Chapter 7: The Path Forward

  The orc chieftain’s camp was quieter now, the excitement of battle and the urgency of survival fading into the steady rhythm of life. The fire crackled in the center, sending sparks into the dark sky as Marcus sat near it, reflecting on his next steps.

  Vira had insisted he clean up before the meeting. She seemed intent on making him look presentable, fussing over his appearance more than he expected. He had no idea why it mattered—he wasn’t an orc, and it wasn’t like the chieftain would care about his clothes or grooming.

  “Why are you so concerned with how I look?” Marcus asked, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice.

  Vira adjusted his tunic one last time, inspecting him as if preparing him for a grand event. “You’re meeting the chieftain, Marcus. First impressions matter, even with orcs.”

  He nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. What was he really expecting from this meeting? An alliance? An offer to join the tribe?

  “You’re handsome enough,” Vira said offhandedly as she straightened his collar. Her cheeks flushed immediately, realizing what she had said. “I mean—uh, you look presentable. That’s what I meant.”

  Marcus raised an eyebrow, meeting her gaze for the briefest moment. Her words lingered in the air like a half-forgotten melody, and though he played it cool, he couldn’t help but feel the heat rise to his face.

  “I’ll take that as a compliment,” Marcus said, a teasing edge to his voice.

  Vira rolled her eyes but smiled, clearly flustered. “Just don’t embarrass us.”

  Marcus watched her for a moment, a thought stirring in his chest. It was hard to deny how beautiful she was, even if he didn’t fully understand the feelings bubbling inside him. But he pushed it aside, focusing on the moment.

  A low voice rumbled from across the fire, cutting through his musings. “You ready to meet the chieftain, then?”

  It was Boruk, the massive orc warrior, his arms crossed as he observed Marcus’ preparation.

  “Yeah. Let’s do this,” Marcus said, pushing to his feet.

  The group made their way to the center of the camp where the chieftain waited. He was a giant of a figure, towering and broad, with a calm, almost regal aura that defied his casual stance. His armor was a mix of worn leather and metal, adorned with tribal symbols. His long hair, streaked with gray, flowed down to his shoulders, and his tusks protruded proudly from his lower jaw. Yet his eyes, when they met Marcus’ gaze, were filled with warmth, an openness that was hard to ignore.

  It's about time you all brought him to see me, the Chieftain cheerfully bellowed out. It's all the clan been talking about...The dark human...in all my years I've never seen a dark skinned human...What's your name pup!?

  Marcus bowed, trying not to be intimidated. He knew what was at stake here—this was the moment that could shape his future.

  My name is Marcus Elder your grace! Marcus stated as eloquently as possible.

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  Your Grace!? The Chieftain said mockingly yet playfully.

  The hall burst out into laughter. Marcus embarrassed, looked over to Boruk, Yara, and Vira for support, but they were bent over bearly able to stand from how hard they were laughing.

  Marcus with a flushed face looked back to the Chieftan.

  The Chieftain wiped a tear from his eye, save that regal crap for the elves human, my name is Miran, you can just call me that. I wasn't picking on you human I promise I just wasn't expecting honied words from the "Kobold Butcher".

  Marcus scratched the back of his neck...sorry I didn't know how I was supposed to conduct myself

  No worries pup, the chief said finally able to straighten up, just be yourself. “I’ve heard of your deeds, and I see the strength in you. Not just in your fists,” the chieftain continued, his tone approving. “You have something unique. Something our tribe can use. You wish to join us?”

  Marcus felt the weight of the question. The orcs didn’t demand loyalty right away, but the benefits of joining were clear. It was an opportunity to build strength and gain resources, all while being accepted for what he was. The chieftain’s laid-back nature didn’t seem to expect anything more than loyalty and willingness.

  “I do. But I also need to know more. What do I gain from joing you all, Marcus said

  The chieftain chuckled, an amused sound that reverberated around the camp. Freedom and Family of course, and there's a few more tangible benefits. For instance, you get access to our healers discounts at our smiths, and unlike other groups we don't limit delves into the dungeons we control, all we ask is that if you find a dungeon you give the rights to it to everyone in our family. He paused, his gaze sharpening. “However, before you can join us—before I offer you full membership in the tribe—you must prove yourself. Let's see. Ah, right! The adventurers guild in Xenor holds it's assessments this time of year. Go to the city, get assessed by the Adventurer's Guild, and earn at least a copper ranking. Only then will I consider you worthy to stand with us.”

  Marcus raised an eyebrow, the challenge in the chieftain’s words clear. “So, you're not just letting anyone in?”

  The chieftain grinned, his tusks showing. “You must prove your worth, human. We are a tribe of strength, and only those who can stand on their own, who are recognized by the guild, can call themselves one of us. The copper ranking will do for now. It’s a bare minimum—but it shows you have the potential to grow. Once you have that, you’ll be able to walk beside us.”

  Marcus considered the offer, feeling the weight of the chieftain’s words. It made sense. The orcs valued strength and the recognition that came with it. The Adventurer’s Guild wasn’t just a place for quests—it was a standard of power and respect.

  “I’ll do it,” Marcus said, resolute. “I’ll get assessed, earn that copper rank, and then we’ll talk.”

  The chieftain’s expression softened. “Good. Once you have your rank, we’ll know what you’re truly capable of. Until then, I’ll welcome you as one of us, but don’t mistake that for a permanent place. Prove it, and we’ll fight beside you.”

  Marcus nodded. “Understood.”

  Miran leaned forward in his seat, and grinned, how about giving us an eloquent speech about doing your best followed by a pirouette and curtsy, I need another good laugh.

  The hall erupted with laughter once again. Marcus lowered his head in embarrassment, remembering his earlier actions. He left the hall as the others were taken by laughing fits.

  Boruk, Yara, and Vira caught up to Marcus on his way out. A group of goblins noticed them and quickly began to gather their goods. One of them, smaller than the others and with a scrappy appearance, scurried over to Marcus with an eager gleam in his eye.

  You made quite an impression in there human.

  Marcus groaned, Vira I blame you for this. If you didn't make such a fuss over my looks, I would not have thought I had to 'prostrate' myself in such a manner. Marcus said half jokingly.

  Yeah, yeah lighten up "Sir Marcus" Vira said jokingly, you did fine...

  Ahem...“You need a ride to the city?” the goblin asked, his voice high-pitched and rapid. “The name is Grek! Grek and friends get you there. Discount for you, human. The chief likes you, so Grek likes you

  Marcus raised an eyebrow at the goblin’s energy, but nodded. “I’m interested. How soon are you leaving?”

  “Soon, soon!” Grek squeaked, bouncing on his heels. “Grek and friends just finishing up here. It’ll take a few days, but Grek got the route covered. City’s big, lots of people, lots of opportunities. Grek sure you’ll fit right in!”

  Marcus wasn’t entirely sure about the goblin’s enthusiasm, but he was willing to give it a shot. It wasn’t like he had many other options.

  “Alright,” Marcus said, holding out a hand. “I’ll ride with you.”

  Grek’s grin widened, showing his sharp teeth. “You won’t regret it, human! We’ll be on our way soon.”

  A short time later, Marcus found himself standing at the edge of the orc camp, he helped the goblins prepared their caravan. His mind swirled with new possibilities.

  The goblins were loading all sorts of trinkets onto the various wagons.

  "Most of this crap would be considered junk and knick-knacks in my old world, but what do I know, this stuff could be valuable here?", Marcus thought to himself.

  As he loaded another crate something caught his eye...his reflection...

  Marcus almost let out an audible gasp...I don't look so old, no broken nose, my skin...is nice again

  He looked like his eighteen-year-old self, maybe younger. His body had reset, maybe it was side-effect of his journey to this world. His mind was sharp, seasoned by the experiences he’d had, but his body had become something entirely different—a fresh start.

  The realization sent a shiver through him. It wasn’t just his power he needed to understand—it was his whole existence in this world.

  “Ready to go, Marcus?” Vira’s voice snapped him from his thoughts, and he turned to find her, along with Boruk and the others, ready to follow.

  “Yeah,” Marcus said, nodding to the group. “Let’s head to the city.”

  As the goblins led the way, Marcus set his sights on the distant city, eager to discover what awaited him there.