Chapter 6: Decisive Battle in the Valley

Just as Mels and the others deduced the enemy's movements, the red-clad bandit forces led by Leoka and Snari, attacking the front of the fortress, were already nearing the defensive line guarded by Kerjes.

"Brothers! Those bastards are right ahead! Follow me and charge!" Leoka stood among the bandits, raising his arm and shouting. At his call, the bandits roared like a crimson tide, recklessly and fearlessly charging toward the fortress.

"Brothers, don't be afraid! Let them witness the might of Blue Whirlwind! Show them the consequences of opposing Blue Whirlwind! Archers, fire! Leave no survivors!" Defending the fortress, Kerjes saw the enemy entering the archers' range. He leaped up and shouted to his own warriors. Instantly, hundreds of archers emerged from their defensive positions, unleashing a fierce volley at the surging red-clad bandits below. In an instant, silver arrows flew like a swarm of locusts toward the bandit ranks. The attacking red-clad bandits wore only dark red coats and leather armor, which provided poor defense against sharp, steel-tipped arrows.

Initially, the attacking bandits suffered heavy losses. Yet, their fighting spirit remained strong. Gradually, after paying the price of nearly five hundred men in successive waves, the red-clad bandits finally reached the first defensive line of the fortress. To avoid unnecessary close combat, Kerjes was forced to order his troops to retreat to the second line. Though he knew retreat would lower morale, it was the only option—engaging thousands of enemies with less than a thousand men in melee combat was extremely unwise.

Watching Blue Whirlwind's warriors retreat in an orderly fashion, Leoka, a veteran of many campaigns, was thrilled but knew that pressing further up the mountain would gain nothing. He shouted to his men, "Brothers, slow the pace! Shield bearers to the front!"

Seeing the bandits follow his orders, Leoka turned to a nearby bandit and yelled, "Messenger! Order the mages and archers in the rear to advance! We'll bombard their fortress from here! I don't believe they can hide in their turtle shell forever!"

"Sol, the enemy will soon use magic to attack the fortress! Have your mages and Summon Warriors ready immediately! Mages focus on defense, Summon Warriors prepare to charge at any moment!" Having just retreated to the second line, Kerjes saw the enemy below slowing their advance and mobilizing troops from the rear. Knowing the enemy would soon launch a full-scale assault, he immediately ordered Sol's second echelon to prepare. "Yes, sir!" Sol replied with vigor, then turned to the hundreds of elite warriors behind him. "Summon Warriors, enter the battle line and await orders from the Third Fortress Master! Mages station behind them. Once the enemy begins their magical assault, counterattack immediately! Remember, protecting the fortress is our priority! Brothers, look behind you—this is your home, your families! If those bastards break in, will any of us survive? To defend our home, for all our lives, fight with all you have! Even if we're the last ones standing, hold the line!"

If Mels were here, he might have been surprised—usually timid and somewhat arrogant, Sol could speak such inspiring words. Even Sol himself didn't know why he said it. Perhaps seeing the battle intensify, the hot blood in his chest began to boil—so goes the influence of one's surroundings. Whatever the reason, Sol's words achieved their intended effect. Amid the warriors' angry shouts, the previously dampened morale soared once more.

Watching Sol's performance, Kerjes nodded with satisfaction. This disciple, whom he cherished and had poured his heart into training, was finally showing maturity. For a master, was this not the greatest comfort?

As the fortress mobilized its forces, the attacking red-clad bandits had also completed their preparations. Ranks of mages, shielded by lines of shield bearers, gathered magical energy and slowly advanced toward the fortress.

As a mage himself, Kerjes knew that once these magic warriors reached attack range, they would unleash a countless barrage of spells upon the fortress. With just over two hundred mages in the fortress, whether they could withstand the enemy's magic was uncertain. Though Kerjes considered sending Summon Warriors to attack first, he knew that charging against such a disciplined formation would result in heavy casualties. Thus, he could only pin his hopes on their own mages.

Finally, the enemy's five hundred mages, shielded by three rows of shield bearers, reached attack range. At bandit leader Leoka's command, amidst a dazzling red glow, the first wave of magical projectiles blanketed Skull Ridge...

As the frontal assault officially erupted, Mels led five hundred hastily assembled warriors to the entrance of the rear mountain. After selecting defensive positions, Mels gathered all the warriors before him. Clad in sky-blue battle armor, with a silver longsword at his waist, the seventeen-year-old youth, his face set with determination, addressed the warriors loudly: "Everyone, listen! The enemy's vanguard ambush force is likely approaching! Stay alert and ready for sudden combat! Behind us is our home! Whether our brothers on the front lines can hold depends on us defending this place!!"

"Willing to die for the fortress!" Amid the warriors' loud vows, Mels nodded slightly and continued: "Archers, split into two groups—one to the rocks on the left, find your combat positions; the other to the fortifications on the right, ready for frontal combat! Mages and Summon Warriors, follow behind me. Once we spot the enemy, attack on my command without holding back! Our goal is complete annihilation!

Fire every arrow you have, unleash every bit of magical energy. Summon Warriors, be ready to engage in melee combat with me! Remember, no matter what, do not let the enemy set foot on fortress soil! Now, move out!" Time didn't permit lengthy speeches. After Mels swiftly issued commands, squad leaders immediately led their subordinates to their respective positions.

"Boss, when do you think the enemy will appear here?" Rek, after organizing the fifty Summon Warriors behind him, approached Mels and asked quietly.

Hearing the cautious Rek's question, Mels frowned slightly and said, "See the magical attacks on the front mountain? I think they'll appear in a few minutes!"

"Why would they come so fast... Boss! They're here!" Before Rek could finish, at a bend in the mountain path about three hundred meters away, a group of red-clad bandits charged swiftly toward the fortress!

"Summon Warriors, activate your Summoned Beasts! Archers, mages, prepare!" Watching the red-clad bandits charge closer, Mels drew his sword and loudly commanded his troops.

Three hundred meters, two hundred fifty, two hundred, one hundred fifty... As the bandits drew nearer, sweat formed in Mels' palms, but he didn't give the attack order until they were within one hundred meters. Suddenly, Mels swung his silver longsword forcefully and roared, "Attack!"

Instantly, archers hidden on both sides and mages behind Mels suddenly appeared before the red-clad bandits, raining arrows and spells upon the charging bandit horde.

Caught completely off guard by the fierce attack from Blue Whirlwind warriors appearing all around, the bandits were thrown into disarray. In moments, about half of the several hundred bandits fell to the sudden magic and arrow barrage. However, most of the remaining bandits were Summon Warriors, and against their powerful Summoned Beasts, ordinary arrows and spells seemed largely ineffective!

"Don't panic! They're just ordinary warriors! Magical-type Summoned Beasts, counterattack the archers on the left and right! The rest of you, form a defensive formation on the spot!" A burly, fierce-looking bandit lieutenant among the red-clad bandits, clearly a tough character, loudly directed the bandits to counterattack.

Following his orders, the disorganized bandits gradually gathered around him. Low-level Summoned Beasts with flight capabilities or magical attacks advanced toward the archers on both sides of the mountain path!

"Screech!" With a cry from a blue, eagle-like low-level magical beast—a wind bird—dozens of varied Summoned Beasts, flying or running, first attacked the archers near the rocks on the left!

"Kill, kill, kill!" The archer squad leader commanding his troops on the left showed no fear facing these fierce, sword-immune Summoned Beasts, still loudly directing his men to fire arrows at the enemy group. Yet, his efforts marked a tragic beginning. A green-furred, wolf-like Summoned Beast leaped onto the rocks, opened its bloody maw, and clamped down hard on his right hand!

"Ah..." As blood flowed from the green wolf's sharp teeth, immense pain made the brave warrior scream wildly.

"Get off, get off!" The squad leader frantically struck the green wolf's head with an unfired arrow, but the beast showed no injury.

Seeing the green wolf twist its body as if to bite off his hand, the squad leader suddenly regained clarity. He stopped his actions, turned to a companion nearby, and shouted, "Matt, take care of my wife!"

With those words, the brave warrior thrust his left hand—bearing a Summoning Gem—into the green wolf's mouth, loudly chanting: "By the will of Creator God Mafa, I offer my life to your servant! Manifest your divine power, let my guardian sacred beast shine one final time!"

As the destruction incantation activated, amid a green glow, everyone heard the squad leader's last words: "Fight for freedom!" Then, a massive explosion reduced both him and the green wolf to ashes.

"Squad leader!" Watching their leader die tragically, the archers were filled with grief and rage. This anger and sorrow instantly transformed into hatred for the enemy! Archers who had been gradually retreating now surged forward again.

"Go to hell!" "You bastards, come on!" "I'll fight you to the death!" Such furious shouts could be heard everywhere.

These archers, possessing only non-combat Summoned Beasts, couldn't summon them for battle, but they had an ability other attack-type Summon Warriors lacked: the destruction incantation, activated at the cost of their lives using their Summoning Gems! The power unleashed by those determined to fight to the death was something the red-clad bandits never anticipated!

"Boss, let's charge! We can't wait any longer! If this goes on, our brothers will be wiped out!" Rek watched archers falling in waves, hearing occasional destruction incantations. His limit of endurance was about to break, and he loudly pleaded for battle in Mels' ear.

Mels wasn't hesitating out of cowardice. Trained in military strategy since childhood, he knew they should use the archers to wear down part of the enemy's strength. This wasn't cruelty but tactics—like what he read in a military book at age seven: "A general's success is built on ten thousand bones; mercy is a commander's greatest enemy!" At this moment, he deeply understood that the enemy's Summon Warriors outnumbered theirs several times over. If driven solely by rage and committing their limited forces prematurely, it could lead to overall defeat.

"Wait a bit longer!" Standing at the forefront, Mels said softly without turning his head.

"Boss!" Seeing Mels still opposed, Rek angrily stepped forward and shouted loudly. The dissatisfaction in his words made his feelings clear to all.

"I said wait!" Mels turned abruptly, almost yelling his response. Though just a phrase, it left Rek stunned, for he saw tears streaming down Mels' face.

"Boss... you..." Only then did Rek notice blood slowly dripping from Mels' tightly clenched left fist—the result of nails digging deep into his palm.

As if to hide his sorrow, Mels quickly turned back, facing away from Rek and the fifty grief-stricken and furious warriors behind him, and said softly, "Brothers, watch how our comrades fight and die! We must repay this blood debt! But if we charge out now, we'll only drag everyone into defeat... So, I ask you to wait a little longer!"

The sorrowful voice exploded like a bomb in the warriors' hearts, making them realize their young leader wasn't a coward but a true warrior! The pain he bore was far greater and deeper than theirs!

After a moment of silence, someone shouted first: "We follow the boss's orders!" Then, vows of obedience surged like waves across the mountaintop. "Boss"—two ordinary words from a group of warriors, directed at a mere seventeen-year-old youth. Perhaps before, they followed Mels because he was the fortress master's adopted son, but now, he was a true leader of the fortress!

The battle continued, but the enemy wouldn't halt their attack because of Mels' sorrow. Yet, facing the fearless Blue Whirlwind warriors, red-clad bandit Summon Warriors fell one after another. Whenever a bandit's Summoned Beast perished alongside a Blue Whirlwind warrior, the summoner would lose all their qi and magic, becoming a powerless weakling!

Of course, such individuals would immediately die under the relentless arrow fire. Though not unheard of, every summoner was warned of this outcome by their first master when first summoning. Thus, on the continent of Caxiu, those who lost their Summoned Beasts became worthless cripples despised even by ordinary people. Some nations even retained the punishment of gem-gouging for serious criminals!

Regardless of the red-clad bandits' losses, when Blue Whirlwind warriors fought to the last and the bandits grew exhausted, Mels finally drew his longsword. Gazing at the battlefield, Mels didn't utter heroic words but harshly squeezed two words through gritted teeth: "Revenge!" With that, he raised his sword high, charged down the mountain first, and attacked the red-clad bandit formation.

Hearing summoning chants behind him, feeling the intense light from Summoned Beasts being used, Mels knew the warriors behind him shared only hatred and killing intent toward the enemy, with no sympathy or mercy!

For seventeen years, Mels had never killed anyone, but today he decided to unleash carnage. For seventeen years, he had never hated anyone, but today he was filled with hatred for those red-clad bandits. In his heart, he screamed: "They're not human! They're just beasts in human skin!"

Knowing he couldn't fight Summoned Beasts directly, Mels used his agility to dodge several fire lizards, thunderbirds, and little apes that pounced first, then plunged into the red-clad bandit ranks.

"Kill... kill him!" Seeing Mels' expression—like he'd returned from hell, demon-like—the bandit lieutenant felt a chill down his spine and trembled as he screamed.

Actually, he didn't need to say much; the bandits could sense the intense killing intent emanating from Mels. Instantly, almost all Summoned Beasts defending the front of the bandit formation pounced on Mels. Yet this created a huge gap in their previously intact formation, allowing Rek and others following Mels to wreak havoc.

"Melisde, protect the boss!" Rek shouted while wielding a long saber, approaching the red-clad bandits and commanding his Summoned Beast.

For some reason, Mels now gave Rek a strange and terrifying feeling, as if Mels retained only a thirst for slaughter, losing his caution and wit. The black, phantom-like Soul Mage, upon its master's order, gave no response but accelerated, closely following Mels.

As a mid-tier undead Summoned Beast, Melisde dealing with those low-level Summoned Beasts that had expended their energy in prior battles was like an adult fighting children. Every spell, every attack made those beasts pay a terrible price, even instant death. Perhaps luckily for the bandits, due to Mels' rapid advance, Melisde often abandoned nearby beasts to chase Mels, thus avoiding early annihilation of most bandit Summoned Beasts.

Sprinting, Mels finally reached his first target—a short, shifty-eyed red-clad bandit. Without hesitation or mercy, once within range, Mels raised his longsword and slashed diagonally downward at the bandit's head.

Whether stunned by Mels' aura or due to Mels' speed, the bandit made no move, not even a look of terror, before his skull was split in two.

White brain matter mixed with gushing blood splattered Mels all over in disgusting red and white. Staring at the convulsing corpse on the ground, Mels froze momentarily, then a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth—a terrifying smile! And his eyes turned red in that instant—a crimson matching the color of blood!

"De... devil!" Seeing Mels' transformation and smile, a bandit about to attack suddenly halted, slowly retreating.

As if savoring this expression of facing death, Mels kept smiling, not moving an inch until the bandit screamed madly and fled. Then Mels' hands and feet moved almost simultaneously; before the bandit took two steps, Mels thrust his sword through the bandit's back, piercing him through.

Slowly pulling the sword from the bandit's body, watching him crawl forward painfully on the ground, Mels stepped on his head, raised the sword to his mouth, extended his tongue, and slowly licked the blood on the blade, his crimson eyes scanning for the next target.

"Boss, what's going on?" Noticing Mels's strange behavior, Rek, after taking out a bandit, jumped over to Mels and put a hand on his shoulder.

"..." In response to his friend's concern, Mels remained silent, just turned to Rek with a smile. "Whoa!" Seeing Mels's blood-smeared face staring at him with such an expression, even the usually fearless Rek was spooked and jerked his hand back from Mels's shoulder.

"Heh." After a cold laugh, Mels ignored Rek, lifted his blade, and leaped toward another red-clad bandit, diving back into the slaughter.

"Boss..." Standing alone, Rek seemed to forget the battle still raging around him, staring dumbly at Mels's crazed rampage. Yet, in his eyes, there was a trace of worry and sorrow.

The battle ended within twenty minutes. Thanks to Mels's clever tactics, his Summon Warriors fought the already-weakened enemy without taking losses. So, even though the enemy outnumbered them, they were no match for Blue Whirlwind's Summon Warriors. Of course, Mels's frenzy also had a terrifying effect—after all, fear is a powerful weapon.

"We won! We won!" When the last red bandit fell, a cheer went up from all sides. However, Mels was still looking around as if searching for new enemies.

"Boss, it's over!" Rek sheathed his longsword, walked softly over to Mels, and said gently. "Over? Hahaha..." As if turning the word 'over' in his mind, Mels tilted his head to look at Rek, then burst into wild laughter!

"It's not over! There are still enemies here! Die! Die! Die!" Stomping on the bandit's corpse at his feet, Mels, his hands clenched tight on his sword, repeatedly stabbed the blade into the bandit's corpse, as if the corpse were still an enemy.

At Mels's actions, the cheers died abruptly, leaving silence. All the warriors could only stare at their crazed leader.

"Boss... Boss... Boss!" As Rek yelled louder, he stopped caring if the frenzied Mels might hurt him and threw his arms around Mels, holding him tight.

"Boss, it's over, it's over! Snap out of it!" Rek shouted, trying to pull Mels back from the edge.

Perhaps Rek's voice awakened Mels, or perhaps the grief was beginning to pass. In Rek's tight grip, Mels's struggles slowly ceased, and his bloodshot eyes gradually cleared.

"Boss, it's alright, it's over! Let's go back!" Rek looked down at Mels, but Mels suddenly grabbed Rek's collar, buried his face against Rek's chest, and burst into loud sobs.

"Cry. It'll make you feel better." Rek looked at the boss he had always respected and spoke slowly. At this moment, there was only sorrow in his eyes, not a trace of contempt. Watching Mels's reaction, Rek was reminded of himself at thirteen when he killed for the first time, hadn't he been just as crazed back then? Perhaps that was the fate of kids growing up in times like these.

Unlike the costly victory on Mels's side, Skete, lying in ambush on the rear slope, scored a total victory. When Skete decided to let the red-clad bandits' vanguard pass, his biggest gamble had already been placed. If he lost this bet, Blue Whirlwind might never recover. But for the sake of his most beloved child, Skete was willing to stake everything.

His guess was completely correct. While Mels was fighting the red-clad bandits' vanguard near the stronghold's back gate, the enemy's main force, which had been lying in wait, finally appeared on the narrow rear mountain path. It turned out that the true assassins sneaking up on the rear of Skull Ridge were a force of 1,500 Royal Knights from the Duchy of Crith!

Watching the enemy swaggering along and hearing the battle cries from behind the stronghold, Skete couldn't help but smile. He knew that if he could successfully eliminate the troops here, he would win this gamble decisively. Therefore, when the battle cries from the stronghold's direction sounded nothing like the screams of a successful enemy ambush, he clearly understood that Mels had made appropriate arrangements!

Quietly waiting for the enemy troops to approach, Skete fired the first whistling arrow without hesitation once they entered the ambush center. Immediately, from all directions—behind rocks, in grass, atop trees, inside trenches—wherever they could shoot at the enemy, arrows of hatred and spells of revenge rained down simultaneously upon the enemy ranks.

The arrogant knights didn't even have time to draw their weapons before more than half fell in this hail of arrows. Then, before the enemy could regain their senses, Skete led a large group of Summon Warriors in a final assault on the enemy troops like tigers among sheep, striving to annihilate the enemy completely without giving them a chance to counterattack. At this point, it was no longer a battle but a slaughter of sheep by a pack of tigers! Before the knights could recover from the chaos, the battle was over, and the outcome goes without saying.

After securing a great victory and dealing with the enemy troops, Skete only led the Summon Warriors back to the stronghold, ordering the remaining warriors to clean up the enemy corpses. Because he was about to lead the cavalry from here to attack the enemy's main camp!

Just as Skete returned to the stronghold, it was the moment Mels regained his composure. Seeing the corpses littering the ground and Mels covered in blood, Skete knew his goal had been achieved.

He slowly walked to Mels's side, patted his shoulder, and said, "Mels, since childhood, you've hated war and killing. This time, I deliberately let you witness the cruelty of war and the harshness of reality. As a man, you can't live in your own fantasies all day; the world doesn't operate according to your will! If you really want to hate someone, hate me."

After hearing Skete's words, Mels stared blankly at the familiar old man before him, but his gaze now seemed to be facing a stranger he had never met.

Seeing Mels's reaction, Skete didn't know what to say. Just as he was pondering how to unravel the knot in Mels's heart, Mels suddenly pointed at several cold corpses beside him and said coldly, "Second Fortress Master, since you knew long ago that the enemy would sneak attack from here, why didn't you tell me beforehand? Why did you send me here? Why did you stand by and watch them die here!"

Listening to Mels's words, Skete's expression changed repeatedly. Perhaps he truly hoped Mels would grow up sooner and learn to face cruel reality, but the method he used was indeed too cruel and selfish.

"Mels, I don't know if you're blaming Second Uncle for making you participate in such a cruel battle or for causing these warriors to suffer casualties that could have been avoided. But Second Uncle must tell you, all of this was for you and for our stronghold!" After a long pause, Skete spoke earnestly.

After hearing Skete's words, Mels stepped back while shaking his head and said, "No, no, no! You only did it for yourself! To prove you're smarter than all of us; to prove you're wiser than us!" Mels's words were like a sharp blade, stabbing deeply into Skete's heart.

"Boss! Don't talk nonsense!" Rek, standing nearby, could no longer bear Mels's hysteria and immediately spoke up to stop him.

"I will say it! I'm not wrong at all! He's just—"

*Slap!* Before Mels could finish, a loud slap suddenly rang out.

Skete had slapped Mels across the face and now stood dumbfounded before him, unable to speak. For seventeen years, no matter what Mels did, Skete and his two brothers had never truly hit him. Yet today, Skete had struck him harshly in front of everyone. This situation immediately plunged those present into silence; no one knew what to say. But Mels suddenly calmed down, staring straight at Skete, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

"Mels, it's time you grew up! Although you dislike fighting and killing, you must understand that some people enjoy acts of slaughter! Would you still be naive when someone puts a knife to your neck? If this were a peaceful world, how could we have become bandits? If everyone had enough to eat and wear, how many brothers would be here? Even if you dislike killing and fighting, can't you think about the brothers in the stronghold? How many more years can your foster father, Third Uncle, and I live? In the future, won't the brothers of the stronghold all follow you? Do you want them to sacrifice their lives for your naivety?"

Mels, who had never seen Skete so stern and severe, was momentarily intimidated by Skete's presence and couldn't react.

Seeing that Mels could now calmly listen to him, Skete softened his tone and said, "Mels, it's not that Second Uncle is heartless. Second Uncle genuinely hopes you can face reality sooner and take on the responsibility of leading the stronghold earlier. If Second Uncle were only thinking of himself, why would he use such a risky method? If you hadn't anticipated the enemy's attack, your foster father and my sworn brothers would also be in grave danger! Second Uncle has said all he can. If you still don't understand, Second Uncle has nothing more to say. Think it over carefully yourself." After speaking, Skete strode toward the stronghold.

Mels stood silently in a daze, his mind seemingly lost in thought. As Skete brushed past him, he suddenly noticed that the old man's temples seemed even grayer.

"Second Uncle, please wait." Mels's words immediately made Skete stop. Although Skete felt uneasy, he hardened his heart and remained silent, not turning back.

As if knowing Skete had stopped, Mels, who had been standing with his head bowed, slowly turned around, suddenly knelt down, and said, "Second Uncle, I'm sorry! Mels is an idiot, it's me... it's all my..." Before Mels could finish, a pair of broad, warm hands helped him up. Raising his head, Mels saw tears welling in the old, emotional eyes before him.

"Second Uncle, I..." Before Mels could finish, Skete, choking up, gently stroked him and said, "No need to say anything. As long as you understand Second Uncle's good intentions, that's what matters most! You're not only your foster father's treasure but also Second Uncle's most beloved child! For you, Second Uncle is willing to do anything!" In Skete's emotionally charged words, the two fell into a mutual gaze. A deep father-son affection spread between their hearts until both Skete and Mels smiled simultaneously.

*Boom!* Just as the two reconciled with each other's actions, a deep red Explosive Flame exploded within the stronghold!

"Not good! Third Uncle can't hold out there!"

At the front mountain position, the red-clad bandits' offensive had gained the upper hand! Initially, when the red-clad bandits began their attack, the Blue Whirlwind warriors led by Kerjes could barely withstand the enemy's magical assaults. However, after General Keluos deployed five hundred mages to bombard the stronghold in waves, Blue Whirlwind, lacking mages, finally began to retreat.

Although the battle line hadn't collapsed, the mages could no longer defend against the enemy's magical attacks. Spell after spell broke through Blue Whirlwind's defenses, landing on the broad expanse of Skull Ridge. By now, Kerjes and Sol were already on the front lines, controlling their Summoned Beasts to withstand the enemy Summon Warriors' assaults.

"Mages, enter the battle line to support our brothers! Summon Warriors, deploy immediately to assist Third Fortress Master in resisting the enemy assault!" Skete, leading his men and Mels's mages, rushed into the front mountain battle line and loudly commanded his troops.

With the addition of nearly three hundred mages, the nearly collapsed magical defense network was reinforced once more. The front mountain mages, who had almost exhausted their magical energy, could now get some rest.

"You're finally back! I almost died here!" Gasping for breath, Kerjes looked at the warriors pouring into the defense line behind him, and a faint smile finally appeared on his grimy face.

"Third Brother, hold on a little longer. I'll lead the cavalry out immediately! Big Brother must be getting impatient too!" Skete said to Kerjes with a smile.

"Mhm! Don't worry, as long as I'm not dead, this place won't be breached by those bastards! But you, be extremely careful!" Kerjes responded loudly.

Nodding slightly to Kerjes, Skete turned to Mels and said, "Mels, you stay here and help Third Brother. I'll lead the troops out immediately!"

"No! I'm going with you!" Mels suddenly shouted.

"Boss, you..." Rek looked at Mels with concern.

"Heh heh, I won't go crazy again! Maybe I'll start enjoying slaughter from now on!" Smiling at Rek, Mels swung onto his warhorse, picked up a three-meter cavalry lance, and said to Rek.

"Then I'm relieved! Boss, be careful!" Hearing Mels's words and seeing him return to his old self, a reassured smile appeared on Rek's rugged face.

"Brothers, it's time to counterattack! Everyone, follow me!" Seeing Mels's reaction, a sense of joy arose in Skete's heart. Knowing the situation was urgent and could not be delayed, he quickly ordered the cavalry, who had long been ready, to set out. Perhaps the narrow rear mountain and rugged mountain paths were the greatest obstacles for the red-clad bandits, but for the Blue Whirlwind warriors who lived here, riding horses along these mountain paths was as easy as eating.

With a rapid clatter of hooves, over a thousand warriors in blue armor filed orderly through one bend after another, galloping down the rugged path toward the foot of the mountain. Although each person felt some tension, their desire for revenge made them eager to see the enemy.

Near the valley exit, Skete, riding at the front, suddenly ordered the troops to halt. He then commanded five scouts, "You five, go down the mountain immediately and scout for enemy activity within five kilometers of the mountain path. If you find any suspicious troops, do not engage; report to me at once!"

"Yes!" Amidst a chorus of acknowledgment, the five scouts galloped away, kicking up dust. In fact, after the successful ambush earlier, Skete had already sent scouts to reconnoiter the enemy's movements, ordering them to use fireworks to signal if they found anything amiss. But being cautious by nature, he still sent scouts to investigate before truly descending the mountain, aiming to avoid a crisis if the earlier reconnaissance team had been silently eliminated by the enemy!

While Skete carefully directed the troops' advance, Crown Prince Borsteran of the Duchy of Crith, leading two thousand cavalry, remained stationed eight or nine kilometers away. The arrogant Borsteran rode a tall warhorse, advancing slowly, while the two thousand cavalry, under such leadership, followed in disarray with low morale.

"I told you you were overreacting! What could go wrong with over ten thousand men attacking such a small stronghold? I bet they're already dividing the loot inside the stronghold by now!" Borsteran said to his adjutant beside him.

"Yes, yes, Your Highness is right. But the Old General said to deploy at the valley mouth as a precaution. However, with the troops under my command being few, I was worried that Your Highness might be in danger if the troops left, so I had to ask Your Highness to condescend to advance with the army." The adjutant beside the crown prince was clearly dissatisfied with this royal heir but dared not make many demands due to his status. Even this march was only agreed to reluctantly by the crown prince, who wore a displeased expression, after repeated requests.

"That Old Fellow is getting more useless with age! Didn't the scouts report back just now, saying no enemies were found? Sigh... only you all believe that old man! Fine, since we're already out, let's go take a look." Borsteran continued to complain discontentedly.

Although the adjutant beside him seethed with inner fury, on the surface he could only force himself to comply.

At the same time, a rider in blue armor was galloping swiftly into the valley. Upon spotting Skete's main force, the rider quickly reined in his horse, dismounted, and reported: "Second Fortress Master, after meeting up with the earlier scouts, I learned the enemy troops are advancing slowly toward the valley from about eight kilometers away. They number about two thousand and are estimated to arrive in thirty minutes!"

"Good! Return to the front at once and keep watch on the enemy's movements. Report any changes immediately!" Skete barked at the scout. Then, turning to the thousand-plus cavalry behind him, he declared: "Brothers, we've endured enough abuse! Now it's time to show them what we're made of! The entire army will charge from the valley at top speed and form a spindle-shaped formation five kilometers out. Light cavalry on the flanks, heavy cavalry, form the chain! We'll wipe out those bastards in one decisive charge!" No sooner had Skete finished than he wheeled his horse around and, amidst the thunderous response of his men, led the charge out of the valley.

The "heavy cavalry, form the chain" Skete mentioned was a new tactic he had invented years before. Before engaging, heavy cavalry with special saddle devices would use double-edged steel plates—about two centimeters thick, fifteen centimeters wide, and one and a half meters long—to link five horses together sideways. This amplified the shock force to its peak, using the group's combined strength to smash enemy formations. Often, foes who dodged the lances were sliced in two by the blade-like chains. Conversely, no single enemy combatant, man or horse, could withstand the charge of five linked horses.

This tactic had weaknesses, however. First, the horses were hard to maneuver; after a charge, turning the formation took several times longer, risking attack from the rear. Second, if one horse was killed, it crippled the others in the chain.

Learning this from experience, Skete made improvements. The chains now used "quick-release" links. If a horse died, the others could swiftly detach it for safety. To address slow turning, Skete designed light cavalry support on the flanks, allowing the heavy cavalry to turn quickly while protected.

After years of practice, the fortress heavy cavalry now moved as one with seamless coordination, becoming a formidable shock force that could not be ignored!

Sure enough, as the Blue Whirlwind cavalry charged from the valley, the five hundred heavy cavalrymen at the center quickly linked up, while the light cavalry orderly dispersed to their rear flanks, forming a triangular assault formation.

Just as this was done, the Crown Prince's forces detected Skete's movements. The pig-headed Crown Prince not only ignored his adjutant's advice to "avoid their initial ferocity, retreat briefly, and then strike their flank," but decided on a head-on clash. His reason: "How can the Crown Prince order a retreat? I will face the enemy squarely and settle this in a fair fight!" The poor adjutant, versed in strategy, could only retreat dejectedly after his pleas failed.

The battle thus began in this "fair and square" manner. Surprisingly, Skete did not attack before the enemy finished forming. Faced with this, the Crown Prince genuinely admired Skete's "chivalry." Yet he did not know that Skete's heavy cavalry performed better against a complete formation.

As the two armies faced off and deployed, Skete wordlessly drew his sword. His cavalry followed, drawing sabers or holding upright lances to their chests.

"Kill!" After that single, crisp command, a thousand cavalrymen roared as one, charging behind Skete. The thunder of ten thousand hooves, the roars echoing through the sky, and the palpable bloodlust filling the world made even Mels, in his first such battle, feel his blood boil and fighting spirit soar.

The foolish Crown Prince still believed his troops were superior in both numbers and strength. He failed to see the stark contrast in morale between his men and the Blue Whirlwind warriors! But his folly would last only these final minutes.

When the armies clashed, the Blue Whirlwind heavy cavalry's power was immediately evident. The riders merely urged their horses forward, using the steel blades to rout an enemy who had never seen such tactics.

"No... no... impossible!" Watching his troops engulfed by the blue tide, Borstelan refused to believe in defeat.

"Your Highness, flee! We are beaten!" The adjutant at his side urgently urged escape.

"I am not beaten! I am the Crown Prince, I cannot lose!" Borstelan screamed madly, gripping his longsword as if to fight on.

"Your Highness, my apologies!" The adjutant shot a disgusted look at this arrogant fool who lacked the courage to face defeat. A swift palm strike to Borstelan's shoulder and neck knocked the Crown Prince unconscious, and he hauled him onto his own horse. "All troops, retreat!" he shouted, then wheeled his horse and galloped alone toward the rear, abandoning his men.

Leaderless, the army had even less power to counter the Blue Whirlwind's assault. In under ten minutes, only cheering Blue Whirlwind warriors and thousands of corpses remained on the field.

Victorious, Skete did not relax. Leaving a hundred men to clear the field, he commanded loudly: "The army advances immediately toward the front of Skull Ridge! At one kilometer from the enemy, messengers will fire red flares. The entire army will then attack the bandits' main force besieging the fortress in free formation!"

The Blue Whirlwind's renown throughout the Chaotic Country stemmed largely from this exceptional cavalry. Trained by Sarikat and Skete using Relkes Empire methods, its might made enemies tremble in any battle! Now this cavalry would make the bandit alliance taste its devastating charge again.

When a blue sea appeared in Keluos's sight, he remained calm. He had received scout reports minutes earlier and knew the Blue Whirlwind cavalry had broken out to charge his rear. Seeing them maintain a relatively intact formation at high speed, Keluos knew the bandits were no match.

Yet, as he prepared to order a retreat into the dense forest below, a crimson spark shot up from the Blue Whirlwind ranks. Then, from the forest less than two kilometers below, a giant Flame Tiger charged forth, leading a group of Summoned Beasts toward his lines!

"Flame Tiger, Funansi!" Seeing the mighty beast, Keluos felt not fear but shot excited, hateful glances from his eyes. Abandoning retreat, he gripped his steel long spear with one hand, roared, and leaped into the forest, shouting wildly: "Xiu Ka! I've finally found you!"

Hearing Keluos's roar, Sarikat, following the Summoned Beasts, trembled as if struck by lightning. He halted, staring at the uniformed Keluos.

"Keluos? It's really you!" Sarikat exclaimed in surprise.

But Keluos, eyes bloodshot, did not hesitate. Swinging his steel spear, he cried out sorrowfully: "Xiu Ka! Give me back the lives of my twenty-six family members!" With that, heedless of the numbers against him, he charged at Sarikat.

Seeing the enemy leader attack their fortress master, Summon Warriors emerging from the forest rushed this "reckless" foe. They never imagined Keluos's power far exceeded their expectations!

Keluos swung his spear as if unleashing all his rage. "You little scum, get out of my way!" he roared. A surge of intense Qi energy erupted from the sweeping spear, instantly cutting five closing Summon Warriors in half at the waist.

"Leave him to me! Everyone, back off!" Seeing his men killed, Sarikat, knowing Keluos's strength, urgently ordered his troops away. Sword in hand, he strode forward. "Keluos, I told you long ago, what happened twenty years ago was a misunderstanding! I didn't know the people in that carriage were your family!"

"Bullshit! Does 'misunderstanding' bring back twenty-six lives? Xiu Ka, think! When you commanded the Relkes Empire's Fourth Army, how did I treat you? How did my family treat you? And you... you committed such atrocity! Enough talk! Today, one of us dies!"

Keluos said no more. Raising his left hand high, he chanted: "In my name, I summon my guardian Sacred Beast—'Thunder Snake' Naske!" As the black Summoning Gem on his hand blazed with light, a black serpent, as large as the Flame Tiger, appeared before Sarikat!

A life-and-death struggle, a great battle between Sacred Beast Summons, was about to unfold!