promise.
Yes. It had to be Byung.
_
Byung, unaware of his true origin, had already made himself indispensable. He had established his place on the farm, teaching goblins how to craft medicine and lead better lives. He didn’t know it yet, but he wasn’t just another goblin.
He was the son of the exiled chieftainess of the now-extinct Skullrender tribe.
Maui could hardly believe it herself. The orcs had reported that the woman and her baby had died months ago. And yet here he was.
Byung lived, carrying a bloodline thought erased from history.
And Borg... Borg had no idea the goblin he wanted dead was his own nephew.