Chapter 238: War Begins! Rivers of Blood (Large Chapter)
Boundary line between Dawn Tribe and Ironblood Tribe.
Thunder Cliff.
Brunhild stood at the top of the cliff, his helmet, inlaid with mammoth tusks, gleamed faintly under the thunderclouds. The fierce wind blew against his wolfskin cloak, making it flap like a battle standard. His exposed skin was covered in tattoos, his muscles seemed forged from steel, and his body was like an iron tower.
He was the leader of the Dawn Tribe, a Barbarian who wielded the power of rage.
Before activating his rage, Brunhild appeared as a calm human leader, with steady eyes and a placid expression. Yet, there was a sense of many different temperaments mixed within him, as if he were not one person, but 'a group of people'.
In fact, that was largely true.
If a creature skilled in True Sight were to look closely, they would see numerous phantoms floating around Brunhild, and each phantom possessed a leader-like aura, whether wise and calm, or intimidating without anger, or unyielding and defiant… all distinctly different.
There were many branch paths a Barbarian could choose after reaching level 3.
Such as the Giant Path, Totem Warrior Path, Battle Frenzy Path, Wild Magic Path. Among these paths, the one Brunhild followed was called Ancestral Guardian.
When the living respect the culture of their ancestors and fight for the continuation of their tribe, the souls of their ancestors will also guide and protect them.
And when a Barbarian on this path enters a furious rage, they gain access to the spirit world, clearly sensing the presence of ancestral souls, and obtaining various different powers through these different ancestral souls.
Brunhild gazed south.
As far as his eyes could see, there was an endless sky and earth, with sunlight peacefully showering down. Yet, he saw raging fires of war, the sky ignited, and the land turning to scorched earth.
"Molten Iron Tribe…"
Brunhild turned to the Orc standing on the other side and said, "Urgosh, the Molten Iron Tribe is gradually assimilating the Gold Tooth Tribe and growing stronger every day. We cannot wait any longer."
The Orc's body was tall and robust, even stronger than Brunhild's.
He had a sloped forehead, a protruding jaw, prominent tusks, and rough green skin. His height was similar to a human's, but his width far exceeded it.
Due to their racial nature, Orcs were prolific in producing Warriors and Barbarians.
Urgosh, like Brunhild, was also a Barbarian.
However, their branch paths were different.
Urgosh's Barbarian path was the Totem Warrior.
This was evident from the totem beast symbolic clothing he wore, such as the War Bear skull shoulder armor, eagle feather cloak, and wolf claw necklace.
Barbarians who walk the Totem Warrior path use animal spirits as guides, protectors, and sources of power. When enraged, the animal spirit essence infuses the Barbarian with supernatural power, imbuing their frenzy with magical strength.
"The Snake People of the Poison Tail Tribe still haven't given an answer. Those indecisive fellows said they need a few more days to consider."
The Orc spoke in a heavy tone.
Brunhild sneered, saying, "Those crawling things in the swamps are not to be trusted. They lack blood-courage and honor, preferring to play with despicable magical tricks. They can't be relied upon at crucial moments."
Urgosh nodded heavily: "When the war with the Molten Iron Tribe is over, we'll cooperate and crush the Poison Tail Snake People."
"Good! I've disliked those Snake People for a long time."
The human replied.
The Poison Tail Tribe was severely specialized, lacking direct combat capability.
Only the Six-Armed Snake Woman Sword Saint made them wary; although there were many other Sorcerers and Shamans, they posed little threat to Barbarians of their level. Moreover, they also had Warriors and Sorcerers/Shamans under their command, making them more well-rounded than the Poison Tail Tribe.
At this moment, the Orc bared his tusks, revealing a fierce smile.
He said to the human, "After this, Brunhild, are you ready for our decisive battle? To determine victory and death, and the ultimate ownership of the Borderlands."
Brunhild looked directly into the Orc's eyes and said, "Victory will ultimately belong to me, Urgosh. If you beg for mercy then, I will spare your life."
Urgosh pounded his chest: "Orcs will never be slaves. Death is an honor to us, but I don't believe you can bring me death." He made no attempt to hide his malice, saying to the human, "You are a powerful opponent, but I will ultimately snap your neck and skin you to keep as a trophy."
Brunhild and Urgosh.
Both were Barbarians, and also the leaders of two major tribes.
They had a close cooperative relationship, but were also competitors. They had fought many private battles, but never entered a state of rage, stopping short of lethal force.
They knew that once a rage-fueled decisive battle began, it would be a fight to the death, also meaning that the Dawn Tribe and Ironblood Tribe would enter full-scale, life-and-death war.
Several major tribes coexisted in the Borderlands.
If they engaged in full-scale war, it would only give other tribes an opportunity, which was pointless.
But once only Dawn and Iron Blood remained in the Borderlands, both had long ago made a promise to engage in a sacred and honorable duel to determine the Borderlands' ownership.
"That's for later. Let's talk about how to deal with the Molten Iron Tribe first."
Brunhild said, "We cannot place our hopes on the Poison Tail Tribe. Those Snake People are fickle, dark, and cunning; they are not to be trusted."
The straightforward Orc also disliked the Snake People.
Urgosh nodded, his voice deep: "My great axe craves blood; it can't wait to chop off the heads of Dragons."
Not only for the future of his tribe, but also for himself.
If he killed enough Dragons, he would likely be able to condense a Dragon Soul Totem. At that point, he would become even stronger.
"The Warriors of the Dawn Tribe are ready for war."
"The Warriors of the Ironblood Tribe crave battle, crave bloodshed."
The two spoke frankly, without pretense. After further discussion, they quickly reached a consensus, deciding not to wait for the Poison Tail Tribe any longer, and resolved to declare war on the Molten Iron Tribe.
Just then.
Suddenly, urgent information arrived.
Brunhild's gaze sharpened. He pulled out a communication stone from his Pregnant and received the message.
— The soldiers of the Molten Iron Tribe are marching towards Black Stone Pass.
Black Stone Pass, one of the crucial passages from the south to the north.
On its sides were steep, rugged, dangerous mountains with many monsters and fierce beasts, making passage difficult. In front and behind were vast, open plains with clear visibility.
The Molten Iron Tribe's army had a clear objective and was gradually approaching Black Stone Pass.
The commotion caused by their march was discovered by the Dawn Tribe's outposts.
Dense, almost uncountable Gnolls, Kobolds, Lizardfolk, and a small number of elite Ogres, Centaurs, etc., formed a large-scale legion. They crossed the open plains, approaching Black Stone Pass step by step.
"Good, good, good. Instead of continuing to assimilate the Gold Tooth Tribe and consolidate their territory, they're attacking us."
Brunhild sneered: "The Dragon of the Molten Iron Tribe has great spirit and courage."
Urgosh let out a low growl and said in a deep voice, "If they want war, then let it be as they wish! First, at Black Stone Pass, let the Molten Iron Tribe know our might!"
Black Stone Pass was easy to defend and difficult to attack; the Molten Iron Tribe would certainly pay a heavy price there.
"The first battle is very important to us. It's a great opportunity to boost morale and affects the fighting spirit of our Warriors thereafter."
"I will transfer some Warriors from other strongholds of the tribe to support Black Stone Pass."
Brunhild said.
Black Stone Pass belonged to the Dawn Tribe, and the human garrison there was the largest.
Barbarians, Warriors, and even a small number of spellcasters were present.
Urgosh nodded, saying in a deep voice, "The Ironblood Tribe will send an elite force of Berserkers to Black Stone Pass to tear those Molten Iron monsters to shreds."
Following this, after leaving a means of communication with each other, the two tribal leaders departed Thunder Cliff.
The humans of the Dawn Tribe, the Orcs of the Ironblood Tribe.
They had already been mobilized in advance and were in a state of readiness for war.
As orders were issued, large numbers of soldiers gathered at Black Stone Pass, awaiting the arrival of the Molten Iron Tribe's army.
The sunset in Dragon Valley stained the rock walls blood red, and the Copper-Silver Dragon Deborah's silver-white scales reflected the light of the evening glow.
She tilted her head, her eyes flashing with confusion: "Galos, the scale of the troops you sent to Black Stone Pass is not small, but the main force consists of low-level dependents like Gnolls, Kobolds, and Lizardfolk. Can they really capture such a strategically important pass? If the first battle is lost, tribal morale might plummet."
Through her curious inquiries earlier, she had learned of the Molten Iron Tribe's first move at Black Stone Pass, and felt somewhat puzzled by it.
The Red Iron Dragon smiled slightly and said, "They are just cannon fodder for a feint attack; it doesn't matter how many die."
"Black Stone Pass is a crucial passage for surface creatures, but for us, it's merely a scratch on the map. We Dragons control the sky; no pass can hinder our advance. The time for us to truly act is when the war around Black Stone Pass intensifies."
Even powerful kingdoms and empires had airspace surveillance.
If one were to pass through rashly and be locked on, there was even a possibility of being struck by magic satellites.
But in a remote place like the Borderlands, there was no need to worry about this. The sky was almost entirely open for Dragons to roam freely; only when landing on the ground did they need to consider safety issues.
The Copper-Silver Dragon generally understood Galos's meaning.
The problem was, sending so many dependents, so many living beings, to be cannon fodder… wasn't it a bit too cruel?
"But then again, these are necessary sacrifices on the path to order."
As a Metallic Dragon hybrid, Deborah belonged to the good alignment.
However, being of the good alignment did not necessarily mean having a compassionate, saintly heart.
If a good knight who adhered to order was falsely accused and extorted while helping the weak, considering that such behavior would disrupt social order, it would be quite normal for the knight to draw his sword and kill the accuser on the spot, even if the other party was a vulnerable group. He would not show mercy.
The Copper-Silver Dragon blinked, feeling that Galos was truly decisive and resolute; he should indeed be the King of the Borderlands.
"What about the Snake People tribe? Will we just let them reap the benefits as they wish?"
The Copper-Silver Dragon asked again.
The Copper-Silver Dragon had no fondness for the Poison Tail Tribe, who swayed like reeds in the wind, claiming neutrality but actually waiting for an opportunity to seize the greatest advantage.
"If they had sworn allegiance from the very beginning, I would have given them a very good position."
"But they chose to watch from the sidelines, wanting to take all the benefits."
The Red Iron Dragon's lips curled into a cold sneer: "There's no such good thing in the world. They want to hold out for a better price now? After the war, I will make them pay back tenfold."
How cruel! I like it.
The Copper-Silver Dragon blinked her eyes, feeling that the ruthless Galos had even more charm.
"Galos, let's train together. Please guide me."
The sensation of the Red Iron Dragon's fiery claws caressing her body resurfaced in her mind. Her tail unconsciously twitched as she whispered.
"Now is not the time."
The Red Iron Dragon, however, refused Deborah's training invitation: "The battle situation changes rapidly; I need to focus. Let's talk about it another time."
"Alright."
Deborah said with a slight disappointment, then ran off to play a guessing game with the Fairy Dragon Vera.
The Red Iron Dragon remained coiled in place, silently adjusting his own state while listening to the discussions and battle reports in the Ignas Brothers group via the Bloodline Link, awaiting the upcoming battle.
Borderlands, Black Stone Pass.
The setting sun, like blood, cast its crimson light upon the earth.
The Kobold Doge licked his sharp teeth, gazing at the heavily guarded pass ahead.
Behind Doge, the dense Molten Iron army spread out across the plain in front of the pass.
Gnolls hunched over, their fur rising and falling with their breathing. Kobolds nervously scraped the ground with their short claws, their fine scales reflecting a greasy sheen in the sunlight. Tall Ogres, clad in heavy armor, breathed heavily like worn-out bellows. Further out, Lizardfolk moved like shadows clinging to the ground, while Centaur Warriors restlessly pawed their Iron Hooves, the taut hum of bowstrings faint yet piercing.
"Do you smell it? The scent of fresh meat."
Doge's Dragon-like head lifted, and a thunderous roar erupted from his mouth.
"Brats!"
"Tear open that gap! For the great Lord of the Red Wings, for the Molten Iron Tribe!"
After a brief pause, he spread his natural wings and roared, "Attack!"
The next moment, like a burst dam, accompanied by the trembling of the ground, a black tide surged towards the pass.
The Gnolls were the first wave to crash against the iron wall.
They ran on all fours, bursting with astonishing speed, their gaunt bodies stretching into black blurs as they charged.
The Gnoll chieftain, 'Yellowtooth' Rake, charged at the forefront, his claws almost sparking on the hard ground, getting closer and closer to the massive gate set up by the Dawn Tribe in the middle of the pass.
At this moment, a dull echo suddenly sounded from the cliff top.
Woo—woo—
The heavy sound of the ox horn reverberated like muffled thunder, rolling across the plain and the pass.
The next instant, death descended from the sky.
From the steep cliffs, countless black dots poured down, accompanied by a tearing shriek through the air.
It was a rain of dense arrows.
They easily pierced through the Gnolls' crude leather armor, tore through muscle, and broke bones.
A charging Gnoll's left leg was instantly pinned to the ground. It howled and struggled, trying to pull out the bone arrow, then a second arrow pierced its neck, ending its wailing.
"Disperse and charge!"
The Gnoll chieftain roared, rolling to dodge an iron arrow aimed at him. The arrow tip embedded deeply into the ground where he had just stood. Around him, more companions became twitching corpses or wailing wounded under the arrow rain. Blood quickly gathered into small streams, winding through the ground's crevices.
As the arrow rain fell.
The Gnolls at the very front instantly fell in a wave, but the subsequent monsters directly used the corpses of their fallen comrades as shields, continuing to charge forward.
After paying the price of many corpses.
The Molten Iron monsters finally approached Black Stone Pass.
Arrows continued to fall, and spells like Fireball, Lightning Chain, and Ice Spike also began to show their power, making every step of advancement difficult.
At the same time.
While the Gnolls and Kobolds attracted firepower, the stealthy Lizardfolk Warriors had already quietly approached the pass.
On the almost vertical rock face, dozens of Lizardfolk, barely visible to the naked eye, were rapidly climbing upwards like giant geckos.
The tips of their slender claws were rough, horny hooks, deeply embedded in the rock crevices, allowing them to move as if on flat ground.
Their target was the protruding stone platforms in the middle of the cliff face.
— The archer positions of the Dawn Tribe.