"It sounds like some kind of mutation has occurred. Could it really be due to the radiation of Wizardry Energy leaking from Chalkland?"
Roy pondered silently, glancing around.
"Let's go take a look!"
The group hesitated upon hearing this.
But Roy reasoned that if even Tigro and the others had managed to escape, they could too.
As long as they were careful.
Moreover, he wasn't relying on his own combat or spellcasting abilities, but on the Mirage Orb that Celine carried.
After getting a rough idea of the situation, he led the group along the beach, instructing Celine to activate the Enchanted Item in advance.
Sure enough, near a crescent-shaped bay, they successfully scouted a large gathering of Fishmen, moving upstream along a river that flowed into the sea.
These Fishmen were armed with crude weapons, mostly primitive tools like Fishbone spears or Stone spears, but they were almost fully equipped, forming a genuine Demonic army.
Among them were various Elite warriors, with Fishmen of all sizes carrying dried meat and seaweed, their scales shimmering in the fading sunlight, reflecting a kaleidoscope of colors.
"Their numbers are still increasing!
It seems nearby Fishman tribes have been summoned as well!"
Renien exclaimed in shock.
"Could it be that a Fishman King is about to emerge?"
Roy nodded subtly: "Fishmen are typical tribal Magic Creatures, lacking civilization or intelligence…
But this time, they've displayed a certain level of intelligence, even capable of marching.
It's highly likely that a monster above the rank of a chieftain is leading them.
A Magic Creature of this level has completely broken the physiological limitations of ordinary Fishmen, stepping onto the path of evolution!"
"They must have obtained some treasure from Gale Hills…"
"This is akin to us mortals embarking on the path to transcendence!"
The others hadn't wasted their general education classes either.
Once they realized what was happening, they all grew excited.
Fishmen, as low-level Magic Creatures, have far greater innate limitations than humans, and without civilization, they struggle to pass down knowledge and skills.
Thus, the only two ways for them to begin evolving are through rare encounters or mutations.
For example, obtaining something that fell from "Chalkland"!
"However, they probably haven't reached the level of a Fishman King yet, at least not the Fishman Warlock you encountered who could discharge electricity!"
Roy snapped out of his thoughts and whispered to the group.
"Why are you so sure?"
"It's simple, Chad, Tigro, you're both still alive!"
"That's true," Emer muttered softly. "But it must at least be at the level of a lord…"
Roy continued his analysis: "Judging by their movements, it seems like they're gathering a large force to attack somewhere.
You weren't being hunted; you just had the bad luck of running into them.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Hunting their rear guard could yield plenty of Fish Pearls and complete several tasks!
Moreover, if there's indeed a war between Magic Creatures ahead, we might be able to take advantage of their mutual destruction and scavenge the aftermath!"
"This… this could really work?" The group was stunned. "Isn't it too risky?"
"Too risky? Not necessarily.
Low-level Magic Creatures aren't very intelligent. Even if there's a lord or even a hero above the chieftain, it's just a matter of overwhelming numbers and brute force.
Moreover, their frontlines often stretched for dozens of miles, leaving their flanks exposed and providing numerous opportunities to strike.
Seizing this chance decisively could indeed lead to a substantial windfall!"
Upon hearing this, the group gradually shifted from initial fear and apprehension to excitement and anticipation, hoping that the situation would indeed present such a lucrative opportunity!
...
Not long after, the group arrived at a nearby high ground, conducting a general reconnaissance of the enemy situation near the beach and river.
The gathered information was encouraging.
"They are truly in the midst of migration and marching!"
"It seems they are heading east along the river, towards the core area of the Gale Hills!"
"So, the Fishmen we are seeing now... have actually fallen behind by several hours?"
"Exactly, and hunting them down would leave traces like blood that would flow downstream, unnoticed by the main force upstream!"
As they excitedly discussed, Roy gradually formed a plan.
"Wait for that powerful monster to move further away...
Then we'll chase them along the river until we encounter the main force that we can't handle, and then retreat!"
As they deliberated, the sky gradually darkened.
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Roy looked around and saw that everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, the wounded had applied ointments, and the group was ready. He began issuing orders.
"Celine, you stay in the rear, along with Andov, Niya, and Emer, to guard the horses. Keep an eye on the flag signals or bonfires, ready to provide support at any moment..."
"Renien, Chad, and Shanlu form one team, Tigro and Thomas form another, and I'll be on my own...
Act according to the commands!"
"Yes, Senior Roy!"
The Seven Towers Alliance, which rose through plunder and planar colonization, had long ingrained the adventurous spirit and tacit rules from the Star Sea era.
Although Roy had never been a leader before, he had studied the history of this world and knew the importance of mastering the two key aspects of "work" and "spoils."
When directing people to "work," it was essential to clearly define the objectives and milestones to establish credible leadership.
After assigning tasks, it was crucial to monitor progress and provide guidance, but without micromanaging, as there was neither the time nor the energy for it.
Soon after, everyone acted according to their orders, detouring upstream to launch a surprise attack.
Roy didn't rush to act but stood on a nearby high ground, keeping watch.
He observed the two teams easily dispatching the elite warriors and extracting Fish Pearls before taking out a small Luminous stone, channeling his mental energy to send the agreed signal...
In the distant night, a light flickered in response—Celine's reply.
"Let's go!"
Roy collected the Fish Pearls handed over by Renien and the others and headed towards Celine's location.
Not long after, the group repeated their tactics, attacking several more Fishman squads upstream until they encountered a Fishman Warlock capable of casting spells.
Roy stepped forward, his eyes flashing with red light: "Step aside, I'll handle this!"
The ordinary Fishmen posed little threat; he didn't even glance at them. His mere aura was enough to instill fear and hesitation in their hearts.
Any who dared to attack were repelled by his psychic force!
Following that, his hair grew wildly, as if alive, fiercely whipping to block attacks from behind.
Cutting through all obstacles as if they were nothing, he advanced into the formation, facing the Warlock directly.
"..."
Animation Art!
The chain was thrown over, and in an instant, it coiled around the target like a python.
The Fishman Warlock, who was in the midst of casting a spell, was interrupted and rendered immobile.
Roy drew his sword and thrust it fiercely, ending the creature's life.
The group surged forward, overwhelming and defeating the ordinary Fishmen, solidifying their victory in the battle.
(End of Chapter)