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Chapter 441: We Must Act!
Hajik
Gender: Male
Race: Drow Elf
Class: Level 12 Warrior / Level 2 Weapon Specialist
Identity: Menzoberranzan, Silver Serpent Family, Joint Army Squad Leader
Weapons: Enchanted Longsword, Enchanted Whip, Enchanted Dagger, Enchanted Bow (Poison Coated)
Challenge Rating: 14
Luck: -3 (Omen of Calamity)
Evaluation: Ambitious beyond measure, plagued by misfortune.
Observing the drow elf concealed in the shadows, Matthew deeply analyzed the information he had acquired.
Menzoberranzan—one of the three most powerful drow cities.
It boasts a population of 300,000 drow elves, over 2.6 million enslaved beings of various races, and controls an expansive territory. It had once been one of Matthew's primary adversaries.
However, at this point in time, Menzoberranzan has not yet amassed its strongest gnoll army, leaving Bay Territory with a fighting chance.
"A coalition?"
"The only force capable of uniting the drow families of Menzoberranzan is none other than—Lolth!"
Matthew silently mulled over this revelation, calculating whether it was wise to provoke Lolth at this stage.
But Matthew quickly made up his mind:
Action is necessary!
We must act now!
Matthew signaled for covert action.
Jifan, Annie, and Beelzebub immediately gathered, sensing their lord's gravity.
"The next battle will unfold in two phases," Matthew began.
"First, we cannot allow the drow elves to take the gnoll encampment."
"I will personally engage to suppress the drow's advance, which will inevitably draw their attention. Four warriors must protect me."
"Then, I will deploy two individuals to lure the gnoll army here, forcing them into a clash with the drow elves and thereby reducing the difficulty of our next operation."
"During this process, the gnoll numbers must neither be too overwhelming nor should any gnoll be allowed to escape."
"Thus, four warriors will be tasked with controlling the area where the drow scouts are stationed."
"Finally, before the gnolls and drow resolve their conflict, we must completely seal off the spatial entrance."
"The greatest risk here is…"
"The eight warriors blocking the entrance will face attacks from the drow's reinforcements."
Contemplating this scenario, everyone in the group fell into deep thought.
Based on their observations…
The drow elves were undeniably formidable. With a challenge rating of 9 and adept use of poisons, there was no guarantee of victory.
However, they also understood that if the drow elves secured this area, they could launch attacks on Bay Territory at will.
This was something they absolutely could not allow!
"We're not afraid of sacrifices. My life was saved by this territory!"
"As long as it's for the development of Bay Territory, we're confident we can complete any task!"
"That's right. No enemy can stop our progress!"
"Ha! These drow elves may have numbers, but they'll never break through our steel defenses."
"With gnolls' crude weapons and gear, they'll barely scratch us."
"We've defeated them before; this will be no different!"
"…"
Every modified soldier gazed at Matthew with blazing determination.
They were fearless, unwavering, and unafraid of sacrifice!
Seeing this, Annie and Parry exchanged astonished glances.
Why weren't these soldiers afraid?
Annie carefully observed them, confirming there was no mental manipulation at play.
This meant they were willing participants?
Annie and Parry found it hard to fathom. Even among the highly united elves, such commitment was rare.
Bay Territory, supported by the Ser Family and led by Matthew, the enigmatic arcanist, and Yaya, had been grossly underestimated by them.
They had underestimated everyone else in Bay Territory!
While the two pondered, Matthew addressed the steadfast group:
"Excellent. Jifan, take seven modified soldiers and secure the entrance."
"Once we've drawn the gnolls, you must prevent the drow reinforcements from arriving."
Jifan raised his head, his voice steady: "Understood. Leave it to me!"
"Beelzebub and Elio will handle luring the gnolls, ensuring the drawn forces are substantial."
Beelzebub, eager to act, accepted this daunting task.
Elio's confidence was evident as she arched her brow.
The two of them had developed seamless coordination.
Matthew turned to Annie and Parry, tentatively stating:
"The upcoming battle will be extremely perilous…"
"We've decided to stay and fight. Killing drow elves is too good an opportunity to pass up!"
"Exactly. We've committed to collaborating with Bay Territory in developing the Underdark. We won't just take advantage without sharing the risks!"
Their resolute words earned unanimous approval from the group.
Who would have thought elves could be this dependable!
Matthew smiled approvingly and nodded, his tone light yet spirited:
"Let's move out!"
"Victory for Bay Territory!"
"Victory for Bay Territory!"
The group echoed confidently, dispersing to their respective tasks.
Parry was assigned to support Beelzebub and Elio, providing an additional layer of security.
Annie chose to remain with Matthew for a compelling reason:
Her keen perception could detect any concealed or disguised enemies.
Matthew agreed, and they quickly returned to the gnoll encampment.
Perched on the wall, the drow commander coldly observed the gnolls' anguished cries as they fell. She inhaled the stench of blood and barked disdainfully:
"You fools, take them down now! Or would you prefer the whip?"
A sharp "crack" echoed.
Even the guards around her flinched involuntarily, haunted by unpleasant memories.
The drow warriors, wary of the gnolls' desperation, gritted their teeth and launched a fierce assault.
The gnoll fighters roared in anger, a fiery red aura engulfing their bodies as they clashed with the advancing drow.
Both sides suffered casualties, though the gnolls bore the brunt of the losses.
The drow commander's violet lips curled into a cruel smile.
She began to envision the spoils awaiting her after swiftly seizing this gnoll camp—an abundance of slaves for her domain.
Gnolls might be dimwitted, but they made excellent cannon fodder!
"And they will never betray me!"
As the drow commander reveled in her imagined triumph…
A streak of red light shot toward her, triggering a visceral alarm.
It detonated spectacularly.
Boom!