Thunder Bluff, Paving the Way with Gold

Deren could finally catch his breath. The final team matches had concluded smoothly as well.

With the experience from the earlier individual matches, the Ogres' acting had become even more polished. After the three team matches ended, the "Gorosh" Jaina group won the championship.

The matches were over, and the spectators dispersed. Gordok stood off to the side ingratiatingly, endlessly praising the bravery of Regar's gladiators.

Deren took out a bag containing several hundred gold coins and tossed it to Regar. "Not bad. I'm very satisfied with this event. Split this money with Gordok. You still need to take us to Thunder Bluff later. Any problem with that?"

"Oh!" Regar opened the pouch and found it full of glittering little treasures, prompting him to whistle. "No problem, no problem." This Orc Shaman knew that Deren's group had no real killing intent. Even the Ogres had received payment.

He was also quite familiar with Gordok, and the two quickly divided the gold. Though neither was particularly satisfied with the distribution, neither dared start an argument in front of those terrifying guests.

After receiving his coins, Gordok thanked Deren's group once again. They had not taken his life, and they had actually paid him for the performance.

Onyxia did not quite understand. "Why give them so much gold? Not slaughtering them all was already extremely merciful."

Seeing that Regar still had a few things to arrange and that they would need to wait a while, Deren took his old companion's hand and said, "Think of it another way. Killing them all would certainly feel good. But paying in gold after getting things done is also important for our reputation. Even when dealing with Ogres, we pay them once the job is done.

"Theramore's credibility will spread, which will greatly benefit our trade.