Chapter 400: Orc Prisoner

Like in medieval Europe, the kings and noble lords of Azeroth established their nations through martial prowess.

Thus, military achievements are an important standard for determining a noble's status in their hierarchy.

To the humans of Azeroth, the orcs, dressed in rags and wielding primitive weapons, ruling through tribal means, are undoubtedly a barbaric race.

Therefore, the self-proclaimed civilized human nobles look down on them, even equating them with the trolls of the Gurubashi tribe near the Kingdom of Stormwind.

As a result, during the first battle with the orcs, many nobles of Stormwind treated this war as a golden opportunity to gain military accolades, sending their children to the army en masse.

However, they faced a pyrrhic victory.

Under the wise leadership of Lothar, the human army successfully repelled the orcs due to their superior equipment, well-organized formations, and cooperation among various troop types, but they also suffered heavy casualties. 

Nearly everyone in Stormwind, including nobles, had someone they knew who lost their life on the battlefield.

Thus, every mention of that war is a painful memory for the people of Stormwind.

In such an atmosphere, Alaric also observed a moment of silence, adhering to local customs.

Then, Alaric looked at Anduin Lothar.

"As far as I know, the military strength of the Kingdom of Stormwind is second only to that of the Kingdom of Lordaeron among human nations. 

General Lothar, as a direct descendant of Emperor Thoradin, is also a well-educated and renowned general. 

Why did the war against the orcs result in such heavy losses? Even the Gurubashi trolls shouldn't be capable of inflicting such damage on the army of Stormwind," he inquired.

In reality, Alaric was well aware of the reasons, but now he was playing the role of an envoy from afar, feigning ignorance.

Upon hearing Alaric's question, Lothar sighed.

"We were too complacent and underestimated these barbaric orcs. Lord Sandor, you may not know, but we initially thought orcs were just another type of troll we hadn't encountered. 

In reality, they are much more formidable. These green-skinned creatures are extremely bloodthirsty and warlike, and possess immense strength. 

Even the strongest humans struggle to withstand a direct blow from an orc."

"Is that so?" Alaric nodded. "And how do they compare to trolls?"

"Trolls?" Lothar scoffed. "Compared to these orcs who can fight us head-on, those large-footed trolls only cause us some trouble in the jungles."

— You haven't encountered the Loa of the trolls.

Alaric silently cursed in his heart but kept his thoughts to himself, continuing to listen to Lothar's account.

"Regrettably, although we won that battle, it was a victory in tactics and strategy, along with our advantage in magic. 

In a direct confrontation, our soldiers suffered casualties almost three to one against those green-skinned monsters. 

For the militiamen who picked up weapons temporarily, it might take ten to twenty of them to take down one orc."

At this point, Lothar still felt a lingering fear.

"Is it really that exaggerated?" Alaric raised an eyebrow. "Do you have any orc prisoners? Or even corpses would suffice; I want to see these creatures up close."

Upon hearing this request, Lothar looked toward King Llane .

King Llane nodded.

"Then, Archmage Sandor, please follow me."

Guided by Lothar, Alaric traversed a long corridor, descending a spiral staircase to the dungeons of Stormwind, with King Llane accompanying them.

In a separate cell deep within the dungeon, Alaric saw a green-skinned orc.

Although he was familiar with this race from his previous life, this was his first time seeing one in this life.

The orc stood over two meters tall, with rough green skin and a patchwork of scars beneath its tattered leather armor, some fresh and others evidently old.

Compared to trolls, orcs are stockier and sport a pair of long tusks, giving them a menacing appearance.

From a distance, Alaric could already smell the foul odor emanating from the orc.

"This is an orc warrior we captured after the battle," Lothar introduced. 

"In combat, he killed six of our elite soldiers with a large axe but was left on the battlefield due to severe injuries and unable to escape."

Upon noticing their arrival, the orc immediately grasped the bars of its cell, pushing forward wildly while bellowing a bloodthirsty roar.

Seeing the orc's sudden aggression, the nearby guards swiftly drew their swords, pointing them at him.

However, the orc seemed oblivious. After a fit of roaring, it began to speak in a strange language that none present could understand.

Recognizing that the orc remained ferocious even in captivity, Lothar frowned, realizing he still underestimated the enemy's madness.

If every orc were this warlike…

Lothar dared not imagine.

On the other hand, Alaric curiously approached the orc, wanting to observe it up close.

Seeing one of its enemies approaching, the orc thought it had found an opportunity and tried to reach through the bars to grab Alaric.

The guards immediately stepped forward to intervene.

"My lord, please step back! Don't let this monster harm you!"

But Alaric easily pushed them aside.

"Don't worry, I'm a mage; he won't be able to harm me that easily," Alaric reassured, continuing toward the orc.

Perhaps understanding Alaric's words or surprised by his strength, the two guards made no further attempts to stop him.

Lothar and Llane, watching from behind, were both astonished.

They had just witnessed the envoy from Dalaran effortlessly separate two elite soldiers using sheer strength.

How is that possible?

Aren't mages supposed to be "weaklings" or "bookworms"?

If mages possessed such strength, what would become of their warriors?

They exchanged glances, both seeing surprise reflected in each other's eyes.

"This mage is not simple."

That was their shared conclusion.

Meanwhile, Alaric paid no mind to their thoughts as he approached the orc.

Facing the green-skinned creature trying to seize him, Alaric merely extended his hands, pointing at the orc while murmuring incantations.

As his hands emitted an arcane glow, the bars of the cell immediately began to warp, transforming into thick iron chains that coiled around the orc like serpents.

Though the muscular orc warrior attempted to struggle, he was no match for the unyielding chains and was soon firmly bound, his limbs stretched out in an X shape like a pig awaiting slaughter.

Alaric then pulled the Infinity Blade from his pocket, using a transformation spell to change it into a small knife, holding it as he approached the orc.

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