Chapter 19: The Arena of Authority

The coup led by the Bonecruncher tribe still echoed in Kenji's mind. Although he had managed to defend the Varis camp from the initial assault, the tension and doubts had not completely faded. His opponents within the tribe still saw him as weak—a leader who disregarded tradition and the brutal strength that had been the foundation of Orc existence for generations. They demanded proof, a clear sign that Kenji was truly worthy to lead.

And that proof had to be shown in the arena.

Preparation for the Arena

That day, in a wide field commonly used as the tribe's battle arena, dozens of Bonecruncher warriors gathered. Fifty large, muscular men, their faces marked with tattoos and scars, their eyes burning with hatred and defiance. They did not come merely to fight but to assert the supremacy of tradition.

Kenji stood in the center of the arena, his gaze sharp and unwavering toward his opponents. Though vastly outnumbered, he felt no fear. He knew this was not about how many enemies he faced, but how deeply he could control his power—and more importantly, how he wielded it.

In his heart, Kenji recalled lessons from his past: true strength was not just about defeating opponents with violence, but about control, strategy, and inspiring respect.

The Heated Atmosphere

Cheers and shouts filled the air as the battle began. Bonecruncher warriors advanced one after another, trying to force Kenji to surrender or at least to be severely wounded. Yet, every attack they launched was met with Kenji's remarkable agility and precision.

Kenji moved like a shadow between their strikes. He blocked, dodged, and locked his opponents' movements without seriously harming them. His body flowed with stunning precision and flexibility, as if he were not just a man but the embodiment of true Orc power, free from blind cruelty.

The Fierce Battle

The fight lasted for hours. One by one, Bonecruncher warriors took turns unleashing deadly techniques they had honed all their lives. But Kenji remained calm, demonstrating extraordinary emotional and energy control.

Whenever a warrior attacked with burning rage, Kenji did not respond with anger but with deep calm. He used his physical strength and fighting skills to bring down his opponents, always with gentleness that spared their lives.

This shocked many. How could a leader survive a battle fueled by hatred without killing? Kenji proved that true power was not about bloodshed or destruction, but about showing dominance without taking life.

The Climax Moment

When dozens of Bonecruncher fighters had fallen or were exhausted, Kenji stood tall in the center of the arena. His body was drenched in sweat, his breathing steady. He looked out at the crowd and his challengers with a commanding gaze.

A profound silence enveloped the arena. No more shouting, no more cheering. Everyone held their breath, wondering what Kenji would do next.

Then, with a loud voice full of authority, Kenji declared, "I did not come here to kill you. I came to show that the greatest power of a leader lies not in spilled blood, but in the ability to control and unite."

The New Skill: Orc King's Authority

Amid the aura of power radiating from him, something new emerged. An energy Kenji had never felt before surged through his body. He trembled, and around him formed a soft yet dazzling circle of light.

Kenji's eyes widened, and a voice in his mind announced the arrival of a new skill: [Orc King's Authority].

This skill granted him the ability to emit charisma and strength that controlled the minds and emotions of his followers. With it, Kenji could bolster his warriors' spirit, soothe doubts, and move his forces in harmony without force.

Testing His Authority

Kenji raised his hand, and instantly the aura he emitted made the Bonecruncher warriors feel something different. Their anger slowly shifted into respect, even admiration. Some stood with reverence, acknowledging Kenji's power and dignity as their leader.

Harag, the Bonecruncher leader who had been the fiercest opponent, stared at him in confusion and amazement. "What is this...? How can you make us feel this... without violence?"

Kenji smiled faintly. "This is true power. Not violence, but influence. Not blood, but honor."

The Turning Point of Leadership

That moment became a turning point for Kenji and the entire Orc tribe. They began to see Kenji not just as a rebellious young leader, but as a true king—one who could unite through strength of heart and mind, not just by weapons and bloodshed.

His once-stubborn opponents started to soften. Some even approached Kenji, extending their hands as a sign of recognition and renewed loyalty.

Kenji knew his struggle was far from over. But with [Orc King's Authority], he wielded a weapon stronger than any sword: true influence over the hearts and souls of the Orcs.

Kenji's Reflection

As night fell and the campfires were lit, Kenji sat alone on a small hill overlooking the now peaceful camp. He pondered the day's events.

This journey had taught him that a leader is not one who oppresses through violence, but one who inspires and changes the hearts of his people.

He realized that in a harsh world like the Orcs', physical strength was important. But inner strength and charisma—those that bring true change—were far more lasting and meaningful.

With his new skill and growing respect, Kenji began a new chapter in his struggle. He was no longer just a warrior wielding a weapon, but a true leader ready to guide the Orc tribe toward a better future.

The battle in the arena was not merely about physical power but mastery over spirit and will. And Kenji, with his steadfastness and charisma, had proven he was ready to lead the Orcs into a brighter tomorrow.