A Perfect Opportunity

"Sounds like some kind of mutation occurred. Could it be that they're being affected by the radiation from the witchcraft energy flowing out of Chalk Country?"

Roy pondered this silently as he surveyed their surroundings.

"Let's go take a look!"

Upon hearing this, the others couldn't help but show some resistance.

But Roy's thinking was that if even Tigro and the others could escape, then everyone else could too.

As long as they were careful and cautious.

Besides, he wasn't relying on his own martial prowess or spellcasting abilities, but on the Mirage Orb that Sailen carried.

After clarifying the general situation, he led the group forward along the beach, instructing Sailen to activate the functions of the enchanted item in advance.

As expected, near a crescent-shaped bay, they successfully detected a large gathering of mermen, moving upstream along a river that flowed into the sea.

These mermen had crude weapons, mostly primitive tools like fish bone spears or stone spears, but they were almost all equipped, forming a true army of monsters.

Various elite warriors were gathered among them. Mermen of all sizes carried dried meat and dried kelp, their scales shimmering in the afterglow of the sun, reflecting a colorful sheen.

"Their numbers are still increasing!

It looks like nearby merman tribes have also been summoned!"

Renion exclaimed in shock.

"Could it be that a Merman King is about to be born!"

Roy nodded inwardly. "Mermen are typical tribal, gregarious monsters. They have no civilization and no intelligence...

But this time, they've shown a certain level of intelligence, even managing to march.

It's highly likely that a monster superior to the leaders is in command.

Monsters of this level have completely broken through the physiological limitations of the lower merman species and embarked on the path of evolution!"

"They must have obtained a treasure from the Great Wind Land Hills..."

"This is similar to how we mortals embark on the path to the extraordinary!"

The others weren't just attending general education classes for nothing.

Once they realized this, they became excited.

Mermen, as low-level monsters, have far greater innate limitations than humans, and lacking civilization, it's difficult to pass down knowledge and skills.

Therefore, the only two ways to embark on the path of evolution are through serendipity and mutation.

For example, obtaining something that fell out of "Chalk Country"!

"However, they probably haven't reached the level of a Merman King yet. At least that merman sorcerer who could discharge electricity that you encountered wasn't!"

Roy snapped back to reality and said to everyone in a low voice.

"Why are you so sure?"

"It's simple. Chad, Tigro, you're both still alive!"

"That's true," Aimo muttered quietly. "But they must at least be lord-level..."

Roy continued his analysis. "Judging by their appearance, they seem to be gathering a large force to attack somewhere.

You weren't pursued; you just had the bad luck to bump into them.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime golden opportunity! Hunting their rear guard can yield a lot of Fish Pearls and allow you to complete several quests!

And if there really is a war between monsters up ahead, maybe we can take advantage of their mutual destruction and pick up the scraps!"

"This... can this really work?"

Everyone was stunned after hearing this.

"Isn't it a bit too risky?"

"Is it really risky? Not necessarily.

Low-level monsters don't have high intelligence. Even if there's a lord or even a hero surpassing the leaders, it's just a large wave of monsters charging head-on.

Moreover, their battle lines often stretch for tens of kilometers, leaving them vulnerable from behind, presenting many opportunities to attack them.

Seizing this opportunity decisively could truly lead to a windfall!"

Roy analyzed calmly.

Upon hearing this, the others gradually shifted from their initial fear and apprehension to excitement and eagerness.

A short while later, the group appeared on a nearby highland and conducted a general reconnaissance of the enemy situation on the beach and by the river.

The information they gathered was exhilarating.

"They really are migrating and marching!"

"It looks like they're heading east along the river, towards the core area of the Great Wind Land Hills!"

"So, the mermen we're seeing now... are actually a few hours behind?"

"Besides, hunting them down means any traces like blood will just flow downstream, and the main force upstream won't notice!"

As they chatted excitedly, Roy gradually came up with a plan.

"Let's wait for that powerful monster to move further away...

Then we'll pursue them along the river until we encounter the main force we can't defeat, and then we'll retreat!"

As they discussed, the sky gradually darkened.

Roy looked around and saw that everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, the wounded had applied their salves and rested. He began to give orders.

"Sailen, you stay behind with Andov, Nia, and Aimo to guard the horses. Also, keep an eye on the signal flags or bonfires for any response..."

"Renion, you're with Chad and Shan Lu. Tigro and Thomas will form another small team. I'll be on my own...

Follow the orders!"

"Yes, Senior Roy!"

The Seven Towers Alliance had risen by plundering and colonizing planes. Their adventurous spirit and unspoken rules from the Star Sea era were deeply ingrained.

Although Roy had never been a leader, he had studied the history of this world and knew the importance of mastering two key aspects: "getting the work done" and "dividing the spoils."

When assigning tasks, one must clearly define the objective and the milestones for progress.

This is how you build convincing leadership.

After assigning tasks, it's time for phased acceptance and supervision, but without micromanaging, as there's neither the time nor the energy for that.

Shortly after, everyone acted according to the orders, taking a detour to the upstream to launch a surprise attack.

Roy didn't rush to attack. Instead, he stood on a nearby high ground, keeping watch.

He watched as the two small teams attacked, easily defeating the Elite Warriors and excavating the Fish Pearls. Only then did he take out a small, bright stone, infuse it with his Mental Strength, and send out the agreed-upon signal...

In the distant night sky, another light flickered. It was Sailen replying.

"Let's go!"

Roy collected the Fish Pearls handed over by Renion and the others and hurried towards Sailen and the others.

Soon after, they repeated their tactic, attacking several more Merman squads upstream, and finally encountered a Merman Sorcerer who knew how to cast spells.

Roy stepped forward, a red light flashing in his eyes: "Everyone, get out of the way, I'll deal with it!"

The ordinary mermen posed no significant threat. He didn't even look at them. His invisible aura struck them with fear and hesitation.

Any who dared to attack were repelled by his Mental Strength!

Immediately after, his hair grew wildly, as if alive, and fiercely blocked attacks from behind.

He cut through the enemy ranks as if entering an uninhabited land, charging straight into the formation to face the Sorcerer.

"..."

Animate!

The iron chain was thrown, and in an instant, it coiled around the Sorcerer like a python, tightening its grip.

The Merman Sorcerer, who was in the process of casting a spell, was interrupted and couldn't move.

Roy drew his sword and thrust it, finishing it off.

The others swarmed forward, overwhelming and defeating the ordinary mermen, thus securing their victory.