These humans are so powerful in fighting
Amidst the undulating sand dunes, hundreds of gnoll cavalry emerged, their ranks followed by a swarm of desert coyotes, serving as auxiliary troops.
"Is this the Golden Oasis?" a robust gnoll leader stepped forward, his expression one of astonishment as he gazed upon the vast expanse of verdant grass and towering trees before him. The other gnolls shared his disbelief, remembering the Golden Oasis as much smaller and sparser in vegetation.
"Has a powerful mage transformed the oasis?" one gnoll speculated. "Or could it be the work of the natural elves?"
It was well-known that the natural elves, nature's chosen, wielded the powers of life and nature. Among them were professions capable of creating plant life, such as elf mages and druids. Additionally, the sacred artifact, the Water of Life, had similar effects. Given that the Forest of Life, the natural elves' territory, bordered the Karal Desert, their presence here was not implausible.
"Leader, I don't smell any natural elves, but the human scent is very strong," another gnoll reported. "They're hiding near the Sapphire Lake at the end of the woods. Should we attack directly?"
"Of course," the gnoll leader replied. "We came all this way; we should investigate. But be cautious. If you encounter a powerful human mage, retreat immediately!"
"Understood, leader!"
The gnoll army moved out, their eerie howls summoning the desert coyotes in a flood through the lush forest, heading straight for the heart of the Golden Oasis—the Sapphire Lake.
Before long, they reached their destination, and the view suddenly opened up. Before them lay the beautiful Sapphire Lake, its surface clean and mirror-like, shimmering with golden light in the breeze. Surrounding the lake were vast stretches of grassland dotted with flowers, as well as various structures like wooden houses, arrow towers, and a grand hall.
Most astonishing of all was the orchard of magic fruits, each tree blooming with pale red flowers that emanated magical energy. The sight of this orchard, filled with magic-origin fruits, made every gnoll's eyes glow with greed. In the harsh Karal Desert, these fruits were a rare treasure, and an entire orchard of them promised unimaginable wealth.
However, claiming this prize wouldn't be easy. Near the lake, a human army was assembled, over a hundred strong. Though their numbers were fewer, their levels were higher—no one below level five, with a quarter at level six, and all fully armed, presenting a formidable sight.
In contrast, the gnoll army, despite its greater numbers, seemed more like a ragtag militia, their equipment and morale inferior.
"The intelligence was right; this must be a regiment from the Stanlow Kingdom," one gnoll muttered. "All mid-level professionals, with a quarter at level six. Forcing our way through will cost us dearly!"
Hearing this, the gnoll leader declared, "Victory is worth any cost. That orchard alone will repay our losses!"
"Yes, leader!" the gnoll officers agreed.
The attack began with a ferocious charge of desert coyotes, serving as cannon fodder to break the human ranks. The gnoll cavalry followed, launching arrows as they prepared for a full-on assault.
The royal knights, however, showed no fear. Instead, they advanced to meet the attackers, their swords cutting through the barrage of arrows effortlessly. A faint golden light enveloped each knight, and their speed surged, closing the distance in moments and crashing into the coyotes with overwhelming force. The knights moved like tigers among sheep, their swords cleaving through the coyotes with ease. In less than a minute, over half the coyotes lay dead, their blood staining the grass.
The surviving coyotes, terrified, fled with whimpers, no longer daring to approach the formidable knights. The gnoll cavalry, shocked by the display, hesitated.
"Are all human regiments this strong?" a gnoll exclaimed.
"Don't worry, we still have the advantage in numbers. Charge!" the leader commanded.
Hundreds of gnoll cavalry surged forward, switching to melee weapons, attempting to overwhelm the knights. The few surviving coyotes joined the fray, but the royal knights, armed to the teeth, held firm. Their thick magical armor shrugged off the coyotes' attacks, and they continued to cut down the gnolls with relentless efficiency.
Gradually, the number of gnolls and coyotes dwindled. Some gnolls began to realize the futility of the assault.
"Damn it! How are these humans so strong? They feel like high-tier professionals despite being mid-tier!"
"They must be using magic potions!"
"Something's not right. Retreat!" the gnoll leader bellowed, raising his spiked club. Despite being level seven, he struggled against a level six knight, barely managing to fend him off. If he found it tough, what hope did the others have?
"Everyone, retreat! We'll return once their potion effects wear off!"
The gnoll leader's plan was to wait out the human knights' potion-enhanced strength, knowing that such potions often had severe side effects, like debilitating weakness. He intended to attack again when the knights were at their weakest.