Chapter 336: The Orc Encirclement
With more adventurers joining, the orc wave that had been raging across the central Carl Plains immediately started to calm down.
Especially those towns and castles that were on the brink of collapse—they received unbelievable support.
Some affordable and highly effective Vitality Potions.
A portion of high-quality weapons and equipment.
Some specialized alchemical oils designed for city defense.
With the help of these supplies, their defensive capabilities increased significantly.
Bay Territory's soldiers and adventurers used these surviving towns and castles as rotation points.
Centered around them, they methodically hunted down orcs.
No more aimless searching like before.
If they got tired or needed rest, they could enter these towns and castles to recuperate.
Once recharged, they'd go back out to "terrorize" the orcs again.
Consequently, more and more people became aware of Bay Territory's presence.
They learned that there was indeed a force in the chaotic Carl Plains dedicated to hunting orcs.
While hunting orcs, Matthew never stopped recruiting refugees and farmers, tirelessly offering aid and welcoming them.
Matthew knew well that this orc rampage would ultimately end in failure.
But the orc marauders scattered across Carl Plains would be a lingering threat.
For the next decade, they'd continue to wreak havoc in this area.
Sending these farmers and refugees to Bay Territory was a true act of goodwill!
With a slight smirk, Matthew glanced at the map, noting that the orc main force, a million-strong army, was now nearing the central Carl Plains.
"Haha, the Carl family really shot themselves in the foot this time!"
"With word spreading about the orc threat, many regions that haven't yet encountered them have started to evacuate."
"Lacking food and resources, the orc army has clearly set its sights on the Carl family's castles and cities."
"…"
343 remarked unreservedly about this neighbor, with a hint of schadenfreude in her tone.
But Matthew understood the backstory.
The nobles and even the lord of Bloodmoon City, who were obsessed with exploring ruins, had little interest in agriculture.
Their approach to farming was simply "enough for ourselves," rarely aiming for surplus.
In fact, they often relied on purchases from neighboring Carl Plains.
Where there's profit, there's conflict.
And with conflict comes animosity.
Clearly, the lord of Bloodmoon City and the Carl family weren't on good terms!
Judging by 343's attitude, there might've been some unsavory history between the two sides.
However, from 343's words, Matthew gained insight into one of the Carl family's motivations for allowing the orcs to run rampant.
Using the orcs as a tool to wipe out the numerous small noble factions in Carl Plains.
Once the orcs had ravaged the plains, the Carl family would reclaim the territories taken by them.
With their tactics and temperament, even lands with heirs would have trouble standing up to them.
The Carl family's influence and territory would expand significantly through this scheme!
It was a profitable deal with no cost, one that the Carl family carried out without a hint of hesitation.
Of course, Matthew was aware of deeper implications, but he merely mused and asked thoughtfully:
"Are you saying there's a powerful orc force preparing to surround our area?"
With a snap of her fingers, 343 projected a map of the entire Carl Plains, zooming in on their location.
This technology rivaled any advanced system.
Matthew saw a circle of red lights representing orc soldiers, closing in on their area.
Clearly, Bay Territory's actions had pushed the orcs to their limit.
They'd decided to eliminate them with overwhelming force.
"Exact numbers are unknown, but it's certainly no fewer than 60,000, with over 10,000 wolf riders!"
This was a formidable elite unit!
Matthew, a bit surprised, shook his head and commented with admiration:
"Looks like we really hit them where it hurts!"
343's eyes flashed as she responded quickly: "The orc army is short on supplies, isn't it?"
Matthew didn't explain further, confident that 343 would understand. Instead, he turned to his soldiers and commanded:
"Everyone, assemble. It's time to retreat!"
The soldiers, who'd been about to attack the nearby castle, formed up quickly without complaint or question.
Observing the neat formations, 343 found the scene pleasing, suiting her preferences well.
After ordering the soldiers' retreat and sending word to nearby adventurers, Angela approached Matthew and asked:
"Lord, is the orc side making a major move?"
"Yes, your instincts are getting sharper."
It's always essential to encourage one's subordinates.
Seeing Angela's thoughtful expression, Matthew refrained from interrupting, instead prompting her:
"They number around 70,000 to 80,000, with a dangerous force of 10,000 wolf riders and likely other elites."
Their numbers were too vast to face head-on.
The orc encirclement would soon be complete, and by the time they reached its edge, they'd likely be blocked.
However, since it was a surround, the first troops they'd encounter wouldn't be overwhelming in number.
Relaxing a bit, Angela concluded:
"We must move quickly and break through before they fully secure the perimeter!"
Angela avoided other tactics, knowing some fights couldn't be dodged.
Pleased with her decisiveness, Matthew gestured for her to take command:
"They're yours!"
While she felt the weight of responsibility, Angela took the lead, issuing orders:
"Increase march speed but conserve six-tenths of your strength."
As he watched the encircling forces close in, Matthew couldn't help but muse:
"Well, let's leave this stage to the Carl family and the orc army. Bay Territory is too small to endure such clashes."
Seeing Matthew's decisiveness, 343 pondered, then asked curiously:
"Do you really believe they'll break through safely?"
Matthew smiled, taking out a communication scroll, and replied confidently:
"Bay Territory has only 3,000 soldiers, so of course there's no guarantee."
"But beyond our forces, there are 10,000 elite adventurers here."
Tools at the ready—it's your time to shine!