Chapter 299: The Death of Black Steel, A Bunch of Self-Righteous Fools
The death of a Beast-bodied Quadruped demi-human was no great matter. But when that demi-human's identity was 'Black Steel' Muwa, one of the Ten Elites, an unavoidable war was inevitable!
To cope with the ongoing drought and find a water source, the Beast-bodied Quadruped and Beastman tribes naturally set their sights on the two locations of the North Mountain Range Water Source and the South Mountain Range Water Source.
'Black Steel' Muwa was a rare demi-human from the Beast-bodied Quadruped tribe who did not rely on brute force. Exceptionally skilled in stealth and infiltration, he was known as the ghost that sprinted through the darkness. This was the origin of the name 'Black Steel.'
As a top-tier Ranger, 'Black Steel' Muwa had been sent as an advance scout to investigate the situation of the demi-humans at the water source.
The result was the death of his entire squad!
And as one of the 'Ten Elites,' a top-tier Ranger no less, the disappearance of 'Black Steel' Muwa made the implications of his unknown whereabouts perfectly clear.
The Tribe Leader of the Beast-bodied Quadrupeds, 'Demon Claw' Weijie, flew into a rage and led his entire tribe, along with the Beastman tribe, to launch an attack.
In the strange castle.
A solemn atmosphere filled the great hall.
The Blue Maggot King, the Pandes Matriarch, Gagaran, the Iron Ratman Priest, and Nasurini of the Demon-Manifested Beings—the leaders of the five demi-human tribes—sat around the round table with varied expressions.
Besides the five demi-human leaders, Tang Zheng and the Alliance Leader sat in nearby seats, with the White Mist Witch and Khajiit standing behind them respectively.
"The Beast-bodied Quadruped Tribe has already invaded our hinterland. They've seized a water source to use as their base of operations. This old one's Demon-Manifested Being tribe can't hold them back."
Nasurini's expression was grim, her four arms pressed firmly on the tabletop, revealing her agitated state.
The Beast-bodied Quadruped Tribe was an extremely powerful race. The martial prowess of their individuals far exceeded the standard of ordinary demi-humans, to the point where even an 'Orichalcum Rank' adventurer team would be drawn into a bitter fight.
"How many troops does the Iron Ratman Tribe have right now?" Facing Nasurini's plea for help, Tang Zheng turned his head to look at the Iron Ratman Priest beside him.
"With ample food and water, we've recalled more than 3,000 of our kinsmen who had previously fled."
The Iron Ratman Priest quickly leaned forward and replied respectfully, "The number of our tribesmen has recovered to 8,000."
Tang Zheng nodded lightly upon hearing this response.
The Alliance Leader and Khajiit, seated to the side, were both somewhat surprised and astonished.
The Alliance Leader, in particular, realized he had still somewhat underestimated the red-robed spellcaster before him. His pale eyes, hidden beneath the black mist and death aura, swept across everyone present.
Aside from Nasurini of the Demon-Manifested Beings, who was somewhat noteworthy, the rest of the demi-humans were not worth mentioning.
"There are no faith-based magic casters among this group of demi-humans," the Alliance Leader thought to himself, though he wasn't surprised.
Tang Zheng pondered for a moment.
"Dispatch 3,000 Iron Ratmen, 2,000 Ogres, and have the Blue Maggot and Pandess groups each send 1,000 troops to support the Demon-Manifested Beings," Tang Zheng said calmly.
"I know none of you wish to fight. However, the enemy has already invaded our hinterland. If you want our water and food to fall into someone else's hands, then by all means, do as you please."
The demi-humans, who had been feeling resistant, couldn't help but look up.
They knew Tang Zheng possessed a vast amount of food stored from his transactions with the humans. If such a large quantity of grain were to fall into enemy hands, it would be more painful than death itself.
"Our Iron Ratman Tribe will definitely assist the Demon-Manifested Beings with all our strength," the Iron Ratman Priest was the first to declare.
The Iron Ratmen had the greatest need for grain. With the entire hills region now in a drought, vast numbers of their tribesmen would starve to death without sufficient food.
Following the Iron Ratman Priest's statement, the other races immediately echoed their support.
Just then.
Gagaran, with a grim face, spoke in a booming voice, "The corpse of 'Black Steel' Muwa has been found. It's confirmed he died within our territory. What exactly happened?"
As soon as he spoke.
The gazes of all the demi-humans turned to Tang Zheng, who was seated at the head of the table.
'Black Steel' Muwa was a top-tier Ranger. Among those present, no more than three had the ability to defeat him, yet 'Black Steel' Muwa hadn't even been able to escape.
In the eyes of the demi-humans, only Tang Zheng could have accomplished this.
Faced with the string of gazes.
Tang Zheng instead turned his head to look at the Alliance Leader beside him. "Your Excellency, Alliance Leader, what exactly happened here?"
"Oh."
The Alliance Leader responded softly, as if just realizing something. His strangely magnetic voice sounded, "So that demi-human was called 'Black Steel' Muwa? He looked sneaky, so I took care of him on a whim."
"Since I've caused everyone such a big problem, I suppose I should assist you all."
"I see," Tang Zheng nodded lightly, his voice responding with cool composure.
"Then we will have to trouble Your Excellency, Alliance Leader."
The brief exchange reached everyone's ears.
All the demi-humans present looked at the Alliance Leader in disbelief.
They had assumed the other two humans were Tang Zheng's subordinates, but the content of their conversation clearly indicated a relationship different from what they had imagined.
In fact.
This human, addressed as Alliance Leader, seemed to possess an even more powerful aura than Tang Zheng.
Gagaran stared at the figure shrouded in negative energy and death aura.
Alliance Leader?
To be addressed so by that detestable, mysterious person, could this man called "Alliance Leader" be the one spoken of in legends among the human nations?
The thought shocked Gagaran.
Amidst the varied and uncertain thoughts of the demi-humans.
An allied force of roughly seven thousand demi-humans mobilized in a great, surging mass, heading straight for the water source area occupied by the Beast-bodied Quadruped Tribe.
War between demi-humans had always been simple and direct!
Without any unnecessary words, the moment the two sides spotted each other, they roared and crashed together.
The sturdy Beast-bodied Quadrupeds and Beastmen were like a torrent. The Ogres and Iron Ratmen, known for their great strength and high defense, were instantly broken and scattered the moment they clashed with the enemy!
"There's more water and food here! Butcher them!"
"Avenge Lord Muwa!"
"Kill!"
"...!"
The shouts of battle instantly echoed across the sky.
Gagaran gripped his spiked club, his eyes fixed on the chaotic melee before him. As he watched the gory scene of flying flesh and blood, a suppressed rage slowly began to build within him. "What in the world am I even doing here!"
He had only been pursuing greater power.
Yet he had somehow become entangled in this situation, watching countless demi-human races slaughter one another!
A look of confusion appeared in Gagaran's eyes. He wanted to stop all this, yet he felt a sense of powerlessness.
Those demi-humans would never listen to his opinion, and if he wanted to cooperate with humans, the humans would never trust him.
These hills were demi-human territory; how could humans possibly intervene so easily?
Bang!
A dull thud of flesh colliding rang out.
A tall, sturdy Ogre was sent flying by the charge of a running Beast-bodied Quadruped, crashing down near Gagaran's side.
The loud crash of the heavy body, the Ogre's pained screams, and the scene of flying flesh and blood once again filled his vision.
Gagaran's breathing grew heavier.
Thanks to the advantages of their physique and race, the individual strength of the Beast-bodied Quadrupeds was extremely high. Once they started running, they were like human heavy cavalry.
Even a demi-human with the physique of an Ogre couldn't withstand the impact force of a Beast-bodied Quadruped's charge.
After finishing off an Ogre, that Beast-bodied Quadruped noticed the even taller and more conspicuous Gagaran. A bloodthirsty smile spread across its black panther-like face.
Boom!
Its four feet kicked off the ground violently.
This Beast-bodied Quadruped let out a beastly roar, displaying astonishing explosive power and agility as it charged toward Gagaran.
From a racial perspective, letting out a beastly roar was a sign of being unable to control one's emotions. However, on this battlefield, only wildness and power could conquer another race!
The Beast-bodied Quadruped held a wooden shield, bracing it in front of itself. As its body charged forward at high speed, its other hand held a long spear behind it.
In the blink of an eye!
The Beast-bodied Quadruped had already reached Gagaran. It raised its shield slightly and slammed it forward viciously.
"Fortress!"
Facing this terrifying charging force, a hint of ferocity gradually appeared in Gagaran's eyes as he raised his spiked club.
Dong—
The spiked club made contact with the shield, but he wasn't sent flying as expected.
The Beast-bodied Quadruped felt as if it had crashed into an indestructible wall, unable to budge it in the slightest. Strangely, there was no rebound force from the impact either.
"It's the same as the King, using a power called 'Martial Arts'!" The Beast-bodied Quadruped was shaken and quickly tried to retreat to create distance.
"Divine Skill: Flash!"
The ground beneath Gagaran's feet exploded. With a single stride, he appeared at the Beast-bodied Quadruped's side and swung his enchanted spiked club.
Bang!
A spray of blood mixed with flesh blossomed in mid-air.
The Beast-bodied Quadruped screamed as its body crashed to the ground. With its last ounce of strength, it threw the long spear in its hand.
Gagaran simply sidestepped, easily dodging the opponent's final attack.
He looked at the fallen Beast-bodied Quadruped before him, at its caved-in lower body and its twitching, bleeding form.
"Damn bastard!"
Gagaran cursed, unsure if he was cursing the enemy or himself. He raised his spiked club again, preparing to deliver the final blow.
"Duel Declaration!" a thundering roar came from the distance.
Gagaran's swing of his enchanted spiked club paused, and his body uncontrollably charged toward the source of the voice.
"What's happening!" Gagaran's eyes widened in shock. While trying to regain control of his body, he looked at the figure rushing toward him from afar.
It was an even more robust Beast-bodied Quadruped, holding a long-handled, double-edged enchanted battle axe in both hands. It wore a thin layer of leather armor that shimmered with magical light.
Boom!
The enchanted spiked club and the double-edged battle axe clashed in mid-air. The immense force erupted with a terrifying roar, and a shockwave swept out from the two of them, knocking over the many unsuspecting demi-humans nearby.
After the intense collision.
The Beast-bodied Quadruped took a step back to steady itself, looking at Gagaran in surprise. "Who are you?"
"To think I was bested in strength. I don't recall there being an Ogre among the 'Ten Elites.'"
'Demon Claw' Weijie tightened his grip on his double-edged battle axe, his crimson eyes staring at Gagaran with a face full of excitement.
A trace of solemnity also appeared in Gagaran's eyes. "Shouldn't you state your own name before asking for another's?"
"I am the King of the Beast-bodied Quadruped Tribe, 'Demon Claw' Weijie!"
'Demon Claw' Weijie announced loudly.
One of the Ten Evils of the Demi-Humans?
No wonder.
Gagaran thought to himself. He had been in the hills for several months without encountering a single strong individual from the "Ten Evils of the Demi-Humans."
Now, to have met several in such a short time, it was truly laughable!
"Gagaran. For now, you can consider me the King of the Ogre Race."
Gagaran spoke in a deep voice, slightly lowering his enchanted spiked club. He spoke seriously, "Too many demi-humans have already died in this war. How about we end it here?"
"A truce?"
'Demon Claw' Weijie laughed as if he had heard a joke. "Even if you allied demi-humans are prepared to surrender, it's already too late!"
"I will not spare you! The death of 'Black Steel' Muwa must be paid for with all of your lives!"
"For you tribes to have secretly allied together... if I can exterminate and conquer you, then the name of Wige Lagandara will surely resound throughout the entire hills!"
As 'Demon Claw' Weijie spoke, he became increasingly excited. A fiery heat burned in his crimson beast eyes. He raised his double-edged battle axe and charged once more.
"Let your death serve to please me!"
"As expected, you won't listen at all. A bunch of self-righteous fools." Gagaran opened his mouth, revealing his sharp teeth.
At this moment, at the very edge of the battlefield.
Looking down upon the entire battlefield, Tang Zheng could clearly see that their side's demi-humans were being steadily pushed back.
A squad led by a small contingent of Beastmen was constantly weaving through the battlefield, consolidating the power of the entire Beast-bodied Quadruped and Beastman tribes into a single force.
"'Beast General' Hector Weiss."
The name flashed through Tang Zheng's mind. This was the first time he had seen a demi-human who could truly be said to be commanding a battle among these groups.
"Heh, heh. If this continues, these demi-humans under your command are going to lose," the Alliance Leader, standing beside him, remarked lightly.
Tang Zheng nodded and said calmly, "Indeed. Therefore, Your Excellency, Alliance Leader, it is time for you to act."
"Fifth Tier Undead Summoning: Skeleton Gryphon!" The Alliance Leader's withered hand, gripping a strange staff, emerged from the black mist of negative energy.
Following a dense fluctuation of negative energy, a Skeleton Gryphon appeared beside the Alliance Leader.
"Go."
The Skeleton Gryphon flapped its wings, transforming into a pale, black shadow as it plunged into the battlefield.
Immediately after!
"Teleportation."
The Alliance Leader waved his staff again, and his figure vanished from the spot, entering the battlefield below and appearing next to an Ogre.
That Ogre looked at the Alliance Leader who had suddenly appeared beside him and scratched its head in confusion.
With its level of wisdom, it couldn't tell if the Alliance Leader was an enemy. Looking at this strange fellow completely shrouded in the black mist of negative energy, it hesitated for a moment before raising the wooden club in its hand and swinging it down.
"Hmph!"
The Alliance Leader snorted coldly. With another wave of his staff, he cast, "5th Tier Magic: Undead Creation!"
A thick death aura instantly enveloped the Ogre. The corrosion of negative energy caused the Ogre to let out a pained wail.
In the span of a single breath.
As the dense negative energy dissipated, the Ogre transformed into a man-sized skeletal undead, holding a shield and longsword and completely covered in heavy armor.
A Heavy Armor Skeleton Warrior!
After creating this second Fifth Tier undead, the Alliance Leader, accompanied by the Heavy Armor Skeleton Warrior, began to walk unhurriedly into the depths of the battlefield.
On the outskirts of the battlefield.
Tang Zheng subconsciously frowned. The Alliance Leader's series of actions felt extremely strange to him.
As a disguise, Tang Zheng had only displayed the power of a Fifth Tier spellcaster, but the Alliance Leader was not so limited.
If he had cast the 6th Tier Magic, 'Pale Fire,' he could have easily changed the course of the battle, but the Alliance Leader hadn't done so.
He had deliberately killed 'Black Steel' Muwa to provoke this war, and then, as a magic caster, had put himself in harm's way by entering the chaotic battlefield!
These bizarre actions.
It made Tang Zheng negate his previous theory that the Alliance Leader wanted to display his power to gain control over the demi-humans.
"Alliance Leader... the Alliance Leader wants to..."
Khajiit, whose presence had become extremely faint, suddenly realized something and subconsciously took a step back. "To complete the ritual that was left unfinished 20 years ago!"
"What are you talking about?" Tang Zheng whipped his head around to look at Khajiit.
"It's..." Khajiit opened his mouth, but the words wouldn't come out.
"4th Tier Magic: Yin Five Elements Thunder Marquis Summon!"
"4th Tier Magic: Yang Five Elements Thunder Marquis Summon!"
Suddenly!
Two bolts of thunder materialized from behind, and crackling, surging lightning blasted toward Tang Zheng.
The surprise attack of dual 4th Tier magic spells left Khajiit and the White Mist Witch, who were also within the attack range, no time to react, the hair on their bodies standing on end.
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