Copper Bull, my old friend, why not come out and have a chat? Perhaps this battle need not be fought.
Fongghao called out before the chief's hall.
The Copper Bull and his compatriots, unable to contend with the dragon above, retreated into the chief's hall.
Upon hearing Fongo's voice, the other clan leaders turned their gaze toward the copper bowl.
Does the skeleton outside still recognize the copper bowl? Chief Tyrock, perhaps you should speak with him.
Try to preserve the remaining lives.
One orc chieftain murmured.
The orcs found themselves in a precarious position.
Continuing the fight would lead to certain doom for all.
Negotiation was the only avenue left for survival.
Although orcs were often labeled as war maniacs, they were not fools.
They relished plunder, not death.
"Very well, I shall speak with him," the copper bull said, relinquishing his weapon and stepping outside.
Fonho awaited him at the entrance.
Noticing the copper bull's emergence, he instructed a nearby skeleton, "Fetch two chairs.
" With a swift kick, the skeleton burst opened the door of a nearby tavern.
Retrieving two chairs before the astonished orcs, and returning, placing them before Fong Hao, he said, "Please sit down, Chief Tyrock.
" Fong Hao took a seat first.
The copper bulls sat down with a commanding presence, scrutinizing the skeleton before him.
"Do you know me? I am Fong Hao.
It seems Chief Tyrock has a tendency to forget the notable.
" Fungho replied, his tone even upon hearing the name Fong Ha.
The Copper Bull's expression shifted dramatically.
The two had engaged in trade on two occasions, their partnership having been quite satisfactory.
While they were not friends, they had established a rapport.
Yet the revelation that the skeleton before him identified as Fong Ho was more shocking than the sudden assault of the undead army.
Do not make such a fuss.
It is merely a matter of some spells.
Let us return to the matter at hand.
How do you intend to resolve this? Fonga directly addressed the issue.
You attacked Manim yet you inquire how I will handle it.
The copper bull retorted angrily.
Enough Tyro.
You are ills suited for theatrics.
Do not pretend otherwise.
Skull Crusher is on his way.
Do you believe I am unaware of this? Be candid and you and your kin may yet survive, Fongghao stated plainly.
The Copper Bull, who had intended to confront Fong Howo, found his bravado dissipating instantly.
In their current state of enmity, annihilating them would be entirely justified.
Moreover, within the Orish code, warfare is solely determined by strength, devoid of any notions of right or wrong.
What do you wish to do? Since you have chosen not to strike again, you must have contemplated this long ago.
Why inquire of me? The copper bull continued.
Fong cast a glance at the copper bull and replied earnestly, it is quite simple.
Either surrender or face death, my lord, we shall surrender.
We shall surrender.
In the distance, an orc chieftain, having overheard their discourse, shouted loudly.
A battle devoid of any chance of victory is one that no one wishes to continue.
Even though Fongo is not addressing them, it did not prevent them from voicing their sentiments.
Fongo disregarded the clamoring individual.
His gaze fixed firmly upon the copper bull as he continued, "Let us forge a heroes contract.
I shall spare your lives.
" A purple battle hero could significantly enhance the strength of the territory.
However, Fong Hao was not insistent and harbored no desperate desire for talent.
Should the Copper Bull refuse, he would simply slay him and transform him into a skeletal hero, incurring no loss.
Upon hearing Fong How's words, the Copper Bull's expression grew increasingly grave.
You wish for me to enter into a hero's contract with you? That is quite the ambition.
Once the contract is sealed, it would bind the two of them closely together.
Although the copper bull appeared as a hero under his command, he would lose his independence.
Should Fong Hao refuge, the copper bull would be forever unable to depart, shackled to this place.
Consider this.
The lives of these orcs hinge upon a single utterance.
You promised them life, or you deny them death.
I grant you one minute to ponder.
Fongha reclined calmly in his chair as he spoke.
The copper bull fell silent, and an immediate hush enveloped the gathering.
The hearts of all the orcs quickened, contemplating the choice that the copper bull would ultimately make.
For their fates were intertwined with his decision.
Enough.
Time is up.
Power rock.
What is your choice? Fong house stated directly.
There was no actual minute, merely a brief pause that felt like a fleeting moment.
Bang.
The copper bull slammed his fist against the armrest of his seat, gritting his teeth as he declared, "Very well.
I am willing to enter into this contract with you, but you must keep your word and ensure the safety of the other orcs.
A sigh of relief escaped the chieftains of the various tribes gathered in the room behind him.
They feared that the copper bull might outright reject the undead, which would bring calamity upon them all.
After all, the undead seem to be targeting only the copper bull at present.
Perhaps in the end, they might be permitted to leave unharmed.
The village of Manim voluntarily offers to become your subordinate village.
Please confirm in the Lord's book.
Currently, Fong Hao remained in a divine state and was unable to confirm in the Lord's book.
There was no rush.
He could verify it later upon returning.
Very well.
I have made you a promise and I shall fulfill it.
Gather everyone here.
Those who do not comply shall not blame me for my impertinence.
Fongo continued with no other recourse.
The copper bull complied, summoning all the orcs to his symbol in the central square.
Ana, what are you doing? Anya questioned.
Take them to have a look.
Do not disturb anything else and gather all the money.
Upon hearing Fong How's words, and Jia's eyes instantly sparkled with excitement.
Understood.
With that, she led a squad of skeletal soldiers directly into the chieftain's hall of rock.
In the square, all the orcs were assembled, their weapons confiscated, standing there in silence.
There were approximately over 5,000 orcs remaining.
The rest had long since been reduced to bones by the breath of the bone dragon.
My lord of the undead, may we leave? We are not of the Tyran tribe, merely merchants passing through.