Plan

After observing the orc settlement for a few hours, he could tell their strengths and weaknesses.

In fact, he didn't need as much time as he took, but for the sake of reassuring his subordinates, he took a break. After all, they had crossed the plains of deaths and lost a companion. Attacking the orc settlement right away would make little sense.

Arthur had scanned over a dozen orcs from a distance thanks to his magical ring. The scanning ability it showed was marvelous. Most acolytes died because they underestimated their opponents. His ring prevented it.

[Name - (?)

Class - Level 3 Orc Warrior

Attributes:

Strength – 5 | Agility – 2 | Vitality – 4

Status - Healthy

Skills - Club Mastery (14), Hunter Sense (5)]

[Name - (?)

Class - Level 4 Orc Warrior

Attributes:

Strength – 6 | Agility – 2 | Vitality – 5

Status - Healthy

Skills - Axe Mastery (19), Hunter Sense (5)]

Most orc warriors possessed as much strength as Level 6 knights. However, they could be twice deadlier due to their innate savagery and ferocious instincts to trample their opponents. Once an orc warrior entered a state of battle, few knights would be able to stay calm and use their full potential.

Orcs were terrifying. They were literal giants. Their huge body was mostly made of muscles and sturdy bones, and even though they weren't wearing any armour to protect themselves from cuts and thrusts, it allowed them to retain agility. Any intelligent species would use it as an opportunity. After all, without armour, orcs were vulnerable.

Humans, however, would compare themselves with these giant beasts. Even though knights were incomparably strong, they would feel tiny in front of those humanoid monsters. This is why orcs were a terrifying threat. Most armies would crumble in front of an orcish army.

Acolytes possessed the means to deal with them. Their spells could deal lethal damage to buildings, not to mention some beasts. However, beginner acolytes had to deal with a problem : a small mana pool. Casting five spells successfully could already be applauded. However, five spells from a beginner acolyte would at most take five orcs

'The two groups of acolytes which were annihilated before ours must have been taken off-guard by the orcs' reactivity. Orcs are unlikely to feel fear, as they are monsters. After seeing an acolyte cast a spell, they would try to kill him as fast as possible. Acolytes need a few seconds to cast a spell again. Not to mention an orc settlement, a handful of orc warriors would be enough to take care of a group of 5 acolytes of William's level', Arthur analysed.

His group was different. Even without Karl, who could be called a battle veteran with three spells mastered, Arthur was confident. His body refinement path made him the worst opponent for orcs whose only advantage over acolytes was their physique. Plus, with his leadership, his subordinates would be able to support him greatly. Any injury would be healed by Evangeline afterwards, so he could fight without any worries.

After ordering his group to hide in trees, the group waited for nearly a day before a group of orc hunters from the settlement came in search of prey.

'Six orc warriors, with the leader being level 6...I wonder how much EXP they will yield', Arthur rejoiced.

There was nothing wrong with taking extra precaution and weakening the orc settlement before attacking it. Killing hunters would not only cut their supply of food, it would also make them afraid and reduce their numbers.