The Abused is The Abuser in Another World

Chapter 24: Forging the Enclave

The days stretched into weeks as the search parties scoured the former Duchy of Valewood, moving with purpose through dense forests and barren fields. They gathered the lost—the weary, the wounded, the broken souls clinging to life. Now, they stood together in the heart of the Thundertusk Warrens: orcs, elves, goblins, the Free People, and other survivors, all driven from their homes, waiting for Noir to speak.

Noir's crimson eyes swept over the crowd. The weight of their fragile hope bore down on him, but he was used to pressure. His mind, always calculating, measured the crowd's emotions and what he could say to solidify their unity. He stepped forward, his voice steady and clear.

"I stand before you not as your ruler," Noir began, his tone calm but intense, "but as one who has also lost much. We were driven from our homes, hunted, and forced to flee for our lives. But now..." His gaze intensified, his crimson eyes locking onto those before him. "Now we have a chance to build something new, something better."

The crowd was silent, their eyes fixed on him. He could sense their desperation, their need for guidance. Noir continued, his voice sharpening with resolve.

"First, Love," he declared, his voice rising slightly. "Love each other and do not fight amongst yourselves. We were gathered here not to hurt each other, but to stand together. Hatred and division are the tools of our enemies."

A murmur ran through the assembly as different races—orc, elf, goblin—exchanged uncertain glances. Noir expected as much. Unity had never been easy, but he could see flickers of understanding, of cautious acceptance.

"Second, Protect," he said, his tone growing harder. "Resist those who would destroy the peace inside this sanctuary. We've been given a chance to create something new, something that can withstand those who have tried to crush us. We will stand together, and we will resist."

A few nods rippled through the crowd, and some clenched their fists in agreement. This sparked something in them—a sense of purpose, a reason to stay and fight instead of fleeing once more.

"Third, Respect." Noir's gaze swept over the crowd, lingering on the orcs and elves, the goblins huddled in smaller groups. "No matter who you are—orc, elf, goblin, or anything else—you are equal here. We are all survivors of the same war. Respect each other, support each other, and see each other as allies."

This time, the murmur of approval was louder. The weight of their shared suffering seemed to bridge old divides, if only a little.

"And fourth, Enhance," Noir said, his voice strong with determination. "This sanctuary is not just a place to hide but to prepare. Train, learn to fight, and strengthen yourselves. We will not wait for the enemy to find us; we will make ourselves ready. Ready to defend what we build, ready to fight for our future."

The roar of approval that followed echoed off the cavern walls, filling the air with a renewed energy. Orcs, elves, goblins, and all, cheered with a fervor that Noir had not seen in them before. It wasn't just a cheer of hope—it was a promise of defiance, a shared will to stand and fight.

Inside, Noir remained calm, but something stirred within him—a warmth he hadn't felt in what seemed like a lifetime. He had given them hope, and perhaps, he thought quietly, he had found a new purpose for himself as well.

The days that followed were filled with unprecedented activity. Under Noir's orders, each faction began building their own homes within the sanctuary, shaping it to suit their distinct needs.

Lor and Shargoth led the orcs deeper into the heart of the Warrens, where they set up large communal fire pits surrounded by stone. "This will be the place for stories and strength," Shargoth remarked, his voice calm yet reverberating with spiritual weight as he directed the construction of sleeping quarters and weapon alcoves. "We build not just for shelter, but for the battles to come."