Gorgin neither knew nor cared about the thoughts of those two Blue Star women. His foremost desire was to live a more comfortable life.

  Although ogres weren't immortal, they were long - lived. He had no intention of spending his entire life in such a desolate environment.

  This aspiration was rather broad for Gorgin, and this “service area” was merely an experiment.

  Success would be great, but failure wouldn't be the end of the world.

  So far, the results were quite encouraging.

  The third batch of customers, or rather, the third wave, arrived.

  Dwarves from Giant Sand City had come.

  They were spotted by the patrolling gnoll squad shortly after entering the territory of the Dragon's Lair Tribe's ogres.

  These dwarves were operating a steam tank with incredibly wide tracks.

  The thunderous rumbling and billowing steam left no chance of concealing their approach.

  Such a contraption was far beyond the gnolls' ability to resist.

  As soon as they were detected, the gnolls scurried back, tails between their legs, to report the news.

  Gorgin took this matter seriously.

  After all, a steam tank, a fearsome war machine, demanded caution even from ogres.

  Twenty ogres fanned out widely, advancing to surround the dwarves. This strategic spread would minimize the potential damage from the steam tank.

  The tank had a limited range of only two to three hundred meters, its shells traveled slowly, and its accuracy was abysmal.

  It was effective for breaching fortifications but hitting a moving target required a stroke of extraordinary luck and misfortune simultaneously.

  Thankfully, no conflict erupted.

  These over - a - hundred heavily - armed dwarves had come to hire ogres for a business venture.

  The experience of that orc merchant had deeply inspired and shocked the dwarves.

  Moreover, the Dragon's Lair ogres' reputation for integrity had left a strong impression.

  On the return journey by airship, Kash had been completely open when the dwarves questioned him.

  Orcs were naturally straightforward, and in Kash's view, the Dragon's Lair ogres were truly worthy of deep friendship.

  Thus, he had sung Gorgin's praises wholeheartedly.

  Recall that at the time, the kodo beast was already in the ogres' possession.

  They could easily have disposed of Kash and still obtained the small horn. But Gorgin had chosen otherwise.

  He'd dispatched his mother, the two - headed ogre mage, to lead the mission. Not only had they routed those foolish centaurs, but they'd also safely escorted Kash back to Giant Sand City.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  Gorgin had made it clear that he only wanted the kodo beast and hadn't even bothered to inspect the other goods.

  In the cutthroat world of the endless desert, this was nothing short of exemplary business ethics!

  Others might not realize it, but Kash couldn't speak highly enough of Gorgin.

  Kash felt reassured.

  At least in the context of trade, the Dragon's Lair ogres were the only ones he could trust outside his own tribe.

  Kash's words had a profound impact on the dwarves of Giant Sand City.

  The idea of hiring reliable ogres at a reasonable cost was simply too appealing to ignore.

  Nevertheless, the dwarves of Giant Sand City hadn't fully bought into the orc's account. Thus, they'd rolled out the city's sole steam tank.

  The wide tracks enabled this iron colossus to traverse the desert and gobi terrain with relative ease.

  Additionally, it was inscribed with the Featherlight Spell, crafted by an elf mage, which reduced its weight by a fifth.

  Despite their short stature, these dwarves were brawny and could even match orcs in strength.

  As far as Gorgin was concerned, anyone here for business was a welcome guest. Gorgin was the first to sheath his weapon.

  “We always extend a warm welcome to our guests, and hiring our ogres is feasible. However...” Gorgin opened his cavernous maw.

  “Since you're familiar with Kash's story, I'll be blunt. Payment must be made in advance, and the fee will be determined based on the nature of the task. ”

  “We guarantee our word, but without prior cooperation, the payment is non - negotiable. If you can accept this, share your task details. If not, kindly leave our territory.”

  The leading dwarf's expression soured slightly, but this was to be expected. The orc merchant's case was a prime example.

  The ogres were formidable in battle, efficient in their work, and had transparent pricing.

  They adhered strictly to the agreed - upon terms. Presenting everything upfront at least dispelled any concerns of foul play later.

  “We need to hire at least fifteen ogres to assist us, along with our tank and airship, in assaulting the Hot Sand Consortium. That wretched goblin slave - catching gang attacked our mining team!”

  The leading dwarf clambered out of the steam tank's command cabin.

  True to their reputation as masters of iron - smelting, he was clad head - to - toe in fine iron armor.

  Gorgin cast an envious glance at his own ogres, who were barely covered by tattered loincloths, and sighed inwardly.

  “Naturally, those dwarf guards were derelict in their duties. Their deaths are regrettable, but the loss of a large quantity of iron ore is unacceptable. ”

  “The Hot Sand Consortium is a powerful force, and we're not confident of victory. However, we must make it clear that the dwarves of Giant Sand City are not pushovers! ”

  “Chief of the Dragon's Lair Tribe, this battle will be perilous. Name your price.”

  Gorgin didn't hesitate.

  “I want you to forge five sets of armor tailored to the size of our ogres! The more robust, the better!”

  The dwarf leader promptly turned to leave.

  You're truly as greedy as your gaping maw!

  “Chief of the Dragon's Lair Tribe, farewell. Consider us never having been here...”

  “Hey, hold on! When it comes to business, negotiation is key. I make an offer, and you counter. Let's find common ground...”

  Gorgin waved his hands frantically.

  “Chief of the Dragon's Lair Tribe, have you considered the colossal size of your ogres? Even if you're unsure of the exact iron requirements for a set of armor, you should have a rough estimate. ”

  “Forging five sets of thick, full - body armor for your ogres would consume enough iron to construct another siege tank! Here's our proposal: we dwarves are known for our directness. ”

  “It's either one set of full - body armor or five spiked clubs. Take your pick.”

  The dwarf leader laid bare the limit of what he was willing to offer.

  These dwarves were hot - tempered and straightforward, devoid of guile.

  “Then the full - body armor it is. But I expect you to complete the forging first. ”

  “Once it's ready, I'll lead our most elite ogre warriors to extract the brains of that so - called consortium and stuff them where the sun doesn't shine!” Gorgin made an immediate decision.

  “Agreed!” The dwarf leader stepped forward.

  “But we have one condition: the ogre mage must be part of the assault!”

  “Absolutely. From the moment you accepted my terms until the mission's completion, you'll be my most esteemed client. You'll witness an ogre mage clad in full fine iron armor on the battlefield!”

  “The contract is sealed. I trust you won't betray the trust of Giant Sand City.”

  The dwarf leader sized Gorgin up, mentally noting his measurements.

  The ogres' sizes were relatively consistent.

  If the chief could wear the armor, the others could too.

  “Rest assured. The day the armor is ready is the day the ogres march into battle. Ogres always honor their word.”

  Gorgin roared with laughter, his massive mouth agape.