When all the armies within Gray Valley County had assembled, Carter Zane, dressed in magnificent armor, slowly ascended the hastily erected platform with steady steps.
He looked down, his gaze sweeping over the murderous army arrayed before him, his eyes filled with self-satisfaction.
For this expedition, Carter Zane had truly gone all out.
He gathered a cavalry force of four hundred men, clad in excellent armor, wielding sharp lances, and riding well-fed, well-trained warhorses.
The sheer presence of this cavalry alone was enough to strike fear into the hearts of enemies.
Besides the cavalry, there were six thousand regular Gray Valley County troops, standing in neat formation, high-spirited, their weapons glinting coldly in the sun.
Additionally, there were fifteen hundred Barbarian Slave legions previously gifted to him by The Terror Duke.
These Barbarian Slave warriors were tall and robust, with dark skin and fierce faces, exuding a savage aura.
Their weapons were varied, but all radiated a bloodthirsty killing intent.
Adding to that were the remaining five thousand slave warriors, who, though slightly inferior in equipment and training, made up for it in sheer numbers and could still play a role on the battlefield.
This was the full strength Carter Zane commanded, a mixed force of nearly fifteen thousand men.
Compared to Bear Peter's three thousand ragtag troops, it was a world of difference.
Whether in terms of troop numbers, equipment, or the quality and training of the Soldier, Carter Zane's army held an absolute advantage.
"Lord Zane, which blind fool dared to provoke your wrath? Your subordinate is willing to serve you and bring his head before you!"
A strong and fierce-looking middle-aged knight rode out from the cavalry, came to the foot of the high platform, dismounted, and knelt on one knee before Carter Zane, speaking in a loud yet respectful voice.
His eyes revealed his loyalty to Carter Zane and his eagerness to achieve great deeds.
Carter Zane lowered his head slightly, looked at the knight at his feet, a cold sneer playing on his lips, and caressed the expensive jade ring on his finger, a dangerous glint in his eyes, slowly saying, "He is merely a blind idiot.
It has been a long time since this Lord was so angered by anyone.
These days, near Gray Valley County, someone actually dares to challenge my authority like this."
"Lord Zane, in your presence, that fellow is merely a slightly stronger ant," the knight echoed.
"This time, this Lord will not only crush that ant but also use this opportunity to properly discipline these minor lords near Gray Valley County.
Let them know that in this land, only by sheltering under this Lord's wing can they remain safe and sound.
Those who defy my will, like the ant I am about to crush, will certainly come to no good end!"
Carter Zane's voice was deep and full of authority, as if proclaiming an unassailable law.
Carter Zane had always coveted the secrets of Link, but he didn't attach much importance to him.
In his opinion, Winterfell City's combat power was, at best, only slightly stronger than Bear Peter's Iron Hammer Territory.
As for Iron Hammer Territory, Bear Peter's three thousand ragtag troops were not considered an army in Carter Zane's eyes at all.
Those Soldier were loosely trained and poorly equipped, at most only slightly better than bandits.
Let alone compared to his own army, which had fought for many years and was rich in experience.
Therefore, the reason Carter Zane mobilized all his forces with such a grand display, besides eliminating Link, was more importantly to deter the various lords surrounding Gray Valley County.
Although these lords, under Carter Zane's oppression, would dutifully offer treasures and wealth every year, over time, it was inevitable that some strange thoughts would arise.
It was a perfect opportunity to both eliminate Winterfell City, uncover the secrets of those "Elf Race specialties," and simultaneously deter the various lords near Gray Valley County, making them obediently submit and no longer dare to entertain any thoughts of resistance.
Thus, in Carter Zane's view, this was less a war to conquer Winterfell City and more a unilateral display of his military might.
He wanted everyone to know that Carter Zane was still the undisputed ruler of this land.
The news of Gray Valley County's military mobilization was also intentionally spread by Carter Zane's men.
In less than a day, all the major and minor forces in Gray Valley County had received this news.
In the streets and alleys, people were discussing it animatedly.
"Who exactly is Link of Winterfell City, that he would make Lord Carter Zane go to such great lengths and dispatch so many troops?"
A simply dressed merchant frowned, asking the person beside him with a puzzled expression.
"He's the one who previously destroyed Iron Hammer Territory and killed Bear Peter.
But I heard he was just lucky; if you talk about real strength, how could he compare to Lord Carter Zane?"
Another vendor with a shrewd face next to him scoffed, curling his lips.
"What if he killed Bear Peter?
There's more than one lord near Gray Valley County who can rival Bear Peter! But Carter Zane, the Winterfell City Lord, can make all these lords obediently bow their heads, not daring to resist in the slightest.
This Link is probably in for big trouble."
"That unlucky fellow, to have angered Winterfell City Lord Carter Zane so much.
But if you ask me, Winterfell City Lord Carter Zane is killing a chicken to scare the monkeys!
He's using this opportunity to give a warning to those disloyal lords."
A burly mercenary grinned and said with a laugh.
"Heh heh, it's a good chance to see how Carter Zane's combat power has developed over the past few years, and if he still has the qualifications to deter the many lords nearby.
If his strength is not what it used to be, perhaps the situation in Gray Valley County will change again."
As the news spread, Gray Valley County and its surroundings began to stir with undercurrents.
Almost every faction wanted to use this opportunity to assess Carter Zane's strength, to see if he still had the qualifications to command their submission.
After all, in this land full of conflict, strength was the fundamental determinant of everything.
And Carter Zane did not disappoint these forces.
After a brief rest, he led his army out of Gray Valley County in a grand procession.
The neat formations and loud horn calls seemed to proclaim their might to the world.
The army marched majestically towards Link's Winterfell City, raising dust that obscured the sky.
When that mixed army of tens of thousands, well-trained and well-equipped, slowly departed from Gray Valley County under the leadership of Carter Zane, the forces observing in secret all fell silent.
They hid in the shadows, watching this powerful army with eyes full of fear and awe.
"Carter Zane's power seems to have grown even stronger!
Look at the scale and momentum of this army; it's even more formidable than before."
A scout hiding in a corner whispered to his companion.
"His cavalry force has grown so large!
And this shouldn't be all; perhaps he still has other trump cards he hasn't revealed."
"And The Terror Duke's Barbarian Slave legion, each one fierce and robust, they look so much stronger than ordinary human warriors!
The savage aura they exude is chilling just to behold."
"As expected of the Winterfell City Lord of Gray Valley County; his forces are incredibly powerful!
It seems that near Gray Valley County, no one can shake his position."
"Tsk tsk, that Winterfell City Lord, whatever his name is, is in for trouble.
With this power, even four or five Bear Peter bound together wouldn't be a match.
So what if that Winterfell City Lord defeated Bear Peter?
He simply cannot be Carter Zane's opponent.
This battle, I'm afraid, has no suspense."
After witnessing Carter Zane's grand army with their own eyes, the various forces near Gray Valley County reached a strikingly consistent conclusion.
That Winterfell City was finished!
With such a powerful force in his hands, dealing with a mere Winterfell City would probably be like crushing an ant, effortless.
In this land where the strong prey on the weak, strength determined everything, and Winterfell City seemed destined for destruction...
The moment Gray Valley County's grand army set out, Link received precise news from the Black Blade Assassins.
An army of 15,000 was undoubtedly a formidable force that Winterfell City could not underestimate at the moment.
It was like a pot of half-cooked rice; though difficult to swallow, Winterfell City had no choice but to force it down.
After all, if they could successfully deal with it, the accumulated points would likely be enough for Winterfell City to stand out in the Northern Lands, looking down on all sides.
However… just as Link gathered everyone to discuss strategies against the enemy, an unexpected event suddenly occurred!
A City Guard, panicked and flustered, burst through the door, his face full of terror and unease, stammering to Link, "Lord! It's… it's bad! The Monster Forest to the north… in the forest…"
"What exactly happened? Don't rush, speak slowly!" Link frowned deeply, saying in a low voice.
The Soldier took several deep, ragged breaths, trying to calm his inner fear, and said with a trembling voice, "A large number of monsters have appeared in the forest! Lord Link! It's a beast tide! The beast tide has come!"
"What!?"
The Soldier's words were like a bombshell, making everyone present change their expressions, all frowning, and the scene instantly fell into a deathly silence.
Why did such a thing happen at this critical juncture?
This was simply one misfortune after another, making people grit their teeth in anger!
With Gray Valley County's 15,000-strong army pressing from the front, and a surging beast tide attacking from behind, the worst-case scenario they least wanted to encounter had ultimately become a cruel reality!
"Damn it!" Link cursed under his breath, his brows tightly knit, his gaze fixed on the map, racking his brain for a countermeasure.
Just then, Agnes stepped forward, her gaze firm, her expression calm, as if everything was under her control.
"Those 15,000 from Gray Valley County, just leave them to me."
Agnes's voice was calm and powerful, echoing in the silent room.
"Agnes… you…" Link was stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief.
One person, to fight against an army of 15,000?
This was simply a joke!
However, Agnes's expression was quite serious, with no hint of teasing or jest in her eyes, making it impossible to see any sign of her joking.
"You wouldn't think that I'd already used all my strength in the previous battles, would you?"
Agnes's lips curved slightly upward, revealing a calm smile.
Author's Note:
Author's Words: PS: Please give monthly votes and urge for updates!!!!!!!! I'm dying!!!!!!!!