In the distance, the Xiaobudian's territory was faintly visible.
The lights were on there, there were Gretchin patrolling, and several Orks guards standing watch.
Lynn, carrying Awen's head, followed behind Toothy.
Toothy walked ahead, its steps becoming lighter and lighter.
This is the first step. From today onwards, it will no longer be a tedious, chores -Gretchin.
As they approached the gang's territory, Lynn handed Awen's head to Toothy.
"Careful."
"Yes, I know." Toothy solemnly accepted the head.
Xiaobudian's base is in the center of the ranch; it's a building converted from the hull of a small transport boat.
The transport boat was stuck at an angle in the ground, the hatch had been replaced with a gate, and the hull was covered with various graffiti.
Two rows of well-equipped Pseudo -Gretchin guards stood at the entrance, wearing heavy armor and carrying scrap Lasgun.
Although those guns weren't very good quality, just carrying them around was intimidating enough.
Upon seeing Toothy and his group, the guards stopped them.
What do you do?
Toothy lifted Awen's head. "He's here to deliver a gift."
The guard glanced at the head, his expression changed, and he stepped aside.
Lynn didn't go in.
He stood outside the door, looking inside through the window.
The hall was brightly lit, and a huge figure sat in the center.
" Xiaobudian," this name is completely ironic.
That guy was at least two meters tall; he was definitely a behemoth among Gretchin.
It has a large stomach, but its limbs are as thin as bamboo poles. When it sits, its belly is piled up on its legs, like a mountain of flesh.
It wore an exquisite green breastplate and several genuine fine tooth necklaces around its neck.
Each tooth is about the size of a thumb, and they make a rattling sound when you walk.
Toothy went inside and came to stand in front of Xiaobudian.
It only reached up to the Xiaobudian's belly, but it stood very straight.
Toothy placed Awen's head on the table in front of Xiaobudian.
"I've already killed Awen." Its voice was neither humble nor arrogant.
"I'm going to take its place."
The Xiaobudian looked down at the head, then at Toothy.
Its small eyes darted around a few times, making it appear quite cunning.
How can you prove you killed him?
"What if someone else killed him, and you're just here to take advantage?"
Toothy didn't speak, she just clapped her hands.
The four Gretchin carried in two wooden crates and opened the lids.
Two boxes full of premium teeth gleamed alluringly under the light, a dazzling yellow that made one's eyes water.
The Xiaobudian's eyes lit up.
I need to have my teeth checked.
It reached out, grabbed a tooth, put it in its mouth, bit it, and nodded in satisfaction.
"There's nothing wrong with the teeth." The teeth are real and of excellent quality.
"Okay, from today onwards, Awen's position is yours."
Even with a certain power structure, the social interactions of the Orks wouldn't be too complicated.
All you need is the ability and the sincerity.
It grinned, revealing a mouthful of large, yellow teeth, "But whether you can hold onto this position depends on your own abilities."
Toothy clasped his hands in thanks. "Thank you, boss!"
It turned and walked out of the stronghold, its legs no longer trembling as before.
Toothy understood Xiaobudian meant by those words.
The other party won't cause you trouble, but they also won't help you.
How to win over Awen's underlings, how to manage those two fences, and how to keep others who want to rise in rank in check.
It's all up to you.
Back at the base, Toothy carried the last box of premium teeth to the front gate.
The box was opened, and the box full of teeth gleamed in the light of the rising star, making the eyes of the several Gretchin around them stare in disbelief.
Toothy stood up and shouted loudly:
"From now on, I, Toothy, am your cadre!"
"Follow me, and you'll have plenty of teeth!"
The sound spread around, and the Gretchin hiding behind the garbage heaps all poked their heads out.
Soon, hundreds of Gretchin gathered around, crowding in front of the stronghold, all craning their necks to look at the box of teeth.
True to his word, Toothy gave two premium teeth to every Gretchin who joined his ranks.
Those Gretchin took it, put it in their mouths, and bit it; their eyes lit up.
It wasn't made from a stone, nor was it an ordinary broken tooth; it was the real deal.
" Master Ya!", "Long live Master Ya!", " Master Ya, let's get rich!"
The sounds rose and fell, each one louder than the last.
In the world of Orks, a boss who gives you teeth is a good boss.
But not everyone was convinced.
Awen's two former underlings stepped forward.
"Why are you a cadre? You didn't kill Awen!"
"Yes! That purple-shadow killed him, what does it have to do with you!"
Toothy looked at them without panicking.
It turned and went into the stronghold, and when it came out again, it had changed its clothes.
Awen's armor was a bit too big, but he could still wear it by tightening it with ropes.
A steel helmet with goggles was placed on its head; it was modified using twenty fine teeth.
The goggles were red, and two long antennas were welded onto the helmet. Although they were useless, they looked imposing.
What's most frightening is the thing in its hand—a hand cannon almost as tall as itself.
The hand cannon was obtained by Toothy in exchange for fifty high-quality teeth, purchased from a Gretchin outside the ranch.
That thing was thicker than its head, and it could only carry it on its shoulder with great difficulty.
The hand cannon itself is of average price, but the shells are very expensive; one shot costs ten high-quality teeth.
Toothy pulled the trigger.
boom!
The first leader was sent flying and landed on the pile of scrap metal behind him.
He passed away peacefully without uttering a sound.
The air was thick with the smoke of gunpowder.
It turned to the second minor leader.
The squad leader, seeing his comrade's corpse and the still-smoking cannon muzzle, felt his legs go weak and knelt down in front of everyone.
"Ya, Master Ya! I surrender! I surrender!"
Toothy stood at the doorway, blowing away the smoke rising from the hand cannon.
It did not fire a second shot.
It's not that I don't want to open it, it's that I can't bear to part with those ten teeth.
But nobody knew he was worried about the money. In the eyes of those Gretchin, Master Ya was showing mercy and being magnanimous.
No one felt there was anything wrong with this "unfair" duel.
In the world of Orks, there is no such thing as fairness.
They have the teeth to buy good equipment; that shows they're capable.
They've all spent money on in-game purchases, so why can't they beat other free-to-play Orks?
The remaining Gretchin knelt down and shouted in unison:
" Master Ya!" " Master Ya!" " Master Ya!"
Toothy looked at the corpse that had been blasted away, then at the hand cannon in his hand.
He hoisted the still-smoking hand cannon onto his shoulder, turned and walked into the stronghold with a bold stride.
His figure actually grew taller and taller, his originally thin body now filled with loose armor.
Lynn followed behind, watching Toothy's retreating figure, and gave him an approving smile.