Chapter 201 This is what you deserve
Two days later, Onyx and Thundar returned to Blackstone City with their forces, marking the official end of the invasion.
"Chieftain, the three-thousand-strong cavalry unit has completed the taming process. Every single icefield snow wolf is at hero level!"
"Of the wolves, 1,829 are male, and 1,171 are female!"
Inside the chieftain's tent, Thundar's voice brimmed with excitement. The fact that the Stoneheart Horde had managed to establish a three-thousand-strong wolf-mounted cavalry unit in just a few days was nothing short of miraculous.
"Thundar, from now on, you'll lead the cavalry unit as its commander."
"During training, take Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba with you. Drill them hard!"
Thundar accepted Orion's appointment with great enthusiasm.
Although he had failed to tame the Wolf King, the taming collar was still in his possession, and he knew it was only a matter of time before he secured his own Alpha-level mount.
Leading the three-thousand-strong wolf-mounted cavalry wasn't just a matter of interest or honor for Thundar—it was a symbol of his growing status within the horde.
Compared to Thundar's excitement, Onyx was far more composed.
"Chieftain Orion, most of the icefield snow wolves and frost giants have fled north, but a small number have scattered into the Black Forest. Should we continue hunting them down?"
Orion frowned, pondering for a moment before making a decision.
"Rendall will temporarily step down as commander of the cannon fodder troops and take charge of the hunting party as its commander. He'll lead a full-scale sweep of the Black Forest."
Orion's words sparked murmurs among the council elders.
The position of cannon fodder troops commander was an important one, and changing it so abruptly felt sudden and unsettling to many of the elders.
"Ahem!"
Orion cleared his throat, silencing the murmurs. His tone was calm but firm as he continued.
"Elder of Prophecy Onyx will take over as commander of the cannon fodder troops. He'll organize the troops and assist Rendall in the Black Forest sweep."
Onyx had previously fought alongside the cannon fodder troops during the Myriad Races Invasion, and the troops were familiar with him. This made him the ideal candidate to lead them.
This meeting also marked a significant reshuffling of roles and responsibilities among the senior elders.
The primary reason for this adjustment was Orion's long-term strategy: in future external wars, Rendall would remain in Blackstone City to oversee its defense.
Blackstone City had been established and was now running smoothly, but it required an Alpha-level fighter to hold the fort at all times.
This arrangement also aligned with Rendall's own wishes.
The hunting party, meanwhile, was responsible for ensuring the horde's supply lines and security. It was also a capable combat unit in its own right.
Additionally, the hunting party played a crucial role in training new recruits, helping to cultivate the horde's future strength.
For now, Orion didn't have a perfect plan for nurturing the next generation of warriors, so he entrusted this responsibility to Rendall, who deeply valued the horde.
Another reason for the reshuffle was Thundar's new role as cavalry commander. With the cavalry training program about to begin, the horde's power structure needed to be adjusted accordingly.
This redistribution of responsibilities was also part of Orion's strategy to maintain balance within the horde.
- Elder of Discipline, Rendall, would oversee the hunting party.
- Elder of Combat, Thundar, would lead the cavalry unit.
- Elder of Stewardship, Delilah, would command the Sentinel Corps.
- Elder of Prophecy, Onyx, would take charge of the cannon fodder troops.
Unbeknownst to many, Orion had quietly laid the foundation for the Stoneheart Horde's power structure.
Of course, certain special departments—such as the cave spiders, flying mounts, beast breeding, and magical plant cultivation—remained under Orion's direct control or were managed by individuals closely aligned with him.
After hearing Orion's arrangements, most of the elders were left puzzled, while a few sharp-minded ones either widened their eyes in realization, furrowed their brows in thought, or showed visible excitement.
Delilah stared at Orion, realizing that her giant lover possessed an impressive talent for leadership. In her eyes, Orion's potential had just risen to a whole new level.
Onyx, too, was visibly pleased. His appointment as commander of the cannon fodder troops significantly elevated his authority and status within the horde.
Previously, as the Elder of Prophecy, Onyx had held little real power. But with this new role, he had become one of the biggest beneficiaries of Orion's reshuffle.
At the same time, Onyx couldn't help but admire Orion's decisiveness and leadership skills.
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With the horde's major adjustments complete, Orion swept his gaze across the council members.
Every elder who met Orion's eyes felt a surge of excitement, as Orion would give them a slight nod of acknowledgment.
This simple gesture made each elder feel valued and appreciated.
After a while, Orion withdrew his gaze. Under the eager eyes of the council members, he pulled out three wooden boxes from his chest.
The moment the boxes appeared, the atmosphere in the tent shifted. The elders' breathing grew heavier, and their eyes burned with anticipation.
"When I first unified the Black Forest, I thought this land belonged to the giants."
"But after the Myriad Races Invasion, the dark beast tides, and this recent defensive war, I've come to understand that the Black Forest doesn't belong to me alone—or even to the giants. The Stoneheart Horde belongs to all of us."
Orion's words carried a stirring tone, evoking a sense of belonging among the various races that had joined the horde over time.
"And so, Alpha-level resources belong to all of us as well!"
Orion patted the wooden boxes in front of him, bringing the focus back to the matter at hand.
"Elder Dirtclaw!"
Orion's voice, usually clear and commanding, now carried a weighty, oppressive tone that filled the tent.
"Honorable Orion, your most humble servant, Dirtclaw, is here!"
Dirtclaw rose from his seat among the council elders, his demeanor both respectful and deeply emotional. His excitement was palpable, and even a hint of nervousness showed in his trembling hands.
Dirtclaw had already guessed what was about to happen. This moment was something he could never have imagined back when he was struggling to survive in the Thunderwood Forest. It was a privilege no slave could ever dream of.
"Elder Dirtclaw, as the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops, you joined the Stoneheart Horde during the early days of the Myriad Races Invasion."
"You led us to victory against the Gnoll Tribe and played key roles in the battles at Half-Moon Island, Thunderhawk City, and Stormrage City."
"Later, you led the cannon fodder troops in defending against the dark beast tides and the recent icefield invaders."
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"This is what you deserve."
Orion briefly recounted Dirtclaw's achievements, making it clear that the Alpha-level resource he was about to receive was well-earned.
Whoosh!
With a wave of Orion's hand, one of the wooden boxes flew into Dirtclaw's arms.
Silence.
Then, the sound of quiet sobbing.
It was Dirtclaw, overcome with emotion.
The other council elders turned their gazes toward him.
To them, Dirtclaw was neither particularly strong nor particularly handsome.
But he was a hero-level gnoll, the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops, and a figure of influence within the horde.
And that was more than enough.
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