The quick response of the shield warriors halted the advancing enemy horde. "Archers, aim your arrows at the Orcs. Warriors, come with me to the left side. We will attack them from the side!" Kaylessa commanded her troops after safely placing the blonde girl on the ground behind the defense line.
Due to the size difference between the Orcs and the shield warriors, the archers found it convenient to pick off the Orcs from behind the shield wall. With Ayaka's accurate arrows targeting the Orcs concentrated on breaking through the shield wall, the shield warriors had an easier time maintaining their formation.
In the meantime, Kaylessa and her troops strategically surrounded the nightmarish beings. Just as a battle was about to erupt, Kaylessa unleashed a barrage of [Thunderbolt 5/11], causing a frightening noise as they struck their targets.
On witnessing the stunning blue lightning striking their foes, the fighters let out a triumphant cheer. As they closed in on the monsters, a fierce close-quarter skirmish ensued. Utilizing her exceptional agility, Kaylessa skillfully evaded the orc's sluggish strikes.
Ayaka's arrows prevented the orcs from breaching the shield wall and launched them away, while Kaylessa's troops, attacking from the side, easily defeated the terrifying creatures. Within one hour, the battle concluded.
Well done, team! Remove the shield walls and maintain patrols in case there are additional creatures nearby. Mages, assist in caring for the injured; there is no need to continue hiding.
Kaylessa calmly gave orders while wiping her spear and face with large leaves from the surrounding trees before approaching Ayaka and the blonde girl.
"Alright, it's your turn to talk. Can you tell me about yourself and where you're from?"
Kaylessa asked the blonde girl in a calm manner.
"My name is Laurelena, and I am from the village located at the peak of the mountain. We need assistance! The creatures have surrounded our village; currently, the barrier is still intact, but it won't last long before it breaks down."
Lvl 5|Laurelena|Dryad|Hp:500/500|ET:650/650|Exp:3000/4000|
Laurelena sobbed loudly as she tried to describe the events unfolding in her village and how she found herself in the forest, fleeing from the terrifying horde.
From her statement, it appeared that her village was encircled by approximately 150 to 200 adversaries, outnumbering them heavily at a ratio of 3 to 1. Although it was perilous to intervene and aid the village, it was crucial, as without assistance, the village would be doomed.
"Laurelena, how many guards do you have in the village? And what are the chances they will come to our aid if we lure some enemies towards us?"
Kaylessa inquired with thoughtful expression.
"We have 40 guards, and I'm unsure if they will come to our aid."
Laurelena replied honestly, fearing the consequences of being caught in a lie. She worried that if the soldiers discovered her deception, they may refuse to assist her or, worse, suffer fatal consequences because of her dishonesty.
Kaylessa spent a considerable amount of time lost in her thoughts. Laurelena grew concerned as she remained silent for a few minutes. Eventually, Kaylessa turned to Laurelena and flashed her a lovely smile.
"Alright, we will take care of your village tomorrow. But for now, let's go eat. You can stay with Ayaka and me in our tent tonight. I can't leave a sweet girl like you alone."
After those words, Kaylessa gently touched Laurelena's head and took her hand to lead her to the makeshift kitchen. The dinner consisted of a simple meal of soup with potatoes and dried meat, served with bread and warm milk.
After they finished eating, the three girls headed to the central tent. Kaylessa then called for [Thunder Militia 0/1] before closing the curtains.
The thunder militia appeared in a human-like shape, having a head without a face, holding a round shield in its left hand and a short sword in its right hand, and wearing only chest armor, all adorned with lightning.
[Thunder Militia] [HP:8,000/8,000]
"Make sure to stand watch outside while we take a break, and don't try to eavesdrop!."
As soon as Kaylessa instructed the thunder militia, he comprehended her orders and immediately positioned himself to safeguard the tent.
Ayaka began to take off her equipment upon entering the tent as Laurelena organized the sleeping bags inside. At the same time, Kaylessa picked up a cloth and a tray of water to thoroughly clean herself after undressing.
After Kaylessa undressed, Ayaka approached her to assist in washing away the battle grime from her body. Laurelena, caught sight of this, blushed but didn't look away; instead, she continued to gaze as though it were a sight of both beauty and taboo.
After they finished, Kaylessa picked up the sleeping bag in the center, followed by Ayaka, who took the one on the left. Laurelena, feeling unsure of what to do, simply went with the flow and chose the available sleeping bag to the right of Kaylessa.
The three girls fell asleep as the thunder militia kept watch over their tent, protecting them from anyone with malicious intent.
The village, encircled by nightmarish creatures, was under constant assault by the black orcs, while the guards within the town prepared for the potential worst-case scenario.
In preparation for the situation, the children were being hidden in discreet locations beneath the ground in their homes, while the rest of the civilians, both males and females, armed themselves from the armory in anticipation of confronting the troublesome creatures.
The men were positioned on the wall, ready to engage the enemies as soon as the barrier fell, while the women were armed with bows and positioned on the rooftops. The village wall was not very tall, indicating that the creatures would eventually breach it and enter the village if no help arrived.
The orcs were not the biggest threat to the village; instead, a menacing pair of glowing red eyes lurked in the forest, patiently watching for an opportunity to attack when its prey was vulnerable.