163 Chapter 163: The War part 5

Caesar's loud roar broke the fox-kin out of their stupor and they hesitated for a few moments before retreating. The large carts full of food were set aflame and the many the trolls didn't even have time to chase after the fox-kin warriors.

The Ceros creatures were frightened by the flames and Caesar's dark energy, as such, most of them scurried away back into the forest, while others were calmed down by a few tamers. The trolls attempted to chase the fox-kin armies, however, they unable to do so as Zul'thar was still in the midst of battle.

After Alexander broke off, Musashi had a much easier time attacking, and managed to push Zul'thar to the edge. Alas, his efforts were in vain because of the many troll commanders that joined the fray. His old friends were unable to help because they were tied down and Caesar was nearly exhausted after utilizing his authority as much as he did.

The blood that he drank from Alexander was quite delicious and reinvigorated his body, however, his mana reserves were still dry. He regretfully scanned the bloody battlefield and could only shake his head sorrowfully.

Since the first and second stage of his plan had succeeded, Musashi was no longer needed to die. Even if Musashi didn't die, the fox-kins hope for victory was surely rekindled. Unfortunately, however, Caesar by himself was, by no means, capable of saving him.

Noticing Caesar's strange look from the corner of his eyes, Musashi roared in laughter while a small stream of blood fell from his mouth, "don't be getting sentimental on me now, boy. The future of the clan rests in your hands, don't let me down!" he roared and Caesar tightened his fists in response.

Caesar ground his teeth angrily before turning around and speeding away. If he died, then the clan would become a headless chicken, as such, he needed to make sure he maintained his life, no matter the cost.

The trolls attempted to stop his retreat with their bow and arrows, however, Caesar, using his superior perception, dodged them with ease. He then blasted through the edge of the forest and soon caught up with the retreating fox-kin soldiers.

Their clothes are armor were covered in blood and they carried expressions full of anger as they ran. All of them were unwilling to just leave their commander, and Musashi, alas, they still followed orders.

"PICK UP THE PACE!" Caesar roared from behind, his presence shocking the clan heads, and soldiers alike. A smiled suddenly formed on their faces as they ran with even stronger might. Their destination was, of course, the troll stronghold.

Although Musashi was nowhere to be seen, the soldiers were relieved that Caesar made it out of the battlefield safely. They lost many friends and fellow warriors in the battle, however, the fact that they stood on even ground against the trolls aroused their fighting spirit.

Their previous orderly formation was in tatters as they rushed towards the direction of the troll stronghold. Like animals, they moved across the battlefield with their four limbs, some even throwing away their heavy armor.

Seeing this, Caesar smiled and picked up the pace himself. They needed to reach the troll stronghold and prepare for battle before the trolls arrived. This way, they could do a head count and rest before entering into another fight.

Caesar and his army traveled across the entire forest until the sight of black smoke rising into the sky appeared in their vision. The smell of blood, urine, and battle entered into their noses as they finally approached the huge, iron gates.

The gates were currently raised and troll bodies littered the ground, they seemed to have died in shock as their eyes were opened up wide. Seeing this, many of the fox-kin men smiled and stepped over the bloody mess.

Some of the bodies possessed crushed crotches which caused the nearby men to shiver strangely and continue walking. This further solidified Caesar's statement, although women weren't as dangerous in war, they were certainly scarier!

Caesar led his small army to the middle of the huge troll-stronghold. They passed by the many houses and huts that were set aflame until they reached the grand palace that was currently surrounded by fox-kin women and men.

Akari, with her long raven black hair, stood at the top of the staircase. Blood was splattered on her face and clothes as she executed a troll commander with her katana-esque weapon. The rest of the fox-kin cheered in response to her execution and they finally noticed Caesar and his group.

"L-Lord" Akari spoke first and kneeled on the ground, shock and confusion were evident in her voice. It was clear that she didn't expect his arrival until much later if at all. Caesar forced a smile at her abnormal reaction and patted her on the shoulder.

"No need for formalities, brief me of the situation while we walk…" Caesar spoke softly and walked past her, to which she recollected her self and caught up with him, "the trolls were completely unsuspecting when we attacked… I used my elites to infiltrate the stronghold and pull the lever allowing our entire army to flood in and massacre the enemy" she said excitedly, fishing for praise.

"Good work, how many casualties?" Caesar asked after they walked through a large entrance and entered into a huge courtyard filled with fountains, grass, and marble. In the middle of the courtyard were many injured fox-kin being bandaged and treated by the others.

"Although we caught them by surprise, we still lost about one-fourth of our battalion and another fourth has been injured" she replied sadly and looked towards the ground in shame. Even though they had more soldiers, and caught them off guard, she still let so many of her warriors die.

Caesar, who had expected such a result nodded his head whilst patting Akari on the head, "you did a good job, now go outside and help Ebisu direct our soldiers to defend the gates… I want you to also feed them and bandage our injured" Caesar ordered and quickened his pace, leaving Akari behind.

Once he left Akari's presence, he mindlessly turned a few corners until he entered into what he presumed to be the throne room. Many sturdy pillars, vases, and murals were present. In the middle of the room, lay a throne made out of pure gold.

Caesar, however, was in no mood to appreciate the extravagant room, but instead, his previous composed expression was replaced by one full of anger. He gripped his fists tightly and smashed the beautiful vase to his right.

"DAMN IT!" he shouted and breathed heavily. He hated the fact that he wasn't strong enough to save neither Andrea nor Musashi. And now there was a chance of Zul'thar using them as a hostage, that is if Musashi didn't kill himself first.

Although they did a lot of damage and took over the troll stronghold, whilst also procuring a large number of supplies, their losses were considerable. At the rate it was going, even if they somehow won, there wouldn't be much of a clan left.

An intense rage overtook Caesar as he smashed a few more valuable items before finally getting ahold of himself and breathing deeply to calm himself. His contorted expression turned back to normal and he left the palace chambers to find a group troll brats being led by Akari.

"Lord, we found these children in a training facility, should we let them go or perhaps, train them to be our own?" Akari asked hesitantly, she had just heard a domineering shout and many things cracking, so she was somewhat fearful of being in Caesar's presence at the moment.

Caesar glanced at the troll children who were glaring at him and gracefully straightened his collars whilst walking out of the door, "what would you do if you came across a goblin child?" Caesar asked as he made his way to the door.

"I would kill it, sir!" Akari replied without a hint of hesitation, goblins were well known to be the natural enemies of all races.

"Then why are you asking me such stupid questions," Caesar asked and soon disappeared from Akari's sight, leaving her alone, dumbfounded. And the troll teenagers, who were currently chained up, shivered fearfully.