Berserker

The heavy sound of horns echoed low through the Sauron Army.

With the military order issued, the massive army, which had been standing at attention awaiting orders, began its final preparations for battle in an orderly manner.

The air was thick with the unique scent of leather, the friction of steel, and heavy breathing; a suppressed yet fervent fighting spirit was rapidly building.

In the ranks of the Sparrow Corps, a young Sauron soldier named Einar, with a face covered in freckles and eyes still bearing the innocence of a boy, was spreading his arms, letting a slender but exceptionally nimble auxiliary soldier help him put on his Chain Mail.

This auxiliary soldier was named Thomas. He was originally a farmer from the border of the Goldflower Kingdom. Several years ago, he was captured during a raid by the Sauron and became a slave.

With his cleverness and obedience, he gradually gained the opportunity to serve the soldiers, and was promoted to "auxiliary soldier" for his "meritorious service" in assisting in transporting the wounded and supplies in several battles.

Although this status was still lowly, no different from that of a slave in front of real Sauron soldier, at least they were freed from the shackles of the lowest class, and could obtain slightly better food and limited freedom, and even have the opportunity to receive a small share of spoils after the war.

Therefore, auxiliary soldiers like Thomas were often more eager for victory and worked harder to prove themselves in order to gain further "rewards" than the real Sauron.

Thomas skillfully slipped the heavy Chain Mail over Einar's body, carefully adjusting the shoulder straps and buckles to ensure the armor fit snugly without hindering movement.

Einar patted Thomas's thin shoulder and said in a condescending tone, "Do a good job, Thomas! After we kill all these damned Goldspur and break their shells, you go in with them. Be quick and grab anything valuable you see! If you're lucky enough to snatch a beautiful woman who's still alive..."

He grinned, revealing his uneven teeth. "I'll give you my wife!"

Upon hearing this, Thomas's face immediately filled with a grateful and obsequious smile, and he nodded and bowed repeatedly. "Einar, Master Ennar! Thank you, Master! I will do my utmost!"

He could almost see a warm nest and a woman of his own beckoning to him.

At that moment, a dismounted cavalryman came over and tossed a finely crafted composite bow and a heavy quiver to Einar.

Einar was a light infantryman in the army, skilled in archery harassment.

Thomas quickly took it and carefully hung the quiver on his waist in the most convenient position, then slung the horsebow on his back.

Finally, Einar himself carried a light, Armed Sword at his waist for close combat.

Einar was very relaxed, even somewhat relieved and expectant.

Since joining the Sparrow Corps, he has participated in more than a dozen raids and battles on the border of the Broomflower, almost every one of which ended in victory and rampant plunder by the Sauron.

He had witnessed countless Broomflower soldiers flee at the mere sight of the enemy, and villages and towns reduced to ashes in the flames.

In his youthful mind, the Sauron warriors were invincible, while the Goldspur were weak, wealthy, and lambs to the slaughter.

In his view, this battle was nothing more than another opportunity to make money and gain military merit.

He had used his previous spoils to buy himself a lot of nice things, and even married a beautiful woman back in his hometown because of it.

Not far in front of him, an exceptionally burly veteran named Tokel, with a fierce-looking face, was also putting on armor with the help of two auxiliary soldiers.

Tokel was a renowned heavy infantry warrior in the Sparrow Corps.

He was not wearing ordinary leather or chainmail, but a set of plate armor made of fine iron, gleaming with a cold silver light. The plates were thick and provided extremely thorough protection.

These heavily armored warriors, wielding giant axes and swords, were known as "Berserker" in the Sauron Army and were the most powerful offensive force in the Sauron Army.

Einar gazed at the imposing armor, his eyes filled with envy and longing.

He quickly stepped forward and diligently helped Tokel tighten the armor sash on his back.

Tokel sensed his movement, turned around, and saw it was Einar. A rare smile appeared on his rugged face, and his voice was like muffled thunder. "It's little Einar. What, you've got your eye on my iron armor?"

Einar scratched his head sheepishly, "Uncle Tokel's armor is so impressive! I wish I had a set..."

Tokel laughed heartily, patting Einar's chainmail with his large, gauntlet-clad hand, making a clattering sound, "Kid, do a good job! Chop off a few more heads of those Broomflower devils, and steal a lot of gold and silver! After this battle, if you do well, the chief might be in a good mood and reward you with a fine set of armor!"

He paused, his tone becoming slightly more serious. "This time, our Sparrow Corps was left behind by the Great Chieftain to guard the home front, missing the main force heading south to raid. Whether the brothers will eat chaff and wild vegetables or feast on meat and fish all winter depends on this one deal today!"

"Charge in when we're in the middle, don't be a coward, follow me, keep your eyes peeled, and be ruthless! Once we break through the formation, the food, cloth, gold, silver, women... all inside are ours!"

Einar was filled with excitement and nodded vigorously. "Don't worry, Uncle Tokel! I'll definitely follow you!"

Just then, the roars of officers at all levels rang out in succession. "Form ranks! Prepare to advance!"

"Check the weapons!"

"Archers, advance!"

"Berserker! Raise your shields!"

The clamor of preparations for battle instantly subsided, replaced by a suffocating atmosphere of tension.

All Sauron soldier, whether light infantry, archers, or Berserker, quickly found their positions and formed an attack formation.

At the very front of the army were assault infantrymen carrying hastily made, crude Wooden Shield and wielding heavy Battle Axe.

Following them are archers and light infantry like Einar, who will provide ranged suppression.

Further back are the Berserker centered around Tokel and others, clad in the finest armor; they are the true sledgehammers used to tear open gaps in the defenses.

Further away, a hundred elite mounted archers, dismounted, had already lined up, arrows nocked, aiming at the distant Broomflower position.

Meanwhile, Unag's main cavalry force patrolled the perimeter, effectively sealing off the battlefield like chains.

Battle Group Commander Invag rode a tall horse, surveying the ready-to-go troops.

He drew his scimitar sharply, pointed it at Carnford's defense, and roared an attack:

"For Chief Harald! For the glory of Sauron! For wealth and women! Slaughter them all! Forward!"

"Whoa!!!"

A deafening battle roar erupted like a tsunami!

The massive Sauron Army began to march with heavy, orderly steps, carrying a terrifying aura that seemed capable of crushing everything, slowly pressing towards Carnford's seemingly flimsy defenses!

The steel jungle is moving, and the shadow of death looms over the land.