Neither Lancer nor Lothar were the kind of people who would place all their hope on uncertain factors. Lancer had decided to go crazy with Lothar because he was confident that he could retreat at any time. As for Lothar...
Looking at the gigantic Dark Portal in the distance, his eyes showed no hesitation.
The reason he chose to strike at this moment was because he knew if he didn't act now, there would be no opportunity left. It was, arguably, his last stand. This was not only to fulfill his friend's 'dying wish,' but also because he had fully experienced the terror and madness of these green-skinned Orcs. For the sake of his homeland, he had to stop them here!
However, while Lothar was confident, or rather, willing to take a gamble, it didn't mean that everyone shared his confidence.
Minutes of high-intensity combat had put immense pressure on everyone's body and mind. Moreover, looking at the seemingly endless wave of frenzied Orcs directly in front of them, a thought kept flashing through their minds —————— could they resist them?
It could be said that if it weren't for Lothar leading the charge and blocking the very front of the team, this fragile defense line would have been broken through. But just at this moment, the tide-like offensive suddenly came to a halt.
'Are the enemies about to launch a general offensive?'
It was not strange for the crowd to think this way. After all, how could those green-skinned Orcs give up when they had the absolute advantage?
Just then, the Orcs, like a tide, were pushed and shoved apart, and the hairs on Lancer body, who was originally standing at the forefront waving his lance, stood on end, because he sensed a powerful presence gradually approaching.
After only a few seconds, a tall Orc stepped over the crowd and appeared in everyone's line of sight.
He was nearly a head taller than ordinary Orcs, and unlike the simple attire of the others, he wore standard steel armor. What was more noticeable was his right hand, which seemed to be burning, and the black warhammer he held in his hand.
That strange warhammer was burning with flames, just like his right hand. After he walked over, he first roared a torrent of Orcish at Lancer. Lancer was naturally confused, having no idea what was happening. Perhaps because he first encountered humans, he understood the common language of Azeroth, but he didn't understand a single word of Orcish, just like how he could speak the Empire's language but couldn't understand foreign languages back in the Empire.
But just at this moment, the Orc suddenly struck his own breastplate with his left hand and raised the warhammer towards Lancer.
「Special Quest: Blackhand's Challenge 'Mak'gora'」
「Quest Requirement: Use 'Star Lance' to participate in Mak'gora」
「Quest Reward: 'Star Lance' Liberation Permit」
The name Star Lance reminded Lancer of the cross-shaped spear given to him by the fellow student of the Greek hero Heracles... Achilles.
This spear represented honor to him, but he rarely used it. After all, in its unleveraged state, it was just a tough weapon to Lancer, and the Spear of the Barbed Death, the weapon personally crafted by his teacher, was far more suitable for him. But if it could be liberated...
Lancer stepped across the defense line, stuck his lance to the side, and openly summoned his weapons box. Of course, during this period, he kept an eye on the reactions of the other Orcs. As expected, some Orcs began to stir, but they were eventually stopped by a wave of the strange Orc's hand. Finally, he took out the legendary 'Star Lance.'
——————
Although the human slaves' rebellion was unexpected, the Orcs didn't care. After all, it wasn't the first time slaves had rebelled over the years. Not to mention that, in their eyes, those weak humans had no power to resist. Their resistance simply provided an opportunity to consecrate the banner for the upcoming war.
However, the subsequent situation was somewhat unexpected. Those humans actually held out for several minutes under the Orcs' siege. Blackhand was naturally intrigued by this, so he decided to take a look himself. Then, he immediately saw Lancer standing at the forefront of the team.
Lancer, wearing silver armor, wielded his lance, and his right hand was flashing with powerful Ice elements. This undoubtedly made Blackhand very interested, as he felt Lancer was amusing, even somewhat similar to himself.
His right hand was injured when he tried to retrieve the 'Doomhammer' that the Fire Elementals had taken from his sub-commander (who was not yet his sub-commander at the time), Orgrim. Because of this, he was recognized by the Fire Elementals and gained his current right hand, that black right hand imbued with terrifying Fire elements. At the same time, he also gained Orgrim's genuine loyalty. Orgrim swore to wholeheartedly serve this brave and fearless Orc Chieftain!
The impending general offensive, an interesting enemy, and the rapidly growing vanity from becoming the 'Warchief'...
Blackhand made a decision that no one had expected.
He actually decided to challenge Lancer to a 'Mak'gora.'
Generally, a true 'Mak'gora' is an ancient ritual where two chieftains carry their clan banners, fight without weapons or magic, relying solely on physical combat, witnessed by Shamans and ancestors. However, Blackhand was clearly not referring to this. Since Lancer wasn't an Orc, it was the simplified 'single combat ritual.'
Orcs are a race that extremely believes in strength. When faced with irreconcilable differences, they resort to combat, and this duel has long been referred to as 'Mak'gora.' While not as formal as the former, it holds irreplaceable honor among the Orcs.
An Orc warrior can be fearless of death, but he can absolutely not tolerate his honor being trampled. Once a 'Mak'gora' is agreed upon, retraction is absolutely forbidden.
"Great Chieftain!"
Orgrim, standing behind Blackhand, immediately spoke up, trying to stop the chieftain. In his view, there was absolutely no need for it; those humans wouldn't last much longer.
Although the incidents involving Gul'dan and the demon blood had created a rift between him and Blackhand, this gap was still minor compared to their friendship. After all, he had personally witnessed this man's most glorious moments. While he was somewhat disappointed with the current chieftain, he primarily hoped to redeem his friend.
"Orgrim, there's no need to speak. That human seems to have made his decision."
Seeing Lancer use a strange method to retrieve a cross-shaped spear, a savage smile unconsciously emerged on Blackhand's face.
As Blackhand's words fell, the surrounding Orcs consciously cleared an open space and cheered loudly.
There was no doubt that Lancer previous fighting had also been recognized by the Orcs. Even if he was an enemy, he was a powerful one.
There was nothing strange about their 'Great Chieftain' challenging the opponent to a sacred 'Mak'gora,' because this was a ritual for powerful warriors!
They also firmly believed that their Great Chieftain would achieve victory! Just as always!