Chapter 596: Retreat? Rout!
Matthew noticed movement among the distant Cole Elves and turned to glance at the now-busy Jifan.
The latter was quickly "processing" prisoners and Ail Elves soldiers.
"Knock out, paralyze, bind, carry, purify."
"Every wounded must undergo four rounds of inspection, each by a different team."
"All soldiers must immediately drink purification potions. Those who react must undergo the Purity Ritual."
"Deploy the cleric units and establish a large holy water pool."
"If any limb mutations are found, notify the cleaning golems immediately!"
"Everyone must follow the protocols, or they'll endanger both themselves and others!"
"..."
The Bay Territory commander skillfully organized the response, halting the spread of panic at record speed.
Annie, after drinking her purification potion, turned to look toward the wailing Cole camp in the distance.
She could faintly sense that while the Cole army was large, their united morale had completely crumbled.
In its place was growing panic and suspicion toward all nearby comrades.
In sharp contrast were the patrolling modified soldiers of Bay Territory.
For the first time, they openly displayed their tall, robust forms and their uniqueness in front of everyone.
A good number of high-tier adventurers stared at them with keen anticipation.
Many gathered in groups during rest and inspection, curiously discussing:
"Think we'll be able to get those surgeries in the future too?"
"Most likely. Apart from a few still-researched techniques, Bay Territory treats us no different from regular soldiers."
"I think it's possible. Worst case, it'll be like learning tech—sign a few more secrecy 'agreements.'"
"Definitely worth it. If we want to stay in the top tier and seize the chance to grow with Bay Territory's forces, merit and strength are a must..."
"Let's wait and see. Maybe talk to someone from the Alice Adventurer Party later. They're always the first to try stuff and get the biggest benefits..."
"Honestly, some of their members already look like modified soldiers..."
"No wonder they're so strong! That explains it."
"Hey boss, isn't it your time to step up?"
"Why's everyone staring at me? I don't even have the merit for it yet. Let's all work hard—then maybe I can try too..."
"..."
Matthew would never purposely separate modified and normal soldiers to provoke division.
In fact, speech that incites such division is among Bay Territory's most heavily punished crimes.
Second only to betrayal and murder.
Yep, betrayal gets 3000 cuts, this one just gets 2999.
That one extra cut represents respect for the territory and for life.
Matthew had seen too many tragic cycles in history, and had once been swept up as a meaningless cog himself.
Now that he had the power, he aimed to break those eternal chains and cycles.
Mutual exploitation and infighting—how could that ever compare to fighting against monsters like the Scarlet Moon?
One roar after another echoed beneath the city walls.
Each furious bellow rang far across the empty battlefield.
The evil spirit known as the Bloodthirsty Ancient Tree had completely vanished.
In its place was a monster called the Bloody Ancient Tree!
The previously grotesque twisted treefolk had retreated into twisted blood-red cocoons.
Even roaring artillery failed to fully break through the cocoons' defenses.
Once this new army of monsters emerged, it would put immense pressure on Icewind Fortress.
Behind them, the long-chaotic Cole army had finally calmed down—only to sink into a strange atmosphere.
A significant portion of Cole soldiers felt extreme exhaustion and torment.
They dared not look toward the Scarlet Tree, couldn't see the enemy or their target, and felt lost about the future or any hope of victory.
Compared to their invincible mindset days ago, the difference was stark.
Their emotions were deeply conflicted.
They held immense hostility toward the terrifying Scarlet Tree of their memories...
Yet hoped it could help break through Icewind Fortress, or at least wear down its defenders.
Most Cole Elves had realized that their foes weren't just Ail Elves warriors...
But also the distant Bay Territory army and adventurers.
After witnessing their power, they understood how formidable and difficult they were to deal with.
Many Cole soldiers had suffered losses at their hands.
Over 20% casualties had left a deep psychological impact.
Especially now that many had learned...
A new batch of Bay Territory troops and supplies was expected to break through the war curtain and arrive at Icewind Fortress today.
If 3000 were already this tough, how would they handle double that?
Since they'd already paid such a high price, they figured the Scarlet Tree might as well go first and test things.
This contradictory mindset had unconsciously robbed them of their faith in victory.
Without belief in victory, how could they fight at full strength?
Elven Commander Tigris was now full of regret!
He had originally believed everything was under control.
That the battlefield would tip completely in favor of the Cole army as his plans unfolded.
From the start, he intended to crush the enemy with sheer power.
Without first exhausting the enemy's forces using standard troops, mages, or golems, he deployed his elite Extraordinary units.
That battle plan had worked remarkably well.
Right at the outset, the Cole elites inflicted heavy losses on the Ail Elves forces.
Victory seemed within reach—until they ran into Bay Territory's prepared reinforcements.
A firepower web of enchanted crossbows, Dragon Hunter Ballistae, magic cannons, and muskets unleashed unprecedented destruction.
Especially when the Extraordinary Elves charged uphill through narrow terrain—they suffered massive losses in minutes.
At that critical moment...
Had Tigris pressed on with more powerful reinforcements...
The Cole army at full strength might still have broken through the Ail Elves-Bay Territory line!
Tigris never really cared how many regular soldiers died.
But if too many Extraordinary-level rangers and warriors perished, even he would be in serious trouble.
So, Tigris hesitated. He wanted a flawless victory.
He sent more regular troops instead.
They became cannon fodder for intel gathering.
Their sacrifice let Tigris formulate new plans.
Against average foes, his strategy would've been airtight.
But he unknowingly ran into Matthew, who knew the Cole army inside out.
The opening blow stunned Tigris.
Once his assault faltered, Bay Territory immediately deployed supplies and commanders.
Two or three hours later, the Ail Elves warriors had recovered their strength and their defenses had drastically improved.
Most critically, Bay Territory's newly developed field medic system was now up and running.
The results were plain to see!
Tigris, having suffered heavy losses, was still trying to stay calm.
But then he was "coincidentally" struck by Matthew's Legendary Spell: Meteorfall.
And that was when Tigris completely lost his composure.
He let the evil spirit be born and grow, leading to the current situation.
If Matthew knew Tigris' current mental state, he would cheerfully explain:
"Feeling like your mind froze back then? That's perfectly normal..."
"Facing horrors of that level, the fact that you stayed rational and recovered without lasting trauma means you're lucky and skilled."
"Look at that red-eyed Aicharn kid next to you—he's definitely not okay anymore..."
Noticing Tigris' dark expression and the Scarlet Tree's dreadful aura...
Councilor Kaledor couldn't help recalling that night two years ago.
"Could this thing be tied to Bay Territory...?"
Kaledor involuntarily shuddered, memories of horror rushing back, and quickly whispered a few words to Tigris.
Tigris' pupils shrank, a flicker of dread crossed his young face, and after a deep breath, he said:
"Notify the army. Prepare to resume the assault."
Councilor Kaledor still wanted to speak, but Tigris stopped him with a shake of the head.
While they were speaking, they didn't notice the shadowy figures nearby.
Eiris, pale-faced and dazed, shook his head and, sensing whispers in his mind, instinctively drank a purification potion.
Aicharn, also looking haggard, scanned the ravaged battlefield, eyes bloodshot, and muttered bitterly:
"The shockwave from the explosion destroyed most of the healing potions..."
"But they had scrolls. Why wouldn't they use them?"
Glancing at him flatly, Eiris, long numb to such matters, sneered:
"It's pointless. Things aren't like they used to be."
"Those people only care about their own interests now. To them, these ordinary soldiers are nothing but cannon fodder."
Aicharn knew Eiris' identity very well.
He was heir to one of the strongest families in the Cole Elven Kingdom.
Otherwise, relying on talent alone, it would have been impossible for him to become a Legendary Ranger before the age of fifty.
Aicharn wasn't at all surprised that Eiris had come to this kind of "realization."
Because this generation of elves had always received education that emphasized light, nobility, justice, self-sacrifice, and dedication.
It was part of the Cole Elves' campaign to showcase the best side of elfkind to other kingdoms and powers.
Naturally, others would become enamored with them.
Enamored by the beacon of the civilized world.
Enamored by the beautiful world promised by the Cole Elves.
Hoping that their own children or families could join that perfect elven realm and gain the long lives promised to them.
In the beginning, Aicharn, Eiris, and their generation truly were educated exceptionally well.
Talented, charismatic, from all walks of elven society, they cooperated without conflict and worked toward a common goal.
It was the best time of their lives.
They were assigned to one elite team after another.
Sent to dangerous zones and ruins across the northern continent to eliminate disaster-causing monsters.
Or to rescue those in peril—sometimes elves, sometimes humans, or members of other races.
Every elf in those teams, or outstanding individuals from other races, took great pride in their mission and duty.
They didn't see themselves as the shining light of all sentient beings, but their deeds filled them with hopeful anticipation.
They firmly believed the world would become a better place because of their efforts.
They were most active more than twenty years ago, during the peak of the Cole Elven Kingdom's reputation.
They believed their future would remain bright and fulfilling.
Until a terrifying event occurred!
It was merely the aftershock of a war in the East!
But it brought massive danger to the northern continent.
They all volunteered for the mission but were unexpectedly denied.
With firm worldviews and unwavering beliefs, they witnessed tragic scenes and still chose to join the battlefield.
And then they realized something was wrong.
Their enemies weren't just the terrible monsters from the deep sea—they came from behind them, too.
The rescue teams believed that defeating those enemies would naturally expose the masterminds behind them.
Using their outstanding combat ability, extensive experience, and seamless cooperation...
They achieved one victory after another on the battlefield against evil.
Even the mighty armies from the East praised their prowess and exchanged some interactions with them.
Yet what they received this time was not praise—but cruel reprimands and condemnation.
All the Cole Elves, including Aicharn and Eiris, were ordered to return and forbidden to keep fighting.
Being withdrawn during the most critical phase of the battle felt like a betrayal of their allies and comrades.
These exceptional individuals refused the unreasonable order and chose to keep fighting.
They feared not death, but betrayal of their convictions!
And then, just before a crucial battle, they were "betrayed" by those closest to them.
"The Underdark is invading. All Cole Elves must return!"
At first, they didn't believe it—thinking it was a lie.
They had seen similar excuses during past missions.
They had matured and were no longer naive hotheads.
But as more "information" and letters from family arrived...
They were forced to believe this "truth."
And then, they witnessed the most terrifying darkness.
The Cole Kingdom underestimated the rescue teams it had raised.
It underestimated these carefully chosen and honed icons of light.
Or perhaps the kingdom didn't care whether they knew or not.
It believed they had matured and grown.
That they were no longer young fools who could be provoked into sacrifice with just a few words.
In fact, the Cole Kingdom was right.
When they missed a critical battle...
Their former teammates and allies labeled them traitors. It was all beyond salvaging.
They pretended not to care, but secretly began investigating.
Unexpectedly, they easily uncovered the truth.
At first, they had trouble believing it.
But after cross-checking and even interrogating the responsible elves, they confirmed everything effortlessly.
The Underdark forces had indeed invaded and killed thousands of elves.
However, the invasion...
Was orchestrated by the Cole Elven Kingdom itself.