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Chapter 239:

That gigantic fortress, which the Blood Vulture Clan and the Grand Duchy of Kafhoka had spent countless resources and efforts to build after the first Black Disaster, was strategically important. It guarded the only entrance from the Foul Swamp to the fertile plains.

During the subsequent three Black Disasters, this fortress shouldered the responsibility of meeting the first wave of gnoll armies and was never breached. However, even the most fortified fortress couldn’t withstand a collapse from within.

At the end of the Ten-Year War, to be precise, on a certain day last month, the garrison at Fort Crimea surrendered to the Winter Wolf Legion, declaring that this fortress on the border of Transia and the Kafhoka Plains had completely fallen into the hands of the northerners.

The 20,000 elite Blood Servants stationed there and some Blood Vulture elites were also smoothly recruited into the Thorn Clan under the personal invitation of Grand Duchess Shani.

In the subsequent meeting between Shani and Tris, both sides tactfully avoided mentioning this matter.

It was tacitly considered as an approval of this “transfer”.

So compared to Grand Duchess Shani’s shrewd and precise tactics, Count of White Mountain Andrei’s small operation in Bataxin City not only lost in terms of grandeur but also lacked any highlights in execution.

However, this majestic fortress, as unbreakable as a wall, was not the focus tonight.

Although the fortress’s mounted scouts quickly discovered Transians attacking the large gnoll lair at the foot of the mountain and reported it to the Winter Wolf commander in the fortress, the latter didn’t care.

A commander of his rank was already privy to the knowledge that the Wolf Queen had appointed a Blood Vulture vampire as the governor of Transia, which represented Her Majesty’s attitude that Transia’s affairs should be handled by Transians themselves.

This was also good news for the Winter Wolf Legion, meaning that his brave soldiers wouldn’t have to rush out to confront those savage gnolls for the safety of Transians.

This indifference and detachment were equally beneficial for the little players and the vanguard of the Kadman People’s Army, meaning that Maxim and Kudel wouldn’t have to divert their attention to deal with “allies” with unclear intentions.

“Fort Crimea, the unbreakable wall.”

At this early evening hour, Civilian Protection Officer Kudel, mounted on a majestic demon-hunting warhorse, gazed at the magnificent place beyond the mountain pass in the distance and shook his head, saying:

“Transia has lost it forever.”

“It’s just temporarily handed over to the northerners,” Maxim, serving as his temporary deputy, responded in a low voice:

“Under the leadership of Lord Murphy, we will eventually take it back! It’s the wealth and symbol of Transians, not just Fort Crimea, but also the fertile Kafhoka Plains, the ancient forests of Saxony, the estuary of Ice Bay, the villages of East Prussia, and Lake Sulpice in the Cato region. All those things we’ve lost, we will eventually reclaim them under Lord Murphy’s leadership!”

“You seem quite confident, but I would call it ‘foolish belligerence’,” Kudel casually remarked.

He had an aversion to all vampires, but setting aside this instinctive rejection, his impression of the few vampires currently around Murphy was not bad.

Especially Maxim.

This elite vampire with unique appearance possessed undisputable loyalty, which happened to be the quality most admired by Kudel, who saw himself as a symbol of classical knighthood.

Therefore, in this gnoll hunt jointly led by the two, he got along quite well with Maxim. Although he was a bit annoyed by the strength challenges Maxim occasionally initiated, it wasn’t a big problem.

Bravery was also a virtue of knights, and Maxim indeed had remarkable talent in martial skills.

In the high-intensity confrontations with Kudel, Maxim’s swordsmanship grew rapidly, and the potential belonging to vampires was constantly being released. This growth rate was considered quite extraordinary even among vampires. According to Kudel’s estimation, if the loyal Maxim continued like this, he might complete the path of potential release in just a few months, which would take other vampires more than a decade to accomplish.

He never shied away from war, so war rewarded him, allowing Maxim’s potential to rapidly transform into actual combat power!

The simplest example was that Lady Lainnia, the archer knight who could easily defeat Maxim before, now avoided him in the Crimson Citadel. It wasn’t that she couldn’t win, but this guy was too stubborn and progressing too quickly.

Each victory was becoming increasingly costly for Lainnia. Although the Blood Pact Knights wouldn’t shy away from battles, they were vampires, not berserkers. No one would like unnecessary fights.

Well, except for Maxim and the fanatical little players.

But this might also be another intention of Murphy in specifically assigning Maxim as Kudel’s action deputy, he hoped Maxim could learn from Sir Kudel, this senior.

Kudel shifted his attention from the distant Fort Crimea back to the battlefield before him. From his position, he could clearly see the progress of the players acting as vanguards, leading the veterans and recruits of the Kadman People’s Army charging into the large gnoll lair ahead from three directions.

Just like every battle that had occurred in the past 6 days.

Players took the lead, while NPCs followed up.

This had almost become the “basic tactic” of the Kadman People’s Army. After the players fearlessly opened up gaps in the battlefield, they would expand the advantage with resolute actions and high morale, often quickly determining the course of the battle.

Tonight was no exception.

Even though they were facing an extra-large gang of over 400 gnolls, the assault team composed of nearly 70 players leading 50 veterans and 200 recruits didn’t have much of a numerical disadvantage, and the latter had advantages in equipment and firepower.

“Murphy’s warriors are impressive in every aspect,” Kudel couldn’t help but remark again:

“Their courage, their acumen, their determination, even their talents are rarely seen in my lifetime. Have you noticed, Maxim? Just 6 days of intense fighting has turned those recruits into qualified veterans.

I even witnessed a recruit completing the Black Iron trial a few hours ago.

This is insane.

It takes years for a standard human warrior to reach this stage, but they did it in just 6 days!

If it were just one or two geniuses, it could be called a coincidence, but they are all like this. This is something that can be described as a ‘miracle’.”

“No, Sir Kudel, you can analyze this matter from a different perspective,” Maxim shook his head, leaning on the Jade Blade enchanted by Lady Tris:

“Lord Murphy once analyzed this issue for me. He said the key factor determining how fast a warrior grows is not time, but the accumulation of experience and skills. Although only 6 days have passed, have you seen any warrior who needs as much time to recuperate as our soldiers?

They are experiencing dangerous battles almost non-stop, rushing to the next one as soon as one is finished. Therefore, the intensity of battle they endure in 6 days is simply unimaginable for ordinary human warriors!

If we break down these battles and calculate by frequency and intensity, this basically equals the sum of battles an ordinary warrior would experience in a year or several years.

I made a small private statistic, these warriors before your eyes kill an average of nearly 50 to 60 gnolls per person per day in 6 days!

What a glorious hunt is this? And what a heavy burden?

Looking at it this way, it’s not surprising that they can break through themselves and enter the Black Iron realm in 6 days. This is pushing their potential to the limit, and also their life creed.

What do you think?”

“Your explanation is novel, but indeed makes sense. After all, the Black Iron trial is only a test of basic skills, combat experience, and will. It doesn’t have a rigid standard. If a talented ordinary warrior could achieve the same battle frequency and intensity as these warriors, he might indeed break through to the Black Iron realm in a month or two.

But Maxim, you’re obviously changing the subject!”

Kudel pushed the vulture face mask on his face and said:

“You don’t need to deliberately conceal the ‘secret’ of these warriors in front of me. I already know they’re not mountain folk from the Saxony region. Murphy has explained everything to me. I know they come from another world, and I know they don’t fear death because they truly won’t die.

But I still admire this fanaticism and persistence in battle.”

“Well, that’s great,” Maxim visibly relaxed. To be honest, he wasn’t good at lying, yet the origin of the warriors was a secret he had to guard for his master.

“But I want to remind you, the ‘mountain folk from Saxony region’ explanation seems reasonable at first, but after prolonged contact with these warriors, even my limited rationality warns me that this explanation is full of holes!

Their language, their living habits, even their mannerisms, except for occasional neurotic behavior and indescribable strange actions similar to mountain folk, they are almost completely incompatible with mountain people.

So perhaps you should suggest to Murphy to weave a more plausible origin for the warriors in time.

If you really want to keep this secret.”

“It’s not ‘you’, it’s ‘we’, Sir Kudel. You’re one of us now,” Maxim said, eyes straight ahead:

“I think your concerns are also in Master Murphy’s thoughts. But I believe more that one day, all these mysteries won’t need to be concealed anymore. Perhaps it shouldn’t be answered obliquely by us anymore, it can be known by anyone.

But for now, we all still have our own responsibilities. We must complete them to receive the reward of stepping into more distant realms.

I don’t want to miss Master Murphy’s legendary story. I hope even more to play a praiseworthy role in it. I believe you’re the same, whether as a vampire or as a ranger knight from the old era.

You should know that Master Murphy’s friendliness towards you isn’t because you’re a vampire. He respects your unyielding soul, just as he respects all lives willing to contribute to this land.”

“Hmm, I appreciate those words,” the Hunting Baron nodded.

He saw flames rising from the upper caves of the gnoll lair, indicating that the vanguard warriors had caused enough chaos and attacked the core area of the gnoll gang.

“We should enter the fray too,” Kudel spurred his warhorse, grasping the crimson greatsword on his back. He said:

“We can’t let the warriors have all the glory. After this large lair is subdued, the gnoll population in the Baroness of Shadows’ domain will drop to an acceptable level, and our battle here will be declared over.

The next step is to go to your and the Baroness of Morland’s territories to complete the same expulsion and hunting.”

“They might not need us there,” Maxim also spread his Blood Wings and slowly rose into the air.

He chose not to use his sword but called forth Night Claws in the darkness. He said:

“There are nearly a thousand Witch Hunters residing in Miriam’s territory. They also followed Master Murphy’s instructions, driving out and hunting while we’re in action, and they’re good at this. As for my territory…

Before meeting you, this outstanding opponent, I would seek gnolls as punching bags for practice on every sleepless night.

I can only say that the situation on my side is much better than here.”

“This is good news,” Kudel rode forward. As his horse accelerated, he said:

“So, is the next target actually that gnoll warlord in the Anderma Hills? Hmm, now that’s an interesting opponent! Murphy wants to establish his rule over Transia, this requires victories of sufficient weight to establish authority.

For example, a gnoll warlord with vast power and fierce momentum would be quite suitable.

Ah, I’ve experienced enough in my life, but to witness and participate in the rise of a vampire governor, it’s an unimaginable turn of events.”

——

“Up ahead! It’s running! Quick, block it!”

East River Lion’s Roar, wielding a greatsword and passing through a burning cave, shouted in the team channel:

“This one’s the boss of this lair, it’s on the Blood Rat Gang’s wanted list. That’s a 100 gold coin bounty! Dog’s Paddle! Bring people to block it!”

“Alright, alright! Coming!” North Forest Dog’s Paddle replied.

He led four veterans, jumping directly down from the upper lair, blocking the path of the gnoll elite leader who was frantically fleeing with a flaming flail in hand.

Dog’s Paddle, wielding a lion hunting spear, might have a silly name, but his battle skills were anything but silly.

He met the gnoll with a vicious spearman’s thrust, instantly displacing several steps, and with a “swoosh” sound, pierced the sharp spear into the gnoll’s left shoulder.

The latter howled in pain, swinging its bloodied flail to bring down the meteor hammer-like attack head towards North Forest Dog’s Paddle, but was nimbly dodged by the latter using the shadow step.

This “perfect dodge” inherent to the shadow elf secret sword technique was famously useful in such close-quarter combat, leading to players who pursued improvement to try their best to get ten victories in the Fight Club, in order to purchase this advanced manual from the Blood Rat Gang.

It’s not only useful in close combat, but even in ranged combat!

Especially after Little Ashina, the gunner, developed “Gun Kata”, the shadow step had become standard for high-end players.

Quite ironically, this was actually just a complementary step to the Mejeva Family Sword Arts, but now in the eyes of players, it had become a more precious “passive skill” than the overly intricate and complex elf sword technique itself.

“Lie down, you!” Dog’s Paddle dodged twice in succession, then drew the warhammer from his waist as he rose, smashing it onto the gnoll elite’s wrist with a “bang”, causing the latter to drop its weapon. Then, East River Lion’s Roar, who had caught up from behind, delivered a vicious killing blow from the back. With blood splashing, the front and back attack left this gnoll leader with nowhere to run.

Not just it, similar battles were happening all over this large lair at this moment.

The players didn’t even bother to execute ordinary gnolls.

They only sought Black Iron rank or elite individuals, frantically farming points and hoping for good luck to drop some decent weapons and armor. But the new recruits of the Kadman People’s Army weren’t picky about targets. It was absolutely fine to chop any gnoll they saw.

They all knew they were the officer candidates for the real army that Lord Maxim was about to form. If they didn’t take advantage of this favorable situation to grab more military merits now, don’t blame the lord for being unsentimental when arranging officers to grassroots positions later.

According to the military merit system just established by the administrative department, ten gnoll heads only counted as one level of military merit. This meant that in this hunt, not only were the players working hard, but the NPCs couldn’t slack off either!

“Hey, 100 gold in the bag! We’ve got the money for the Computation Bead plugin, brothers.”

East River Lion’s Roar swung his sword to cut off the head of this elite monster in front of him, saying cheerfully to North Forest Dog’s Paddle. The latter gave a thumbs up and didn’t waste time, turning around to find more elites to practice on.

However, he had just started when Brother Mao’s exclamation sounded in the team communication:

“There are vampires here! Not Blood Vulture people, there are three! They ran out mixed with the gnolls. Quick! Block them! These are definitely important plot characters.”

“Huh? How can there be vampires from other clans in a gnoll lair?” North Forest Dog’s Paddle was stunned for a moment.

But this didn’t prevent him from immediately switching targets and then, by sheer dumb luck, he happened to see a vampire wearing a top hat glide down from above, unfortunately landing right in front of him and East River Lion’s Roar.

“Stop right there, thief!” Dog’s Paddle was overjoyed, shouting as he ran a few steps and hurled the lion spear in his hand fiercely. With a “swoosh”, it landed right in front of that vampire.

The two little players pounced like tigers and wolves, causing the Wolfsbane clan “emissary” to look desperate.

At the same time, at the edge of the large lair, two female Wolfsbane vampires supporting each other as they fled hadn’t yet escaped the edge of the large lair when a crimson wind slapped down from above. In the midnight-like cold wind, Maxim folded his wings and landed on the ground.

His ferocious Night Claws were dripping with fresh blood, and the cold eyes under the vulture mask were fixed on the two enemies before him.

He said:

“You seem to be lost, ladies of Greenleaf Island smelling of ‘wolf’. Do you need me to point you the way to hell?”

“Don’t be polite, I’d be happy to do so!”