Wu Liang's gaze fell upon the place Sa Lan was pointing at.
That was the edge of the deeper parts of the Wailing Swamp, as well as the dense Rainforest further south.
Sa Lan's fingertip traced arcs on the map, and those arcs represented the direction of the animal migration.
Wu Liang frowned slightly.
A large-scale animal migration is not a good sign.
"What specific animals are they? How large is the scale of the migration?"
Wu Liang asked.
Sa Lan shook her head, her brows tightly knitted:
"There are many types, including small rodents, medium-sized deer and wild boars, and even some large Fierce Beasts, such as leopards and some Magical Beasts we don't often see."
"The scale is huge. The scouts said it's like a tide, continuously surging from the south toward the west."
"What is in the west?"
Wu Liang's gaze returned to the map, and he pointed to the destination of the migrating animals.
Sa Lan's fingertip landed there as well:
"The west is the deep part of the Rainforest. The terrain there is complicated and rarely traveled by people. We haven't explored it deeply before."
"However, according to the information provided by the Cat-ear Tribe, there are some scattered small Beastman Tribes and territories belonging to powerful Magical Beasts."
Wu Liang pondered for a moment.
"Akomann, Ignis."
Wu Liang called out.
"Immediately summon all commanders of the Rifle Battalion and the core members of the Black Rock Army and Ember."
"Sa Lan, continue to have the Scout Battalion expand the reconnaissance range. Focus on the source of the animal migration and whether any more powerful Magical Beasts have appeared."
"Yes!"
Akomann and the two others answered in unison.
"Liang, what do you think it is?"
Ignis asked.
Wu Liang shook his head:
"I'm not sure exactly what it is, but what is certain is that a migration of this scale is absolutely not a good thing."
Soon, the core members of the Black Rock Army assembled, waiting for Wu Liang's orders with serious expressions.
Wu Liang pointed at the map and recounted Sa Lan's discovery again.
"Animal migration is not uncommon in the Rainforest."
A Black Rock Army captain said.
"But one of this scale is certainly abnormal."
"Abnormality means danger."
Ignis interjected.
"We must find out what is driving them away."
Wu Liang looked at everyone.
"Right now, I need all of you to raise your vigilance."
"The defenses around the camp must be strengthened, and the Scout Battalion must continuously expand the reconnaissance range. Report immediately if any abnormal situation is discovered."
"Akomann, your Black Rock Army is responsible for the camp's vigilance and defense, ensuring the safety of our rear."
"Ignis, your Ember will serve as the assault force, ready to deal with sudden situations at any time."
"Rifle Battalion, always maintain sufficient firearms and ammunition. Once fighting begins, you must leverage your greatest advantage."
Wu Liang's orders were methodical, clear, and concise.
After the meeting, everyone dispersed.
Patrol teams increased, the sentries' gazes became more vigilant, and everyone was on edge, awaiting the unknown challenge.
Wu Liang walked outside; the night had already fallen.
Campfires were lit in the camp, and the firelight illuminated the resolute faces of the warriors.
He walked to the edge of the camp and looked toward the depths of the Rainforest to the south.
It was pitch black there, with only the sounds of insects and the occasional roar of a beast coming through.
Just as Wu Liang was standing at the edge of the camp pondering, Mia quietly walked over.
She held a bowl of steaming Meat Soup in her hand, which she had specially prepared for Wu Liang.
"Lord Wu Liang, it's cool at night. Have some hot soup."
Mia whispered, her cat ears trembling slightly.
Wu Liang turned around, and seeing Mia's concerned gaze, a trace of warmth welled up in his heart.
He took the Meat Soup and took a sip.
It tasted quite good, carrying the unique aroma of Rainforest spices.
"Thank you, Mia."
Wu Liang rubbed her head and said gently.
Mia's cheeks flushed slightly. She wagged her tail and asked softly:
"Lord Wu Liang, is there some danger?"
Wu Liang looked into her clear eyes and did not hide the truth:
"There might be a little trouble."
Mia encouraged him:
"I believe in Lord Wu Liang. You will definitely solve all the troubles."
Wu Liang smiled.
Bang bang bang!
Just as Wu Liang and Mia were talking, a sharp whistle suddenly came from the east side of the camp, followed by several short gunshots.
"We have a situation!"
Wu Liang's expression instantly turned serious. He handed the bowl of Meat Soup to Mia and strode toward the direction of the whistle.
Mia followed closely behind him, her cat ears perked up as she vigilantly looked around.
When Wu Liang arrived at the east side of the camp, several scouts were nervously pointing toward the depths of the Rainforest.
"Leader! There are Magical Beasts!"
A scout shouted loudly.
"They... they are assaulting our defensive line!"
Wu Liang looked through the darkness and saw indistinct shapes at the edge of the Rainforest. Some dark figures were quickly approaching the camp.
Those dark figures were all quite large, making heavy sounds as they ran.
"All camp personnel, be alert! Prepare to meet the enemy!"
Wu Liang commanded loudly, his voice echoing in the night sky.
The warriors moved quickly. The soldiers of the Rifle Battalion raised their bayoneted rifles and lined up in several rows behind the simple wooden fence.
The warriors of the Black Rock Army stood in front of the Rifle Battalion, holding Long Spears and shields.
The assault squad members of the Ember Fire Legion held Long Knives, ready to charge at any moment.
At the edge of the Rainforest on the east side of the camp, the shadows of the Magical Beasts became clearer and clearer.
The numbers were massive, and the types were varied.
There were huge Wild Cattle, wild boars with sharp tusks, and some creeping Magical Beasts covered in hard scales.
Their eyes glowed red, and they let out low roars, surging toward the Black Rock Tribe's camp like a dark tide.
"Fire!"
Following the command, the soldiers of the Rifle Battalion pulled their triggers.
"Bang bang bang!"
The black rock type 1 rifles spat fire, and bullets rained down on the Magical Beasts charging at the front.
Although these Magical Beasts were fierce, they still appeared vulnerable against the dense hail of bullets.
The first few Wild Cattle charging fell immediately, their massive bodies crashing down and tripping up a swath of Magical Beasts behind them.
However, the number of Magical Beasts was simply too great. They seemed tireless, stepping over the corpses of their companions to continue advancing.
"Black Rock Army, hold the line!"
Akomann shouted loudly. She stood at the very front of the battle line, wielding her long saber.
The warriors of the Black Rock Army formed a shield wall, pushing their Long Spears forward, repelling the Magical Beasts attempting to break through the defensive line again and again.
Ignis, leading the Ember Assault Team, acted like a sharp blade, searching for weak points in the Magical Beast horde on the flank of the defensive line.
Her fiery red hair danced in the firelight, and every swing of the long saber in her hand brought forth a spray of blood.
Wu Liang stood at the command post, calmly observing the battlefield.
He noticed that although the Magical Beasts were numerous, their attacks lacked coordination, resembling a blind charge driven by something else.
There was only ferocity and terror in their eyes, not a trace of rationality.
"Something is wrong with these Magical Beasts."