A massive amount of dragon breath erupted, and towering flames consumed the battlefield. The Alliance's Stromgarde Fifth Legion was engulfed, and an entire legion, along with some Orcs, was reduced to ashes!
"Oh! No!"
Galen, watching from afar, was devastated.
Their corpses are ash. I can't even use Resurrection!
A total loss!
Fortunately, Galen knew Durin had an Invincible Hearthstone that could save him and the soldiers within a hundred-meter radius. But the soldiers would likely be severely injured!
As Galen was distracted, the green-skinned Blademaster attacked, slashing Galen's shoulder. Luckily, Galen's Tier 3 Rare Origin Heart Steel armor held, and the strike only scratched the plate!
"I'm furious!"
Galen was enraged. The landing operation had decimated his five legions. Even with Aragorn's and his Resurrection spells, they could only recover eighty percent at best. That meant at least eight thousand deaths!
When have I ever suffered such a loss?
This is unbearable!
"Orc Blademaster! State your name! My hand does not slay the nameless!"
Galen's fluent Orcish, with its authentic Frostfire Ridge accent, stunned the Burning Blade Blademaster from Nagrand. Frostfire Ridge had been destroyed ten years ago. Where had this human learned Orcish?
"Burning Blade Clan, Samuro!"
Burning Blade?
The name Samuro sounded familiar. Galen couldn't quite place it, but he knew he'd heard it before!
"Enjoy your last battle, Samuro!" Galen said, his cold eyes fixed on Samuro. The two engaged in a fierce duel.
Galen's Trok'Karal and Samuro's heavy warblade were both two-handed weapons, capable of delivering fatal blows. Both warriors wielded them effortlessly, creating gusts of wind.
Galen's weapon was at a slight disadvantage. The Blademaster's weapon, similar to a war scythe, was designed for cleaving and hacking, while Galen's longsword also allowed for thrusting.
Both were legendary level fighters of similar strength. Galen could have instantly increased his power, but he decided to fight with his true strength.
In close combat, hesitation meant defeat. Their attacks were dramatic, aimed at vital points. Each strike targeted the neck and chest, creating a heated exchange.
Their battle was far more intense than Sylvanas's and Jubeithos's. The 'Banshee Queen' and the Blackrock Blademaster relied on agility, speed, and technique. Ordinary soldiers couldn't appreciate the danger.
Galen and Samuro, wielding two-handed weapons with one hand, clashed, creating a whirlwind of attacks, a truly spectacular sight.
Galen seemed to have the upper hand, relying on his heavy armor, Holy Shield, Rebirth Cross, and Return Scroll for defense. He unleashed a torrent of attacks.
He knew he couldn't outskill the Blademaster. Only the most elite Orc warriors earned that title!
Adapting to Galen's aggressive rhythm, Samuro executed a Leaping Strike. Galen dodged, not wanting to risk a critical hit.
He rolled away, and Samuro's warblade missed. Galen seized the opportunity and thrust his longsword!
Samuro's eyes flashed. He blocked the attack with his warblade and spun his entire body!
Blade Storm!
The spinning Blade Storm deflected Galen's attack and swept towards him. The violent wind carried the aura of death. Galen could either activate invincibility or run!
Run! Who would face a Blademaster's Blade Storm head-on?
Galen knew Blade Storm negated magic but not physical attacks. His own skills were insufficient to counter it.
He counted to seven as he dodged, feeling the wind tear at his armor.
Finally, the Blade Storm ended. Galen was excited. It's my turn!
Avenger's Wrath!
With his small wings deployed, Galen prepared to attack. The Blade Storm had been too intense. He couldn't let the Blademaster recover!
But the Blademaster vanished!
Crap!
"It's Wind Walk!"
Galen lost track of the Blademaster!
Too bad!
Did you think I went to the Goblin Shop every day just for Lesser Invisibility Potions and Noble Rings?
Galen grabbed a handful of powder from his backpack and threw it into the air!
"Dust of Appearance!"
Dust of Appearance: Reveals invisible units. One bag, two uses, lasts twenty seconds!
Didn't expect that! I have other stealth-detecting items besides the Flying Machine! You're dead, Samuro!
A green figure appeared to Galen's side, moving fast!
He leaped, grabbing the warblade with both hands, and swung it from behind! If this splitting attack landed, Galen would be cut in half!
Guardian of Ancient Kings!
Holy Shield!
Galen activated two life-saving ultimate abilities!
Bang!
Samuro's warblade struck Galen's Divine Shield, causing ripples.
The Divine Shield was incredibly effective, impervious to attacks and even protected against high falls.
It's a very annoying ability.
Samuro was shocked that his killing move had been so easily countered.
Then, he felt sharp pain in his chest and waist!
Galen's Trol'Kalar and the Ancient Kings' Guardian had pierced him!
"It's over, Blademaster!"
Galen slowly withdrew his longsword, striking a pose.
"You have won, human!"
"Samuro, this is not the end."
Galen said cryptically and activated the command: "Collect the current Heroic Soul!"
Samuro's soul ascended.
Done!
Galen realized that killing powerful Orcs increased the quality of his Heroic Souls!
War is promising. I'll get stronger!
Galen felt less upset about the Fifth Legion's destruction!
He looked at the Blackrock Blademaster Jubei'thos, still fighting Sylvanas.
Jubei'thos felt a chill.
His teammate, the veteran Blademaster Samuro, had been killed!
Jubei'thos immediately used Wind Walk.
Galen threw his second handful of Dust of Appearance, but only saw Jubei'thos fleeing.
He ran away?
Has this Blackrock Blademaster been spending too much time with Orgrim?
"He ran away?" Sylvanas asked.
"Yeah, he ran away." Galen said, regretful.
What a pity. Two legendary hero souls would have been a great harvest.
Sylvanas didn't know what Galen was thinking.
She looked at the dead blademaster and said, "Thank you for your help, Galen."
Sylvanas was grateful.
Otherwise, she would have been seriously injured, instead of unscathed.
"It's nothing, Sylvanas! Promise me, don't be so reckless next time."
"Okay!"
The blademasters had been the Orcs' rearguard.
Their elusiveness had prevented the Alliance from pursuing.
After heavy losses, some Orcs from the left flank joined the main force in their retreat.
"The Orcs have broken through, Marshal!" Turalyon said, covered in blood and scratches.
He had proven his bravery and adaptability.
Lothar nodded.
"Should we pursue?" Turalyon asked, still eager to fight.
Lothar shook his head. "They haven't lost, they've only retreated!"
Lothar felt Turalyon still had much to learn.
"The Orcs' goal is simple: the Hinterlands and their troll allies!"
"But the east has Thoradin's Wall, the north has Dun Modr, and the west has Tarren Mill and Southshore. We've blocked them!" Turalyon said. "We should defeat them before they join the trolls. The trolls are our enemies, and they know us well!"
"You're right, we should pursue," Lothar said. "But look at our soldiers; they need rest!"
Turalyon looked at the exhausted soldiers.
Some had collapsed from fatigue and injuries. They were at their limit!
The battle had lasted from dawn until almost noon.
Turalyon, caught up in the fighting, now felt soreness all over.
"We need to replace and maintain weapons and equipment, replenish arrows and ammunition, and request more troops and supplies from the other nations!"
"The generals have seen the Orcs' power and the Alliance's potential. We need more troops to resist the Horde!"
The Alliance legions were exhausted. Lothar ordered them to camp and form defensive positions.
Galen and Sylvanas, both fatigued, returned to their lines to await Lothar's orders.
"Omar, Hennie, count the troops and give me a detailed casualty report. Faldil, Fral, take the wounded back to Durnholde Keep!" Galen said, relieved.
War is exhausting. I'm not a pervert who enjoys killing. I'm a normal person, and killing makes me depressed.
Galen's Stromgarde troops were called the Stromgarde Crusade, which some nobles criticized. However, the king didn't care, and Galen was the only prince and heir.
Thoras wanted Galen to marry and ascend the throne, but Galen refused, wanting to remain a free prince.
Thoras even considered having Earl Davil persuade Galen to rebel so he could retire early.
"Garona, send out the Shadow Council, and monitor the Orcs' movements!"
Galen guessed they would head to the Hinterlands and their troll allies.
Zul'jin was ruthless. If the Orcs couldn't break through the Alliance blockade, he might abandon them.