Tristan can feel with every fiber of his body that before his three months are up, another huge battle will come.

The last fight with the Forlorn elves merely served as further confirmation of his feelings, and another proof that there are still too many things missing for him to create a proper lineup for battle.

First, he needed some good equipment, both weapons and armors. The orcs' current weapons are just normal steel, not even strong enough to be considered tier 1 equipment. It would be such a shame to deprive them of at least that much, for his strong orc forces might be defeated or even died because of a lack of proper equipment.

Buying tier 2 and 3 swords would cost too much coins. Hence, Tristan decided for the town to open up their own blacksmith.

They would build the place and hire veteran blacksmiths to forge custom-made weapons and armor.

For this to happen, Uriel needed some gold coins to set up the workshop and buy the materials.

Fortunately, from the 600 gold coins he obtained from the mine owner fines, he still has around 300 coins left. He counted around 100 gold coins and gave them to Uriel. It wouldn't be enough in the long run, but for now, he just needed enough equipment to ensure the survival of his orc army.

To cut costs for them, Tristan gave Uriel all the tier 2 loot he found to be modified into orc-sized equipment.

"Here are the weapons." Tristan handed them all to Uriel. "If possible, I'll need 200 or 300 sets of tier 2 weapons and armor." Tristan said.

Uriel nodded and quickly piled the weapons to be carried later. Next, Tristan turned to Karra and asked.

"We need more orcs! How can we recruit more orcs as soon as possible?"

While the city forces are still under training, Tristan will need to depend on the orcs as his main fighting force for a while. Hence, he needed to acquire more of them as soon as possible, those who are willing to pledge their loyalty to his tribe.

Tristan gave her a very special mission. That is, to recruit as many orcs as possible and enlarge the tribe.

The female orcs listened to Tristan's wishes and nodded confidently. Tor recruit these orcs are not as easy as to pay their salary like the human guards. It could be said its harder or easier depend on the recruiters. These orcs need an inspiring leader as their main requirement.

One of the most effective way was to give a show of strength, and right now, with the 26 orc champions within the tribe, this will not be too difficult task to do. She was confident she could do it, and all she needed was time.

With her task at hand, Karra quickly left the place, leaving the Caerloen security fully to Gazef and his town guards.

Last but not least, Tristan needed healers.

In the last fight, he saw the elder's healing spells in action, and he concluded that having more healers is definitely crucial. Unfortunately, healer talents can rarely be found in Arcadian territory, and Tristan is not allowed to ask for help from the Vanyar elves.

The only thing he could do is look around for a healer by himself.

He went to his desk, took out a piece of parchment, and sent a request to the mage guild and the adventurer guild for a healer. He promised decent pay for healers who are willing to stay at Caerleon, and while he was at it, he also requested an ice magician for his special projects.

His preparations are all done, and he called upon the newly healed Chieng and Astrid.

"You two will come with me to Forlorn."

Tristan's words made Gazef and Uriel glance at him with concern, but he decided to ignore them as usual.

"Dont worry i have a plan"

--

The next day, right as the day started to get warmer; six riders came galloping from Caerleon's southern gate. They went directly to the town hall to meet the mayor.

Five of them are Arcadian knights, each wearing simple yet sturdy armor with insignias carved on their shoulders. The last one was a middle-aged man wearing the robes of a formal Arcadian uniform.

"Greetings, Mayor Tristan, I am Agoon, an Arcadian minister assigned to be the envoy for the Forlorn incident. I heard that you have something to add before my journey to the elf kingdom?"

"Ah yes, Mister Agoon, I plan to join your group in the trip to the Forlorn Kingdom."

The minister stared at Tristan in surprise.

"I apologize, My Lord, but there will be talks of a sensitive problem between the two kingdoms. I am afraid I am not allowed to take you with us. This is all the will from the king himself"

"I see…" Tristan nodded and sighed, seemingly resigned. "Just one question, then, aren't you worried they will turn out hostile and might harm you right as you arrive?"

"That is a valid concern, My Lord, and if I am being honest, I can see such a thing happening. But, it will still be my duty to follow."

"That's amazing!" Tristan smiled. "Then, me and my two teams will join the convoy."

"Again, I apologize, my lord, I really can't-"

"Yes, I heard you the first time. I am sorry too, Minister Akon."

Tristan walked closer to the minister, grabbed his face, and casted [Blood Seal]

Red mists immediately engulfed the minister, and as he was caught by surprise, he had no chance to run away or retaliate.

[Human]

[Battle Power: 25]

[Spirit Force: 62]

[Blood Seal requires 180 blood essence to take effect]

"Yes. Proceed." Tristan whispered.

He glanced at the five knights, who were prepared to pull out their weapons, and gave them a creepy smile."I hope one of your knight's uniforms will fit me."

With the envoy now under his control, Tristan finally got his invitation and way into entering the Forlorn Kingdom while disguised as one of the envoy groups.

The whole plan again gives much concern to Uriel. It does appear to be a very dangerous mission indeed.

Admittedly, he and Serene were not in the best relationship at the moment, but no matter what happens, she is still his wife. Besides, it would taint his pride as a man if he let his wife be taken captive without doing anything.

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Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v.e.l,

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