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"This mission would have been fraught with extreme peril without the generous support of each of you. It's thanks to your assistance that we've suffered such minimal losses. Our entire troupe is deeply grateful. Now, you offer to stay and cover our retreat together. Your noble character is truly admirable beyond measure."

The sole male among the four, the twenty-five-year-old Sword Master Lanster, nodded slightly in return and said proudly, "There's no need to be polite. These vile beasts aren't even worth the attention of our Sacred Knights."

The beautiful ice maiden mage, Melin, kept her eyes closed, seemingly oblivious to the conversation. The petite half-elf archer, Avalon, was mesmerized by the handsome young Sword Master, also ignoring the former captain altogether. Only the serene Priestess, Bai Lanling, returned the elderly man's awkward smile with a gentle one of her own.

"Captain, your politeness is appreciated. This operation is for the benefit of the entire human realm. We are comrades-in-arms, watching each other's backs. We hold in the highest esteem the heroic sacrifices of your gallant warriors. It is an immense honor for us to continue fighting side by side with you all."

The old commander's expression softened slightly, and he smiled, saying, "The favor bestowed upon us by you all is beyond words of gratitude. Naturally, our entire troupe will strive to repay it in the days to come. However, the current crisis at hand necessitates that we face it together if we are to overcome these trying times. Our original plan was to ambush our target in the swamp, but unforeseen events led them to break through our encirclement, forcing us to pursue them into the territory of the Werewolves. Although we successfully captured our target in the end, it seems we must also brace ourselves for a counter-attack from the Werewolves. I have invited you all here in the hope that we might collectively devise a strategy for our journey in the coming days."

"Captain, you overestimate us. You are the expert who has frequented the borders between Beastfolk and human realms for years. Naturally, you understand the ways of the Werewolves better than we do. Please instruct us, and we shall follow without question."

"Hehe, Your Holiness is too kind. Allow me then to present our current situation. This operation of ours has confirmed the rumors circulating beforehand. With the orcs waging war against the Viking Empire in the west and the harassment from the barbarians of the northern tundra, a great number of troops have been diverted. Consequently, in the heartland of the Alliance, there are virtually no surplus garrisons left. This is precisely why we dared to venture deep into enemy territory and succeeded in doing so."

"Yet, towards the end of the battle, the arrival of two Werewolves has filled me with great concern. Perhaps you might have overlooked it, but as an experienced mercenary on the smugglers' route, I can assure you that they were not fully matured Werewolves. Nonetheless, their combat prowess was comparable to our human Golden Swordsmen. Although the innate physique of a Werewolf is more formidable than a human's, such strength at their age is abnormal. It invites speculation that they could be a newly cultivated warrior breed from the Beastman tribe."

"Before launching their assault, their howl was clearly a signal to summon reinforcements, hence my recommendation to evacuate from the Werewolf village beforehand and split our forces to prepare for three potential scenarios."

"The first possibility is that if the Werewolves mobilize a large-scale force or their newly trained specialized units, we might not have a chance to escape. In that case, our mission would be to stall their advance and buy time for the other team. Fortunately, this scenario seems unlikely. The second possibility is that the Werewolves lack the military strength to pursue us, in which case we can return safely. The third possibility, and the most probable one, is that the Werewolves will send out a smaller, elite force or their immature new breed of Wolf Warriors for a retaliatory strike. In that situation, they will undoubtedly target us, ensuring the completion of their mission. The only issue then would be how we can counter their retaliation with minimal losses."

This analysis was clear and concise. Not only Sword Master Lanster, who had previously shown disdain for the mercenary group, but also the meditating female mage Hai Ruo and the half-elf archer Aivale couldn't help but cast admiring glances at the old captain.

"Not bad, you old fox from the swamp. Your calculations are impeccable!" The old captain was known as "Black Swamp Sage," although few would dare to mention it to his face. Only the half-elf Aivale, who was unfamiliar with human etiquette, could praise someone like she was scolding them.

"Hey, kid, don't insult the captain!" A young mercenary, who had been sitting quietly beside the old captain, suddenly interjected. His sharp aura, emanating from his still youthful body, indicated that he was no pushover.

"Kid? You brat, take a good look at your age before you start talking to me like that! Do you even come close to my lady's fraction?"

"What should I call you then, Old Witch?"

"You..." The half-elf girl was about to retort when the female mage gently placed a hand on her shoulder, silencing her.

"Apologies, please continue," said the mage with a cold glare that froze the bickering teenagers.

"I shall not hold back then. Werewolves excel in tracking and reconnaissance, often serving as vanguards in orc armies. We didn't hide any of our strength during the village assault, so they must be well aware of our current situation. If they dared to pursue us, it means they believe they can handle us. Trying to deceive or set traps with our current power is out of the question."

"Well, let's give these beasts a lesson they won't forget with our strength."

"Lord Sword Master, I trust your prowess is enough to crush any challenger, but please believe me, the werewolves won't engage you in a direct fight. Their typical strategy against human infantry is called 'Wolf Ambush.' They'll circle around our troops, searching for weaknesses in our defenses, estimating our capabilities, disrupting our rest, and waiting for an opportune moment to strike when we're weary and complacent. They'll deliver the fatal blow only when our morale has completely crumbled. And all we can do is wait, for in this wilderness, no one can escape a werewolf's pursuit."

"Captain Hake, though the situation may indeed be grim as you've mentioned, I have faith that with your extensive experience on the Marsh Trade Route, you must have a well-conceived plan in hand. Would you care to share some insights?"

"Hahaha, Lady Saint, no one dares to claim a foolproof strategy against Werewolves. However, springing a surprise on them is certainly within the realm of possibility."

At that moment, a long and eerie howl of a wolf echoed from afar.