Gnoll Movements

It's been over half a month since the gnolls left Lake of Star Prayer and continued eastward.

During this time, Lake of Star Prayer returned to its usual busyness. Castles were improved, farmlands were cultivated, irrigation channels were built, salt mines were excavated, and the territory was patrolled. Every knight under Velin diligently completed their assigned tasks.

As the lord, Velin was not idle either.

After the battle with the gnolls, he deeply realized the inadequacy of his own combat skills.

Therefore, he set a strict daily schedule for himself: handling territorial affairs in the morning, sparring with other knights in the afternoon, and cultivating Battle Qi at night, seizing every minute and second to improve himself.

In late December, personnel on reconnaissance missions returned to Lake of Star Prayer, bringing Velin the latest intelligence from Cadro Province.

In the castle hall, the captain of the reconnaissance team, the Silver Low-Tier Knight Mike, was respectfully reporting to Velin.

"My Lord, there are five groups of monster armies attacking the borders of Cadro Province. Their targets are the border fortress Montas, our territory Lake of Star Prayer, Yellow Sand River Valley Ermos, and four other locations. The border fortress Montas faces the largest number of monster allied forces, with over thirty thousand monsters."

Upon hearing this, Velin asked, "What is the current situation in the inland areas of the province?"

"It's chaotic, very chaotic," Mike replied after careful consideration. "Nobles everywhere are either resolutely resisting monster attacks, fleeing after defeat, or even abandoning their posts at the mere sight of them. This phenomenon is especially apparent the closer one gets to the provincial capital."

"Heh, it seems that over a hundred years of peace has eroded the valor of some nobles," Velin chuckled, scoffing at the performance of certain nobles.

He wondered how many noble families in Cadro Province would have their territories reclaimed or their heirs replaced by their liege lords due to this turmoil.

However, none of this held any significance for him.

"What is the current status of the group of gnolls I asked you to focus on?"

"My Lord, those remnants left Lake of Star Prayer and headed east, successively breaking through several noble territories. It seems that due to insufficient strength, or perhaps having learned from their attack on the castle, this group of gnolls only plundered villages and towns around the castles, ignoring the nobles' castles themselves. As a result, they have accumulated a considerable amount of wealth."

"The reason for my return this time is that I learned the gnolls are preparing to bypass Lake of Star Prayer and head back into the wasteland from Bedrock Mountain, about sixty kilometers south of us, carrying their plundered wealth and captives."

"The information is reliable," Velin's spirits immediately lifted. He stared at Mike and asked sternly.

"It is absolutely true. I captured a Silver Low-Tier gnoll clan leader and obtained this information from him."

Velin appeared thoughtful, finding it somewhat peculiar. He wondered if the other party would change direction because of this.

Mike stood by, waiting quietly.

"The specific time."

"According to the intelligence from that gnoll, the approximate time should be early January. The exact date is unknown."

"Continue your reconnaissance with your men. Report to me immediately if there are any developments."

"Yes, my Lord."

After Mike left, Velin went to the map and looked at the areas around Lake of Star Prayer.

He couldn't be sure if the gnoll leader, upon learning that his subordinate had disappeared, would change his mind and leave from another direction.

He wondered if it would be a case of diminishing returns if he rushed to lead the main force to Bedrock Mountain to set up an ambush now.

"I'll wait for a while. I can't make a hasty decision now."

Subsequently, Velin instructed Belder to mobilize the territorial army and prepare for departure, awaiting his orders for the specific timing.

In a village in Cadro Province, the one-armed gnoll Rogus was chewing on a roasted beef leg, calmly observing the room.

"Leader, in the past twenty-odd days of plundering, the wealth we've stolen is countless. We've captured over ten thousand strong human slaves alone," said a gnoll clan leader sitting below, playing with a gold coin in his hand excitedly.

"Leader, should we continue to advance east? I've heard that the further east we go, the wealthier the human nobles are, and the more good things there are," a gnoll clan leader with a scar on his face seized the opportunity to tentatively ask.

At this moment, Rogus noticed something was amiss. He carefully counted his subordinates below and asked, "Where is Drako?"

The few gnolls below looked at each other, all with puzzled expressions.

"Guards."

Looking at these useless subordinates, Rogus said with a dark expression.

Immediately, two tall gnolls entered the room and knelt on one knee, awaiting orders.

"Go and bring Drako's tribesmen."

"Yes, Chief."

A moment later, several dirty gnolls were brought to the location, awaiting Rogus's questioning.

"Where is your clan leader?"

A gnoll prostrated himself on the ground and respectfully replied, "Esteemed Chief, our clan leader went out to plunder three days ago and has yet to return to the camp."

"So, your clan leader hasn't returned for three days, and I, as the leader, have no information?"

The gnoll prostrating on the ground trembled in fear. Recalling the tribesmen inexplicably executed over the past twenty-odd days, he began to pray for the protection of the gnoll god Gourelik.

"Drag them out and roast them."

Upon hearing this, several gnolls collapsed on the ground, forcibly dragged out by several gnoll guards.

The other gnoll clan leaders lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound.

Ever since the leader lost an arm, his temper had become increasingly volatile, and he would often abuse and kill his tribesmen to vent his anger.

Rogus surveyed the surroundings. Wherever his gaze fell, not a single wolf dared to meet his eyes.

"In two weeks, we will begin our return journey, proceeding as originally planned."

"Yes, Chief."

Not a single Gnoll objected, all responding loudly to show their lack of opposition.

On the night of January 1st, 9721, Velin, for the first time ever, did not cultivate. Instead, he lay on his bed, quietly waiting.

Tonight, according to his previous guess, the Guidance of Fate would bring him new information.

Soon, the time reached eight o'clock, and a pleasant voice sounded once again, bringing him valuable news.

[In seven days, a Legendary Mage from the stars will fall near Gray Mist Mountain, north of the Lake of Star Prayer. Saving her will earn you thirty years of her protection.]

"A Legendary Mage," Velin sat up abruptly, his face full of surprise. "What do I have to save her with?"

The next moment, he realized he possessed something that could save a Legendary Mage.

However, he had received news during the day that the Gnolls had already set off to return to the Graylight Wasteland, just as the previous investigation had indicated, preparing to leave Cadro Province from the south.

"I can't focus on both north and south; I have to make a choice."

Velin's face was etched with conflict. On one hand, there were vast amounts of resources that could further develop his territory. On the other, he could gain the friendship of a Legendary Mage, but only receive thirty years of protection.

"Since that's the case, then so be it."

Soon, Velin had a clear answer in his heart.

If you find this book good, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.