Chapter 327: We Are Everywhere
News of the Bay Territory's victory over the orc vanguard reached both Carlisle City and Darkmoon City.
The Bloodmoon City soldiers, who were being battered by the main orc army, immediately felt a surge of morale.
Knight Harley, commanding the defense, looked at his map with a confident and hearty tone and said:
"Everyone, don't worry; we've already won!"
Under the doubtful gazes of the nobles, Knight Harley laid out Matthew's carefully crafted battle plan.
"Currently, the main orc force of 200,000 is already held down by us."
"As long as we withstand their assault, Bay Territory soldiers and tens of thousands of adventurers will ambush their food stores from behind."
"Once the ambush succeeds, those orcs will likely be too starved to even flee…"
While explaining the plan, Knight Harley felt increasingly confident in its likelihood of success.
His satisfaction with Matthew's capabilities grew stronger.
If only all nobles were as efficient as Matthew.
All it took was a clear offer, and the job would be done cleanly—no underhanded scheming required!
After hearing the rough outline of the plan, even those nobles with limited military insight could envision the victory and success this plan could achieve.
Indeed, it was a beautiful vision!
However, not everyone wished for Bay Territory's success.
In the dark corners of the castle, whispers of treachery and sin were spreading.
...…
Eastern Carl Plain.
Riding atop his warhorse, Leon was hunting down fleeing orc soldiers.
Leon had long since become a mid-level warrior!
With his exquisite swordsmanship, battle experience, and exceptional equipment,
hunting down these ordinary orc soldiers was practically child's play!
Around him, other Bay Territory soldiers were also seizing the opportunity to practice riding and shooting techniques.
For each orc they killed, they earned a reward of 10 gold coins and additional merit.
So, while following orders, they were filled with enthusiasm for the hunt.
Dozens of orc bodies were gathered and burned.
Soon, adventurers arrived and signaled to Leon's team:
"300 meters to the right, there are 120 orcs transporting food."
Hearing this, Leon didn't act immediately; he sent out scouts first, then had his soldiers check their equipment.
Only after receiving the scouts' confirmation did he lead his soldiers into the next slaughter.
There were hundreds of hunting teams like Leon's spread across Carl Plain!
They targeted smaller groups of orc soldiers, with thousands of roving adventurers surrounding and seeking them out.
They showed no mercy and never left survivors—few orcs escaped their grasp.
When faced with a larger group, nearby teams would gather, using various methods to harass and surround them.
Orc soldiers, lacking discipline, could hardly withstand the relentless rain of ranged attacks.
Soon, those who couldn't sit idle met their end in a charge.
Only the better-equipped and larger orc units had any chance of reaching the main orc force.
Of course, they usually paid a steep price, with over half their forces lost.
To worsen the orcs' plight, poisons of all sorts were mixed into their food supplies.
If they didn't eat, they'd starve.
If they did, they'd be poisoned.
In the days that followed, the orc raiding parties on Carl Plain dwindled.
Most were eliminated, and the rest were too terrified to venture out.
Left without food, the orc army resorted to sending large units to sweep the area.
And then, they began stumbling into all kinds of traps.
Digging pits and burying rusted blades was only the beginning.
Bags of food were placed as bait, leading unwary orcs into pre-dug pits.
Adventurers skilled in capturing trolls displayed their unique techniques.
Even powerful trolls with rapid healing rarely escaped these traps.
Now, they simply replaced troll-paralyzing agents with deadlier poisons.
And unlike trolls, orcs lacked their formidable healing abilities.
Once wounded or poisoned, they could only endure with sheer will.
Naturally, their casualty rates skyrocketed!
What made it worse for the orcs was the pervasive presence of adventurers lurking everywhere.
Every kind of assault bombarded them in waves.
In just two days, the 10,000-strong orc sweep team had lost almost half its numbers.
Most were injured and, with little medical aid, could only lie in camp, helplessly moaning.
With experience, adventurers and soldiers became increasingly efficient at hunting orcs.
Leveraging the extensive blockade network and their mobility, their kill rate continued to rise.
They never forgot the advice from Matthew and Bay Territory soldiers:
"No matter the means, targeting orc soldiers directly is always the best approach."
"The more orcs we kill, the fewer threats we'll face."
"Give them food if needed, but ensure safety, and kill more orcs—it's what matters most!"
"If outmatched, retreat; if possible, strike."
"Set plenty of traps. With so many orcs, they're bound to fall into them eventually."
"…"
The techniques imparted by Lord Matthew won widespread praise after just a few attempts.
They began hunting orcs with even greater efficiency, preventing them from looting food and taking prisoners!
Meanwhile, the orc army's food supply dwindled further.
Even with their previous stockpiles of considerable food,
feeding 200,000 mouths daily was astronomical.
Unlike Bloodmoon City soldiers, they lacked a well-supplied logistics division.
If the stalemate continued, they'd be doomed to defeat as their food supply dwindled.
And so, the 200,000-strong orc army launched an all-out offensive.
They were ready for a desperate struggle!
While orc intelligence was limited, their fighting spirit and instincts were razor-sharp!