This orcish force was a flanking detachment, a mix of orcs and trolls. Their mission was to kill every elf they saw; hunting long-ears was their task. They had swept through the area and finally encountered Arthas's army.
Marlene's command was very steady. Under the authority of Alleria's seal, she had taken command of the several hundred rangers in this area. She used the gnolls' mobility to harass the orcs' flanks, luring the enraged orcs to the seashore, where the murlocs swarmed up to surround them.
Despite the ferocious orcs' arrogant and valiant fighting style, where a single stomp could crush a murloc, they still couldn't hold back the tide-like flood of murlocs and were overwhelmed by these seemingly inferior creatures. Their heads were gnawed off by the murlocs. Without absolute power, even they were ineffective against swarm tactics.
Utilizing the strengths of each race for combined arms warfare, despite some minor flaws, was proving to be a great success overall. Marlene issued commands while simultaneously recording the problems she observed. For example, issues with coordination and communication, and the gnolls' combat attrition rate against the orcs. As a commander, she had many factors to consider, and her habit of taking notes was a great asset.
"Over there! It's the traitor! Get him!"
"For the Horde!"
"Blood and honor!"
Arthas noticed the commotion in the rear. He could understand what the orcs were saying. He saw the orcs turn to chase a specific target, leaving only the trolls to continue the main assault. The trolls and high elves were ancient enemies, their feud one that could only end in death. The high elves had occupied the forest trolls' homeland, driving them out and slaughtering them—a hatred that had persisted to this day, with no hope of reconciliation.
The trolls continued to charge the Alliance lines with their war cries, but they had little effect against soldiers who had already been tempered by the war for the Solliden Farmstead. They were completely blocked by a wall of bronze and iron. From a distance, they faced the arrows of rangers and the spells of mages; up close, they were blocked by the thick-skinned naga guards. If they weren't careful, an iron spear would shoot out from a gap between the shields and pierce their hearts.
"Three o'clock! Ready! Fire!" the dwarven captain commanded excitedly.
Boom! The sound of mortars firing echoed as shells flew from their barrels and landed amidst the troll formation. The explosive shockwaves kicked up clouds of dust, instantly obscuring vision. Many trolls were thrown into the air by the blast, only to be dismembered by shrapnel.
Such was the terrifying power of artillery, and this was just primitive artillery that had yet to be further developed. Otherwise, its power would be even greater. Sword and magic, cannon and musket—this contradictory system clashed, and with every moment, soldiers fell, were pulled back up by the Holy Light, retreated to the rear, and were replaced by reinforcements.
The Alliance's staunch defense made it impossible for the trolls and orcs to break through. This was unlike any Alliance army they had encountered before. The Alliance forces led by Lothar had always used paladins as a spearhead to charge the orc formation, tearing it open and letting the soldiers find their own opponents. They would cut one down, find another, and sometimes get stabbed in the back during a duel.
Marlene's command style, however, had the soldiers stick together. After eliminating the enemy's heavy weapons like catapults, they formed a wall of bronze and iron to withstand the orc assault. In one-on-one combat, a human soldier would be completely overpowered by an orc's physical strength, but by uniting, they could triumph through teamwork.
"Focus your mind, take a deep breath, and relax. There's nothing to be afraid of. Unleash your power, commune with the elements, and cast your spell," Arthas said, looking at Jaina, who was fumbling so badly she couldn't even cast a spell and was on the verge of tears.
Hooo! Jaina took a deep breath, restoring herself to a better state. She went through the steps of the spell she had learned once more. The air began to grow cold as the elements were gathered and then released through a special arcane circuit. A sharp ice lance shot out, striking an orc who was swinging his axe and freezing him into an ice sculpture!
"I did it!" Jaina cheered, a little giddy. She had never felt that casting a spell could be such a joyous thing, especially on a battlefield! Just moments ago, she had been so scared she'd nearly wet herself. Breaking through her own limits at this moment was a truly happy occasion.
"Don't celebrate too soon. Be careful not to get hit by an arrow. On the battlefield, a mage's first rule is to protect themselves. Keep your mana shield ready at all times, and follow commands when casting spells!" Arthas continued to instruct her. He wouldn't allow Jaina to become a mere pretty face. Since she was his fiancée, he would train her properly to become his right hand.
Jaina's magical talent was undeniable, but she was still young, only thirteen. It was already a bit much for someone her age to be on the battlefield; he couldn't ask for too much. He just wanted her to understand the terror of the orcs, the scale of war, and the principles of magical combat, rather than becoming a hothouse flower that would scatter at the first gust of wind.
Arthas heard a cry of alarm and looked into the distance. The system prompt had appeared again.
"Ding! Quest triggered: Recruit the Orc Blademaster follower, Samuro."
"Recruit the Orc Blademaster follower, Samuro: Not all orcs have abandoned honor. Some orcs with noble honor have been exiled by the Horde and wander this land alone, living in seclusion. Find the Blademaster Samuro and complete his challenge, and he will follow you. Details: Samuro is under siege. Go and support him. Reward: Samuro becomes a follower."
"Falric, you stay here and protect Jaina. Send a squad with me; we'll circle around from the side," Arthas decided instantly. He wasn't needed to command here. His earlier bloody charge had shown the Alliance soldiers that he would lead from the front, which was enough. Their morale wouldn't drop, so the battle wouldn't be lost.
"Yes, Your Highness. Kassim, you are responsible for protecting His Highness," Falric replied, carrying out the order with absolute loyalty and without a hint of bargaining.
Jaina fought back her reluctance, focused her mind, and cast her spells, following Marlene's commands. She knew she had to prove her own abilities. There were many women around Arthas, especially those four dragon envoys, each a top-tier beauty who followed him around like shadows.
If she didn't find a way to become stronger, she wouldn't be able to hold onto his heart. Being a decorative vase was not the fate she wanted. She loved Arthas and would not give up on him. She was destined to become the Queen of Lordaeron, Arthas's wife