Noah walked over to the entrance of the prison yard, wanting them to have a friendly face to explain the situation. Bob was the first to walk through the passageway, and Noah waved over to him.


    “Bob! Come here, I have a lot to share with you.” Bob flinched and looked around nervously. “It’s okay, you’re free.” Noah explained in a soft tone.


    “What do you mean, free?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.


    “Exactly that, Ro’Kar, the chief has agreed to let you all go.” Noah explained. Several of the other people hearing the news sank to their knees, crying in relief. Bob however squinted at Noah.


    “How exactly did you manage that?” He demanded.


    “Chief No’Ah has claimed you as his people! I wouldn’t be quick to anger such a mighty warrior by taking what is his!” Ro’Kar yelled, giving Noah a grin.


    “Why is he saying that we’re your people? What is that supposed to mean?” The older man asked. Noah sighed.


    “It seems to be a part of this new world. I am an Iron caste, and so is Ro’Kar. This demonstrates a certain amount of power and authority in the eyes of the System. Iron is the first caste that the System considers to be citizens, and anything below that is considered lesser. I claimed that you were my people and so to the orcs, you are my people.” He explained. Bob nodded with a deep frown on his face.


    “I understand but I don’t like it. And what do you plan to do plan to do with us?” He said.


    “I don’t like it either, but we aren''t in a place to change that. I don’t plan to do anything with you, you are free to do whatever you want. I am going up the mountain to fight monsters and see the world, I would suggest however that you head downhill and meet up with some friends of mine. They are hoping to find people and get settled.” Bob nodded.


    “I’m sorry, Noah. I shouldn’t have assumed the worst. It''s been a rough few weeks, and now the whole world is telling me that I’m dust. It''s not right.” Bob said.


    “Bob, I agree and you guys have been through a lot. Getting to iron is not out of reach though, since you already F-Grade and level 10, all you need it unlock your first Gate. It only took me a matter of months to meditate and figure it out but I think it has something to do with seeing yourself for who you really are.” Noah responded.


    “I guess that makes sense.” Bob said, his face scrunched in thought. “What do you mean, several months? We have only been here a few weeks!” Bob blurted out.


    “No’Ah is a sage, very rare.” Ro’Kar interjected. Bob tilted his head in confusion.


    “It’s a long story, Bob. Maybe if we have some time later, I can explain. For now, we should explain what’s going on to everyone and help them figure out what’s next.” Bob agreed and they made their rounds, sharing the updates with everyone. After a while, Ro’kar pulled Noah aside to chat.


    “No’ah, I heard that you plan to travel up the mountain.” Statement more than question. Noah nodded.


    “That’s right.”


    “Then I have a request for you. The higher you go, the stronger the beasts appear to be.” He said. Noah frowned.


    “Are you asking me not to go?” He asked, puzzled.


    “Not at all! I wish I could go with you! No, I would like to send a warrior with you so they may gain experience and serve as your Dan’Kar. It would be a great honor for them.” Ro’Kar explained. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    “I see. What is a Dan’Kar?” Noah asked.


    “Hmm.” The orc rumbled. “It means something like stitched warrior, it is a deep bond between warriors to fight to the end for one another. In this case the warrior would fight to the end for you.” Noah wasn’t sure what to think. The concept was familiar in medieval history but in reality, it felt like a serious decision.


    “I would be honored, but–”


    “Fantastic!” Ro’Kar cut him off. “The matches will begin after dawn.” He finished before walking away. Matches?


    Noah heard shouting from the gathered people and made his way over. Several men were standing in the center of the crowd making loud gestures.


    “Are we just going to let them get away with this?” One of the men shouted.


    “What’s going on?” Noah asked, coming alongside Bob.


    “They are angry. They’re looking for justice.” Bob replied as the men kept shouting. Noah rubbed his temples.


    “Justice? If they attack, they’re only looking for an early grave.” He responded.


    “That’s pretty much what I told them, but they are not in a place to reason. And honestly, I get where they’re coming from.” Bob said. Noah saw one of them ball his fists before turning in the direction of Ro’Kar. Noah sighed and ran to intercept him.


    “What are you doing?” Noah asked as he gripped the man’s wrist.


    “Let me go!” He said as he tried to free his arm. “These scumbags need to pay! You saw what they did to us, what’s wrong with you?” He demanded.


    “Do you have family out there?” Noah asked.


    “What?” He grunted.


    “Do you have family out there?” He repeated.


    “Yeah, I do, somewhere. What’s that got to do with this?”


    “If you attack them you will die. What good is that for your family? Have you written them off already?” Noah demanded. For a second, the man looked like he’d been slapped but then a switch flipped and he stuck his finger into Noah’s chest.


    “You don’t get to talk about my family! I could wipe the floor with you! Get out of my way!” He said, punctuating each word with a jab of his finger. Noah narrowed his eyes.


    “Fine. Beat me and I’ll let you pass,” he said, raising his hands. The man barely hesitated before throwing a sloppy hook. Noah didn’t move to block, instead letting the punch connect with his cheek. It stung a little. The man stared confused at his hand which he held gingerly with the other. It was quickly becoming red and the man swore profusely. Wanting to drive the lesson home, Noah lightly jabbed the man in the stomach. He doubled over, his attempt at a block ineffectual.


    “W-what are you?” The man asked, lip quivering. Noah shrugged.


    “Do you understand now?” Noah asked. “If I can do that by barely touching you, what could I do if I wanted to hurt you? Do you think Ro’Kar would let the insult slide if you assaulted him?” He nodded in shame and Noah helped him to his feet.


    “Look. I’m not happy about what has happened, but we need to focus on moving forward. We are surrounded by enemies on all sides that are a much bigger threat than these orcs. It is time to grow in power–that seems to be the only voice people will listen to in this new world.” He guided the man to the others.


    “Everyone, let''s try to get some rest. We leave tomorrow.” Noah told the group before finding a corner to sink into.


    The next morning he woke up late to the sound of metal striking metal. He jumped to his feet, ready to defend himself. Instead, he saw a large gathering of orcs in a circle in the center of the village. Spotting Ro’Kar, he made his way over to find out what was happening.


    “No’Ah! Good of you to join.” He greeted, extending his arm for a warrior''s grasp.


    “Good morning, Ro’Kar. What is this?” He asked, seeing two warriors facing off in the middle of the circle.


    “The Dan’Kar matches!” He explained, “They are fighting for the honor of accompanying you on your path. Best you watch closely.” Noah nodded, having accepted the flow of events.


    “Who should I watch for?” Noah asked. The chief grinned.


    “Ta’Ku, my second or Zo’Kati the warrior.” He said pointing to them in the crowd. Noah recognized them both, Ta’Ku from the battle and Za’bin from his first encounter with the orcs. She captured me, I saved her life, and I finally learned her name. He chuckled.


    “The rest will still try to earn the honor, but one of those two will win.” The chief explained. The battles dragged on for hours, and at some point, the other humans joined in for the show. Food was distributed and the cheering grew as the fights intensified. Noah watched as the orcs fought with practiced motions, accustomed to their weapons. These were true warriors, long before the System arrived. It was amazing to watch as they fought with prowess, eventually maiming their opponent and winning the favor of the crowd. The victor would look to Noah with a grin, his weapon raised, while the loser was brought to the healer. As the hours passed the warriors were eventually narrowed down to two. They strode into the ring, and  Noah joined the crowd roaring in approval. Za’bin and Ta’Ku. The chief lifted his arm.


    “Fight!”