Chapter 325: Reputation Spreads Far and Wide
Waves upon waves of orc soldiers roared forward, eyes red with fury.
Their bodies emitted an eerie red glow, projecting a fearless and terrifying aura as they charged ceaselessly.
Just the sight of this was enough to instill fear in many enemies.
But the soldiers of Bay Territory were not among them!
Even more arrows rained down from the city walls.
Like a downpour.
The heavily damaged equipment of the orc soldiers left them relying solely on their flesh to endure the assault.
Over one-fifth of the orc soldiers were struck down by the falling arrows before even reaching the walls.
Fireballs rained randomly among them, exploding and leaving behind thirty to forty charred bodies and a wave of panic.
Matthew believed the orcs were already at the end of their strength, puzzled by why they persisted instead of retreating.
However, they could no longer pose a serious threat to Bay Territory.
Adventurers, who had previously avoided the main fight, emerged from their disguises, charging toward the vulnerable orc camp.
Clearly, they intended to claim a share of the spoils!
Observing Matthew's relentless spellcasting and its devastating power, 343 had gone from initial surprise to a calm acceptance.
She noted Matthew's unique abilities and replied thoughtfully:
"Sir Harley has agreed; he'll credit you with first honors."
With confirmation, Matthew's spellcasting accelerated, intent on quickly wiping out the orc soldiers.
The battle at Misty Fortress raged on fiercely.
Meanwhile, in Bloodmoon City, preparations were underway.
Nearly 50,000 soldiers had gathered there.
Knight Harley scanned the gathered nobles and, seeing the elite soldiers behind them, announced without emotion:
"Bay Territory has successfully held back the orc vanguard as planned."
"And they've gained a considerable advantage; they're expected to annihilate them within two days!"
His voice wasn't loud, but the news was monumental.
The surrounding nobles' expressions shifted, looking conflicted.
Typically.
A knight leads a village, with a population of several hundred to a few thousand, commanding at most around 50 soldiers.
A knight-baron governs a town of about ten thousand people and may command up to 500 soldiers.
A baron rules over a city, with a population exceeding 100,000 and a military force of up to 5,000 soldiers.
A viscount oversees an area with at least three small cities, leading a population of hundreds of thousands, and may command over 20,000 troops.
A count controls a large part of a province, with at least two medium cities and one large city.
Bloodmoon City's situation was unique; its rapid development had resulted in control over millions and vast lands, with extensive ruins.
They command a military force exceeding 100,000!
Thus, though Lord Anne ruled only one city, she wielded more power than a typical count.
As for a marquis, they oversee an entire province, considered local lords.
Even in the Netheril Empire and the Savindon Council, their voices carry weight.
The nobles near Bloodmoon City, benefiting from nearby ruins, held more power and resources than nobles elsewhere.
But despite their confidence, they felt uneasy in comparison to Bay Territory.
Bay Territory's rise was simply too rapid!
It far exceeded their expectations!
Some nobles had just returned from social engagements.
Only to find that Bay Territory had already risen above them.
They had tried various means.
But none could bypass the Lord or Knight Harley, leaving them helpless.
And after just a few days without news.
Bay Territory had achieved such a major feat again, making them both astonished and fearful.
Noticing their unease, Harley chuckled to himself:
"These lot think they can scheme? If not for the Lord's discretion…"
343 pointed to the map, marking the orc vanguard's location at Misty Fortress.
In the center of Carl Plain, the main orc force of over a million continued advancing eastward, forming a daunting red blotch.
Harley glanced at the prepared soldiers and commanded the supplies to move out as he continued:
"A force of 250,000 orcs will reach us from the south of Carl Plain within five days."
"We must set out now to intercept them at Carlisle City and Darkmoon City!"
These cities, situated between the orc army and Bloodmoon City, were held by the Carlisle and Darkmoon families.
These two families, the strongest and most prosperous among Bloodmoon City's nobles, governed the largest territories, holding viscount titles.
Previously, many nobles had been almost gleeful, thinking the orc horde would heavily weaken these two families.
But now, the situation had changed.
After learning of the orcs' deeds on Carl Plain, they feared their numbers and combat power.
Now, they only wished to survive this crisis!
Seeing them so unsettled.
"We have 50,000 troops and an additional 30,000 in training."
"We are significantly outnumbered, so we can no longer attack as we did before."
"From now on, I expect everyone to put aside differences and focus on defeating the orcs."
"Anyone caught holding back will face severe consequences!"
Just two months ago, Harley couldn't speak with such authority.
Back then, he relied on these nobles to collect taxes and gather resources peacefully.
Despite their usual skimming, he had tolerated them.
But ever since Bay Territory strengthened its ties with the Lord, bringing a surge of gold into Bloodmoon City's treasury, Harley felt emboldened.
In recent days, he had dealt harshly with several dissenters.
Now, the nobles had become much more obedient.
Harley gathered command, gave final instructions, and led the soldiers toward Carlisle and Darkmoon cities.
Such large-scale troop movements naturally drew attention from many adventurers and civilians.
They were already aware of the approaching orcs, some having even seen refugees firsthand.
Fortunately, Bay Territory had taken in these refugees.
Otherwise, they would have flooded the slums, adding to Bloodmoon City's impoverished areas.
Initially, people had been fearful, dreading these monstrous beings their ancestors had driven away generations ago.
But when the news spread that Bay Territory was holding back tens of thousands of orc vanguard troops and nearing victory.
The gloom lifted from Bloodmoon City, and it buzzed with activity again.
Especially for the adventurers, who now had confirmed news.
"Many people have joined Bay Territory to hunt orcs, and lots of them have struck it rich!"
Feeling inspired, they thought, "Why wait? Time to take action!"