Relying on his thick skin, the unique aura of a paladin, and a priest providing healing from behind,
Arthas ordered his soldiers to form a circle, protecting the Elven Priestess and Sylvanas within, while he charged out ahead.
He didn't stray too far, simply swinging his hammer to Bash people.
But Sylvanas noticed something different: occasionally, an orc struck by his hammer would freeze on the spot, as if their soul had left them.
Dazing on the battlefield is a fatal mistake!
She had fought orcs before and knew these barbaric green-skins were cruel and brave, but not foolish. How could they make such a mistake?
There was something strange here!
This human prince was becoming increasingly mysterious; even she couldn't figure out why.
Each time he was injured, the passive aura's experience would increase.
Each time Bash was activated, the experience would also grow.
As long as there was enough experience, he could upgrade his skills, and each upgrade was a qualitative change.
Before long, Arthas felt his arms aching, a very real reminder.
Although he had a system panel, reality was still reality; one careless mistake could cost him his life.
There weren't many orcs left; this raid consisted of only about fifty, their goal being to plunder food and villagers, not to destroy.
The battle cries shook the heavens. With the prince fighting valiantly at the front, not a single Lordaeron soldier retreated, enduring even the most severe injuries with gritted teeth.
Sylvanas reached back and found nothing; her arrows had run out at some point.
She put away her bow, drew her short swords, and charged out. A ranger wasn't just good at shooting arrows from behind; she could also reap enemies' heads up close.
Perhaps seeing the beautiful woman appear, the orcs became overly excited, as if injected with adrenaline.
Arthas cast a Holy Light spell on himself, alleviating the fatigue of his torn muscles.
At this moment, Sylvanas was entangled with an orc, unaware that another orc behind her was holding an axe with both hands, staring at her.
As she thrust her sword, striking the orc soldier's throat and killing him instantly,
the orc behind her roared, leaped up, and brought his axe down towards Sylvanas's head.
At this critical moment, her move was spent, and changing her stance was difficult.
Sylvanas was startled; it was too late to dodge, so she could only try to withstand the blow.
Bang!
A blue cloaked cape appeared before her; the human prince she disliked had blocked the attack at the crucial moment.
He used his shield to block the axe, then twisted it to deflect the force, avoiding the full impact.
He switched to a one-handed sword, and the blade pierced the orc soldier's head, killing him instantly.
Arthas was panting heavily, sweat pouring out. Blood stained his armor, highlighting his masculine charm.
"Are you alright?"
"Hmph, I don't need your help."
Sylvanas snorted, pulled out her short sword, and then added as she turned to continue fighting,
"Hey, thanks, prince."
Arthas smiled and shook his head, looking at Sylvanas in her combat attire. She was truly tsundere.
It was all the Lich King's fault; otherwise, why would she despise him so much?
Now things were a bit better. Seeing Sylvanas, valiant and heroic, moving through the battlefield with increased caution, reaping orc heads, her beautiful figure always brought joy.
An hour later, the battle subsided.
All the orcs had been annihilated. The previously dispatched troops had ambushed them from both sides, preventing their escape.
"Your Highness, when I arrived, these orcs were still escorting villagers. I don't know what they intended to do."
Captain Marwyn's visor was covered in blood, blurring his vision.
Arthas looked at the fallen soldiers, feeling an indescribable emotion. Sadness? Grief? Or Dissapointment in himself?
These were not cold numbers, but vibrant lives.
"If not for rations, then for sacrifices. Those orcs deserve to die!"
Arthas's voice was cold, filled with hatred.
He didn't know what mercy meant; he only knew that being merciful to enemies was being cruel to himself and to his people.
Could Holy Light convert enemies?
He didn't know, but he could certainly send enemies to meet the Holy Light!
At that moment, an arm rested on his shoulder. Who dared to be so disrespectful him, he didn't even swing that way!
Captain Marwyn was about to reprimand them when he saw his comrade subtly shaking his head, because this was the ranger-general, an ally.
"You needn't dwell on it. Just keep your feelings hidden in your heart. Every sorrow will eventually transform into fury to burn your enemies to ashes."
"Arthas, you now need to reorganize your troops, clear the battlefield, and think about your next move. That is what makes a qualified leader."
Sylvanas's voice was clear and serene, though her expression was taut, showing no hint of a smile.
But the life-saving grace had moved her. It had nothing to do with romance; it was simply a realization of how ridiculous her inexplicable dislike for him had been.
At this point, she was both comforting him and sharing her experiences as a ranger-general, as if it were an exchange of knowledge.
Arthas nodded slightly, then naturally took her small hand, his gaze quickly sweeping over that expanse of snowy peaks.
"Thank you, Sylvanas. I'm fine, just a bit emotional."
"Your lesson is correct. Captain Marwyn, you are responsible for clearing the battlefield. Falric, go comfort the villagers and prepare food. We need to spend the night here."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Sylvanas, whose small hand was being held, was still a bit unaccustomed, her slender eyebrows twitching a few times.
"Are you done holding it?"
"Oh, sorry. Your fingers are very nimble. No wonder your archery is so good. I was hoping to ask you for some pointers."
Arthas seized the opportunity, now setting his sights on her.
Besides coveting her, he also coveted her skills.
Sylvanas initially didn't want to teach him. How could a paladin use a bow and arrow?
Even if she taught him, it would be pointless, but unable to refuse, she simply gave a perfunctory explanation to get rid of him.
But who knew that he would conveniently offer her beer, and occasionally compliment her, making Sylvanas feel light-headed from the flattery.
Before she knew it, Arthas had actually learned a new skill.
He glanced at his system panel, feeling utterly satisfied.
Arthas: The Light of Lordaeron.
Active Skills: Holy Light.
Passive Skills: Level 3 Bash, Level 3 Concentration Aura, Level 1 Trueshot Aura, Level 2 Brilliance Aura.
Level 3 Bash: Human hero Mountain King skill. 30% chance to stun enemies for two seconds, with an additional 30% bonus damage.
Level 3 Concentration Aura: Human hero paladin skill. Reduces 15% of damage taken for himself and allies.
Level 1 Trueshot Aura: Elven hero skill. Increases ranged attack power by 10% for himself and allies.
Level 2 Brilliance Aura: Self and allies recover an additional 20% of their Intelligence in mana per second, currently 4 points per second.