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  https:///book/revolucion-da-curandeira_32263807400879905

  As he expined, from the south and west, new species of monsters began to threaten the bance of the region. His vilge, like the others of his kind, suffered immensely from the constant battles. Although his people were strong, the incessant fighting was actually weakening them. He expined that continuous conflicts only made the weakest more vulnerable, with no clear purpose for so many battles.

  It seems that, because of these combats, they had lost great warriors. Despite this, there was a “nominee” among them, and, as I understood the concept of names for monsters, an even more powerful species granted him a blessing, strengthening him. However, this wasn't enough to save him, and he ended up dying in the midst of the fighting.

  Because of this loss, some dispersed to pces they felt were safer, while others accompanied them on their foray. Some wanted to isote themselves to preserve a small part, while others still preferred to stick together. As a leader, I imagine it was difficult to go through all this - losing so many close to him and seeing others leave. The burden he had to carry was really heavy, if I were to put it all on the scale. A bitter story, no doubt.

  - I understand... You said that there were approximately 70 orcs left. Of those, how many would you say know how to fight? - I asked.

  - Because of this disaster, females and children are now a much rger number among us. All the males have some training. Some females also know how to fight, but they are mainly dedicated to defending the younger ones. Although some were as brave as those you saved in the forest, we prefer not to involve them in battles until they come of age. As for the number of fighters, I can say that half of our number can fight, of course, not counting the youngsters. - He replied.

  Well, depending on the threat, the number of fighters can be a problem. With the shortage of men, involving women could be dangerous. They would be more valuable looking after the children and ensuring the continuity of the species. But even so, the men would be much more important in defense.

  - Wait... You said they were dealing with a threat and had to move. So that threat hasn't been neutralized? Will it still cause problems? Who are your adversaries? - I asked, with growing concern.

  - Oh yes... The giant ants, from the rock ant family. - He answered, with a serious tone.

  - How many of these “ants” do you think there would be? - I asked.

  - I'm sorry... But they are a numerous species. Their leader commands the swarm on the front line. Even so, they would be difficult opponents. With their reduced numbers, we'd need at least ten of us to match up to two of them. Although we've dealt with some of them in the past, it's possible that their numbers have increased and, being a spiteful species, their swarm will eventually find us. - He expined.

  Giant ants... Indeed, they sound like typical enemies from a role-pying game. But considering that his species is outnumbered, and based on their estimated strength, this sounds like a gigantic challenge - the hardest kind of difficulty, if it were really a game. When I faced him, I could see in his eyes that he wasn't exaggerating.

  - I have to ask, even though it's rude of me: did your warriors willingly go into the conflict, even if they weren't sure they could win? - I asked, with a certain trepidation.

  - Some of them had families to protect, others were frightened at the moment, even more so with the loss of our appointed guardian... As leader, I had to motivate them to continue so that our band would survive. It was a difficult choice, but their sacrifices were not in vain. That's why, as one of the survivors, I want to make it up to them and give the young people who stayed behind a safe pce. - I said it with a tone of regret, almost like a speech.

  I, with my experience of managing businesses and dealing with these power dynamics, knew how far this conversation would go. It wasn't going to be that simple. He wasn't going to harbor a “monster” that they called “powerful” without ulterior motives. After telling me his story, it was clear to me that he had something in mind. He wanted to use me in some way.

  I closed my eyes for a moment, reflecting on the whole situation. Even so, I had to remain calm to make this decision. The moment he mentioned his dead son and wife, a tear ran down his cheek. It made me wonder: should I condescend to him, given the pain he was showing? After all, I had just met him today. He could have been trying to manipute me for some benefit, using his story in a convincing way. There was no more time to lose, it was time to act.

  - Leader... I'd like to know something. If I help your vilge, what would I get in return? Depending on the circumstances, I might be risking very little. - I asked, trying not to show any signs of weakness.

  It wasn't that I was stingy, but I needed to be sure of his intentions. If I knew what he was willing to offer, I could better assess the situation.

  All the more so considering that, despite being a species with great numerical potential, Orcs seemed to be vulnerable. Even with some outside assumptions, I don't think they were prepared to deal with what was coming. I, with my powers, could perhaps do something, but I still needed to make sure it wouldn't be in vain.

  - Our vilge doesn't have many resources. But the single most valuable thing I can offer you, apart from my gratitude, would be... no, it would be the loyalty of all the Orcs in this vilge. - The leader replied with a serious look on his face.

  I hadn't expected such an intense response. His support would have been enough, but the idea of blindly trusting me was a bit much. I can't deny that it surprised me, as he was willing to put his pride on the line to ensure a chance to defend himself. No wonder he was the leader.

  Since I'd been alone in those caves for so long, any interaction would be new. And although the conditions and standards of the pce were precarious, it was still their home. If I were human, I would probably feel uncomfortable with the filth around me, but now, being what I am, it seemed irrelevant - at least for the moment.

  The leader of the Orcs looked at me for a moment, as if I were his st hope. That expression really touched me. Maybe it was because it reminded me of my Kouhais, who always depended on me when the going got tough, but in a way, this seemed like a more extreme case.

  - I accept your proposal. - I decred, with a lightness that contrasted with the tension of the situation.

  - Thank you so much! You really are our savior! - He excimed, gratitude evident on his face.

  - Please don't overdo it. I'm still far from being a savior, but I'll do whatever it takes to help you. - I replied, trying to ease the situation.

  And so, without much fuss, I formed an alliance with the Orcs of that vilge. I don't yet know what the future holds, but for now, I can consider myself their guardian.

  Vaku