Chapter 74: The Ambush of the Orcs

Chapter 74: The Ambush of the Orcs

However, Sko understood that this human force pursuing them was no push-over.

The human Knights were not weak in combat power, not even compared to their Orc Wolf Cavalry, and most of them were well-equipped warriors.

Though the majority of this human force weren’t actual Knights, merely their attendants, they were still quite a challenge to deal with.

Thus, if they wanted to eliminate this pursuing human force, they needed to prepare properly.

…

Several Human Cavalry were galloping swiftly down the forest path, serving as Scouts sent by the human forces, their eyes darting around, constantly assessing their surroundings.

While their rapid pace made it hard to observe everything in detail, if they slowed down their reconnaissance, it would undoubtedly delay the main force following behind.

So this was the only option they had.

Fortunately, they hadn’t encountered any troubles so far.

Moreover, the few who ventured out were carefully selected for their keen eyesight.

Just as they felt everything was fine, suddenly, one of the human cavalry seemed to notice something was amiss.

“It seems like something’s off!”

No sooner had he spoken than the group came to a halt.

However, before they could investigate further, several javelins and axes suddenly shot out from the trees, aimed straight at them and their steeds.

The cavalryman who noticed the disturbance was immediately struck in the head by a javelin, the strong impact sending his body rolling off the horse, dying on the spot.

The other cavalrymen didn’t fare much better.

Although they weren’t hit fatally, they were thrown off balance by the javelins and axes and fell to the ground, writhing in pain.

Next, numerous Orcs rushed out from behind grand trees and nearby bushes, beginning to finish off the fallen human cavalry.

The horses didn’t escape either, all being chased down and dealt with by the Orcs.

After the skirmish, Sko stepped out of the deeper part of the forest, bringing some of his men with him.

“My lord, we’ve been discovered.”

The squad leader responsible for the fight reported to Sko.

He had hoped to keep their movements concealed, but since they had already been found out, there was no time to waste.

The next steps would have to be discussed later.

Sko glanced at the squad leader and turned his gaze to the brutally mangled bodies of the human cavalry on the ground.

Taking a deep breath to calm his inner tumult, he commanded the Orc captain, “They are your spoils of war; clean this place up properly.”

“Understood, my lord!”

Upon receiving the command, the squad leader immediately began rallying his troops to get to work.

Sko, meanwhile, led his men back into hiding in the forest.

Even though the deaths of the human scouts might raise the alertness of the human forces, they still had an opportunity.

The current situation didn’t allow them to set another ambush elsewhere.

Just as the Orcs were restoring everything back to normal, the main human force was approaching the forest.

At the forest entrance, a human cavalryman was waiting for them.

He was the human scout who had separated from the troop; after conducting an initial reconnaissance of the forest, he had come here to wait for the larger force.

Then he would inform the main force that they could enter the forest, and for the rest, they would have to wait for further reports.

After rapidly assessing the situation, Hudeman led his men into the forest.

At the same time, another swift horse took the place of the returning human cavalryman, quickly charging out.

They had no idea that the other scouts had already been wiped out by the Treemen hiding in the forest.

However, this realization would soon dawn on the human forces as they continued to delve deeper into the woods.

“Axi, something feels off! Logically, those human scouts should have returned by now.”

Yet at this moment, it wasn’t just about returning.

The very scout who had been sent out moments ago had also fallen prey to the Orcs, becoming their spoils of war.

Hearing Airael’s words, Axi nodded solemnly.

He too sensed something was wrong.

In fact, it wasn’t just them; many others felt the same unease.

Including Hudeman.

They all had their suspicions.

That being, the scouts they had sent out previously must have met their demise.

Given this, the forest could pose a significant risk.

The Orcs were likely laying in wait to ambush them.

“Stop!”

Thinking this, Hudeman let out a loud command, causing the entire force to come to a halt.

A dead silence enveloped the entire troop, only occasionally broken by the sound of whinnying horses.

“My lord!”

Axi and Airael rode forward together, with Axi speaking up, “We have to take our chances here.”

Because no matter how perilous the path ahead appeared, they had to charge forward.

Halting or taking a detour could allow the Orcs to escape.

Hudeman didn’t reply immediately to Axi.

He understood what Axi was getting at.

When danger truly approached, he was forced to weigh the pros and cons once more.

What lay ahead could indeed lead to deaths, and they might have already lost some men.

Because of the fallen, Hudeman didn’t plan on sending any more scouts deeper into the forest.

The odds were high that they would either be killed by the Orcs.

Thus, while they were aware that Orcs might be concealed in the woods, the exact location remained unknown.

Therefore, they still needed to deploy scouts to probe the situation.

If they didn’t send scouts to clarify things, charging ahead recklessly would be exceedingly perilous.

Hudeman was well aware of this.

Thus, regardless of how much he dreaded it, he had to do this.

He had no choice!

For this reason, Hudeman felt a bit annoyed.

“My lord, let me scout ahead for intel!”

At that moment, Axi boldly proposed.

Though it was dangerous, he was confident in his own abilities.

Seeing Axi’s resolute demeanor and recalling they did indeed need accurate intel from within, Hudeman consented, saying, “Mr. Axi, you truly will be burdened. Once this is accomplished, I will surely advocate for you before His Majesty the King and Duke!”

“No need for that.”

Axi replied nonchalantly.

“Do you need any assistance?”

Hudeman, knowing Axi’s personality, decided not to dwell on what had just transpired, instead inquiring.

Axi turned to look at Airael.

Feeling her gaze upon him, Airael’s heart tightened.

This guy wouldn’t invite me to go with him, would he?

Although Airael wasn’t afraid of the Orcs, the thought of being dragged into such a situation really irked her.

Even though she had been without such thrills for a long time now.

And even if I did want to go, I don’t need you to choose for me!

You’ve taken all the credit, then expect me to face the dangers alongside you?

Isn’t that a bit unreasonable?!