"What?! Five days?!"

Seth was the first to sputter out a complaint in shock. In response, Tristan glanced towards him and narrowed his eyes, causing the man to instantly pale and fall into silence. He looked away from Tristan, not wanting to get the brunt end of his wrath.

The news Tristan brought was that they have to spend the next five days defending the fort. Meaning, they will have to keep their wits about them.

Other than Seth, none of the other seems to be against this decision

Barry was assigned to protect him, so he will follow. Herrera ignored everything that was explained about it and blindly nodded in agreement as long as she could follow Tristan. As for Borin he definitely has no opinions at the moment.

"Just consider it as another adventurer job, guys…no biggie" Tristan said with a straight face.

Although they seem to be in agreement, Tristan felt that the group was still uncomfortable with the decision Especially Layla.

"Are you sure about this, Tris?"

Tristan breathes a long sigh and decides to say.

"Actually, I have reason to believe, if we don't help them, they will kill us right away... so we really don't have a choice do we?"

After saying it no one questioned Tristan's decision anymore.

Although Tristan doesn't believe what he just said, it's not really a lie if there is still a possibility it could happen right? Tristan thought to himself justifying what he just said.

The fact they had to stay and accept the job really benefited Tristan, as another battle meant he could collect more blood essence. However, there was always the chance something would go wrong.

Therefore a backup strategy or an escape plan is always needed.

Tristan approached the boat and saw the captain. He and his crew were still busy working, patching the boat with wood and whatever sturdy-looking materials they could find nearby.

Tristan walked around the boat once, looking at it from all angles before asking the captain about the time the boat could be fixed. The captain informed them the process would take one or two days.

To make things go smoother, Tristan put one gold coin in the captain's pocket.

"More will come, just follow the plan" Tristan said to the captain

These are more than enough to bring joy for the captain and his crew.

Tristan assured the group once again that he considered their safety as priority, and he promised to pave the way for escape as soon as things go out of control.

When he finished checking out the boat, The day was almost over. The group was given one of the half a dozen houses that was located inside the fort.

It was just an empty abandoned house, but it was large enough for the whole group to stay together.

Later on when night came, there was a knock on the door. It was the eight rugrats, all of whom came delivering dinner for the group.

Tristan can see the young orcs tried to show them gratitude, he even can swear that the young orcs seem reluctant to part with them. Somehow they reminded him of the stray puppies that he had fed when he was small, only green and bigger.

Right as the young orcs left, Layla approached Tristan and apologized. From the looks of it, she believed that they are currently in this predicament thanks to her selfish behavior, but she also admitted that she found comfort in seeing the young orcs safe and sound, and hoped her brother would feel the same, at least.

Tristan actually feels things are more beneficial for him, so he was not angry at all but seeing the situation he said.

"Yes.. this really is a troublesome situation for us, sis… we might not make it out of this place alive. Therefore, next time you should listen to me more… agreed?"

Layla noded and smiled before moving to her spot for rest. Out of the corner of his eyes, Tristan saw Barry approaching him.

"Sir elf, I wonder if you really believe that the orcs will kill us if we don't help them?"

"Yes Barry i think they will…" another lie, but like they say about a good lie, you fake it till you made it

"Why you ask? What do you think?"

"Actually from my experience, orcs can't actually lie and deceive. But if what they say about the attack is true, then we are in big trouble."

"I see, thank you for the input Barry" Tristan than realized Barry was reluctant to say something else

"If there's something else you better say it"

"Yes sir Tristan, i must inform you that I have reported our situation to the mayor."

Hearing that, Tristan was stunned, "Report? When? How?"

Barry showed him a small object that he had been holding in his hand all along, a black stone the size of his palm with some sort of runes engraved on its surface. From his explanation, Tristan found out that it was some sort of two way communication device.

Barry looked away from Tristan and apologized about the matter as it was his mission to always report to the mayor.

From his expression, Tristan was clearly annoyed by the fact that his every move was disclosed to the fat elf, but he understood. After all, he had promised some information to the mayor, and he has to provide his part. It would be a massive loss for the mayor if he decided to leave without doing so.

A moment later, the stone was glowing right in front of his eyes. Seeing that, Barry quickly responded as he grabbed it with his two hands. Immediately after, he said, "I just received a reply from the mayor, he decided to send help. They will come in a few days"

Hearing this made Tristan even more excited.

If a three-way battle happened in this place, wouldn't the bloodbath be even more beneficial for him?