Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 420 Betrayal? Loyalty!

The turmoil in the Xibailu Plain originated from Chen Mo.

Or rather, the turmoil that has plagued the entire White Deer Plain in recent years is inextricably linked to this Lord of the Vast Sea.

Without this troublemaker, the rulers of the White Deer would probably still be smugly trampling on the backs of slaves and laborers, using long knives, whips, and genitals to unscrupulously proclaim their supreme rule.

Going even further back, from the year 1426 of the Heavenly Vault, the year of thunder in the Qiyue Dynasty, and the year of true knowledge in the Wuyue Divine Court, which is five years before the Xiayue Era, most of the turmoil in the central and northeastern regions of the continent can be attributed to the influence of Chen Mo.

A butterfly flaps its wings, and a storm breaks out.

For this reason, this young lord, who shone brightly in the Vast Ocean Territory and was revered as the sun by his people, was given another ominous title by some others, especially astrologers and conspiracy theorists who hid in the shadows and made a living by selling information and fear: "The Disaster of the Vast Ocean"!
It complements the "Blade of Clouds and Mist".

Chen Mo's allies generally scoffed at this, but Chen's enemies truly believed it.

When such a "disaster" came to the Xibailu Plain and stayed there due to "illness", what does that mean?
If there's a conspiracy, it must be a massive one!
"A ridiculous and clumsy excuse!"

"With the elven's life-saving potion and the guardian priests of the divine court, how could he fall ill?"

"Even if the 'god of plague and constipation' himself descended, it wouldn't have any effect on him!"

"Tell the children to stay away and not step into that guy's despicable trap!"

Well, this is the main reason why the orc tribes of the West White Deer Plains backed down. Under the intimidation of the invisible halo of the "Star of Calamity," the orc tribes of the West White Deer Plains showed rare "restraint," retreating again and again, enduring again and again.

They didn't know what Chen Mo's plan was, but the fact that such an important figure had come in person and was deliberately creating a diversion was an extremely dangerous sign.

The last time the emperor personally led the expedition, the enemy flattened the entire Crack Claw Canyon.

Amidst the restlessness and unrest on the West White Deer Plain, the Vulture Cliff Mine ushered in its "destined moment."

Old Eugene gathered the sons of more than a dozen families in the mine and selected some of the strongest men from the slaves to form an even larger mine protection team.

Based on the experience the orcs had gained from fighting the Vast Ocean for so long, Eugene directed his men and miners to begin building a defensive line. They dug crooked trenches at the treacherous Vulture Cliff and built low walls of varying heights using logs and stones.

The project is progressing rapidly; the miners are indeed very skilled at digging pits.

Meanwhile, Eugene arranged for the slaves to collect many large and small boulders and carry them up the mountain as reserve weapons. He also stored a lot of food and weapons in the caves halfway up the mountain, preparing for a war of attrition.

Of course, what old Eugene cared about most were the iron ore in those large warehouses.

"Move all these treasures to shafts number three, seven, and the deepest abandoned shaft. After burying them, fill in the holes and disguise the entrances!"

When undertaking this massive project, Eugene cleverly divided the ore into several different locations and buried them separately.

After this battle, how much more can be unearthed and how much "loss" will occur will depend entirely on Eugene's mood.

In short, no matter how you calculate it, Eugene will make a profit.

Milos, the orc centurion stationed at the mine, was generally satisfied with Eugene's deployment.

The orcs were also very nervous about the approaching White Deer Restoration Society. The Vulture Cliff mine had a large output and good quality, and it continuously supplied the orcs with steel resources. If it were lost, neither the humans nor the orcs could bear the responsibility.

During this period, reinforcements from the "Thunderjaw Tribe" gradually converged on this mine from the strongholds on the east and west sides. The orcs' intentions were very clear: other places could be lost, but Vulture Cliff had to be defended!
This gave old Eugene even more confidence.

Hold on to your position, demonstrate its value, and then defect; perhaps that will yield the greatest benefit.

As is customary, the orcish caravan transporting fine iron ore powder departs once a month. In a few days, it will be time to escort this precious supply to the rear again.

Clearly, the other side was also aware of this, and just as the next delivery was about to take place, the scouts of the Bailu Independent Brigade appeared at the foot of the mountain.

They were few in number, only a handful of riders, but they were incredibly arrogant. They raised their megaphones and shouted at the guards who were waiting in battle array on the mountain.

"Hey! You guys up in the mountains! Has your manager even thought this through yet?"

"Our brigade commander said that if we don't surrender now, we won't have another chance once the main force arrives!"

Hearing the commotion, Eugene scrambled out. Facing the murderous gaze of the orc general Milos, the old man's face was as black as the bottom of a century-old charcoal pot.

"General, this is a treacherous plot by the enemy, absolutely! You cannot trust them!"

“If I, Eugene, really wanted to surrender, I would definitely make a secret meeting. How could I possibly 'conspire' in broad daylight, shouting and yelling like this? This, this is definitely a trap set by the enemy, General!”

"Please, General, investigate thoroughly! Please investigate thoroughly!"

Milos squinted and stared at Eugene for a good ten seconds, his hand on the hilt of the knife loosening slightly.

What you said... does make some sense.

"You really have no intention of surrendering?"

Eugene knelt down with a thud. "General, my family has been loyal to the Holy Mountain and the Royal Court for generations. How could we do such a treacherous thing? The entire 'No Return' human race is utterly loyal..."

Milos didn't believe such boastful words.

"Alright, stop with your nonsense, don't try to fool me!"

"Over there in Dongbailu, there are plenty of you human traitors who are dogs for that lord on the other side. I can't trust you!"

"But it's alright, with my orc army here, you cowardly little things won't be able to cause any trouble!"

"Yes, yes, yes, the general is right!"

Eugene nodded repeatedly, but his heart was filled with disdain.

A bunch of fools. If the other side hadn't refused my surrender terms, I probably would have taken your heads.

Let you be smug for a few more days!
Bowing to see Milos off, the orc general suddenly turned around as they parted, his deep blue eyes fixed on Eugene. The metallic breath from his mouth almost hit Eugene's face as he asked again, each word distinct: "You! You really have no intention of surrendering to those humans?"

"No, absolutely not!"

"Please rest assured, General, we have no disloyal intentions!"

"it is good!"

Milos seemed finally satisfied, straightened up, and left with his head held high.

Only after the orc centurion's figure disappeared from sight did Eugene slump down as if his bones had been removed.

The old man's robe was already soaked with cold sweat, clinging tightly to his thin back. Eugene looked around; his men all looked terrified.

Taking a few deep breaths of the slightly cool air, the old man forced himself to calm down and let out a cold snort: "Let's fight first, we have to finish this battle first!"

"Don't worry, I've already investigated. Not many people can come from Han Hai! We can definitely hold the line!"

Eugene wasn't lying. Chen Mo had no intention of starting a major fight in Xibailu right now. Along the river, the only forces Han Hai could mobilize were the lord's guards and the White Deer Restoration Society's manpower.

Attacking small tribes and villages is fine, but going up to Vulture Cliff will wear them down!
A day later, the main force of the Bailu Independent Brigade arrived and began to form ranks at the foot of the mountain.

The number of men was indeed small, no more than five or six hundred at most, which seemed quite thin compared to the large army waiting in battle formation on the mountain. However, their formation was well-ordered, their banners were bright, and despite having just trekked across the plains, they were still full of energy and high morale, displaying the appearance of a battle-hardened elite force.

The White Deer Restoration Association, now the White Deer Independent Brigade, has begun to shine brightly after enduring countless hardships and receiving full support from the vast ocean.

Faced with such a well-organized force, even the orc officers suppressed their smiles.

An officer from the Independent Brigade, dressed in light armor and carrying a long rifle, rode forward a few steps, his voice carrying clearly and loudly into the Vulture Cliff defenses.

"By order, we are issuing you an ultimatum! Our vast army has arrived. You have ten minutes to lay down your weapons and surrender..."

Before the other man could finish speaking, Eugene ordered his men to hastily launch a volley of catapults, silencing him.

We can't let him talk nonsense; what if he says something that could be fatal?
The old man took a deep breath, and taking advantage of the moment when the opposing officer was retreating in a sorry state, he stepped forward, pointed down the mountain and cursed loudly, his spittle flying everywhere, watering the grass in front of the trench.

"You bandits, stop spreading your lies and misleading the people!"

"We, the people of Vulture Cliff, have received the great grace of the Holy Mountain and the protection of the Royal Court. We are already of orcish soul and of the wasteland's blood, and we swear to live and die with the mine! We have no other intentions!" At this point, the old man pounded on the low wall in front of him, the blows resounding loudly. "We swear to live and die with the mine! You think we'll surrender? Dream on!"

The old man didn't have a loudspeaker, nor was he an advanced warrior. Even if the Owl Clan members at the foot of the mountain were skilled in hearing, they probably wouldn't be able to hear what he was saying from such a distance.

It's better if you can't hear it; you never know when you might have to take it back later.
Besides, this display of unwavering loyalty was mainly for the orc generals behind him to see; as long as they could hear it, that was enough.

The two sides remained locked in a standoff, with the White Deer Independent officer withdrawing from the catapult's attack range and keeping an eye on a disc-shaped object on his wrist.

Eugene recognized the item; it was a high-end product sold by the Ironspine Town Dwarf Merchant Guild, called a "watch," supposedly capable of precisely telling time. He had once seen an orc nobleman flaunt it at a banquet; its price was equivalent to several hundred young slaves.

The other person is checking the time; what are they waiting for?
Are there any reinforcements?
Time ticked by, and when the hands crossed a certain critical point, the officers of the White Deer Independent Brigade finally raised their heads.

He glanced at the sky, then at the dark defensive fortifications and fluttering enemy flags on the cliff, and slowly raised his right hand, then swung it down heavily.

Three signal flares rose from the ranks of the vast sea, like three burning swords piercing the sky above Vulture Cliff, their bright red tails leaving long, dazzling trails.

That red light was so intense it made one's heart race.

At the Vulture Cliff defense line, everyone's attention was drawn to the sudden signal flare, and they instinctively looked up.

Then, in the next instant, Eugene heard a familiar horn!

And then there was that familiar roar.

"Do it!!!"

Swords and spears were drawn, and armor plates clanged.

The attack was not launched by the formation below the mountain, but by the "supervisory team" composed of elite orcs behind the mine's protection team.

Accompanied by the mournful war horns of the orcs, the orcs of the Thunderjaw tribe, who had been plotting for a long time, charged straight into the human defense line. Their battle axes, greatswords, long knives, and heavy hammers, along with a strong stench, slashed fiercely at the unsuspecting human mining team!

Blood splashes!
A massive orcish battle axe swept across, severing a mine guard who had just been peeking out. His lower body remained wedged in the trench, while his upper body, with a bewildered expression, was sent flying. Scattered pieces of his entrails spilled from the severed body, drenching his horrified companion.

The next second, the flustered, filthy human soldier was pinned to the wooden fence in front of the position by a spear.

The attack came too suddenly and too violently, so much so that most people had no time to react before they were subjected to a bloody massacre.

"Enemy attack!"

"Watch out behind you!"

"Form ranks! Quickly form ranks!"

"Orcs are killing people! Help!!!"

After two entire rows of men were instantly hacked to pieces, the mine guards finally recovered from their shock and fear. They cried out and screamed, frantically trying to turn around and hastily organize a resistance.

This is a bit like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

They couldn't even defeat these "beasts" in a frontal formation, let alone be ambushed from behind like this.

The sounds of dying screams, the clanging of weapons, the chilling cracking of bones, and the explosive roars of the orcs as they exerted their strength.

Orcs are the race that loves to shout and yell on the battlefield.

On the battlefield, mages always chant in a low, deep voice to conceal their attack methods; while warriors attack with shouts, sometimes even loudly proclaiming the names of their moves. This is because the power of sound can better assist in the application of weapon power.

A roar, a heavy hammer blow, a spray of blood, and a pile of corpses!
Under the frenzied onslaught of the orcs, the mining team couldn't hold out for even a moment. Their formation was quickly broken, and many of them completely lost the will to resist. They dropped their weapons, cried out for their parents, and scrambled down the mountain, fleeing towards the White Deer Independent Brigade's positions, where the troops stood in formation, watching the battle in silence.

In these final moments of their lives, they seemed to remember that they were still "human beings".

Eugene, his eyes bulging with rage, was still howling with the despair of a wild beast.

"No—! Stop!"

"Are you crazy?"

"What are you doing?!"

The old steward's voice was completely distorted, making his own ears ring.

He was surrounded by his most loyal and best-equipped private guard. This guard, composed of family members and heavily hired swordsmen, was desperately using their bodies and shields to protect him, deflecting spears and weapons flying from all directions, trying to fight their way out of the battlefield and get their leader out of the battlefield.

This quickly attracted the attention of the orc chieftain. Milos personally led a group of orc commanders to surround them, like a giant beast parting the tide, leaving no one in its path unscathed.

"General Milos! This is a misunderstanding! We, we are utterly loyal!"

Eugene was dragged backward by his guards, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at Milos charging towards him, his voice filled with desperate pleading, "We are loyal! We were just fighting to the death against the enemy down the mountain! You saw it all..."

No matter how Eugene shouted or tried to explain, the other side simply carried out the killing efficiently and ruthlessly. Eugene could only watch helplessly as the key members of the mine protection team that he had carefully selected and won over with promises of great benefits, and the family private soldiers that he relied on, fell down in droves like stalks of straw swept by a sickle.

He saw his nephew, who always liked to boast about his martial arts skills, being grabbed by the ankle by a tall orc centurion, swung up like a sack, and slammed hard against the rocks, his brains splattering.
He saw his younger brother, who doted on his concubine the most, that sly little fellow who always managed to make the fake accounts look perfect, huddled in a corner with his head in his hands, when a passing orc soldier casually sliced ​​off half of his head with a single stroke.

Also, his most beloved son, who has served the mine for over twenty years, is destined to become the manager's youngest son.

Young Eugene was surrounded by several servants, forming a fragile circle back to back, like a small boat on the sea, struggling to withstand the orcs' attack.

The orcs surged forward like a tide.

The little boat capsized, the little boat broke apart, the little boat sank...

As the tide receded, all that remained was a jumbled mess of corpses, a chaotic heap of garbage, so disorganized that it was impossible to tell which part was the head, which was the leg, which was the guard, and which was the closest relative...

Eugene felt as if his blood had frozen, and everything around him lost its color.

The next moment, the orc centurion Milos cleaved through the guards in front of Eugene, piercing through the old man's soft armor beneath his magnificent robes and embedding himself deep into his chest.

"Uh……"

"Why……"

Eugene's vocal cords had been torn apart in the roar, leaving only a few dry, hoarse remnants.

“Miloš…General…we…have not surrendered…we swear to…be loyal to the death…”

Milos twisted his wrist and slowly pulled out his sword. Blood immediately poured out of the wound, and at the same time, it gushed from Eugene's mouth and nose.

Milos shook the blood off his knife and put on a "friendly" smile.

"I know you haven't surrendered!"

After a pause, the orc general savored the growing confusion in Eugene's eyes, then, in an almost gleeful tone, uttered the words that would haunt Eugene in his final moments:
"I surrender!"

Eugene coughed up a mouthful of blood.

The once-powerful manager of Vulture Cliff Mine stared wide-eyed, filled with regret and resentment, as if he wanted to say something, question something, or curse something, but in the end he only let out a few hoarse sounds.

In his last remaining vision, he saw a battlefield stained with blood and littered with corpses; orcs sheathing their swords and armor, hanging white flags on flagpoles.

And then there was the first warrior of Vulture Cliff, the infamous orc general, who raised his thick, long tail with ring-shaped markings high and swayed it from side to side with the utmost obsequiousness, and trotted down the mountain to meet them.

His vision gradually blurred, and an endless black curtain closed before Eugene's eyes.

Before he completely lost consciousness, he heard that passionate shout.

"We, the 'Thunderjaw' Leopard People, are a branch of the Cat Clan, and we are of the same race and bloodline as His Highness, Prince Liushuang!"

"Yes, yes, leopards are cats too! Kittens!"

"The entire 'Thunderjaw' clan offers their utmost sincerity to His Highness, Frostflow!"

(End of this chapter)