Chapter 326: The Vanished Warchief
The setting sun leaned westward, casting a blood-red glow across the sky.
The fiery sunset painted strange, wild shapes across the heavens.
Like a galloping wild horse crashing into a dense flock of sheep, stirring up turmoil.
Suddenly, it spread its wings and, with a "swoosh," took flight.
The swirling clouds were gradually swallowed by darkness, sinking into a gloomy twilight.
The waning sunlight faded, much like the orc soldiers retreating in disarray.
This time, the orc soldiers had suffered severe losses, with only around ten thousand left.
Supplies were also running low, and they'd stopped clearing away the bodies of their fallen.
"Send someone to burn the bodies to prevent any mishaps."
Feeling the pressure lift, Angela calmly issued her orders.
The soldiers, who had great trust in her, quickly set to work.
It wasn't only the soldiers who were growing stronger.
Preparing to rest, Matthew was reading the latest issue of the national arcane journal — *Savindon Arcane Journal* (November):
News Section
I.
Carl Plain suffers attack from an orc army.
12 barons have perished, along with 3 viscounts.
Orc numbers are estimated at one million.
The Savindon Council plans to reclaim the Crimson Fortress soon.
II.
Orcs in the western wilderness have begun to gather. Crimson Fortress garrison must stay vigilant.
Local noble territories should prepare their forces for war.
III.
Councilor Gaet Tight declares, "There's no need to worry about these orcs; they'll be eliminated soon."
His words always bring a smile.
IV.
Loken Mine's undead plague incident resolved; three Templar Knights lost.
A sacrificial site linked to the Scourge Cult was discovered at the bottom of the mine, according to the Templars' report.
Battle Zone
I.
The Savindon Council.
The Savindon Council issues a level two alert.
All lords must replenish their military forces as soon as possible.
II.
Carl Family.
Carl Family of Carl Plain issues a call to arms.
They plan to gather 500,000 troops to fight the orc army.
III.
Barbarian Wanderer News.
Signs indicate an increase in eastern barbarian wanderer activity.
Eastern and northern provinces should remain vigilant.
IV.
Shadow Plane combat intensity increases.
The Floating City is temporarily unable to disengage and must maintain the battlefield.
Arcane Section
I.
Grand Arcanist Chronorman confirms a collaboration with the dwarves.
There is hope for researching a new mithril alloy formula.
II.
Grand Magician Karl Thass studies a new type of spell.
He has created an entirely new 3rd-circle spell.
III.
The Truth Society develops a new 5th-circle flesh spell — Heart Transplant Spell.
The success rate of this procedure is 60% and may improve further.
IV.
Mithril production increases by 30%.
Thanks to new mithril mines discovered in the New World, the Empire's mithril output has increased by 30% this year.
International Section
I.
The Underground Dwarven Kingdom is under attack.
Signs indicate an assault on the Dwarven Kingdom.
The Dwarven King claims it's nothing he can't handle.
II.
King of Farsico confirmed to be in a coma.
Unrest and traces of dark god worship have appeared across the Farsico Empire.
Possible connections are suspected.
III.
The 2,384th Elven Council convenes in the Kingdom of Kor.
They plan to deepen cooperation with the Empire to jointly research more effective longevity spells.
IV.
High-quality iron ore discovered in the New World.
High-quality iron ore deposits found in the Empire's development zone are expected to be ready for mining in three months.
More mining sites may be found soon.
Closing Words: Dawn of a New Era!
"So, the Farsico turmoil has already begun."
"Too bad that information I knew has now become outdated…"
"Maybe I should form an adventuring team…"
"The battles in the underworld have begun, and the dwarves still love their bravado!"
"The Truth Society? Isn't that the one I joined?"
"After the battle, I should check in — I might find other cash-strapped arcanists. After all, every arcanist needs funding!"
"A second wave of barbarian wanderers is also coming; it seems I'll need to send more adventurers…"
Much of the information in the *Arcane Journal* showed causes, effects, and trends Matthew was already aware of.
However, with his current strength and power, he still couldn't influence or intervene in any of these matters.
He wasn't strong enough yet; best to avoid getting involved for now.
343 sneered, shaking her head as she looked at the burning fires below and said irritably:
"The Carl Family hasn't sent any troops. They only want to preserve their strength."
"They allow the orcs to attack freely, indifferent to the deaths of commoners…"
"They didn't even bother to send a warning…"
Hearing the emotion in 343's voice, Matthew continued browsing through the information until something caught his eye:
"The eastern and southern regions of Carl Plain have already descended into chaos."
"With the orcs' usual tactics, they'll undoubtedly destroy every village and town…"
343 turned, projecting a map of Carl Plain, showing all village and town locations.
She also highlighted the orc army's march route.
Stroking his chin, Matthew smiled at 343:
"Send word to Bloodmoon City's adventurers; we need their strength."
November 15th.
Misty rain blanketed the entire orc encampment.
After a night of chaos, the camp had finally fallen silent.
Tired and worn-out orc soldiers gazed anxiously into the misty rain.
They had no idea where the enemy lay hidden or when a deadly ambush might strike…
The returning adventurers cheerfully counted their loot as they withdrew.
They would report their findings and gathered intelligence, earning rewards and updating information for the next adventurers.
Unexpectedly, the orc soldiers, who many thought would be hesitant, were once again rallying for an attack!
Facing these relentless orc soldiers.
To honor these enemies, Misty Fortress's soldiers held nothing back and fought with full force.
Intense fighting and roaring echoed across the battlefield.
The battle raged from dawn until afternoon.
Over ten thousand orc soldiers were wiped out, with not a single one surviving.
Even the Bay Territory soldiers expressed deep respect for the orcs' fearless fighting spirit.
Then, they killed them all!
It was the ultimate show of respect.
The battle was finally over.
Under the dim, yellow light of the sunset, all the bodies were piled together and consumed by roaring flames.
Billowing smoke drifted far into the distance as soldiers cleaned the battlefield.
Adventurers raided the orc camp, claiming various stolen valuables but failing to locate their primary target.
"The orc warchief fled? Now that's interesting!"
Matthew stroked his chin, his dark eyes gleaming with clarity.
He sensed the familiar scent of a conspiracy!