After burying their fallen comrade, Zarik's dispatch group began their journey back to the main group, following the scent trail left by the Terrakin using plants. On their way, they spotted a group of human adventurers battling monsters.

  Sensing a potential threat, they quickened their pace, carefully avoiding the monsters. Fear gnawed at them—if the adventurers had encountered their main group, their safety could be in jeopardy.

  Zarik's expression grew tense. "We need to move faster! The others might be in danger!" he urged.

  Meanwhile, the main group continued their journey west, silently praying for the dispatch group’s success. However, their scout soon returned with urgent news.

  “There’s a group of adventurers ahead—six of them, positioned at our ten o’clock. They’re not far,” the scout reported.

  Lakan furrowed his brow. “Are they well-equipped? Do they seem strong?”

  “Yes, they have excellent gear, but from the looks of it, the four of them are still beginners but the other two is quite strong”

  A Terrakin with lively eyes and a short, bristly beard, Sylkgroot, grinned. “Then what if we relieve them of their equipment? If their gear is that good, they probably have healing potions, too. That would be useful for the journey. We Terrakin can’t craft those since we lack the proper tools.”

  “Yeah, I was thinking the same,” Lakan admitted. “Back when I turned 8, I was used for hunting. Good equipment and healing potions were a must. But only the humans had them—while we were just bait most of the time.”

  Elder Ulganar chuckled, amused. “Well, it’s only natural for the son of Panday to think that way. Even at a young age, humans expected much from you.”

  Thorgana, having completed her survey, spoke with concern. “But… don’t human adventurers use magic? What if they’re hiding their true strength?” Her voice trembled with fear.

  Elder Ulganar chuckled again, finding the young dwarf’s worry amusing. “Hahaha! Young dwarf, don’t be afraid. Even though we are slaves, unable to use magic and forced to rely on our physical attributes, we are experienced warriors. We have been used as war slaves for generations. Besides,” he added with a knowing grin, “I have a blessing that allows me to perceive the strength of living beings—though only to some extent.”

  “But…” Thorgana hesitated. At only nine years old, she was small, ever watchful, and had an innocence that made her concerns even more endearing.

  “Don’t be afraid,” Lakan reassured her. “Trust in our warriors. By the way, have you completed your survey?”

  “Yeah. From what I’ve gathered—15 beastmen, 15 demonkins, 17 orcs, 10 Terrakins, and 5 dwarves. But why do we need to know how many of each race there are?” Thorgana asked curiously.

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  “Well, my father always told me that you need to know the numbers and strengths of those you command to use them effectively,” Lakan explained.

  “So, you were taught by the great Panday after all. That’s why you’re quite knowledgeable,” Thorgana responded.

  “Well, I want to be a great warrior like my father, so I asked him to teach me. But most of my other knowledge comes from the slave tasks I was given when I was younger. We slaves have to mature quickly,” Lakan said proudly.

  “I’m jealous that you were taught by the great Panday,” Thorgana admitted.

  “Hahaha… Well, you can learn from the other adults, especially Uncle Dalangpan. Oh, there they are! Welcome back, all of you,” Lakan said.

  The dispatch group had arrived from their journey.

  “I’m glad you’re all safe, but why are you missing one?” Elder Ulganar asked.

  Zarik looked down, disappointment and sadness evident in his expression. “Vargor died in battle against a great knight when we carried out the plan… but we offer our victory to him.”

  The slaves fell into silence, bowing their heads in prayer for their fallen comrade, hoping his soul would find peace in the afterlife. His death left them even more concerned for their survival—already small in number, they had lost yet another.

  “To honor his sacrifice, we must successfully subjugate the adventurers ahead of us,” Lakan declared.

  “Shouldn’t we just use the same strategy we used against the pursuers? That was an easy win, right? I’m too tired to fight anyway,” Baloga muttered.

  “We can’t use that strategy now,” Lakan explained. “The wind is too strong—the smoke would be rendered useless. Besides, we can’t afford to lose another comrade. We need to preserve our numbers.”

  “Hey, kid, you really know your stuff, huh? So, what should we do then? You’re the smart one, right?” Baloga responded smugly.

  “Well, I guess it’s the beastmen’s turn now. Since we were used as bait for monsters, we can lure them toward the adventurers. We’re fast in the forest, so we’ll make good bait,” Lakan said.

  “Well, if you say so. I’m going to sleep since we ran here without resting. Oh, and by the way, the map you wanted so badly—we found it. Take it from Zarik,” Baloga said before heading off to rest.

  “Elder, can you ask some beastmen to accompany me as bait? I’m not really close to them since my mother committed a taboo,” Lakan requested.

  “Alright, I will convince them. But I want you to prove to them that, despite your human blood, you are just as capable as they are,” Elder Ulganar responded.

  “Thank you, Elder,” Lakan said.

  After some time, the elder returned with four beastmen. They were those who had been close to his mother. Even though his mother had committed a taboo, they still wanted to help her son out of respect for Alunsina.

  Lakan, we’re only helping you because Elder Ulganar pleaded with us. But you still have filthy human blood in you—we have no intention of accepting you as one of us,” one of the beastmen sneered.

  “I’m thankful for your cooperation. I don’t care if you despise me or not—I’m still going to help everyone. I promised my father, and this is my dream too,” Lakan replied firmly.

  The beastmen scornfully stared at Lakan. Even though he was young, his build and mind were fully mature for a beastman of his age. Despite their disdain, they still chose to cooperate, as both Elder Ulganar and Panday had seen greatness within him.

  Lakan’s group began preparing for the adventurers’ subjugation. Finally, they set their plan into motion.

  They searched for nearby monsters to lure and soon spotted a group of wild boars—thirty in total. These monsters were massive, standing over three meters tall, with tusks as thick as a human’s arm.

  This endeavor would mark the beginning of Lakan’s rise to greatness—and the moment when the slaves would begin to acknowledge him as a true warrior.