None in sight.
They must have perished within, the troll replied.
Very well.
You go assist with the fire, Bet commanded.
Understood.
Chieftain, the troll said before departing.
Other troll leaders soon approached from their respective positions.
Urgency etched on their faces.
By do you suspect those human wretches are behind this? One leader asked isoly.
It seems these humans have fled.
By concluded, suspecting it was indeed the work of humans.
Or more specifically, Su Yang.
Those submissive peasants would hardly dare to set the warehouse ablaze while fleeing.
Damn it.
I will retrieve them and slay them all.
Another troll exclaimed in fury.
Bye grasped the departing troll firmly, shaking his head.
We shall settle the score with them later.
For now, rouse everyone.
Be cautious.
The enemy may exploit the flames to launch a surprise attack on the camp.
Additionally, send word that we will assault the bloodthrow tribe of dawn.
Attack at dawn.
No one has had sufficient rest.
Someone protested.
Beta cast a glance at the raging fire.
After the flames, we shall suffer losses in provisions and supplies.
We cannot afford another day's rest.
Inform everyone that we will rest properly only after conquering the bloodthrow tribe.
The troll army, while not entirely disorganized, lacked the discipline of human forces.
Their logistics appeared as chaotic as their camp.
It was fortunate that no incidents had yet occurred.
This conflration had consumed nearly half of their supplies.
If they rested another day, the army would soon face starvation.
Upon hearing Beget's orders, the other leaders nodded in understanding.
Very well, we shall commence the siege tomorrow morning.
Indeed, go now, Bet replied.
The group dispersed, spreading the news to their respective kin.
By gazed solemnly at the flames, a twinge of frustration stirring within him.
If only he had known he would have eradicated those humans outright.
The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, Fong Hao, accompanied by Jia and Domiga, boarded a skeletal dragon and set off towards the blood fortress.
Even from the heights of the sky, the awaiting skeletal army and the bustling orcs below were clearly visible.
The skeletal dragon descended gracefully before the fortress.
The group of skeletal heroes led by H Jing approached swiftly to greet their lord.
My lord, they bowed respectfully.
Fong Hao and his companions dismounted from the bone dragon.
Have the items required by the army been accounted for? He inquired.
Yesterday, Hi and Jong Shir had already arrived at the fortress, compiling a tally of the troop types and the necessary supplies for this expedition.
Fongha had come the following day to oversee the creation of the listed tools.
My lord, the inventory has been compiled.
Hi Jing presented a piece of parchment upon which the names and quantities of the required tools were inscribed.
The list detailed the arrows and various implements needed for the undertaking with arrows being the most abundant item totaling 5 million even accounting for those already stored in the fortress.
In addition to arrows, there were carts, iron axes, spare ropes, and a variety of other items, summing to over 20 distinct categories.
Without further ado, Fong Hao made his way to an open area and open the Lord's book to commence production.
Amidst a brilliant glow, an array of tools materialized.
It is no wonder that warfare is often described as a battle of resources.
Were it not for the rich mineral deposits of the Cold Wind Mountains, even with a hundfold increase in his capabilities, he would be unable to sustain the demands of the undead army.
Once the necessary tools were produced, H Jing continued to organize the workforce, arranging the tools systematically and loading them onto carts.
The skeletons began gathering the arrows and implements.
While Fong Hao and his companions proceeded to the commander's office, as they took their seats, Fong Hao continued, "Hey, Jing, you know the bloodshed mountains better than anyone.
You shall lead this operation.
Hey, Jien, Jubai, and Jong Shir, you three will serve as commanders.
" Although Hey Jing may not possess the highest strength, his familiarity with the area was unparalleled.
Jubai, despite retaining most of his memories, lacked expertise and command.
Thus, Fong Hao concluded that it was best to entrust this task to Hi Jing.
Yes, my lord.
The four rose and nodded in acknowledgement.
All four were skeletal heroes with a loyalty rating of 100.
They would execute Fong Hao's orders unconditionally with no concerns about diminishing loyalty.
Now, regarding this operation, Fongo was about to elaborate further when hurried footsteps echoed from outside.
A somewhat plump pink pigman adorned in brown leather armor and accompanied by several words stroed into the room.
Upon seeing him, Fongghao recognized the long absent pigman leader Petty after consuming a stamina potion.
Petty had enhanced his physical attributes, reaching the third tier and undergoing subtle changes in appearance.
His skin remained rosy, yet signs of humanlike features were beginning to emerge.
Upon spotting Fong Ho, Petty hastened forward to bow.
My lord, Miss Anja, esteemed gentleman, he greeted, ever considerate and ensuring to acknowledge everyone present.
Petty, what brings you here in such haste? Fungho inquired directly.
Petty immediately spoke, "My lord, the scouts we dispatched have returned.
" He then turned to thewolves behind him, instructing them to relay the intelligence to the esteemed lords without omitting any details.
One werewolf stepped forward and reported, "Esteemed lords.
This morning we discovered that a horde of trolls has commenced an assault on the Bloodthroat tribe.
Their numbers are considerable and they have prepared siege engines such as catapults and scaling ladders.
The Bloodthrow forces are currently in a defensive position, employing a weapon akin to a mighty crossbow that can pierce through multiple foes with each shot.
Notably, neither side has observed any airborne units or cavalry.
The werewolf concluded his report and exhaled heavily.
While Petty's impression of the werewolves was far from favorable, it was undeniable that they possessed commendable reconnaissance and tracking abilities.
Upon hearing the werewolves report, Fonggha's brow furrowed in concern.
Hadn't the troll coalition been scheduled to launch their offensive on blood throat tomorrow? Why they attacked today? Clearly, some unforeseen circumstances had arisen.
Fong Ha refrained from inquiring further with Su Yong as the situation on his end might not be as accurate as that gleaned from the scouts.
The early commencement of hostilities could indeed be advantageous.
The earlier depletion of forces would allow his own troops to mobilize sooner.
Can we ascertain the strength of both sides? Fongghao continued his questioning.
The werewolf hesitated, displaying visible discomfort.
My lord, we did not dare to approach too closely, but a rough estimate suggests that the attacking force comprises at least 200 0000 to 300 0 troops, while the bloodthroat side has merely a few thousand.
Well done.
You have performed admirably.
After the battle, Commander Hijing will reward you all, Fong Hao remarked, looking at the group.
Upon hearing Fong Ha's promise, their expressions brightened with joy.
Thank you, my lord.
Thank you.