Chapter 245 - 205: In Ancient Times, Three Heroes Fought Lu Bu; Today, Three Men Fight a Minotaur

Fujero had initially been taking a tentative approach. Now that he saw the enemy had created the promised chaos, how could he possibly let this opportunity slip away?

"Move out!"

And so, some fifteen hundred cavalrymen charged forward, fanning out into battle formation.

Aside from the Panda Warriors, the remaining thousand-plus soldiers of the Thorn Corps were all cavalry.

The unconcealed thundering of hooves suddenly intensified, a heart-pounding roar that shook the very heavens.

For a surprise attack, the more mobile cavalry were the obvious choice.

At this moment, the distant horizon where sky met earth was already glowing the color of an egg yolk. For the soldiers of the Thorn Corps, who didn’t suffer from night blindness, it was more than enough light to see.

So even in the dim, hazy light, they still maintained their practiced formation.

Several azure halos descended from the sky, enveloping the foremost soldiers and causing their speed to increase noticeably. This was the Swift Movement Technique, jointly cast by the few Ice and Snow Priests led by Fu Jin.

There was no need for probing attacks or parleys; from the very start, both sides knew this would be a battle to the death.

"ROAR!" Leading the charge was Panda, clad in a full suit of Iron Armor. He threw his head back and let out a deafening roar, winding up and swinging his Cyan Dragon Saber in a great arc at a line of Lizardmen who had hastily scrambled to meet them.

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

A few elite Lizardmen in Leather Armor stood in his way, but in the hands of the uncommonly valiant Panda Race Leader, they were as helpless as chicks. Their heads were sent flying one after another, their faces still etched with stark terror.

The thousand-plus cavalrymen of the Thorn Corps rampaged through the camp; no one left standing could escape being trampled by their iron hooves.

The surprise attack was going exceptionally smoothly. The detachment led by Fujero cut through the still-reeling Wilderness People with unstoppable force, and the chaos began to spread to the camps further afield.

Countless urgent roars erupted from the distant camps as other Wilderness People noticed the commotion. Realizing the humans had launched a surprise attack, they roared at their tribal warriors to take up arms and meet the foe.

The Lord followed unhurriedly at the rear of the column, watching the battle ahead with great interest through his Mirror Tube. From time to time, he’d comment that Panda’s blade technique was still a little lacking, or that Si Kai’s swordsmanship needed more refinement.

He looked every bit the part of a peerless master offering guidance.

Just as Levi was passing a small, unremarkable tent that wouldn’t have looked out of place even in a slum, a figure emerged from within at just the right moment.

"My Lord, I have fulfilled my duty."

Leiden took off his Wolf Skin Hat and performed an elegant nobleman’s bow, a wide smile on his face.

He had learned it from a Minstrel who had ventured deep into the Wilderness, and now he was just putting it into practice.

"I thought you’d be fighting on the front lines. After all, it’s a rare chance to prove yourself," Levi said, glancing with a wry smile at the Giant Goblin, who was utterly spotless.

’This fellow had clearly found a safe spot to hide in as soon as the battle began.’

’Putting everything else aside, this cowardly display certainly fit his preconceived notions about Goblins.’

’Looks like after that old coot Sam and that little dragoness Sophia, High Cliff Castle had welcomed another spineless coward.’

’This wasn’t a trend he could allow to continue; Levi decided he would have to stamp it out thoroughly when he got back.’

"Everyone’s talents determine their responsibilities. My Martial Arts are not exceptional—I probably couldn’t even beat one of your cooks. Forcing me to stay on the front lines would be as difficult as asking a common Goblin to give birth. Therefore, I only need to direct the situation from behind the scenes."

Leiden didn’t mind the slight contempt in his new boss’s tone in the slightest, and instead took pride in it.

He had a very clear understanding of his own role. He simply wasn’t cut out for combat; the rear was where his talents could truly shine.

"You’ve done well. You’ll receive every bit of what I promised you."

"Thank you, my Lord." Leiden gave another respectful bow.

He then proceeded to follow at the Lord’s heels.

Clearly, in his mind, there was no safer place to be.

By now, the enemy had fully reacted. More and more Wilderness People were rushing toward the battle, attempting to drive back the human invaders.

The enemy Minotaurs roared and collided with the Panda Warriors, and the two sides became locked in a fierce struggle. The charging Cavalry Corps was intercepted by a group of Pigmen wielding Long Spears, making it difficult for them to gallop freely.

The Centaur Warriors weaved around the periphery, loosing arrows into the enemy ranks. The opposing Archers returned fire without hesitation. Under the command of several Giant Goblin Military Officers, volleys of arrows soared into the sky before crashing down like a sudden storm.

The arrows struck the Plate Armor of the cavalry detachment with a loud CLANG, but unfortunately, the inferior wooden bows could only leave small dents on the Thorn Corps’ superior armor.

Gus suddenly appeared before Levi with lightning speed. He reached out and snatched an oncoming arrow from the air, leaving its feathered tail quivering in his grasp.

Before anyone else could react, he had whipped the Longbow from his back and drawn it fully. WHOOSH! The arrow was sent flying back the way it came, piercing a terrified Pigman between the eyes and sending a spray of blood into the air.

"Tsk tsk. That little pissant actually thought he could take the enemy commander’s head from within an army of thousands. If he had actually pulled it off, his name would have echoed through history for the next thousand years at least." The Lord watched the deader-than-dead Pigman lackey in the distance, shaking his head and clucking his tongue in mock wonder.