Send for Lord Shien at once

"Latest report from the north bank: the forward squadrons have suffered severe casualties. There are nearly seven hundred Gillsplitter Beasts, and more are still appearing downstream."

Gavin looked up toward Egret Bay. There were far more monsters than expected.

Blood Moon Season was approaching, and the power of the blood moon had already begun affecting the monsters in the river.

The Gillsplitter Beasts that had initially gathered downstream were moving toward areas where the sacred flame and the smell of blood were stronger. Others of their kind in the surrounding tributaries had also begun converging on Egret Bay.

He lowered his gaze to the map again. Reinforcements were already approaching the north bank, but a stretch of polluted shallows stood in their way.

He could even see the First Legion's banners in the distance. Only a few hundred paces separated the two forces.

Aldrick's men were retreating over there, while the Second Legion had reached this side. The dark red riverbank between them kept the two forces apart.

The officer responsible for communications said quietly, "The reinforcements have arrived."

Gavin watched the distant banners. "They still have to get our men back."

He immediately changed the arrangements, sending cavalry along a side route with a small purification team. He also ordered the engineers to unload their heavy tools and head for the river embankment on foot with only light equipment.

The Second Legion advanced to the edge of the polluted area, ready to receive the retreating soldiers.

The orders began converging on the same objective.

Meanwhile, the fighting on the northern embankment entered its most dangerous phase.

Aldrick personally led the reserves guarding the withdrawal point.

The Mutated Gillsplitter Beasts had already closed on the front line, their dark red gill sacs swelling continuously along their necks. At his command,