Black Falcon's gaze swept across the entire team, and he took a deep breath.
"Now, put your emotions aside!"
"Target: Bloodhowl Highlands! Full speed ahead! Let's accomplish our mission!"
"YES!!!"
A low, thunderous roar erupted from the team.
There were no fancy words, only the most basic determination.
The team moved out again, this time faster than before.
Each person carried a fire within them.
It was the remembrance of their ancestors, the acknowledgment of their mission, and a deep awareness of the responsibility on their shoulders.
…
Outside Bloodhowl Highlands.
The clouds hung low, and in the sky, there were over a dozen figures exuding a chilling aura.
Each of them had a pair of massive stone wings, covered in stone-like scales, slowly flapping behind them.
The dark wings shimmered under the blood-red light, reflecting a metallic, cold gleam.
At the forefront were seven relatively slender, almost eerily handsome gargoyles.
Their skin had the smooth, jade-like texture of marble, their features exquisitely sculpted like a Master's work, with golden flames burning in their eyes, revealing their inhuman nature.
A faint spiritual glow enveloped them, adding to their already towering, god-like presence.
Rather than divine, it was more of an icy disregard for life!
They stood with their arms crossed, looking down at the battle below like arrogant deities, watching the combatants below struggle like ants.
These were the young prodigies of the gargoyle race, sent to the frontlines for training.
"They're just a bunch of filthy rats, hiding and not daring to come out!"
"This tedious war of attrition is so boring!"
A handsome, youthful gargoyle turned his head.
"Perhaps we should find some direct fun. Let's see who can harvest more human heads."
The other six gargoyle prodigies' eyes flickered with golden flames, clearly intrigued.
One of them asked, "What are the rules? Does it have any level restrictions?"
"Below Elite level."
The handsome youth replied nonchalantly, "Killing ten Formal-level counts as one Elite-level."
"Fine."
The six others nodded indifferently.
It was as if they were discussing points in a dull game, rather than the lives of others.
Behind them, four larger gargoyles bowed slightly, speaking in deep tones.
"If an Expert-level human dares to interfere, we'll handle it. You just enjoy your game!"
"Then…"
The handsome youth's lips curled into a faint smile, "Hunting begins now!"
Before his words could fade, he flapped his wings and transformed into a white streak of light, shooting toward the bloody battlefield below.
The other six gargoyle prodigies also revealed cold smiles, diving down one by one.
…
Far away from Bloodhowl Highlands, at the edge of a hollow in the mountains.
Aaron and Roderick's two large squads had arrived and gathered.
They counted the numbers. Originally, the vanguard army had over three thousand troops, but after passing through Sighing Hill, only two thousand nine hundred and thirty were still able to fight.
In a short period, several hundred comrades had fallen.
However, this series of bloody battles had tempered the survivors' willpower.
Everyone's eyes were harder than when they first set out, and their battle skills and on-the-spot reactions had been rapidly forced to grow on the edge of life and death.
Their overall fighting strength had actually improved compared to when they first left the training camp!
…
Each squad reported their situation.
Black Falcon gave a brief report to Aaron about the encounter at Sighing Hill, particularly highlighting Raine's performance at a critical moment.
When they heard that Raine had cooperated with Herbert to kill a mutated Elite-level rock lizard leader, several squad leaders couldn't help but cast surprised glances at the black-haired youth, who was silently wiping his battle blade in the distance.
"This kid… I remember him!"
A squad leader suddenly spoke.
"I think it was this kid at Anvil Village. He and his team held their ground against overwhelming pressure and even killed several Formal-level gargoyles."
A squad leader with a full beard added, "Not just that—I personally saw him smash the head of a Formal-level high-ranking gargoyle!"
Black Falcon spoke in a low voice.
"He awakened a rare explosive-type ability. The cost is significant, but the combat power increase is remarkable."
"Is that so?"
Aaron's calm eyes narrowed slightly.
He looked toward the familiar figure in the distance, as if seeing him again on the mountain path.
A rare trace of faint satisfaction crossed his face.
"Good kid. Awakeners of abilities are already rare, and this kind of combat performance is even rarer."
"Black Falcon, he's your Fourth Squad's sharp blade, and he's one of the seeds we need to focus on. Understand?"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
After years of fighting side by side, they had developed a strong mutual understanding.
A good seed on the battlefield, especially one who could boost morale, must be protected for future growth.
Aaron didn't say anything further. If he continued, Roderick would go mad!
He immediately gave the order.
"Rest's over. Full battle preparations, target: the left peak of the highlands!"
"We need to tear open the alien races' encirclement there and establish contact with the trapped Fourth and Fifth squads! Move out immediately!"
Without any delay, squad leaders and team captains led their subordinates, using terrain and vegetation for cover, and silently advanced toward the left peak of Bloodhowl Highlands.
…
Bloodhowl Highlands itself had a perilous terrain and was a high point on the eastern defensive line.
The left peak of this highland was slightly lower, resembling an outstretched horn, controlling a vital passage to the highlands, making its strategic position extremely important.
At this moment, this side peak was under a fierce assault from the alien races, becoming one of the bloodiest battle zones on the entire battlefield.
From Aaron's concealed position, they could clearly see.
Countless Shadowclaw Beasts, Boulder Beetles, and Gargoyles were surging like a tide, crashing against the human defense lines!
Boom!
The sky above erupted with brilliant and deadly energy explosions.
This was the battlefield of Expert-level and above.
The bombardment sounded like thunder!
The impact continued to tear the clouds apart, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
The Seventh and Eighth Squads' mission was to launch a surprise attack from the rear and join forces with the defenders on the side peak.
Without wasting time, Roderick and Aaron took the lead, charging toward the high skies!
"Warriors, charge forward!"
"Filthy scum, die!"
"Kill—!"
Nearly three thousand soldiers suddenly charged from behind, piercing through the alien forces' flank!
In the blink of an eye, they sliced through a large portion of the alien army!
"What's going on? Where did so many humans come from?"
"Damn!"
"It's human reinforcements! Stop them!"
A hidden Heartwitch Succubus let out a shrill mental scream, the soundwave exploding in the minds of all the alien races.
Numerous Shadowclaw Beasts and Boulder Beetles immediately changed direction, charging at this unexpected fresh force.
The two sides collided in an instant, the clash of swords and claws, roars, and screeches filling the air!
Raine raised his Ironstrike blade, the edge still stained with the tainted blood from Sighing Hill!
His eyes scanned the battlefield coldly, locking onto a Formal-level Shadowclaw Beast that was pouncing toward their new recruit.
Stepping forward, charging, swinging the blade!
The movement was simple, smooth, and without unnecessary flair.
Slash!
The blade flashed, and the Shadowclaw Beast didn't even have time to react before it was cleaved in half from head to tail, foul-smelling blood and entrails spilling onto the ground.
Raine didn't stop his steps, continuing to charge toward his next prey!
Now, he could finally afford to focus more on the killing and bloodstone accumulation, no longer needing to worry as much about his comrades!