"And my opponents," he continued, "they advocate for the same path that has brought us here time and again. They don't rally. They don't connect with you, the people they wish to lead. No, they cower in hidden places, training for the match as if brute strength alone is the answer to every problem we face. They don't see beyond their fists or blades, and when strength fails them—as it eventually will—they will either hide in shame or abandon those who rely on them. Is that the leadership you want?"
A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd, many orcs exchanging glances. Naguk let his words settle before continuing.
"I call for something else. Something better. I call for unity—not just among us, but between us and others. For too long, we have been divided, not only from the world but from each other. For too long, we've let our pride and our need to prove our strength tear us apart. And what has it gained us? Frustration? Fear? Loss?"
He pointed into the crowd. "Doesn't it frustrate you when others pick fights while you are simply trying to live your lives? Maybe you're at the market. Maybe you're training your young ones. And then, out of nowhere, someone stronger—or someone who thinks they are stronger—challenges you, demands your time, your effort, your strength. Maybe you win. Maybe you lose. But either way, what do you gain from it? What do we gain from it?"
The crowd was silent now. Even the skeptics among them couldn't look away.
"It's one thing when it's between us. We've grown up with this. It's part of who we are. But even here, in our own nation, there's a price. Every one of you knows this truth: no matter how strong you are, there will always be someone stronger. Someone who will eventually beat you, humiliate you, and take from you—be it your time, your effort, or even your life."
Naguk paused, his gaze sweeping the crowd, lingering on the faces of orcs.
"And when these pointless battles happen, what do we lose? Time that could've been spent with family? Efforts that could've gone to building something for our future? Opportunities to learn, grow, and lead? This is a cycle that traps us all, no matter how strong we think we are."
He straightened, his voice rising again. "Now imagine how much harder it is for other races—humans, elves, dwarves—to understand this. To accept this. We stand at the edge of a new alliance, one that could bring us prosperity, strength, and peace beyond what we've ever known. And yet, if we continue this behavior, we will only drive them away. They come here, curious and cautious, trying to understand us. But what do they see? Challenges. Fights. Brutality. And they leave, terrified, scarred, and filled with mistrust that will linger for generations."
Naguk's voice took on a harder edge as he pointed out into the crowd again. "We cannot build trust when every visitor we have is made to fear us. We cannot form strong alliances when a single challenge from one of us could spark another war. And for what? To prove how tough we are?"
The murmurs began again. Naguk let the moment linger, then raised a hand to quiet them.
"How many of you want humans as allies?" he asked.
A majority of hands shot into the air, some raised high with conviction, others slower, more tentative. Naguk nodded, as if to say he expected no less.
"And how many of you think our current state—our unwelcoming ways—is a problem for this alliance?"
Again, many hands rose. This time, a few more joined in as the crowd seemed to reflect on his words. The tide was turning.
Naguk took a step forward. "How many of you believe that physical strength alone is not the solution?"
This time, the response was more mixed. A significant portion of the crowd raised their hands, though some hesitated, their expressions uncertain. It was clear that Naguk's words had planted seeds of doubt, but tradition and pride still held sway over some.
Naguk nodded, acknowledging the divide without condemnation. "I understand your hesitation. Strength has always been a cornerstone of who we are. But I ask you: what good is strength if it is not tempered by wisdom? What good is strength if it cannot build, if it only destroys?"
He extended his arms, as if inviting the crowd to join him in his vision. "I am not asking you to abandon strength. I am asking you to see beyond it. To see the opportunities before us. I want to make powerful allies—not just with humans, but with anyone willing to stand with us. And I will do it not by forcing them to fear us, but by showing them our courage, our resilience, and our honor."
Naguk's voice rose to a crescendo, filling the square. "Who is with me?" he called.
The square erupted in a wave of cheers and shouts. Many orcs raised their fists, roaring their agreement. Even those who had been hesitant seemed swept up in the moment.
As Naguk finished his speech in Blazewatch, he stepped down from the platform with confidence. The earth platform, now serving its purpose, was lowered by his mages, crumbling back into the ground as though it had never been.
Amukelo and Eliss rejoined the group as Naguk and his orcs began to gather in a loose formation. Amukelo glanced at Naguk, giving him a slight nod of respect. "That was impressive," he said. "I'm not much into politics, but I can tell that your speech truly gained you many supporters."
Naguk smiled, "Thank you," he said,l. "But a single speech doesn't win hearts or secure trust. It's just the start. We have many more places to go and many more ears to convince."
He raised his voice, addressing the group now. "Alright, everyone! Gather up. Blazewatch has heard our call, but there are more who need to listen. We're heading to our next stop immediately. Stay sharp on the road. The further we go, the closer we get to territory influenced by my opponents. They may act more the closer we get to the match."
The orcs grunted in acknowledgment, and the group began marching toward the next town.
The journey to the next town was uneventful at first. Occasionally orc scout moving ahead to ensure the road was clear. A few times, smaller creatures—likely emboldened by the size of the traveling group—darted out from the surrounding wilderness. They were swiftly dealt with.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, the group finally arrived at their destination. This town was unlike any other Amukelo and Eliss had seen in the orc nation so far. The buildings were larger and better constructed, many made of wood reinforced with sturdy stone. The streets were wider and lined with lanterns, suggesting a level of sophistication and trade uncommon in the smaller towns they had passed through. There were even humans visible among the orcs—merchants with their guards or even some aventurers.
Naguk led the group through the town's main thoroughfare. He stopped at the largest plaza, open space dominated by a stone platform at its center. Unlike in Blazewatch, where his mages had to create a stage, this town's plaza seemed designed for gatherings and speeches. Naguk stepped onto the platform and surveyed the area.
After a short introducing speech he said to himself. "This will do," He then turned to his group. "Spread the word. Same as before. Let them know I'll be speaking here tomorrow morning."
The orcs nodded and moved out, splitting into smaller groups to distribute the pieces of paper announcing the time and place of Naguk's speech. Amukelo and Eliss stayed close to Naguk as he continued observing the plaza.
"You're thinking about ambushes," Amukelo said, breaking the silence.
Naguk nodded. "Always. My opponents aren't fools. They know where I'll be, and they won't let me move freely forever. It's only a matter of time before they act."
The group eventually made their way to an inn. After securing rooms and a meal, Naguk gathered his close team for a final discussion of their roles. Amukelo and Eliss were briefed alongside the others, their positions were similar to those they had held in Blazewatch.
The next morning the plaza began to fill. Orcs gathered in small groups, talking among themselves as they waited for the speech. Naguk's team moved into their positions.
Amukelo stood near the center of the crowd. Scanning for anyone who seemed out of place or overly interested in something other than Naguk.
Finally, Naguk stepped onto the platform. He began like he had in Blazewatch.
"Fellow orcs," he began. "I come before you, not as someone seeking power for myself, but as someone seeking a better future for all of us."