Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 263 Advanced Fearless Offensive Techniques

Ivan contributed the most to this great battle, leading the fearless swordsmen into battle and deserves the greatest credit.

[You displayed great bravery in this siege, gaining a deeper understanding of offensive techniques. +1 Attack, and learned Advanced Fearless Offense.]

【Advanced Fearless Offense: Increases the damage of the melee physical attack of the commanded troops by 30%. If there are more enemies than friendly forces (average number of troops in the area), an additional 10% physical damage amplification is added (10% is offset if the enemy has a defensive spell, and an additional 10% physical output is added if not).

Evaluation: Heretic, do I harbor any fear within me?

Ivan possesses the Defense spell and is most familiar with its abnormal effects. Often, when encountering a hero with the Defense spell, no matter how strong the army is, it cannot be used effectively and must be converted to elemental attack to be effective.

But even the strongest sword can't necessarily break through a hard shield. When facing more enemies, the Fearless Offense spell can trigger increased physical damage. With the added bonus from the Governance spell, Ivan is no longer afraid of the elven dragon knights.

In fact, fearlessness is a state of mind, a sense of self-reliance and self-confidence. Overpowering the weak with superior numbers has always been a tactical necessity, but humanity celebrates the heroes who bravely fight in dire circumstances.

Ivan possesses magical battle formations, enabling him to strategically manage battles within a given area. He is confident in his ability to unleash his strongest offensive capabilities.

Of course, if you're surrounding and killing enemies, melee physical damage is enough.

After Ivan breached the magic circle, he continued to command the fearless swordsmen to pursue the enemy. The bastion troops, having lost their will to fight, were essentially powerless to resist.

The fearless swordsman fought for a while, then, finding it uninteresting, rested on the spot. The steel knight also maintained order, quickly restoring calm to the city.

Even though they were a mixed cavalry unit, they were still a level 6 unit. They didn't panic because of the treasure or the merits of the battle. Instead, they followed the knight commander's orders and transported the prisoners in a very orderly manner.

As everyone passed by the ruins in the very center, they all looked at Ivan and the fearless swordsman with admiration.

Regardless of any previous prejudices, they were truly defeated this time. Although the castle's army had many shortcomings, its spirit of bravery and martial prowess remained, especially the cavalry regiment that upheld the code of chivalry. They expressed their respect for the swordsmen who had ventured deep into enemy territory.

Five hundred men stormed into a city of tens of thousands and destroyed the magic circle; this was no different from capturing a general and seizing a flag.

With such bravery, even if swordsmen are arrogant, everyone will think they are qualified!

Nearly 200 fearless swordsmen died in this siege. Even with Ivan's defensive spell, such heavy losses show how intense the battle was.

If Su Mu were here, with his ability to reincarnate, he might be able to save the swordsmen. However, the western front is equally important and needs Su Mu's protection even more. Otherwise, if it is breached, the entire operation will be lost.

Besides, no war is without casualties; either swordsmen die or knights suffer.

The Holy Shield Griffins lost over 2000 during the siege, all to support Ivan and his men and draw the attention of the defending forces. Even the knights lost dozens in the chaos, mainly killed by ranged attacks.

It's quite an achievement to win with this number of casualties.

Having experienced this war, the fearless swordsman has mastered enough swordsmanship skills to return and advance to become the strongest swordsman. The sacrifice was worthwhile.

After Conrad finished arranging the aftermath in the city, he walked towards the magic circle and gave Ivan a big hug.

"Very good, your performance deserves Su Mu's praise."

The Knight Commander was always quite strict, but even the most demanding officer had nothing to say about Ivan's achievements.

With such capable generals, it's no wonder that Su Mu was able to establish himself on the plains.

Conrad handed Ivan a ring and a shield: "This is what you deserve. It wouldn't be unreasonable for you to take all of Vidal's treasures with your achievements, but the cavalry need to be rewarded, so this is how it will be distributed for now. I will petition for you, Orin, and your lord to report the details of this battle truthfully, and the kingdom will reward you accordingly."

Ivan put on the ring, and immediately a thick wave of magical energy surrounded him. This was a treasure on par with the Frozen Heart. Su Mu had specifically instructed everyone to search for the Heart of Rock and the Heart of Gale, but unexpectedly, they found them here.

The other shield is huge and thick, with a very simple and rustic design, featuring a fork-shaped protrusion in the middle, which looks like it was meant to be used to smash people.

【Mad Demon Shield (Level 3 Treasure): When equipped by a hero, the hero gains +5 defense. If the hero's base defense is more than 5, the hero gains an additional +2 defense.

Evaluation: You walk onto a small bridge, and a huge ogre roars down from the other side. You kill him and take his shield as your trophy.

This shield is suitable for heroes with amazing defense. After synthesizing the Crimson Curse Armor, Su Mu gave Ivan a sword, the Crimson Dragon Sword, but there was no suitable shield.

Seeing Ivan's predicament, the knight commander specially selected a suitable treasure for him and presented it to him first.

Conrad did not forget Orling and gave him a treasure as well.

【Dragon Eye Ring (Level 2 Treasure): Increases hero's attack and defense by 1, enhances sensitivity to dragons, and increases attack range by 10%. One of the nine components of the Dragon King's Divine Power combination treasure.】

Review: You enter a dilapidated hut where the remains of a witch lie. After searching, you find a ring inlaid with a longan.

Wearing the Dragon Eye Ring grants an extra eye to observe the battlefield and enhances archery skills, making it very suitable for Ouling.

The two heroes said in unison, "Thank you, Commander Knight!"

No wonder even the lords are so devoted to the Knight Commander. Conrad is decisive, fair, and rewards merit while punishing wrongdoing. Moreover, he knows what they want. This is the kind of hero we should follow.

After that, Frosthold was no longer their concern; Conrad personally arranged the defenses, and he was very prudent.

Now that Leven is determined to advance westward, but with the loss of Frostholdt, Winterfell is wide open. Without this city with its parliament, would Isildur still dare to be so arrogant?

However, Isildur has deployed a fairly strong defensive force in Winterfell. A large number of troops from Isildur's homeland have been teleported over, but they haven't had time to go to the front line yet. Now they can't leave at all, which can be considered as a way to relieve the pressure on the hinterland.

Without a powerful hero to lead them, it's unlikely they would dare to launch a counterattack on Frostholdt.

The only concern is the Arcane Empire. They clearly covet the North and are likely to send troops over. But since Conrad has taken Frostholdt, he won't just hand it over unless they step over his dead body to enter the city.

Ivan and Orling agreed on this point, and mentioned their lord's promise that if Frostholdt were besieged, Bearhold would definitely march north to provide support.

This decision was made by Su Mu before he even sent out his troops. If the Knight Commander decided to hold out, Bear Fortress would definitely give him its full support.

Frosthold is a renowned fortified city in the North. What is Rhodes, that he's worthy of guarding this place?

If Conrad were the commander-in-chief, we wouldn't fear an enemy many times our size. Then, we'd have a natural barrier to the north, and Bear's Fortress wouldn't have to live in constant fear—it would be of great strategic significance.

After making an agreement, Ivan and his companions headed south back to the plains, their destination naturally being Kuraki City.

The strongest sword is within reach.

(End of this chapter)