"You said you fled to escape a calamity in the western lands," Leone said. "What calamity are you talking about? A calamity from mother nature, like a volcanic eruption?"

Logan scoffed. "I am talking about the birth of the King of Monsters. Far out into the west, a powerful monster has been born. It’s currently building a force that will later march across the lands. Our tribe is not interested in becoming one of its pawns, so we fled."

"West?" Kael frowned. "I see... so a monster stampede is finally taking place."

It was well-known that the Borderlands experienced monster stampedes once every five to ten years.

However, this monster stampede would almost always head toward the Kingdom of Britannia, so the losses the barbarians suffered was minimal.

This was also why the kingdom repeatedly failed to expand its domain southward. They had attempted multiple times, but every single city they had built would fall into ruin after the monster stampede obliterated everything in their path.

Leone had heard stories about the previous monster stampedes. Before his exile, the kingdom had already been preparing their defenses for an outbreak expected to take place this year.

"Great Chieftain, if what he said is true, then we must take this matter seriously," Kael stated. "Fortunately, we won’t be too affected even if the monsters head our way. As long as we prepare enough food, we can survive until the monster stampede is over."

The young man nodded, but didn’t take his eyes off Logan. After hearing what the Orc had to say, things finally clicked in place. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"So that’s the reason why you tried to challenge me," Leone said calmly. "Winner takes all, huh? If you win, you will take over the fortress so that your people can survive the calamity."

"Well, aren’t you smart for a human?" Logan said, his voice filled with sarcasm.

Leone chuckled, ignoring the Orc Champion’s attempt to mock him. "If that’s the case, then it would be in your best interest to accept the alliance I am offering you. We can allow your tribe to take shelter inside Grimjaw Mountain when that calamity strikes."

"And why would you do that?" Logan sneered. "Aren’t you the least bit worried that my subordinates will kill you all once they enter this fortress?"

"Of course, I am worried," Leone replied. "But I also believe that you are an Orc of your word."

"You’ll believe in someone you’ve just met? There must be something wrong with your head, human."

"It troubles me that I can’t refute your words because you’re completely right."

Leone smiled wryly after being chastised by the Orc Champion. Even so, having the Orcs as allies was an opportunity he couldn’t miss.

If even half of them were to assist them in battle against the Darkmane Tribe, then it would greatly increase their fighting prowess.

In fact, the Orcs had more warriors than the entirety of the Aslan Tribe. How could Leone not be tempted into making them their allies?

But then again, the Orcs were a proud and arrogant race. They would not yield easily, especially to a human.

Even if he killed Logan, the young man had a feeling that the rest of the Orc Champion’s subordinates would rather die than serve him.

He was taking a gamble. But if his gamble paid off, then the Aslan Tribe would gain more manpower to defend against future threats that would come their way.

"I’ll give you a day to think about it," Leone said. "Meanwhile, I will make contact with your people and let them know we have captured you.

Yet, just before he turned around to leave the prison cell, the Orc Champion’s voice reached his ears.

"Wait."

Leone turned around, wondering if their captive had more to say.

"I agree to this alliance," Logan said. "But how can you force me and my subordinates to honor it? Don’t tell me that you’re just going to believe our words so easily?"

"Of course not," Leone replied. "Do you think I’m that naive? I have prepared a magical contract that will bind both of us to adhere to the conditions of the alliance."

Leone then took out a scroll from his storage ring and unfurled it. He then held it in front of Logan so he could read the contents.

However, there was one problem.

"I’m not an Orc Shaman," Logan replied. "I can’t read."

Leone blinked once, then twice, before glancing at his prisoner in disbelief. He had completely forgotten that not all Orcs could read.

They were a primitive race. Although they had their own form of writing, it wasn’t as elaborate as the writing of humans.

"Very well. I will read to you the conditions stated here," Leone said calmly.

The Orc Champion was very curious about the conditions of the alliance, so he decided to listen for now.

"The first clause of the alliance is that both sides must never intentionally harm one another without just cause," Leone stated. "This includes direct attacks, assassination attempts, poisoning, sabotage, and betrayal."

Logan nodded because this was an acceptable condition.

"The second clause is that the territories of both tribes shall be respected. The Ravage Tribe shall rule the northern region of the forest, while the Aslan Tribe shall govern the southern region surrounding the fortress, the two sides separated by the river that divides both territories."

Leone continued reading the contents of the contract.

"The third clause states that both tribes must assist one another during times of great danger. This includes monster stampedes, invasions, and calamities that threaten the survival of either side."

This was actually the part that Logan focused the most on as his tribe needed it most at the moment.

"The fourth clause forbids either tribe from enslaving, coercing, or forcibly assimilating members of the other tribe."

At this, Logan slightly narrowed his eyes. He admitted that his original plan was to enslave the Aslan Tribe. Though, after getting captured himself, he understood that the Aslan Tribe could do the same to his own tribe as well.

"The fifth clause states that disputes between both tribes shall first be resolved through negotiation before violence is permitted."

Even the Orc Champion’s expression shifted after hearing those words. Orcs had a policy of fight first, talk later. But once he agreed to the contract, they had would have no choice but to handle things amicably with their neighbor.

"Just so you know, this is a magical contract," Leone added. "If one of us breaks it, the rule breaker will be cursed and would have no choice but to obey the orders of the other person."

A magical contract bought from the Arcane Store itself must never be taken lightly. Even Leone had to honor whatever would be written in it, for it was a soul binding contract.

"The final clause," Leone said, "is that this alliance shall remain in effect until both leaders mutually agree to dissolve it."

Silence descended inside the prison cell.

Then, after several long seconds, Logan laughed out loud.

"Hah! You humans truly love your complicated words."

Leone smirked. "And Orcs prefer solving everything with axes."

"That’s because axes are reliable."

"And some people say that a good Orc is a dead Orc."

Both leaders sneered at each other. They had their differences, as well as their own agendas. But at the end of the day, an alliance would benefit both of them.

"Then, what is your answer, Logan of the Ravage Tribe?" Leone arched an eyebrow.

The Orc stared at the contract for a long time before finally making his decision.

"How do I agree to the contents of this agreement?" Logan asked.

"A drop of your blood on the contract is enough to activate its effects," Leone answered.

"That’s it?" Logan inquired.

"That’s it." Leone nodded.

A few more seconds of silence passed before the Orc Champion let out a sigh.

"...Release one of my hands first," Logan said. "I can’t sign a damned contract like this."

"Nice try," Leone took out a small dagger and handed it over to Ulric. "If you agree to the contract, Ulric here will prick your thumb to draw out your blood. I will only release you once the contract has been signed."

Logan clicked his tongue at that. Indeed, he thought of grabbing Leone and using him as hostage.

The young man was right.

He wasn’t as naive as the Orc Champion thought he would be.