Chapter 407: The Satisfied Goddess
The orc army, harassed throughout the entire night, not only failed to rest properly but also suffered significant losses.
Dozens here, hundreds there—casualties mounted steadily.
Although the numbers didn't seem large, the frequency was incredibly high.
Early in the morning, Ironhide Grigg conducted a quick count and discovered that his orc soldiers had dwindled to 75,000.
Nearly 10,000 losses!
Yet, despite such massive casualties, Grigg found himself thinking, "Only that many?"
Habit is a terrifying force!
When Matthew returned to Bull Fortress, the fully mobilized Bay Territory forces had already assembled there.
18,000 soldiers and 8,000 mid-tier adventurers.
Facing off against 75,000 enraged orcs.
Matthew was confident, and most Bay Territory soldiers shared his optimism.
However, a significant number of adventurers weren't as confident in Bay Territory.
"These orcs are no ordinary foes. Each one is armored and armed. They're much tougher than those on the Carl Plains."
"Exactly. Not only are the regular soldiers stronger, but the number of elite orcs and officer-class warriors is much higher."
"That's not even the main issue. I saw a large group of Black Orcs!"
"Black Orcs? Those monsters are at least high-tier in strength! Facing even one is daunting, and you saw an entire group?"
"I wish it weren't true, but reality says otherwise…"
"Despite all the pressure and attacks they've endured, these orcs haven't broken ranks. That alone is unusual!"
"If you ask me, this is likely the elite force of several major orc clans…"
"Probably the Black Spine Orc Clan, ranked third in overall strength!"
"Can Bay Territory hold them off?"
"Relying on defensive positions to endure…"
"At least they pay promptly…"
"Who wouldn't agree?"
"…"
Besides these concerned adventurers,
a significant portion of the Magic Goddess Church members also felt uneasy.
"We're just here to earn some extra money…"
However, they had received assurances from Matthew.
Should the situation turn dire, they would be prioritized for evacuation via teleportation.
Thus, while still apprehensive, they chose to stay.
As Mira put it:
"After all, we're not being sent to the frontlines. Every extra day here means one more gold coin. This kind of side gig is rare!"
Hearing this, most clerics and paladins nodded in agreement.
It wasn't that they feared death but that their roles and missions weren't meant for the frontlines.
Soon, their concerns were alleviated.
The reason was simple.
The Goddess of Magic issued an oracle!
"Help Bay Territory win this war? Are you sure you heard correctly?"
Sun Sheng naturally didn't doubt the goddess but cast a skeptical glance at Mira, who was feasting voraciously.
Who wouldn't suspect that she had been won over by Bay Territory's delicious food?
Shaking her head while devouring her meal, Mira rolled her eyes dramatically and said with relish:
"I wouldn't dare!"
Swallowing a fragrant bite of honey toast, Mira excitedly pointed to the construction golems outside and whispered:
"The goddess is very satisfied with these construction golems. They've given her significant inspiration, and I hear she's planning to reward Lord Matthew."
Nodding thoughtfully, Sun Sheng looked at the golems building the second city wall and recognized their immense potential.
Compared to manpower accumulated over years or decades, the days-long efficiency of construction golems was well worth the cost.
Moreover, the goddess clearly recognized this potential!
"Whew, I hope Bay Territory can hold out!"
In the conference room,
Angela was assigning tasks.
After confirming that each commander understood their duties and details, she solemnly addressed everyone:
"If we survive this crisis, our territory will once again undergo transformative growth. As long as everyone does their part, we are bound to win!"
After everyone received their assignments, Arnold shot Matthew a knowing look.
Matthew glanced at Arnold's graying hair and beard. Despite his excellent physical condition, he couldn't help but feel reluctant.
"Do we really have to do this?"
Arnold seemed to sense Matthew's hesitation. He pounded his chest without hesitation and said fearlessly:
"I'm not afraid of dying in battle or sacrificing myself. What I can't stand is watching myself grow weaker and dying in bed."
"I believe others feel the same. Someone has to make sacrifices. Why not me?"
As he spoke, Arnold's eyes glowed faintly red, and he continued with genuine conviction:
"Besides, I feel better than ever. This is nothing short of a revolutionary breakthrough."
"Without battle and trials, how can we continue to refine and improve it?"
Watching the impassioned Arnold, Matthew glanced at the retired veterans standing behind him. His gaze grew unfocused.
"Ha, to them, returning to the battlefield is worth their lives—no matter the cost…"
"This is what it means to be a soldier loyal to their territory and people?"
Matthew began to understand why Bay Territory soldiers consistently outperformed adventurers, even with identical training.
"They're ready, yet here I am, the instigator, still hesitant. How unbecoming!"
Looking at the emerging traits on his attribute panel, Matthew suddenly smiled. Seeing their expectant expressions, he nodded in agreement:
"You're right. Therefore, I'll entrust you with an even more arduous task!"
Witnessing this, Beelzebub involuntarily clenched his fists.
He had already learned from Lord Matthew about their formidable opponent this time—a legendary warrior!
Even as Beelzebub approached the pinnacle of high-tier warriors, confident against most extraordinary fighters, facing his dream adversary filled him with unease.
Reporting beside him, Tom suddenly let out a silly laugh:
"Haha, tomorrow I get to chop off a few more orc heads!"
Startled, Beelzebub looked at the completely immersed Tom discussing tomorrow's battle strategy. His heart swelled with emotion.
"Exactly. No matter who the opponent is or how strong they are, I must give it my all."
Afraid of death?
Then why be a warrior?
Relaxed, Beelzebub patted Tom on the shoulder. Amid his cheerful laughter, he walked away.
He had found clarity, but perhaps others hadn't yet.
Naturally, he intended to have a good talk with them.
While all the soldiers were preparing for battle,
Matthew, contemplating how to counter Ironhide Grigg, suddenly heard about the Magic Goddess' support. His eyes lit up.
Got it!