Chapter 633: Returning to Familiar Grounds
Chapter 633: Returning to Familiar Grounds
The allegiance of the Fountain Clan seemed to set the stage for a series of changes.
Over the next two months, various tribes from the Wildlands pledged their loyalty to Lindsey, and their main base gradually merged with the Forest Capital.
During this time, the roads constructed by Lindsey's subordinates proved their worth.
These new recruits not only transported supplies but also received warrior training in the Forest Capital before returning to the frontlines, ensuring they were well-prepared for battle.
As a result, the human army's numbers swelled rapidly, reaching several hundred strong.
By mid-March, the expedition's campaign against the Deviators became increasingly successful.
After numerous encounters with Stage Four and above Deviators, intelligent foes, the expedition members developed a strong sense of camaraderie and combat synergy, reducing casualties significantly compared to the initial battles.
The progress made during these two months directly completed the campaign plan, which was initially estimated to take three months.
The expedition's success continued.
Back in the Forest Capital, good news kept arriving.
With the support of the three Forest Academies, Hilda had successfully imparted knowledge to the citizens. She then led the scholars she had trained to educate the captive humans, hoping to awaken their intelligence.
These humans, devoid of human intellect, could not transform into intelligent beings overnight.
However, through skills training in agriculture, animal husbandry, and medicine, they gradually developed their wisdom. Some even learned to read and write, enabling clear communication with others.
The Forest Capital was now just one step away from upgrading to the next stage, lacking only the presence of rare species.
Ironically, the humans captured by the Invaders became Lindsey's most valuable asset in expanding his forces.
By late March, Lindsey led his army in another successful campaign against the Deviators.
At this point, Lindsey was surrounded not only by his original confidants from the Forest Capital but also by over a dozen new allies who had pledged their loyalty, including Lanaya.
These individuals were the elite of the Wildlands, each capable of leading their own factions. Their power levels ranged from Stage Three to the rare few who had mastered Stage Four techniques.
While they lacked the systematic training of Awakened individuals from the civilized world, their combat skills were formidable.
At the edge of the camp, as the main force set up their tents, someone suddenly noticed something amiss.
"Levi, come and look at this!"
One of the five who had escaped from underground called out.
Their leader immediately approached.
The calm young man scanned the area, his memory flooding back, and he instantly recognized the location:
"This is... the spot where Infi and the others covered our retreat."
Levi's mind flashed back to the past.
Life underground had been a constant struggle for survival, often interrupted by encounters with Deviators, which often meant painful separations.
The environment matched a place he remembered vividly.
On that occasion, three comrades had sacrificed themselves to ensure the rest of the group's escape.
"Yes, this is the place!"
Levi nodded in agreement, while his companion excitedly added:
"Since it's here, there's a good chance that when Lord Lindsey leads us to fight the Deviators tomorrow, we might..."
The companion's voice trailed off, overcome with emotion.
Levi, determined, said:
"As long as they're still alive, we'll do everything in our power to rescue them!"
Without further ado, Levi turned and headed towards the center of the camp.
As usual, Lindsey was there, discussing the next day's attack strategy with the others.
"Lord Lindsey, may I have a word?" Levi asked, approaching with a hesitant expression.
Lindsey looked up from his work, a map spread out before him. "Of course, speak your mind."
Levi took a deep breath, "We had an encounter with Deviators in this very place."
Lindsey's eyes widened in recognition, "You mean the time we struggled to survive underground? Is there something special about this location?"
Levi explained, "The nearby terrain offers multiple escape routes, making it ideal for an ambush. As for the Deviators, there are two Fifth Stage mutants in the caves nearby, and their strength should not be underestimated."
Levi paused, his voice heavy with emotion, "So, even with the advantage of terrain, we had to sacrifice a comrade to ensure the rest of us could escape."
Lindsey nodded, his gaze fixed on the map. He marked a few critical points on the simple map, indicating the plan for blocking the roads that night.
As he worked, he noticed Levi still standing nearby, his expression a mix of determination and hesitation.
"Levi, since you lost a comrade here, do you seek revenge now that you've returned?" Lindsey asked.
"Of course!" Levi's voice trembled with emotion. "If they're still alive and being held captive, I want to rescue them!"
Lindsey considered this for a moment, then unsheathed the Lava Surge Sword and offered it to Levi. "Take this. It will emit scorching flames upon contact with Essence, perfect for countering the Deviators' flesh."
Levi stared at the longsword, its hilt encircled by crimson spiral patterns, the blade shimmering with an inner glow like molten lava. He reached out and grasped the hilt, feeling a surge of warmth and the immense power of the flames within.
"Lord Lindsey, I won't let you down," Levi vowed, his voice steady. "I'll do everything in my power!"
Lindsey offered a word of caution, "I trust you, but don't let anger cloud your judgment. This is a large-scale operation; your personal desires should not compromise the safety of others."
After this exchange, Lindsey directed the workers to block off the surrounding roads with the help of survival gear, ensuring they remained undetected by the Deviators and sealing off all possible escape routes.
Regarding the two Fifth Stage Deviators, Lindsey decided to handle one himself, while the other would be tackled by a united force of numerous Awakened, utilizing their combined strength to ensure its demise. This was one of the advantages of having a larger group.
The next morning, the war horn sounded in the dim underground, signaling the start of the expedition. The troops were well-versed in combat against Deviators, and the legion had grown from 13 to a robust 20 since their departure.
With prior knowledge of the Deviators' presence, Lindsey and the other Awakened split up to deal with the corresponding Fifth Stage Deviators.
As for Levi, he joined the offensive with the troops, keeping a vigilant eye on his surroundings. It was then that he spotted a familiar figure in the cave ahead—a fellow mutant whose appearance and body had been distorted, but whose shadow he could still recognize as a brother who had once fought for their survival.
Levi clenched the longsword, and flames erupted around him. Without a word, he marched towards the figure, his steps heavy with determination.
(End of Chapter)
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