Chapter 330: Divine Punishment
Splashes echoed as water surged around.
One distorted orc corpse after another fell into the water above, staining it red, before being swept away by the current.
Piercing war cries echoed around the island's edge.
Swarms of orc soldiers charged continuously.
A thick tree branch swung out, breaking orc bones and tearing muscles, leaving them spitting blood.
A towering, animated tree had taken human form, sweeping away the orcs around it.
Yet, the overwhelming number of orcs surrounded the massive treant, swinging axes and knives relentlessly.
Several orcs managed to bypass the tree, charging deeper into the island.
More trees came alive, faces emerging on their trunks, and quickly eliminated any orcs breaching the forest, then rushed toward the island's edge.
While powerful, the treants couldn't hold back the endless waves of orc soldiers.
Some treants were cut down, then torn apart by the raging orcs.
With no other choice, the treants gathered together, leaving more gaps in their defenses.
On the flowing Danube River, dozens of boats ferried thousands of orcs to the shore.
On the east bank, tens of thousands of orcs sharpened their blades, ready to board and join the battle.
Two towering orc commanders roared orders, urging for more boats.
Behind the commanders, cloaked figures conversed quietly.
"As expected, these mindless orcs are easier to control, though it's slow…"
"At least we don't need to act ourselves. It's fortunate, even if the Seventon Council noticed…"
"Or rather, they don't care. As long as the arcanists and casters remain untouched, Netheril Empire won't suffer any loss."
"No matter; this is only part of the plan."
"Indeed, just the beginning!"
"Why did you fail on your end?"
"Bay Territory built a fortress within ten days…"
"Unbelievable… everything went smoothly on Karsas's side, but here, things went astray…"
"Must be fate's backlash. After restraining him for so long, the first attempt failed, so this was bound to happen…"
"Mysterious East…"
"Big moves there, too…"
"Too bad we're one step behind."
"…"
The massive orc army created immense pressure for the Crescent Island druids.
They watched anxiously as the orcs set fires, activating more tree guardians and retreating toward the island's center.
Grand druid Old Li glanced at the island's edge, ordered his tiger to retreat, and cursed loudly:
"If only my Tiger Cavalry were here, these gray-skinned brutes would be fish bait!"
Rebecca tilted her head in confusion, muttering softly:
"Master, you always say that. It's been months, and they've never come back."
Old Li rolled his eyes, shrugged, and moved through the dense woods, defending himself:
"Ahem, they're probably just busy. They'll be back. I still need them to escort me back to the Eastern Lands…"
Rebecca ducked her head, watching enviously as the vines cleared the way for her master, thinking to herself:
"Big bro, Lord Matthew, this is your chance! Come quickly, or I'm done for!"
Hearing the roars from afar, Old Li's dark eyes flashed with unease. He glanced at his apprentice and comforted her:
"Don't worry, our Divine Punishment organization is powerful. Those who cross us face divine retribution!"
Rebecca nodded reluctantly, her expression saying, "Whatever you say," which made Old Li huff with irritation.
The mighty tiger halted before a huge oak tree.
A dozen tiny sprites with fluttering wings flew out, joyfully circling Rebecca:
"The bad orcs are here!"
"The oak says he's scared…"
"Yeah, yeah, when are we running?"
"Run, run."
"…"
The sprites' incessant chatter seemed to agitate Old Li. He waved them off irritably and shouted:
"Get moving, you little chubs!"
"Or when the orcs start a fire, you'll have nowhere to run!"
As Rebecca watched curiously, a round, chubby figure emerged, eyes wide with innocence:
"These orcs are the worst! They always mess with me. Finally, I get a break, and here we go again!"
He waved his hand angrily, and the ancient oak tree shuddered to life.
The entire island of Crescent began to tremble.
Countless roots erupted from the ground.
They transformed into deadly weapons, mercilessly strangling the advancing orcs.
In just ten breaths, hundreds of orcs were strangled to death.
Even the fearless orcs felt a chill at the horrifying scene.
Across the river, the orc commanders grew more excited, pushing more soldiers onto the island.
The oak tree's aggression was proof that Crescent Island's defenses were weakening!
The timing was perfect!
More and more orc soldiers frantically attacked from every direction.
Some orcs wore armor, wielded sharp blades, moved swiftly, and radiated a fierce, disciplined energy.
These were elite orc soldiers for a second assault!
The erupting roots struggled to hold them back, only managing to stall them.
Old Li frowned, gripping his wooden staff but holding back.
Standing atop the tree, Rebecca watched the advancing orc elites, growing anxious:
"These orcs just cut down the sapling I planted! They're so terrible!"
"If only my brother were here, he'd get rid of them all…"
Growing serious, Old Li and the little chub exchanged a glance, seeing determination in each other's eyes.
Something was wrong!
The orcs had come prepared!
More precisely, whoever was controlling these orcs had!
Otherwise, why would these greedy orcs invade this remote, desolate Crescent Island?
Were they not afraid of divine punishment?
Boom!
A flash of fire shattered a wooden boat!
The little chub raised his head, waving excitedly: "Divine punishment, divine punishment!"
Rebecca's eyes lit up, quickly shaking her head:
"No, it's Lord Matthew and the others—they've arrived!"
"Ahem, they are divine punishment!"
Old Li stubbornly insisted as usual.