Note for readers :I have added the name for the Human nation and the orc nation and I also edited it to the previous chapter sorry me being so stupid that I forgot to add the name
Orc nation : Raffgaurd
Human nation : Grayland
Plzz enjoy the story.
With the contract settled, Edith was busy loading a three-horse cart with an array of fresh vegetables and fruits. This cart would serve as a sample of the elf village's crops, an initial offering to the orcs. The understanding was that the orcs would return for more, along with the Elemental Iron that the elves sought.
Amidst the preparations, Shield approached Kazuma, addressing him politely, "Your name is Kazuma, I presume?" Kazuma nodded in affirmation. Shield continued, gratitude in his tone, "I'm genuinely thankful to you. Without your insight and effort, this trade would not have come to fruition."
Kazuma humbly shrugged off the gratitude, offering a smile. "It's nothing much. I just tend to find myself assisting people, one way or another." Inside, Kazuma's thoughts ran differently, "Well, it's not like I did all this out of pure altruism. It's mostly for the money and the Quest completion. But I don't think I'll admit that."
As the bustling activity continued, Kazuma's curiosity about the orcs and their strength couldn't be contained any longer. He decided it was the right time to ask, "Shield, considering the power of your weapons, is the orc nation somehow weaker compared to human nations?" There was genuine intrigue in his voice.
Shield offered a knowing smile before responding, "Kazuma, a war isn't solely about a straightforward clash of forces. Numerous factors come into play. If it were merely a direct confrontation, we might have settled the war long ago."
Kazuma was puzzled by the situation and couldn't help but ask, "Why not go for a head-on war if your forces are that powerful?"
Shield's expression turned serious as he began to explain, "Kazuma, let me break it down. One orc soldier is equivalent to the strength of about three to four human soldiers. But when you factor in our elemental weapons, that strength multiplies to about ten times. Sounds impressive, right?"
Kazuma nodded in understanding, impressed by the formidable strength of the orcs. "So, what's holding your nation back from launching a full-scale assault?"
Shield's gaze turned distant as he continued, "It's about the numbers, my friend. Our orc nation currently fields around 5,000 soldiers, while the human nation 'Grayland'—the one we're currently at odds with—commands a staggering force of 13,000 soldiers. But that's not the end of it. Our borders also touch 'Crater' and 'Midland,' two other human nations, both boasting sizable armies."
Kazuma's eyes widened with comprehension. "So, attacking one human nation might invite retaliation from the others."
Shield's affirmative nod confirmed Kazuma's understanding. "Exactly. It's a delicate balance. If we were to engage aggressively with one human nation, the others would seize the opportunity to launch simultaneous attacks. The situation is a constant struggle for us. It's not just about the strength of arms, it's about tactical finesse and understanding the broader game at play."
Taking a moment to absorb this newfound insight,
Kazuma:"So it's like a cold war" kazuma said softly
Shield:"What war?" Shield puzzled
Kazuma:"Nothing! Nothing!" hurriedly replied kazuma.
Kazuma delved deeper. "Are the Elemental Iron resources the root cause of this war?"
Shield's expression shifted, reflecting a mix of frustration and wry amusement. "You've hit the bullseye. Yes, Elemental Iron is at the heart of this conflict. This rare resource, found exclusively in our orc nation of 'Raffguard,' is highly coveted. Its scarcity makes it a game-changer in warfare. Possessing Elemental Iron offers a strategic upper hand. And that's why its possession has ignited these tensions."
Kazuma marveled at the intricate dynamics of the orc-human conflict, realizing that even with their incredible strength, the orcs were embroiled in a battle far more intricate than mere physical combat.