Chapter 80 Ogres and Humans
In the southern reaches of the Ogre Basin, Tancred led a small group of Draconic Ogres on their customary hunt.
Following a downpour, the Far North Ice Field now bathed in brilliant sunlight and clear skies—a rare occurrence. Many creatures of the ice field emerged to bask in the gentle warmth of the sun, Magical Creatures among them.
Since securing prey to the south, Tancred had been leading his kin on hunts further south. In the past week alone, they had hunted down three sizable Magical Creatures, storing their heavily injured bodies in the Ogre Basin as offerings to Brian.
While Brian required only one creature per week, Tancred consistently exceeded this quota, showcasing his dedication. Apart from the formidable Frost Tiger, only Tancred and his Draconic Ogres could provide Brian with high-quality sustenance. Hunting teams comprised of Arctic Ice Spirits, Terror Lizards, and White Hounds could only offer food of ordinary quality. Though abundant, they lacked the high-end combat prowess of Tancred's group.
At this moment, five Ogres, garbed in simple tanned beast hides and armed with large spiked hammers or wooden clubs, ambled across the sunlit expanse of the Far North Ice Field.
After a brief pause, Tancred exchanged glances with his companions. Upon cresting a low ice hill, they spotted twelve human figures nearly a kilometer away.
Of the twelve, eleven were agile and robust, clad in light armor enchanted for cold resistance. They advanced cautiously, armed with crossbows at their sides and weapons at the ready.
The twelfth figure, a man in his thirties robed in grey, brandished a modest staff and bore a badge on his chest.
The human party froze upon sighting the five colossal Draconic Ogres.
Tancred gazed skyward, his emotions uncontainable. "Once again, I thank Nature for its bounty." His recent luck seemed favorable.
Knowing that the esteemed True Dragon master had little interest in the tender flesh of children, Tancred speculated that these adult humans might pique his appetite.
Before the Ogres could make a move, the Mage among the humans issued a command. "They're Ogres! These behemoths are not to be underestimated. Stay vigilant!"
He invoked incantations, his staff aglow with elemental energy.
A first-circle spell—Lightness.
Recognizing the spellcasting, Tancred roared and charged, the other Draconic Ogres following suit.
The ground trembled as the tank-like Ogres thundered forth, stunning the humans with their sheer size.
As they drew nearer, the humans beheld the true enormity of the Draconic Ogres—each towering over nine feet tall, covered in fine scales, emanating a wild, oppressive aura.
The human Mage, his fingers trembling, hastily cast two more supportive spells.
A second-circle spell—Weapon Enchantment.
It honed the edges of the human warriors' blades.
A first-circle spell—Barkskin.
It enveloped them in protective vine armor.
Meanwhile, the Ogres bellowed and broke through the human defensive line.
Tancred led the charge, wielding his six-foot-long Black Spiked Hammer with brutal force.
Under his onslaught, three human warriors were sent flying, their weapons and armor rendered useless. Though dazed and disoriented, they survived, albeit incapacitated.
Despite their valiant efforts, the humans' counterattacks merely scratched the surface of the Ogres' thick hides.
"Is that the best you can do?" the Ogres taunted in their native Giant Language as they pressed their assault, turning the skirmish into a one-sided massacre.
At the rear, the human Mage, pallid and frantic, unleashed ice spells.
Yet, his Frost Ray barely fazed the Ogres, drawing their attention instead.
With a menacing grin, one Ogre leaped over the front line, landing menacingly before the Mage.
Moments later, the Ogres, bearing minor wounds, stood amidst the fallen human bodies.
Aware of Brian's preference for fresh prey, they left the humans barely clinging to life. Each Ogre hoisted two or three humans onto their broad shoulders and departed, leaving chaos in their wake.
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At the Ice Cliff Dragon's Lair, Brian had just awoken, contemplating whether to embark on a hunting excursion to unwind.
Before he could decide, a somewhat familiar, excited voice in Giant Language reached his ears from below.
"Master, I have something marvelous to present to you. I'm certain you'll be pleased."
At the sound of Tancred's enthusiasm, Brian's interest piqued, and he emerged from the Dragon's Lair.
Moments later, he surveyed the assembled Ogres with a curious expression, noting the Magical Creatures they had brought along, alongside a dozen mortally wounded humans.
Could it be that the Bonecrusher Tribe Ogres had a knack for capturing humans? Their recent captures seemed unusually numerous.
"My luck has been exceptional of late, Master. I've been encountering rare and delectable humans consistently," Tancred remarked cautiously. "These humans proved formidable adversaries, making it challenging to capture them alive. Hence, I've brought them to you in this condition."
"Ugga, where did you happen upon these humans?" Brian inquired.
After a brief pause, Tancred responded honestly, "To the south, approximately seventy kilometers from our Bonecrusher Tribe."
Brian fell silent, observing the humans thoughtfully.
These humans, organized and well-equipped, had ventured into the Far North Ice Field with a purpose.
Brian suspected they were connected to Morton.
The old Mage's flight to the Far North Ice Field had attracted numerous unfamiliar humans to this typically desolate, frigid region.
"What type of humans do you prefer to feast on? Let me know, and I'll endeavor to capture them for you next time," Tancred offered, sensing Brian's dissatisfaction.
Brian, somewhat resigned to his follower's luck-driven obsession with humans, replied, "I have no appetite for human flesh. Capture any special individuals alive, but deal with ordinary ones as you see fit."
Tancred nodded solemnly and inquired, "And what of the other three Magical Creatures? Are they satisfactory?"
"Excellent. You've done admirably. You are a valued follower," Brian commended.
A broad smile spread across Tancred's face as he responded joyfully, "It is Ugga's honor to serve the great Master. I shall redouble my efforts to ensure your continued satisfaction.".
