Gwyneria and I stepped into the training courtyard, where the ten orcs were engaged in fierce sparing.
I caught my breath sharply. "Are those...?"
Gwyneria nodded. "Yes, my liege. They are your orcs."
I could hardly recognize them.
They have undergo an incredible transformation overnight. Each orc bore unique features that set them apart from the others.
Their monstrous, hard faces now look more softer and humane. Some had lost their tusks entirely, while others had shred their bulky frames for a more leaner and shredded builds.
Orcs in this world were typically bald but my orcs had grown hairs. I mean, actual human hair, with different colors ranging from red to snow-white, deep brown to raven black hair.
What's more, their clothing had changed. They had discarded their crude hides and scrap armour.
In replace of their former wears, they wore elegant, well crafted suits of the finest armour I've ever seen.
From the way they move and the clarity in their eyes, I could tell they were no longer mindless brutes.
"Amazing," I turned to face Gwyneria. "How did this happen?"
"After you named them, you passed out and fell asleep," she explained. "While you were resting, they all evolved overnight. They are more intelligent, faster and stronger than before. They've ascended from high orcs to Elite Warrior Orcs."
Elite Warrior Orcs? No wonder they look so different.
"Each have their own personalities," she continued after a pause. "They can make life decisions for themselves but their undying loyalty to you remains the same. Take a close look at their chests. They bear the same Dragon crest as yours."
True to her words, each of the orcs bore my dragon crest on their chest.
"Does this means they're connected to my magic?" I asked.
Gwyneria nodded. "Very much so. They draw strength from your life essence. As you grow stronger, so do they. That's the power that comes from naming a nameless creature, my liege."
This was unbelievable. I could only stand and watch them train.
They no longer swung crude cleavers or axe. Instead, they sparred with finely forged swords and experimenting with a wide array of weapons.
They have indeed evolved.
Suddenly, one of them spotted me and yelled to the others.
"Oi! Master has awaken!"
I was startled. "Huh? Did I just hear him speak?"
The other orcs ceased their training and turned to me. Their faces lit up and they ran up towards me, calling out together.
"Master, you're awake!"
I looked from them to Gwyneria, and then back again.
"Wait a minute, they can talk?" I asked her, my eyes bulging.
Gwyneria touched her lips thoughtfully. "Strange... I could've swore I mentioned something about their enhanced intelligence. Perhaps you weren't paying attention, master."
Before I could say something, the orcs dropped to one knee and bowed their heads before me.
"It is good to see you in good health, master," they chanted in unison.
I smiled sheepishly. "And you too. Wow, you all have undergone such incredible transformations. I'm really surprised."
One of the orcs raised his head, looking proud. "It's all thanks to you, master. You gave us names and made us intelligent. We are prepared to serve you until the very end of our lives."
I studied him for a long moment. "You give off the air of a leader. Were you the one who led the others?"
He grinned. "Yes, Master. You named me Dwayne."
I drew in a sharp breath. "Oh... Dwayne. That's you?"
He nodded yes.
Dwayne had a mass of dark hair which he tied into a neat ponytail.
His features were mature with strong jawline and a pair of tusks that were moderate enough not to dominate his face.
Draped over his armour was a cape made from a snow beast hide, and four golden earrings gleaming on his elongated ears.
Unlike regular orcs with horrible odours, Dwayne smelled fresh and clean. Like he had just come from a good bath.
"Nice to meet you, Dwayne," I said, liking him already. "Why don't you introduce the others to me."
"It would be my honour," Dwayne rose to his feet and gestured to the group. "Master, this is Vibranium. He is a master with the spear."
Vibranium looked like he was in his mid-twenties. He was tall and athletic with a leaner build.
He wore a wavy red hair which he allowed to dance in the breeze. He was cleanshaven, and surprisingly, had no tusks.
I have to say, Vibranium was goodlooking.
"It's an honour, Master," Vibranium grinned confidently at me.
Dwayne continued. "The old geezer with the white hair over there is Rust!"
Rust shot Dwayne a warning look. "Oi, Dwayne. I may be old but I can still take you on. Watch your tongue, boy."
Rust looked old, no doubt, but he bore a formidable figure. I mean, this guy was jacked with well defined muscles and an intimidating presence.
He carried a massive axe on his back that looked like it could chop down a tree with just one powerful swing.
Dwayne smirked. "I'll watch it, old geezer. The boy with the brown hair is Jojo. He's a dual sword wielder."
I was also introduced to Rocky. He wore a sleeveless armour that showed off his muscular arms.
He has the biggest frame among the others. He carried a massive hammer two times his size with one hand.
"Rocky is the powerhouse among us," Dwayne said. "He doesn't say much. He's basically the tank of the group."
I couldn't have agreed more with Dwyane.
Next was Brick, a female orc.
I blinked in surprise. I never imagined a female orc was a part of my warband.
She had a slender tone figure with muscular legs and round, firm waist. She wore fitted leather armour and carried twin curved daggers at her hips.
Her white hair was tied in a tight bun. She bore the face of a badass women ufc fighter.
"Next is the twin, GigaChad and Ikea," Dwayne gestured to them.
The twins both bore the same short spiky hair and wields dual short swords. They bowed to me.
Wenome and Gronk were absent for they had gone to the surface to hunt for meat.
"I must say, I am impressed," I said, meaning every word. "After your training, we shall hold ourselves a feast to celebrate your evolution."
The orcs raised their fists into the air and cheered in unison.
I turned to Gwyneria. "Thank you, for letting us stay here."
Gwyneria lowered her head. "This is your domain, my liege. You may stay as long as you want."
"Master," Dwayne called me. "What should we call you?"
Before I could answer, Gwyneria answered with authority. "He is our glorious King. From this day forth, we shall call him—King Ghorath, the Tempest Emperor."
I blinked twice in surprise. "Huh? King Ghorath?"
"It's benefiting of you, my liege," Gwyneria pulled me into her bone crushing hug again. "King Ghorath was the first King of the Primordial Dragons. His powers rivals that of gods. Today, I bestow his name upon you."
"That's ridiculous," I protested, struggling to break free from her hug. "I don't need a name like that."
But the orcs seem to like the name.
They all dropped to one knee as one, fists to the ground and heads bowed in reverence.
"All hail, King Ghorath, the Tempest Emperor!"