In late October, the first outpost fifty kilometers from Deer Gate South Mountain lit a signal fire, warning the rear while gathering supplies and retreating backward.
Seeing black smoke rising in the distance, Kyle hurried to the tent to report to Velin.
"My lord, a signal has come from the south. Enemy forces are attacking, numbering at least five thousand."
"Notify all forces outside to return to Deer Gate South Mountain Fortress immediately. Send warnings to the nobles and Pioneer Knights in the east. Also send a signal north and inform the commander of our situation." Upon hearing Kyle's report, Velin did not panic and issued his orders methodically.
"Yes, my lord."
The troops carrying out missions around Deer Gate South Mountain received the order and immediately abandoned everything they were doing, returning to Deer Gate South Mountain Fortress with essential supplies—the shelter they had spent a month building.
Twenty kilometers from the southernmost outpost, a Ratman Wizard narrowed his eyes at the black smoke in the sky, his eyes constantly shifting.
"Tak."
"Master, you called this lowly rat's name. What are your orders?" A two-meter-tall Giant Ratman carrying a stone hammer came before the Ratman Wizard Tatsol and respectfully knelt on the ground.
"How much cannon fodder have you gathered?"
"Reporting to Master, we have gathered four thousand pieces of cannon fodder: five hundred able-bodied youths and three thousand five hundred old and weak. All have taken the Plague Potion you provided."
"I have fed them for several days. It is time for them to prove their worth."
After finishing his questions, the Ratman Wizard urged his rat mount onward, leading the troops forward.
A day later, at the foot of Deer Gate South Mountain, more than ten thousand monsters had encamped there, facing Deer Gate South Mountain Fortress