Orcs Stampede 2

After sending his sons off with the knight order, Drake issued directives throughout his territory to organize infantry units. While the knight order was a formidable asset, the reality was that their numbers were insufficient to defeat all the orcs scattered across the Karion territory.

Priority now lay in speed, but the objective couldn't be achieved without enough numbers. Once a certain number of infantry gathered, Drake took direct command and set out, instructing units that wouldn't make it in time to follow the main force as reinforcements.

Drake, to rescue as many kingdom citizens as possible from harm, mobilized the full might of the Yarlow family to confront this crisis.

Even the knight orders were hastily preparing for departure in the royal capital. An urgent message from Count Karion conveyed through a falconer, prompted the immediate dispatch of the first, second, and third knight orders by King Theodore.

Considering the occurrence of a dungeon flood under the kingdom's control, withholding military force wasn't an option. Although the distance from the capital meant their arrival would be later than the relief efforts of neighboring lords, the knight orders' tasks included post-suppression reconstruction support.

Eris, instructing Commander Reid to support the frontline, visited the suppression headquarters.

"I am Eris von Yarlow."

"Lord Eris. Thank you for coming. I am Count Germion von Karion."

"Count Karion. I apologize for the haste, but please explain the situation," Eris said.

"The number of orcs is greater than anticipated, and the units deployed in various locations are in disarray."

A map and pieces representing each unit were arranged in the suppression headquarters.

"Let's lower the defense line and regroup. It's advisable to gather here since reinforcements from neighboring lords should be on their way," Eris suggested.

"Gathering here is fine, but what about other regions?" Count Karion asked.

"We'll send messengers to predict the routes of the lords heading for reinforcements and coordinate with them."

"Let's dispatch messengers immediately. However, this area around the Yarlow territory will be left unattended," Count Karion frowned and said.

"My younger brother's independent unit is moving there. He should handle it," Eris smiled and said.

"Lord Leo is supposed to be in the capital. Does this mean young master Asher is in action?" Count Karion asked.

"Ash excels as a solo force, and his strategies and tactics rival mine, so rest assured," Eris smiled and said.

Meanwhile, Asher rescued scattered soldiers, healed them with recovery magic, designated a gathering point, and worked to reorganize the forces, following instructions from the headquarters.

The kingdom's dungeon management unit, stationed at barricades, was bravely fighting to reduce the overflowing orcs, isolated in their struggle.

Ample healing potions were stocked to buy time when overwhelmed, but the lost stamina couldn't be recovered.

"Captain, this is getting us nowhere. Let's abandon this and retreat," One knight said as he felt despair.

"If we don't hold our ground here, the damage will spread. Besides, retreating in this situation would lead to being surrounded before reaching our allies," Captain shook his head and said in a serious tone as he looked at the battlefield.

The chance to escape had already been lost. It seemed their only option was to take as many orcs with them as possible.

Then, the sound of hoofbeats echoed.

"Hoofbeats. Where are they coming from?" Capital looked around, but he didn't see much.

"Captain, over there. It's a small number, but it's reinforcements," One of the knights saw some knights rushing towards them, and as hope began to brew in his eyes, he pointed.

Asher, while defeating orcs along the way, headed towards the dungeon to block the overflow of orcs at the entrance. Despite understanding the fatigue accumulating and the strain on the horses, he knew this was a crucial moment and encouraged his troops to press forward.

"Quinle, cover the isolated unit. I'll take a position at the dungeon entrance to prevent further diffusion," Asher commanded.

Without hesitation, Quinle and his team executed the order, coordinating with the isolated unit.

No large-scale magic was needed to block the dungeon. With multiple incantations, Asher prepared several Fire Arrows, stopping orcs attempting to break through one by one.

After completing the reinforcements and helping the situation to stabilize, Quinle approached Asher.

"Quinle, sorry, but take care of the horse. Let the troops take a break now."

Even while talking and dismounting, Asher maintained multiple incantations, ensuring the magic didn't break.

"I'll take care of it."

Quinle returned with Asher's horse, and a subordinate approached him.

"Lord Eris instructed not to push Young Master Asher too hard. Is it okay to leave it to him?" One of the knights asked.

"Even if we assist now, we'll only be a hindrance. Let's rest and recover stamina while we can," Quinle said.

Asher's magical power, no matter how abundant, would deplete, and both physical and mental exhaustion would set in. There must be a timing for rotation, and it was deemed necessary to approach the situation as close to optimal as possible.

Eris continued issuing instructions at the suppression headquarters, hearing reports pouring in.

"The forces from the Yarlow territory have completed their assembly. Also, Lord Drake is advancing with an infantry unit."

"With this, the encirclement is complete. Inform all feudal lords' armies. Commence the advance," Eris smiled and ordered.