While Gale was making Regeneration Potions, Maiev suddenly arrived.
"Yue Nu is preparing a surprise attack tonight."
Gale didn't think much of it. "That's normal. Trolls are diurnal creatures, so even with strengthened defenses, there won't be many of them at night. As long as we seize the right moment, the success rate of the raid can be guaranteed."
Maiev shook her head and said, "I know that, of course, but I feel this decision is a bit hasty. After the drawbridge was destroyed, Yue Nu couldn't send out scouts to investigate the situation and is completely relying on the intelligence provided by the Mages—"
Gale understood instantly. "That is indeed unwise. How does he plan to act?"
"I arrived too late and don't know their specific battle plan."
Gale took out a communication crystal. "Carlos, come to my laboratory for a moment."
Carlos was patrolling outside the warehouse. After handing the patrol team over to his deputy, he walked into the warehouse.
Gale introduced Maiev. "Carlos, you should know him. He is my kinsman, and he used to be Yue Nu's subordinate, so he should have some understanding of the battle plan."
Carlos glanced at Maiev; he recognized the Priest.
"The Legion Commander's plan is for the Mages to use magic to build a drawbridge directly to Claw's Rest. Then the Mages will cast large-scale spells to strike the Trolls first. After that, the First Legion will cross the bridge to clean up the aftermath."
"That simple?" Maiev asked in surprise.
Carlos nodded. Of course, it was that simple. So many Mages casting spells together could probably flatten Claw's Rest. If it weren't for the lack of spellcasting materials, would the Trolls still be able to stay safely in Claw's Rest?
"Although the plan is simple, it's very practical," Gale said. "If the Mages' spells work, even if something goes wrong with the First Legion, the Trolls will still be defeated."
Maiev: "My concern is precisely that the Mages might make a mistake."
Carlos asked, puzzled, "How could the Mages make a mistake?"
"Casting large spells is not easy, especially spells that require joint casting," Gale explained. "Moreover, we have no idea what the situation is like on the Trolls' side. What if they have a way to defend against large-scale spells?"
"No way?"
Carlos didn't quite believe it, and neither did Moon Fury Legion Commander.
Just after midnight, the Mages gathered at the edge of Weeping Wind Canyon. Through the Arcane Eye, the Mages observed that most of the Trolls were already snoring loudly, with only a few Trolls watching the canyon.
The optimal time for the surprise attack had arrived!
The Mages drew magic circles on the ground and then stood at the nodes of the circles. Turann High Mage stood in the center of the circle, waving his staff to concentrate the Mages' mana. A glimmer of light appeared in the dark sky, gradually illuminating the night.
Claw's Rest also noticed the anomaly, and the Trolls stirred. They woke their sleeping companions, wanting to flee the camp.
But it was too late. Countless fire rains descended from the sky, engulfing the entire Claw's Rest. The Trolls' tents caught fire, and the Trolls scattered and fled.
Outside the magic circle, two Mages placed spellcasting materials on the edge of the cliff. The spell activated, and a bridge made of Arcane Energy extended to the opposite bank.
Moon Fury Legion Commander immediately drew his sword and swung it forward: "Attack!"
The First Legion rushed across the energy bridge to the opposite bank.
Just as Moon Fury Legion Commander stepped onto the energy bridge, the Arcane Eye suddenly stopped working. The Mage wanted to report to Moon Fury Legion Commander, but it was already too late.
The Mage had no choice but to Flash beside Maiev. "Your Excellency Priest, the Arcane Eye has stopped working, and we've lost intelligence on the other side."
Upon hearing this, Maiev immediately knew something was wrong. Although she didn't know what the problem was, she still gave a direct order: "Recast Arcane Eye to restore intelligence on the other side. Maintain the energy bridge and guard the First Legion's retreat. If any Trolls get on the bridge, notify me immediately."
"Yes, sir!" The Mage, having a pillar of support, immediately sprang into action.
Maiev took out a communication crystal and told Gale the situation.
Gale stopped what he was doing, willing to waste materials, and Flashed to the door. Pushing open the door and exiting the warehouse, he shouted to Carlos, "Carlos, guard the warehouse well. No one is allowed to approach. If anyone dares to disobey the warning, you can kill first and report later."
Carlos was stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted, shouting orders for his subordinates to guard all critical positions. Navoli led the Rangers to climb onto the warehouse roof, occupying the high ground.
Gale Flashed to the rooftop and used Arcane Eye to float towards Claw's Rest.
The Arcane Eye quickly sent back information: although the entire Claw's Rest was covered in fire rain, the Trolls' casualties were not severe. Voodoo shields blocked the damage from the fire rain, indicating that Claw's Rest had Troll Witch Doctors, possibly more than one.
At the central large tent, an energy shield blocked the flames. The tent was partially burned, likely before the energy shield appeared. Through the damaged part of the tent, several Troll Witch Doctors were continuously releasing Voodoo outwards.
Was it a trap? Or a coincidence?
Because it was through the Arcane Eye, Gale couldn't feel the energy fluctuations of that energy shield. However, judging by the color, it didn't seem like the power of Voodoo.
Could it be the power of a loa?
Gale became vigilant. In this situation, if a loa were present, the Mages would be the first to suffer.
Thinking of this, he Flashed beside Maiev.
"There are many Witch Doctors in the center of Claw's Rest protecting the Trolls. There's an energy shield over their tent, which I suspect is a divine spell."
"Divine spell?" Maiev looked at Gale in horror. "You suspect a loa is present?"
Gale nodded. "Have the Priests protect the Mages and immediately send someone to inform the First Legion to retreat!"
Maiev accepted the suggestion. She turned sharply, "Nasa, you go inform the First Legion to retreat. Everyone else, protect the Mages!"
Nasa tugged on the reins and charged onto the energy bridge on her Night Saber. The other Priests quickly ran towards the magic circle, but before they could get into position, a huge splash echoed through Weeping Wind Canyon.
Following closely was a giant wave that surged onto the cliff, followed by a huge snake head.
Gale was utterly horrified. With such a massive snake head, how enormous was this snake?
Maiev quickly pulled him, shouting, "Immediately activate protective divine spells! It's a Hydra!"
Hydra?
Gale couldn't help but turn his head, only to see one giant snake head after another emerging from the cliff edge. When one of the snake heads burst out, it directly bit off the energy bridge.
"Nasa!"
Maiev cried out in a sharp, mournful voice. She had always regarded Nasa as her sister, and now that Nasa was once again in danger, her heart was bleeding.
Gale quickly controlled the Arcane Eye to turn, saw a dark figure jump to the opposite bank, and quickly said, "Nasa is fine. You take command; I'll go buy some time."
"You'll die!" Maiev reached out to grab Gale, but Gale had already Flashed away.
She watched Gale appear at the edge of the cliff, her heart filled with worry. Gritting her teeth, she urgently shouted, "Speed up the prayers!"