This was indeed Kaguya's imperial guard.
Due to the need for a large number of soldiers to guard the border, the checkpoints and sentry posts within the territory also required soldiers for surveillance, and the princess's palace required a garrison for protection. Therefore, Kaguya could only bring about five hundred soldiers this time.
However, Kaguya was not going out to fight a war, merely to inspect the territory, and with her formidable strength, she feared no demons or ghosts, so five hundred soldiers were more than enough.
Kaguya's army was camped not far outside the small town, very close, so they could enter the town at a moment's notice if ordered.
Facing the town mayor's soldiers, who outnumbered them several times, Kaguya's imperial guard showed no fear, demonstrating a powerful, tsunami-like offensive. The guard's soldiers before them were as fragile as clay chickens and pottery dogs, unable to withstand even a single blow.
At this moment, a figure suddenly rushed out, like a ghost, appearing before the imperial guard in the blink of an eye. A white, chilling light shot from his hand, spinning in the air, producing a harsh screech from friction with the air.
Caught off guard, the imperial guard soldier standing at the front was struck in the chest by the white light. With a muffled "bang," the imperial guard soldier spat blood, flying high like a kite with a broken string before crashing heavily to the ground.
The white, chilling light circled in the air before returning to the man's hand, revealing itself to be a pair of giant axes gleaming with a cold light—a Teigu. Before them stood a burly man, shirtless, displaying his muscular physique, his body a mass of knotted muscles like an iron tower.
"You useless lot, you couldn't even handle this," a person emerged from behind, a fat man with a bald head and sinister eyes—it was the town mayor, Eric.
"Corrupt official! So it was you!" A villager stood out, shouting angrily, "You want to silence us to keep us from exposing your crimes?"
"So what if I do?" Mayor Eric snorted disdainfully, "Do you think a few commoners like you can bring me down?"
"Princess Kaguya won't spare you! You're doomed!" shouted the villager.
"That little girl? You think she can kill me with just these few people?" Mayor Eric laughed heartily, as if he'd heard the funniest joke, "Bring out your tribe, Ted."
"Hmm." The burly man named Ted nodded, placing his fingers in his mouth and blowing a sharp whistle that echoed throughout the town.
Suddenly, a rumbling sound came from afar, accompanied by a cacophony of footsteps approaching from afar, sounding like thousands of troops.
In no time, a large group of dark figures appeared on the distant horizon, rapidly approaching the town, their silhouettes visible in the moonlight.
These were not Imperial soldiers; they were robust and muscular, without armor or standard swords, nor did they carry bows or crossbows. Instead, they bore colorful tattoos, appearing especially strange, wielding sharp spears.
The Northern Tribes.
The captain of the imperial guards immediately recognized them because they had been trained for future encounters with the Northern Tribes. They were very familiar with their appearance, dress, habits, and combat style.
"You've allied with the Northern Tribes?" The captain exclaimed in anger, "You traitor!"
"It's just mutual benefit," Mayor Eric said with a triumphant smile, "Surrender obediently, and I might spare your lives."
"Wishful thinking, you scum!" the captain rebuked loudly, righteous and indignant.
"Since you wish to resist, then you'll have to die." Mayor Eric said, signaling Ted.
Ted nodded, waving his hand and shouting, "Attack!"
At his command, a large force of Northern Tribesmen, brandishing spears, charged at the imperial guard like a tide.
The imperial guard showed no panic, quickly assembling in orderly ranks. The front row held large shields, the second row was a forest of swords and spears, and the rear was filled with archers and crossbowmen, all standing in uniform rows. A chilling murderous intent permeated the air.
As the Northern Tribes entered range, the bows and crossbows twanged, and arrows rained down like locusts, covering the sky and earth as they shot towards the Northern Tribes.
"Thud, thud, thud."
The sound of arrows piercing flesh echoed, followed by cries of agony. Countless Northern Tribesmen were knocked down, their bodies bloody and bleeding profusely.
These were bows and crossbows that Kaguya had spent a fortune on; their power was immense, no less potent than firearms, and their lethality was even greater. Apart from struggling against those with Teigu, they were more than enough for everything else. Under the shower of arrows, even powerful individuals had to take it seriously.
In the Empire's army, due to their high cost, only a few elite soldiers were equipped with them, but the wealthy Kaguya had them issued to everyone.
Seeing their comrades cut down like wheat, the Northern Tribes, known for their ferocity and bravery, were not deterred but instead had their bloodlust ignited.
After intense fighting, the imperial guard's strength had been significantly depleted, and their arrows were exhausted. They could only resort to close combat.
However, the Northern Tribes were too numerous, like a swarm of ants, seemingly endless. A glance revealed at least several thousand if not more.
"Kill those wretched commoners!" At that moment, Mayor Eric, watching from the sidelines, suddenly spoke, a cruel smile on his face.
Immediately, a force of Northern Tribesmen turned toward the unarmed villagers. The villagers were terrified, drenched in cold sweat, and desperately tried to flee. But with Northern Tribes soldiers surrounding the entire village, where could they go?
The Northern Tribes soldiers laughed cruelly, bloodlust shining in their eyes as they charged toward the villagers.
The captain of the guards was anxious, but he was fully occupied with resisting the Northern Tribes and couldn't spare any soldiers to help the villagers.
Just as the slaughter was about to fall upon the innocent villagers, a sweet, melodious voice rang out in the night.
"Mayor Eric, is this your way of welcoming me?"