Chapter 76: Slightly Appealing

Chapter 76: Slightly Appealing

Hearing Hudeman’s metaphor about her looks, Airael couldn’t help but twitch her lips.

That comparison really left her at a loss for words!

Even though she knew he was complimenting her, comparing herself to herself was just plain weird!

Not knowing how to retort, she humbly replied, “Your Excellency, you flatter me. I’m merely somewhat appealing, hardly comparable to the legendary Elven Queen.”

“Miss Ailia, you’re too humble! While I can’t say how beautiful the Elven Queen is, you truly are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen!” Hudeman continued to praise her.

“Well, thank you for your kind words, Your Excellency.”

To that, Airael could only respond politely.

The topic of Airael’s looks was brushed aside.

However, her breathtaking beauty had already been deeply etched in everyone’s minds; they would probably never forget her.

Then, Airael glanced ahead and asked Hudeman, “Your Excellency, shall we wait for Axi here?”

“Of course not! Although we have no idea where the Orcs may ambush us ahead, we just need to be cautious, and we can press on—albeit at a slower pace.”

After saying this to Airael, Hudeman turned his attention to the knights around them and called out loudly, “Everyone, continue forward! Stay alert and don’t miss any signs of movement; otherwise, death is what awaits you!”

The threat of death energized the knights, and they began to advance slowly through the woodland.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, the Orcs had already learned that the human forces had arrived.

However, the series of maneuvers the humans made disrupted their plans.

The humans were being very cautious as they marched.

Also in the shadows, Axi was scouring the forest for traces of the Orcs.

With the Magic Cloak masking him, he moved through the forest like an invisible man, making it quite difficult for the Orcs to detect his presence.

However, before Axi could find the Orcs, they could no longer sit still.

These guys had little patience to begin with.

Moreover, seeing how the humans were moving, they knew their ambush had been discovered.

So instead of waiting for the humans to find them, they’d rather strike first.

Especially Axi, who had vanished upon entering the forest, was like a guillotine hanging over them at any moment.

Although the results wouldn’t be as ideal as an ambush, it would still have some effect.

“Roar! Warriors of the Orc race, follow me and slay all those humans!”

Sko led the charge.

He surged forward with a horde of Orc warriors hot on his heels.

Spurred on by his presence, the Orcs charged with high morale toward the slowly advancing human forces.

The human troops instantly spotted the charging Orcs.

“Dismount and form a defensive line!”

Since it was difficult to maneuver on horseback in the woods, Hudeman ordered some knights to dismount and fight on foot.

The knights jumped off their horses, one hand holding shields and the other swords, forming a shield wall to face the incoming Orcs.

Despite the absence of rousing speeches, their morale seemed undeterred.

These knights, trained in martial skills since childhood and battle-hardened, never feared combat.

Watching the protective formation in front of her, Airael nodded in approval of the knight’s squad.

As the saying goes, you never know how capable a mule is until you take it out for a walk.

Though these knights had previously appeared polished and flawless, it was in this moment that they truly showcased their fangs.

At the same time, Airael didn’t remain idle, beginning to prepare magic to assist the knights against the Orcs.

In the shadows, Axi halted his searching for the Orcs.

Even though the Orcs had taken the initiative to reveal themselves, Axi did not expose his form to join the human forces against the Orcs.

After observing for a moment, he shifted his gaze around.

He knew that the few Orcs charging out weren’t enough to threaten Airael and the others.

Especially Airael.

While adept in close combat, she also possessed exceptionally strong spellcasting abilities and good stamina.

Even if she hadn’t reached a heroic tier, in terms of tenacity, she was already comparable to any typical hero.

Besides, there was Hudeman, who was also a heroic-tier warrior.

With the frontline secure for the moment, Axi felt he should turn his attention to the areas beyond the frontline, ensuring that the battle there could proceed smoothly.

If he could provide direct support to the frontline later, that would be perfect.

Before long, the Orcs had charged to the front of the human forces.

Faced with the shield wall set up by the human knights, the Orcs continued to charge under Sko’s leadership, looking utterly fearless.

Some Orcs, having reached shooting range, hurled their throwing weapons at the human knights before them.

Javelins, axes, and various weapons were unleashed towards the human knights.

The knights maintained their formation.

Those throwing weapons either got blocked by their shields or, thanks to their armor, didn’t inflict much damage.

Just then, Airael completed her spell.

A blue-white lightning orb shot forth, unleashing dozens of bolts to strike down the fleeing Orcs.

With a resounding “boom,” the Orcs struck by the lightning fell, looking quite miserable.

Watching the fallen Orcs, Sko’s gaze locked onto the magic-wielding Airael.

Due to differing tastes, he had no reaction to her beauty.

But his intense dislike for Airael was evident, wishing to slay her at the earliest opportunity.

In any case, Airael’s performance captured his attention.

“Miss Ailia, please rest assured, we will protect you.”

Noticing Sko’s focus on Airael, Hudeman spoke up just in time.

Airael did not refuse; she lightly nodded and said, “Thank you very much.”

“This is what we ought to do.”

With that, Hudeman’s focus shifted entirely onto Sko.

Sko posed a significant threat.

While he might not be a match for Sko, buying some time was definitely within his capabilities.

With this in mind, Hudeman stepped forward to engage Sko in battle.

“Prepare to countercharge!”

Immediately after, a sudden loud shout erupted.

At the command, the knights began to gather their strength.