Sorcery Monarch

Chapter 87: Assembling the Troops

 

Angela looked around vigilantly, sending out a squad of rogues to scout ahead with clear instructions.

 

“If you encounter danger, retreat immediately.”

 

The broken bodies were pieced together.

 

Naturally, some of the remains were incomplete.

 

Looking at the gathered corpses, Leon gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, feeling the anger within him rise.

 

Such brutality gave him the urge to hunt down the trolls.

 

However, when the order to retreat came, Leon chose to obey and fall back.

 

Battles cannot be fought rashly in the heat of the moment!

 

The lessons from his previous injuries had taught Leon a harsh truth.

 

An individual’s strength is ultimately limited!

 

Just then, a piercing howl echoed from within the valley.

 

The repeated cries sent chills down the spines of many adventurers, their faces pale with fear.

 

Matthew, of course, knew that these were the cries of trolls. He could even make out the faint figures of trolls emerging from the dense forest.

 

He glanced coldly at them and gestured to Angela for a retreat.

 

“Fall back. Maintain formation. Second squad of rogues, keep watch. First squad, lead the way.”

 

With some frustration, Angela sternly issued the retreat order, her cold gaze briefly flashing with killing intent as she looked at the trolls.

 

The soldiers retreated in formation, now stronger than they had been half a month ago. Even while running, they maintained their discipline and unity.

 

In contrast, the adventurers who accompanied them seemed dispirited, discussing the trolls in the valley amongst themselves.

 

It was clear that, despite the trolls’ brutal and straightforward warning, it was highly effective.

 

Those afraid of death needed no further persuasion, and even those less fearful wouldn’t want to be eaten alive!

 

Of course, Matthew would have to respond to such an obvious warning from the trolls.

 

When the enemy is strong, you respond with even greater strength!

 

With so many adventurers lost in a single blow, if the situation wasn’t handled properly, it would certainly dampen the enthusiasm of the current adventurers.

 

Matthew’s plans required more and more adventurers to drive them forward!

 

The reason Matthew didn’t immediately attack was due to caution and prudence.

 

He was still under the influence of a "-3" luck penalty, and despite having over a hundred battle-hardened soldiers under his command, he wasn’t willing to charge in without fully understanding the situation.

 

Were the 100-plus trolls really the total number of trolls in the valley?

 

Know thyself and know thy enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles.

 

With this in mind, Matthew led his troops back to the logging camp, where he immediately issued new adventurer missions.

 

“A 1,000 gold coin bounty for gathering detailed information on the number of trolls in the valley.”

 

“A 2,000 gold coin bounty for locating the trolls’ camp in the valley!”

 

Matthew knew that to get brave adventurers, he had to offer big rewards!

 

Now, all the adventurers knew.

 

This mysterious arcane lord was preparing for something big!

 

And indeed, that was the case.

 

Soldiers without specific assignments began gathering.

 

The total number of soldiers had reached 270.

 

The number of professionals had risen to 120.

 

Twenty soldiers had already been promoted to level 2.

 

The large growth in numbers was partly due to the addition of more than 50 barbarian slaves to the ranks.

 

Individually, these barbarians were excellent fighters, though their coordination left much to be desired.

 

Fortunately, Matthew and Angela didn’t expect them to be as perfectly disciplined as the other soldiers.

 

They simply hoped these barbarian warriors could serve as a fearless shock force, enhancing the offensive capabilities of their forces and enriching their tactical options.

 

As the soldiers marched in orderly formation, gathering in the designated area,

 

The adventurers, having heard the news, also stopped what they were doing and returned from all directions.

 

Upon seeing the neat formations of elite soldiers, the once-anxious adventurers began to calm down.

 

After all, the lord’s intentions were clear—he was highly likely to clear out the trolls entrenched in the valley!

 

Along with this came a significant influx of various supplies.

 

These included, but were not limited to, food, meat, clothing, tents, and other necessities.

 

Behind these provisions, several oversized weapons immediately caught the attention of the adventurers.

 

“Damn, they brought out the heavy crossbows. Looks like they’re planning to skewer some trolls!”

 

“What’s in those wagons? They look like they’re carrying something heavy…”

 

“Only a territory like this could prepare such restricted supplies. Looks like they’re getting serious!”

 

“Why are there so many kobolds?”

 

“Don’t you know? All the kobolds in the nearby area were either wiped out or recruited…”

 

“What are the kobolds for? Cannon fodder?”

 

“…”

 

The adventurers discussed the kobolds with a mix of curiosity and disdain.

 

After all, it might make sense for kobolds to be useful against other creatures when their numbers could give them an edge.

 

But against trolls over two meters tall, weighing more than 300 pounds each, with formidable regenerative abilities,

 

The kobolds wouldn’t even be able to tire the trolls out!

 

The leaders of the kobolds, Gold Tooth and Silver Tooth, glanced at the adventurers with their vertical slit-pupil eyes, showing little emotion.

 

They only cared about the opinions of Yaya and Matthew. The adventurers didn’t matter to them.

 

However, some sharp-eyed individuals began noticing something unusual.

 

Alice, stroking her enchanted dagger, observed the obviously different kobolds with a thoughtful expression.

 

Compared to the usual filthy, small, and chaotic kobolds,

 

These kobolds were clearly much stronger and dressed in neat, uniform gray work clothes.

 

The iron picks at their waists and the shovels on their backs were all brand new.

 

What surprised Alice the most,

 

Was that whenever a kobold disobeyed, a stronger kobold would immediately step in, delivering a few harsh lashes that quickly brought the offender into line.

 

It was too strange!

 

The entire kobold group gave her an oddly organized impression.

 

Aside from the kobolds,

 

The barbarian warriors also caught her attention.

 

Unlike most barbarian soldiers, who lacked proper armor and often fought bare-chested,

 

These barbarian soldiers were in stark contrast.

 

Each one was clad in full metal armor, resembling towering metal golems.

 

Though their movements were not as synchronized as the other soldiers, they still displayed a certain level of discipline.

 

It was bizarre to witness this in barbarian warriors!

 

Matthew glanced at the assembled troops, paying little mind to the scattered adventurers gathering around.

 

He had sensed a growing danger, which made him somewhat curious.

 

Had the trolls actually followed them out?

 

What were they planning?

 

Could it be that their target was him?

 

Interesting…