Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 280 A Powerful Assault of Spiritual Curses
The barbarian army arrived in the southern part of the interior, plundering the crops planted in the fields and feasting on them.

They would occasionally capture a few humans for amusement, and their military discipline wasn't very strict. After all, it was a coalition of several tribes, and even their commander, Mogo, who was known as the One-Eyed Barbarian King, couldn't manage it very well.

The human kingdom is so rich in resources, with an inexhaustible supply of food and abundant water and grass, making it suitable for grazing and hunting. If we can seize the heartland of Elton, the various tribes will no longer have to suffer in the yellow sand.

“Thousands of years ago, this land was our habitat, but it was occupied by shameless humans. Now it’s time to take back what is rightfully ours.”

"There's nothing to say. Conquer human cities, enslave the men, and make the women maids, so they can never rise again."

“I think we should keep their nobles and put them in the arena to perform battles for us. The losers should be fed to the lions so that they can get used to the way of life in the stronghold.”

"Hahahahaha!"

Everyone seemed to be looking forward to what would happen after the victory. After all, they had already settled into a good life in the heart of the human territory, which was a perfect release for the long-suppressed stronghold army.

However, some people have raised different opinions.

The ogre warrior João Hawke struck the stone platform with his giant hammer, drawing everyone's attention: "You bunch of fools, you're thinking about drinking, eating, and womanizing before the war has even started. Human forces are not so easy to defeat. If you don't pay close attention, you might be swallowed up by them."

"Barriers are unreliable; the other side is our sworn enemy, have you forgotten?"

They looked at each other, and a burly barbarian hero named Gregor stepped forward and laughed loudly: "Joan, you're being too sensitive. The Kingdom of Elton has been driven to its capital. What right do they have to fight us?"
If they really had troops, wouldn't they go to rescue the capital?
The only real enemy at the moment is the fortress troops to the west; a swarm of wild beasts and flying insects could easily crush them.

João looked at the other party and sneered, "Crush a reptile? The Bull's Death Eye and the Dragon King's Poison are both powerful skills. With our current morale, we're guaranteed to be utterly defeated."

Stop thinking about eating, drinking, and having fun! Summon the courage of an orc! War is coming!

Greg sneered, "You weren't scared off by Murak in the west, were you? If you don't dare to participate in the crusade against humanity, you'd better go back now, so as not to spoil everyone's fun!"

"Oh!"

With a heavy thud, João and Gregor were already locked in combat. The ogre wielded a massive wooden club, while Gregor used his shield to defend himself, and the two became entangled in a fierce struggle.

Both were barbarian heroes with astonishing strength. The ground within a dozen meters of them sank in, and their punches landed squarely, soon leaving them covered in blood.

The stronghold reveres bravery and martial prowess; regardless of the debate, might makes right. Although some wise shamans have emerged in recent years, they cannot lead tribal wars and can only offer advice. To gain the respect of the people, they still need to rely on force.

"enough!"

A giant rock fell from the sky and crashed between the two heroes. João and Gregor quickly separated, but were still hit by flying debris and covered in wounds, but they didn't care.

The person who intervened was clearly very influential, and the two men stopped arguing and became much more subdued.

"They're already fighting amongst themselves before even encountering humans. What will they do if they run into Elton's forces?"

The newcomer was a giant, over five meters tall, with only one eye on his head. This enormous eye, as big as a millstone, could see everyone.

Mogo the Cyclops King is the commander-in-chief of this operation, leading the main force attacking Sunset Fortress. There are a total of 2000 Cyclops, and any city is as fragile as paper in front of them.

"King Mogo, João has been terrified by humans before the war even started. He's afraid of this and that. How can he fight a war? If that's the case, he might as well go back to the desert and eat sand. Then he won't have to live in fear."

"How can we seize fertile resource-rich lands without taking risks? Our warriors aren't afraid of death, they're afraid of being oppressed and humiliated. After all these years, it's time for us orcs to fight back!" Gregor spoke first, raising his arm, and a large number of orcs responded to him. It was clear that everyone had been suppressed for too long and desperately needed to vent.

João plunged his giant club into the earth, ripped open the animal hide to reveal his chest, which bore dozens of wounds, cut by knives and swords, deep enough to expose the bone.

“These scars were accumulated from fighting against humans. There isn’t one on my back. Why have I ever been afraid of Elton?”
But it is precisely because of this that I have come to realize how formidable the heroes of the human kingdoms are. If I go to the front lines in such a lax manner, I will only be slaughtered by humans, becoming their achievement!

Seeing João's injuries, many people fell silent.

Courage is a quality revered by the stronghold. The ogres possess shamanic magic, and the fact that Ang has so many scars proves his fearlessness. Such a hero is truly beyond reproach.

Mogo raised his hands, signaling them to calm down.

“I know you are all doing this for the good of the beastmen in the wilderness.”

Whether it's venting, igniting fighting spirit, or reminding companions to be careful, it's all well-intentioned.

But now we must put aside past discord and hatred and attack Sunset Fortress together. Once we capture this formidable city, we will reap rich rewards, and victory will make up for all unpleasantness!

"The main force of this attack is Isildur's army. Our main target is the city walls. Once we reach Sunset Fortress, the rest is just about besieging the city. There may not be many opportunities for fighting, but as I said before, our only goal is victory!"
"Conquer the capital of Eldon, and everyone will be rewarded with a feast and gold coins!"

Upon hearing the Cyclops King's speech, the soldiers became excited, pounding their weapons and shields, their morale soaring.

While the soldiers stationed at the outposts are certainly brave, they are happy to enjoy their leisure time if they don't have to charge into battle.

"Alright, let's march another ten miles or so and find a high place to set up camp and rest."

They were not far from the capital's gates; if they marched at full speed, they would arrive in three more days. Leven had sent several letters saying that Isildur's army was preparing to launch an attack and urging them to hurry.

Because military discipline has been somewhat lax recently, the pace has been slowed down. João's commotion is a good thing, as it makes it easier to win over the hearts of the people.

The orcs will maximize their value by joining the attack when the battle is in full swing, and it's about time; we must hurry to the battlefield.

Just as the orc army was gathering its forces and marching northwest, three giant crossbows suddenly flew from afar, piercing through the clouds and landing in the densest part of the formation. They glided for hundreds of meters, stringing hundreds of soldiers together like human gourds.

Among them were weak big-eared monsters, swift wolf riders, burly ogres, and even thunderbirds resting on the ground.

However, the giant crossbow treated them all equally and killed them all.

Moreover, bursts of destructive light emanated from the surroundings, weakening their shields and armor and drastically reducing their defensive capabilities.

Mogo and the heroes looked into the distance, but could only see the distant mountain ranges. They couldn't even spot a human figure, and had no idea where the giant crossbow bolts had come from.

"Enemy attack!"

"Thunderbirds take off rapidly to locate the enemy. All units are ready for battle."

(End of this chapter)