277 Cold Blooded

Time flew quickly, as Asai Trichia's army marched back towards Thrud Castle. 

With his current stock, the duke could supply the 2000 strong army for a good couple of months. However, he wasn't confident enough to defeat a foreign kingdom, goddess knows how far up north. Thus, he decided it would be in the best interest of everyone, if he were to restock, helping himself to the stores at Thrud Castle, and the little village blooming just south of it.

Thankfully, Del Lagos was the land of fruitful harvest. Courtesy of Goddess Loha, who personally controlled and micromanaged the local weather and temperature. The constant culling, and respawns of beasts and monsters alike actually benefitted the humans. As their blood and flesh kept the kingdom's soils fertilized with nutrition.

..

Asai being a duke, was afforded a mount of his own. His previous horse provided by duke Jeffrey was missing by the time the man had resurfaced. As such, the man was filled with appreciation when Jin took it upon himself to purchase extra horses.

Robin shared the duke's horse. Comfortably riding within his embrace. Chloe and Violet also shared a mount. Chloe being the taller of the two took backseat. Ensuring they both had clear visuals, of what was to come.

Jin being commander, had his own steed. Along with his captains. The rest of the 2000 had to march upon foot. 

Even if they could afford their own horses, on top of their weapons and armour maintenance costs. The constant need to feed the large animals would surely bankrupt them. Especially coming from Via Marea, a land known for strict food regulations due to their low yields.

..

As the company slowly approached the mountain pass. They found themselves to be in a world void of sound. The only noises they could hear, was their own feet, marching and stepping upon the dirt. The clanging of metals, and neighing of horses, the crunching of grass.

The birds, insects and even monsters seemed to have left. Avoiding this particular location.

Continuing onwards, a deep dense fog covered them with coldness. Sapping their body heat, as well as their vision.

"Compared to the black poisonous fog in Via Marea, this mist is child's play." Speaking his thoughts out aloud. Only Violet nodded in agreement.

The others were straining their eyes, whilst Robin and Asai instantly imbued their eyes with divinity. Allowing them to see the flow of the world itself, as lingering neutral mana within the air unchanging. It was only after another hour of silent marching did small wisps of red appeared. And as they continued, the numbers increased quickly, shooting up into the thousands.

"Monsters, ahead of us. Jin, prepare your men for battle." Asai, although aware of their sudden urgency. Didn't want to accidentally trigger the battle by speaking louder than required. Thus, he quietly instructed the elf.

"Your Grace, please grace me with the opportunity to show you our capabilities in battle."

"Well... I mean. I've already seen how you guys battle. Personally, with my own eyes and hands in fact... But, sure I guess." "Granted. Do what you must."

The elves quickly formed a shield wall. Their kite shields stabilized against their forearm, whilst the lower half pushed against their knees. Once they were ready, they plunged the bottom tip into the ground to further stabilize the wooden wall. Increasing its shock resistance. Their long skinny swords peeked overhead, as they awaited their next orders.

Although he couldn't physically see the monsters. Asai's system cheated the rules of the world once more.

[Lizardman: Lvl 55] [Lizardman: Lvl 57] [Lizardman: Lvl 57] [Lizardman: Lvl 54]

"Lizardmen, they're around the same strength level as you. Hopefully, you're more skilled than them." 

"Of course! You don't even need to worry Your Grace. Just so you know, I'm 721 this year. I'm sure I have more experience and skill compared to lizards who just about managed to learn to walk on two legs HA!"

Seeing the man ready, Asai gestured to Chloe. Who fired multiple arrows into the mass of red. Her lightning imbued arrows fizzled and crackled as they flew through the moist atmosphere. Tendrils of electricity zapping outwards, easily alerting the hostile force with flashes of light.

A dozen war horns blew as the ground began to shake and vibrate.

"I. I think there's more than I thought." Asai, beginning to worry about his 2000 elven allies, summoned his own golden-war horn. Gripping it tightly within his grasp. 

"ELVES!? HOLY MOLY. Those bugger-twats are still alive? Sweet dearie me, I thought I had conquered them all. HA. Back in my day-"

Asai willed himself to ignore the voice that continued to reminisce within his mind.

"Not now Your Majesty. Have your men be ready, I'll call you at first sign of struggle."

"Relax lad. The elves are stronger than you think. Believe me, I would know. I spent me life fighting them after all."

Whilst Asai, Robin and Chloe were too high level to benefit from killing the level 55 lizardmen. Violet, was low enough to sneak in her involvement.

100 skeletons and 10 skeleton knights were summoned, quietly, hidden within the mist. Stealthily protecting both flanks of the elven force. Asai and Robin, both immediately noticed what she had done. Considering how her undead were lighting up like wisps of black. However, they added reassurance make the young-duke feel better.

"W-wait... Fucking hell. That's a lot!"

Whilst the elven army numbered at 2000, the lizardmen army charged in with double their numbers. Immediately engaging into a melee, as their numbers swarmed and crashed into both flanks and mid section.

Inspecting the lizard men who were barely visible. Rather than the expected green reptilian like skin. They appeared in red and brown variants. Their appearance resembled crocodiles more than little lizards. Long, strong tails stabilized their large torsos, boosting their forward momentum when they attacked.

They wielded long bone spears, which granted them an advantage over the elven longswords. Relying entirely upon their hardened scales, they only adorned leather rags, to protect their manhood.

Interestingly, when they entered the range in which a long weapon such as their spears no longer remained viable. They bounced and jumped like a kangaroo, slamming their two large feet into the shield wall. Which, with their kinetic energy, and mass, easily shattered and broke through the elven wall.

Jin, now beginning to worry about his men more, and less about elven pride. Shot Asai a meaningful look for assistance.

"Dwarven king Caronia! I CALL THEE TO ARMS!"

Asai blasted the large amount of air held within his lungs into the beautiful golden war horn. Blasting and screeching its glorious call to battle.

A thousand dwarves emerged out of the fog, cheering, laughing and roaring as they relentlessly charged into enemy forces. Even as they died, being weaker than the lizardmen, they went down swinging, throwing insults at the lizards as they fell.