The caravan boasted five carts in total, for covered with oiled canvases to shield the contents from the sun, while one was laden with an assortment of goods.

pelts, leather armor, bathing tubs, and an array of tools.

It became apparent that the circumstances surrounding the conflict were far more complex than Parker's account suggested.

The pigheaded men had encroached upon the territo's resources.

Inciting the wrath of the patrolling skeletons, sensing the shift in fong house scrutiny, Parker hastily clarified, "Sir, we were unaware that these resources belong to you and made an unfortunate error in judgment.

We are willing to offer reparations.

Recognizing the precariousness of their situation, Parker chose to address the matter of compensation directly, understanding that any further discourse might provoke hostility from the human.

The insatiable greed of the orcs was wellnown.

Many tribes do not engage in agriculture or mining, instead relying on plunder to expand and thrive.

Thus, most orcs adhere to a singular tenant, strength.

If one is stronger, they must stand firm when struck.

If weaker, they resort to ruthless pillaging and slaughter without remorse.

Come, let us converse in a different local, Fonggho suggested.

The ground was littered with the corpses of slain pig men.

The soil stained a dark crimson by their blood, and the air suffused with the acurate scent of carnage.

Fongghao turned and stroed towards the direction of his territory with Parker and the other pig men trailing behind closely monitored by a throng of skeletal soldiers.

Upon reaching a clearing before his domain, Fongo seated himself upon a stone.

Meanwhile, Parker and his companions stood respectfully to the side.

The hefty pig-headed figure cautiously glancing at Fongo's territory.

"Are you merchants?" Fongo inquired with curiosity.

"Indeed, my lord," Parker replied.

From whence do you hail? Uh, from small village to the north.

Parker eventually answered, "Is the cargo on your cart yours? What do you intend to transport it?" Fong Hao continued, "Eager to glean more about this unfamiliar world through conversation with the locals.

We plan to take the goods to the Mana Market in exchange for other supplies.

" Parker recounted in detail, "The Mana Market?" Fun how paused, a flicker of recognition crossing his features.

He recalled seeing that name on a map he had acquired earlier at the goblin camp.

Upon consulting the lord's tome, he confirmed that the location of the mana market was indeed marked on the map.

Yes, it is a peaceful trading market established by the orcs.

The orc populace is militarized and favors plunder and combat.

Intertribal exchanges are common, yet conflicts persist.

Thus, the manum orc market was founded, instituting its own regulations.

Within the market, combat and pillaging are strictly forbidden, and all transactions must be consensual.

The orcs abide by these rules, bringing surplus goods from their tribes to trade for other items or currency.

Is this market accessible to all? Fong Ho probed further.

His interest peaked by the Orsish marketplace.

Parker glanced at Fong Hao and then at the multitude of skeletal guardians surrounding them.

A hint of trepidation in his voice as he replied that may prove challenging.

Fong Hao nodded, indicating his understanding.

Very well, let us discuss your compensation.

Having stolen from me and slaughtered so many of my soldiers, it would be unreasonable to simply let you depart and scathed.

His tone grew increasingly grave.

Parker surveyed the skeletal figures once more, swallowed hard, and clenched his teeth.

My lord, we are willing to leave behind a card of goods as recompense.

Huh? Fong house suddenly found amusement in the proposition.

Having killed you, all your goods would rightfully belong to me.

Why would you presume that offering me a card of goods would secure your freedom? Sweat began to bead upon the large visage of the pigmen.

Fonggha's words effectively silenced any further discourse from them.

The most valuable asset of this group lay in the goods upon their cart.

If these items could not serve as compensation, what else could they possibly present to persuade their adversary against taking their lives? My lord, please consider my goods.

Parker attempted to continue, but Fong Ho interjected, halting his words.

You have one final minute to present what I desire.

If you fail to do so, you shall not leave.

With that, Fong Hao fell silent.

The pigmen were rendered mute in an instant.

Sweat cascaded from their foreheads like raindrops.

Each drop a testament to the suffocating tension of impending death which left their minds in disarray and their thoughts blank.

Soon the minute elapsed.

Times up.

Execute them.

Fongo commanded without hesitation.

No, my lord, the battle coins.

I offer you battle coins.

Parker exclaimed in a fit of desperation.

Fong how esgay sharpened and he ordered the assault to cease.

The skeletons poised for combat.

lower their weapons and return to a state of readiness.

"Continue," Fong Hao instructed, directing his attention towards Parker, wiping the sweat from his eyes, Parker hastily replied.

"My lord, battle coins are the universal currency of the continent.

If he would be so inclined, we are willing to exchange battle coins for your forgiveness.

" Chapter 30.

The skeleton's spear hand upon hearing the mention of battle coins.

Fongo felt a stir of urgency within him before the next arrival of the skeleton merchant.

He needed to amass a sufficient quantity of battle coins to procure the schematics and items he desired.

However, it appeared that acquiring these coins would not be a simple endeavor.

Do you possess battle coins? He inquired.

Yes, indeed.

Parker replied hastily, nodding.

Then bring them forth.

Let me ascertain if they suffice to purchase your lives, Fongo commanded.

And no, we do not have them on us, Parker stammered.

Funhow s expression hardened instantly.

Are you attempting to deceive me? And no, my lord, please listen to me, Parker implored.

This is your final opportunity.

Speak, Fongghao urged.

My lord, our village possesses a modest sum of battle coins.

We are willing to leave someone as a guarantee and return with the funds, Parker suggested earnestly.

This proposition intrigued Fong How.

Given the size of the pig head merchant brigade, the tribe posed little threat to him.

If they were indeed willing to exchange battle coins for their lives, it could prove advantageous.

After all, the utility of battle coins outweighed the mere slaughter of a few pigmen turned into meat.

"How much are you willing to offer to secure your own life?" Fongo continued.

Seeing Fongo relent, Parker breathed a sigh of relief.

"My lord, we are but a small village.

We cannot gather a substantial amount of battle coins.

However, we should be able to collect over a 100 upon return, and we shall present all to you.

Funhow pondered, 100 coins was acceptable.

He could open some treasure chests later to gather additional funds, which should suffice for the next encounter with the skeleton merchant since they were willing to compensate.

You need not resort to killing them outright.

Very well, I accept your terms, but how can I trust that you will not abandon your promise and flee? Fonho inquired once more, "My lord, it is as follows.

Our old captain sustained a leg injury during our journey, and he is unable to move.