The Young Chieftain

On a slightly raised hillock, a young-looking Orc sat alone. His name was Leiluo, the Chieftain of a very, very small Orc clan.

Leiluo felt the cold wind blow past, a sense of bitterness in his heart. He had just succeeded his father as Chieftain, and winter was fast approaching, yet his clan was not ready.

"Chieftain! Chieftain! Something's happened!"

Seeing the Orc laborer running towards him, Leiluo picked up the battle axe beside him and stood up to respond, "Delong, what happened? Why the rush?"

"Chieftain, the warriors in the clan are making a scene in the Chieftain's Hall," Delong said, his face filled with anxiety.

Hearing this news, Leiluo's face darkened. He tightened his grip on the battle axe, "Delong, take me to see."

When Leiluo returned to the clan with Delong, he saw over twenty Orc warriors in the Chieftain's Hall, and his heart sank.

His father had led more than half of the clan's warriors out hunting, but they had encountered a Thunder Lizard stampede. Only one had escaped to report the situation. The warriors before him were the entirety of the clan's fighting strength.

He had only been Chieftain for a day, and such a thing had happened. If he couldn't handle this, how could he manage the clan, how could he lead his people to resist the harsh winter?

"Saxi, what are you doing?" Leiluo stepped forward, questioning the strongest Orc among the warriors.

"Leiluo, your father was a great Chieftain, a powerful warrior, and I was willing to follow him," Saxi said, cupping his fist and lightly tapping his chest before continuing slowly, "But you, with only half Orc blood, a weakling who cannot contribute to the clan, are not worthy of being my Chieftain. As a Silver Strongman who served under the old Chieftain, I challenge you."

Leiluo knew that Orcs revered strength. Even if Saxi, the only remaining warrior leader, didn't challenge him, these warriors would not obey his command until he proved himself.

"Fine. Since you think I am weak, then let us have a Mak'gora in front of all the clan members. If you win, you become Chieftain. If I win, you will all obey my command," Leiluo raised his battle axe and pointed it at Saxi and the group of Orc warriors.

Mak'gora, an Orcish term meaning "honorable duel," is a one-on-one challenge between Orcs for honor or status. It can be used in situations including, but not limited to, vying for the position of Great Chieftain. The rules of Mak'gora dictate that neither party may wear armor and can only carry one weapon (blessings from a shaman before the duel are permitted). With at least one witness for both sides, the duel typically ends when one party dies. Traditionally, any Orc who refuses such a life-or-death challenge is considered dishonorable and banished from the clan.

"Very well. If you win, they will all obey your command," Saxi removed his armor, picked up his warhammer, and walked towards Leiluo.

"Delong, gather the clan members to witness the Mak'gora," Leiluo commanded Delong as he removed his own armor.

"This... As you command, Chieftain." Delong hesitated for a moment, but under Leiluo's firm gaze, he finally moved to gather the clan.

Soon, all the members of Leiluo's clan had arrived. Looking around, there were only about a hundred people. Excluding the female Orcs, the remaining population was equally divided between the elderly and children.

This was also why Saxi called Leiluo's late father a great Chieftain; he had never abandoned any of his clan members during the harsh winters, including the elderly.

But this great Chieftain could no longer lead the clan.

Thinking of the impending Mak'gora, Saxi's gaze was firm. Even if he is the Chieftain's son, I cannot show mercy. I must lead the clan through the winter.

"Since everyone is here, let's begin," Leiluo said, seeing that the clan members had all gathered, and signaled Delong to erect the Mak'gora flag.

Seeing the flag raised, Saxi didn't hold back. He charged forward quickly, swinging his warhammer at Leiluo.

Seeing the warhammer descend, Leiluo decided not to confront it head-on. He sidestepped to the right, dodging Saxi's powerful blow. Then, he flipped his dual-bladed battle axe and fiercely struck Saxi's sturdy back.

Although Saxi was a warrior, he was not wearing armor. The heavy blow to his back sent him stumbling forward.

However, being a warrior who had fought wild beasts in the plains countless times, Saxi rolled forward, braced himself with his left hand on the ground, and quickly stood up. He rapidly turned to face Leiluo, adopting a defensive stance.

Feeling the pain in his back, Saxi inwardly marveled. In that brief exchange, his experience told him that Leiluo's speed and strength surpassed his own. He had underestimated this usually low-key young Chieftain.

Although Leiluo had gained the advantage, he didn't press his attack. He wanted to crush his opponents, to show all the Orcs in the clan that he was a powerful Chieftain who could lead them to a better life.

Seeing that Saxi was not attacking, Leiluo felt a sense of admiration. He was indeed a seasoned warrior; even when facing an opponent he underestimated, he could instantly adjust his mindset and defend himself correctly when feeling pressure.

Wanting to display his prowess, Leiluo no longer hesitated. He lunged forward, swinging his battle axe. There were no fancy moves, but Saxi knew he couldn't dodge this attack. He raised his warhammer with both hands to block, but the expected heavy blow did not come.

As Saxi was momentarily stunned, Leiluo hooked the hammer handle with his battle axe and pulled, drawing Saxi close. Saxi tried to resist, but the strength in his hands filled him with fear.

Then, Leiluo kicked Saxi's knee, forcing him to kneel.

Leiluo then released the hammer handle, spun his foot, and swept the battle axe horizontally across Saxi's back. Startled, Saxi lunged forward to dodge the blow.

But Saxi, now prone on the ground, knew he had no chance. As expected, Leiluo leaped up, gripping his axe with both hands, and swung it down at Saxi.

Hearing the strong gust of wind behind him, Saxi resignedly closed his eyes. There was little fear in his heart, but rather a sense of relief. A powerful Chieftain could provide a better life for his people. Wasn't that his original intention in challenging Leiluo?

"Saxi, the clan cannot afford to lose another warrior. Tomorrow, lead the warriors and go hunting with me." Saxi looked at the battle axe stuck in the ground before him. He flipped over, and a large hand appeared before his eyes. Saxi grasped it, and a powerful force pulled him to his feet.

Watching the Mak'gora conclude, the surrounding Orcs swarmed forward to celebrate the victor.

They surrounded the young Orc, his face still somewhat childish. Due to his half-Draenei heritage, he lacked the tusks that Orcs considered a mark of honor, making him appear somewhat frail. However, the Mak'gora that had just ended undoubtedly told everyone that he possessed a strength that instilled fear in his enemies.

Saxi knew that this young Orc before him would lead them forward. Because in this young Chieftain, he saw the shadow of the old Chieftain.