Chapter 144 - Scouting

On the trees where they were hiding. Joan was shaded with leaves that covers his body. Others were on the top of the trees while scouting the den. Gargoyles were flying on the opening of their den. Others were hunters that hunted for their food. Joan was contemplating as he was watching their den in a bird's eye view.

Tengu was flying overhead and Joan was watching the enemies using his eyes. The enemies who remained in their den were the hunters and the younglings. Guards were doing rotations to guard their entrance while the others rested..

"Master Joan, we have to report this to our Captain," Said one of the Scouts.

Joan was just silent as he was thinking about what to do.

"We have scouted all of their dens and their force is weakened greatly. The time to report this to the Captain has come. All scouts, let's retreat," Joan said to them.

There was a party of gargoyles that passed them by above the tree where they were situated. They held their breaths at the moment they felt closer and closer. Passing them by on the top of their heads and moments passed, they went farther and farther away from them. It was then, they decided to retreat for now. No use to fight at the moment as they will be greatly outnumbered. They were capable but they didn't know the extent of their capabilities as it was the enemy's base.

A mix of Rangers and Rogues were seen following Joan. They went back to their base on foot. Avoiding the roads that could potentially make them seen by the enemies. The enemies were also patrolling on their perimeter making it a little harder to scout.

It was then, a patrol party of gargoyles has seen Tengu. Making them fall into an awry situation. Tengu used his wings to beat faster and escape the enemies. Still, he was caught up with the gargoyles who were fast enough. He dove to the trees and used [Multiply and disperse]. Making his clones fly in different directions.

It was then, Tengu arrived at Joan's side. Panting after the chase.

"I am sorry, master," Tengu said then went inside him.

"It's okay," Joan then saw that some enemies saw them after following Tengu's direction. Joan felt responsible for their predicament and said that he was the one to blame if they have a mission failed.

"Everyone, leave me. The mission's success is in your hands. I can defeat them all, don't worry. I will just stall time for them and you all have to deliver the report." Joan explained.

They nodded at him in agreement. The report has to be delivered at all costs. Though they didn't believe that Joan will lose to them also. Making them not hesitate at the moment Joan will be the one covering them. They immediately left at a moments notice, making Joan left alone to fend for himself. Enemies approaching and Joan was left alone. Inhaling deep, Joan grinned.

"It was time to let loose!"

[Chaos roar]

A shout was made and all the trees were obliterated at the moment his shout has been let out. The gargoyles were obliterated at the moment they were struck with his shout.

[Chaos roar]–a Chaos Knight shout that summons a dragon on his back and then shouts. Rending the ones who were struck with the shout.

Enemies were obliterated but some of them were still alive. Joan approached them and summoned a two-handed greatsword. Enemies were on the ground and some of them were starting to stand up. Others were shaking their heads after they were struck. They felt dizzy as they went spiralling on the process. Heads were hit on the trees and were all in utter mayhem.

[Chaos burst]

Joan sliced the air with a rising diagonal slash. It was then, the ground exploded several times. From Joan's feet towards the enemies in a straight line.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Bang!

The enemies were exploded with his burst skill. Making them end their lives. Upon his onslaught, enemies heard the banging sound of his skill. Making Joan grin at the progress of his fate.

"More enemies arrived, good!"

Joan then used his Chaos Knight without reserve. Making his skin grow dragon scales at the moment.

[Dragon armour]

He grew dragon scales on his body then it became his armour. Thick scales were seen embroidering his body into majestic armour.

[Dragon wings]

He grew wings on his back and he was ready to fly anytime. Leathery with thorns here and there on the joints.

[Dragon armour]–a Dragonic skill or arts of Chaos Knights that gave them armour of the scales of dragons. Resistances were the same of the dragons themselves.

[Dragon wings]–a Dragonic skill or arts of Chaos Knights that grew their wings of dragons. Making them able to fly.

Joan then flew up in the air and confronted them. More enemies came and they were battled by Joan. Testing his newfound strength upon them at the moment.

Bang! Boom! Bing! Baboom!

Meanwhile, the Rangers and Rogues only heard banging sounds from afar. Others were tempted to see what could happen that Joan's battle was so loud and ear-shattering. Still, they decided to continue their travel and make their mission a success. Thinking about Joan, they were confident that he will make it out alive.

They were nearing their base and soon saw the walls of Riverside Stronghold. Making them relaxed a bit after seeing it. Entering the gates, they hurried to report it to their Captain. A high ranking scout entered their Captain's quarters to make a report.

"Captain, we have a report about the scouting,"

"Carry on,"

"The gargoyle habitations around our base are weakened. Their numbers dwindled after making attacks on our base. It will be wise to eliminate them once and for all while their numbers are depleted."

"Did you count their numbers?"

"Yes, Captain. Their numbers are only three hundred compared to before which is a thousand,"

"Good, assemble the adventurers. We will be having a meeting,"

"Affirmative, Captain!"

"Wait, where is Joan? He was supposed to report to me right?"

"Ah, he stopped the pursuers. But he will arrive soon, I am sure of it,"

"Good,"

The adventurers were then rounded up to the meeting place. Ready to fight with them being dressed all ready for a battle. It was then, Joan arrived at the meeting place. He opened the door to their meeting place. His armour was bloody and he was panting.

"Don't mind me. Just continue the meeting," Joan said.

"Master Joan!" The scout shouted.

"Joan! Look at yourself, clean yourself first then we proceed to the meeting. We haven't started yet," The Captain said to him.

Joan then cleaned himself. Then the meeting started after he was now more formal and not haggard-looking.

"Ahem, so the scouts have reported and their numbers are only three hundred left, scattered into five dens. Their numbers are weakened after warring with us. So it was safe to say we are advantaged if we attack now. We must eradicate them and make our surroundings a safer place. We will divide our teams into five attack teams led by team leaders. We will assign the team leaders in a moment. We will attack while the metal is hot they say," The Captain said to them.

It was then, they selected the team leaders and Joan was also selected by the Captain. Joan felt ecstatic. First, he became their trainer, then a scouting leader, then now an attack leader. Well, what could go wrong if his talent was used for their good. It was wise to make Joan build up a sense of standing. Though he wants was to be a low-key person not wanting to be in the limelight. But fate needs his service. They need him more than Joan needs them. It was a matter of fact that can't be denied.

They redied and marched outside the gates. Divided into five attack teams, they moved in five different directions. Joan led the way and his team were following. Guided by a map, they were tasked to attack the east side of the enemy's den. Located in the far east and was the place that Joan had made a ruckus on. He killed all the patrols that time and absorbed their essence. Making his return delayed a bit. Still, he was able to arrive on time.

Moving into the brooks and resting for a while in the shade of the trees, they calculated that they will arrive in an hour of travel. Their team was constituted of ten members. Two Chaos Knights, two Paladins, One Holy Knight, One Lycan, One Necromancer. A Ranger and Rogue as well as Joan, their leader. Making their team a balanced one. Joan then formulated their attack plan at the moment.

"Okay, the Chaos Knights will make the main attack. Create chaos as much as possible. Paladins will take care of the opening of the den and we will attack the inside after we killed all the ones getting out of the den. Hope nothing goes wrong. Necromancer and Lycan will summon their underlings then attack the ones who will emerge from their den. Ranger and Rogue will be killing all who will escape. And I will be watching you all and will rescue you in case someone will be needing help. Remember this is an enemy base and we don't know the inside. We might see the queen of their lair. After the den will become silent. Then we will be clearing the den. From their queen to their babies, none will be spared okay?"

"Yes sir!"