Magical Engineering

“Get yer ass over here and drop everything yer carrying, or yer about to be a very dead orc!” Mel screamed at the newcomer. It was a good thing he did, as I had already pulled Corey from my storage, and Cecile had his hoe in his hand. Surprisingly, the orc listened, and the moment he was in front of Mel, he undid his belt, dropping a ton of things to the ground, several of which were pots and pans that clattered as they piled up. I wasn’t even sure how they had all fit on his belt, but I hadn’t been paying enough attention to it before he dropped it.

“The only thing still in my storage is food. If you are able to do a penetrative scan, you’re welcome to do it,” the orc said. Mel stared intently at the orc for a few seconds, similar to how he had looked at my kids.

“Alright, yer clean. Now what the fuck did ya say ya wanted?” Mel asked as his color returned to normal. Was anger just the man’s happy state?

“I heard what you were all saying from the woods. I was already making my way here after Wralf’s death to pledge myself to whatever faction decided to take this world for themselves,” the orc said. What made him think any faction, especially mine, would want him? They had just slaughtered their way across the planet.

“Then, as ya just overheard, Earth took itself, so what exact worth do ya think yer ass has to these people after what yer faction just did?” Mel asked, his voice growing angrier. Considering I was having a hard time holding my rage in check, I was amazed Mel was.

“My offer still stands. I heard what you said: you need Arena fighters. I’ve been there. I’ve even climbed further than Wralf ever did. He died in his pathetically failed attempt to claim a first-floor prize. I’ve already cleared floor nine. So before you decide to kill me, consider that,” the orc said. Was that enough to keep him alive? It sure wasn’t doing anything to reduce my urge to kill him. I knew that.

“Dammit, what’s yer class. I assume something in support and this is yer play to get a chance outside of the orc factions?” Mel asked.

“War Chef,” the orc answered. So he cooked things for battle? That seemed strange.

“Dave, I can’t make the call; it’s yer home, but as much as I may hate it, I strongly suggest we take him on for now, at least. We can always kill him later,” Mel said. I already had to make life-or-death decisions? How hard was it to abdicate a faction head position?

I sighed and thought for a moment, then finally spoke. “What’s your name, and how many people have you killed on this planet?” I asked. I wasn’t sure if the answer would help me make a decision or not. If we really needed him like Mel said, was there much of a choice? With how worried the man seemed, I didn’t know if I could safely say no to the request.

“Rabyn, and personally killed? Zero. But I did supply many of the buffs that allowed for the squadron to decimate your world,” Rabyn answered. Before I could make up my mind, Corey sent me a message.