Chapter 562.5: Commanding the Enemy
As the battle stalemated, all parties realized the terrifying strength of the modified warriors.
Not only were they powerful and tireless—even if not as fast as the elven transcendents, they could still keep up and protect allies.
More astonishing was their regeneration and learning ability.
The former let them trade injuries for advantage, suppressing the enemy's momentum to seize initiative and morale.
The latter allowed them to formulate corresponding tactics against any type of enemy after understanding and adapting to their weaknesses.
What supported them in doing so was the set of Extraordinary-level combat skills that Matthew had custom-designed in the follow-up training plan for Extraordinary warriors!
This approach limited their freedom to improvise.
It made them lack some flexibility to a certain extent.
To reach a higher level, they would need to invest much more effort.
But as Extraordinary-level warriors, the refined skills they learned were enough to deal with the enemies before them.
That was already sufficient!
From initially being slightly on the back foot, to quickly holding their ground, and eventually pushing back the Extraordinary elven warriors—
The modified gray dwarf warriors displayed tenacious resilience and fierce strength.
Seeing this, Second Prince Kreiser naturally became extremely tempted.
He couldn't help but imagine in his mind—
If he could command such a unit of Extraordinary warriors capable of turning the tide and deciding battles—
Then his own power would surely ascend to another level!
"Hah!"
Jifan took a sudden step forward, the 4-meter-long spear in his hand felt weightless, and with a single-handed sweep, he forced two charging Extraordinary elven warriors to retreat.
The enemy tried to slash the spear shaft, but couldn't predict the trajectory of the spearhead.
Finally catching an opportunity to strike, his sword only produced a few sparks and was then knocked back by the strong recoil.
Taking advantage of the enemy's shifted posture, Jifan extended his arm and thrust the spear forward.
The previously soft and flowing spear instantly became rigid, darting toward the Extraordinary elven warrior like a lightning bolt.
Charged arcs flickered and bound the dodging opponent in place.
The panicked Extraordinary elven warrior hastily swung at the spearhead.
But as the sword approached, the spearhead veered unpredictably.
Although he adjusted and managed to clash blades, he couldn't stop the terrifying force, and the spear pierced through his right shoulder.
Just as he tried to struggle, the arcs from the spear stunned his entire body.
Other Extraordinary elven warriors moved to assist, but a sudden sharp whistle changed their expressions drastically.
It was the signal to retreat!
Taking advantage of their brief hesitation, Jifan swiftly retracted his spear and captured the immobilized Extraordinary elven warrior.
Under her look of shame and pain, Jifan tossed her aside and stabbed an arrow into her thigh.
As she cried out in agony and lost consciousness, absurd thoughts flashed through her mind.
"Retreat? We lost? How is that possible?"
The furious elven commander ordered the remaining impact golems to act as shields during the retreat.
Using their battered bodies, they covered the withdrawal of other soldiers.
Over a dozen wrecked siege engines were set ablaze by retreating elven warriors.
This was to prevent the equipment from falling into enemy hands and posing a greater threat to nearby elven cities.
A quick headcount left the elven commander pale-faced.
Shamefaced, he walked toward the central command tent and reported the situation to the calm-faced elven general.
Even though the general had been mentally prepared, the casualties were still staggering.
Yet he did not scold the commander, simply looked at the westward-tilting sun and said calmly:
"Withdraw for now. Capturing Black Crow Fortress in the short term is no longer possible."
"What we need to do now is retreat as fast as we can to avoid further losses."
Upon hearing this, the elven commander nodded reluctantly.
He stared hard at the distant Black Crow Fortress and made a vow in his heart.
One day, he would return!
When that day came, he would take back the fortress and kill every gray dwarf!
Watching their retreating figures, Jifan let out a long breath and immediately began organizing the cleanup.
"The gray dwarves still haven't trained long enough. Their trump cards are also too few..."
Hearing his muttering, Old John nonchalantly shrugged.
He looked at the gray dwarves who had fallen blocking the Extraordinary elven warriors and said with emotion:
"Their fighting spirit is impressive. Training and coordination can be built over time, but character and combat style aren't as easily trained."
Jifan understood Old John's meaning and began counting the modified warriors.
Once everything checked out, he reported the results to Matthew and Second Prince Kreiser.
"Our side lost 2,372 troops, with 765 heavily injured. We killed 4,782 enemies, seriously wounded about 1,230, and captured 279."
"Among them, we killed 5 Extraordinary elven warriors and captured 1."
"Destroyed 108 siege engines, 206 impact golems, and recovered 4 damaged ones."
For such a result and nearly a 1:2 casualty ratio, Second Prince Kreiser was extremely pleased.
Matthew, as if expecting it, responded calmly:
"Their strength remains. Keep reinforcing the defenses."
"Also, notify the others and let them know we've won."
"Prepare the cavalry to strike. We can't let the elves retreat so easily this time."
A spark of excitement flashed in Kreiser's eyes. He felt an urge to follow Matthew and charge with the cavalry.
But he quickly suppressed it. He still had to oversee Black Crow Fortress and lead the underground gray dwarves. He couldn't dive into battle recklessly.
Still, he was deeply curious about Matthew and eager to witness his strength and combat style.
Jifan led the modified warriors, following behind Matthew.
When Matthew's body suddenly grew larger, Jifan remained unfazed.
The great Lord possessed extraordinary powers—whether it was advancing the territory, powerful spellcasting, or masterful melee techniques, he had reached heights few could imagine.
Especially Matthew's "research" on modified warriors had not only given Jifan a new life but also fueled his greater ambitions.
In the future, could modified warriors become even stronger?
Definitely—so long as they kept up with Lord Matthew!
As Jifan pondered this, Matthew suddenly tested him with a question:
"Do you know why the elves didn't continue their assault?"
"And what will their next move be?"
Pushing down his excitement, Jifan didn't rush to answer. Instead, he carefully ran through all the possible factors in his mind before replying:
"This march was likely a probe. If they could take Black Crow Fortress, great. If not, they still wanted to test the underground forces."
"The gray dwarf factions are disorganized. Even though the chaos is escalating, with enough time, they can be cleared."
"So I believe the elves will prioritize attacking the drow army."
"They number over 150,000, with nearly 100,000 slave soldiers, and are actively capturing elven civilians."
"They're the most urgent and profitable target."
Matthew nodded in satisfaction, impressed with Jifan's progress. Pointing to the chaotic battlefield ahead, he calmly asked:
"Then why are they charging into the drow's encirclement now?"
Looking into the distance at the elven vanguard about to be surrounded by the drow slave army, Jifan hesitated, then firmly answered:
"They're doing it on purpose—to lure the drow army in and then wipe them out in one stroke!"