Chapter 272. Leave a Beautiful Trace Behind (3)
On the continent, orcs were indisputably classified as monsters—just like trolls and gnolls, they were marked high on the extermination priority list.
Caron gazed at the orc army encamped in the distance and let out a low whistle of awe. He remarked, "These aren't the orcs I had in mind."
They were too well-armed to be written off as mere monsters. While not clad in full plate like human knights, their armor looked skillfully crafted, likely the work of competent blacksmiths. Their weapons, too, were well-maintained and polished.
Orcs were often described as brutish and dim-witted, but the ones before him didn't resemble that stereotype in the slightest.
"They've even set up a proper camp?" Caron muttered.
Though hastily constructed, it was fortified with makeshift barricades and traps placed at regular intervals. It was a crude yet intentional defensive formation.
Orion responded in a low voice, "The orcs who settled in the Rahal Mountains have been influenced by their matriarch. Unlike other tribes, they've developed a surprisingly coherent civilization."
"Still orcs though, aren't they?" Caron asked.
"In terms of intelligence, they're not inferior to humans or elves," Orion replied firmly.
"Then I'm even more curious why they've suddenly decided to block our path. How strong are they?" Caron asked.
"The ones they call 'berserkers' fight until their heads are severed. They're not just enemies—we've got a long and bloody history with them," Orion answered. There was a faint tremor in his voice, a thread of restrained rage woven through it.
Even so, Orion clenched his fist quietly and continued, "But in recent years, the orcs haven't launched any major invasions into the Great Forest. Some small raiding parties came down for plunder, but nothing on this scale."