Chapter 147: Wave of Corpses(1)

Somewhere within the gray mist, at a hidden stronghold.

Surrounded by several twisted monsters stood a graceful figure concealed in their midst. She casually toyed with a sky-blue magic orb in her hand. Within it appeared a three-dimensional map of the entire Nightfall Domain.

“Where did that human second-tier Divine Chosen go? Why haven’t they shown up?”

“My lord, could it be that they killed Acron using soldiers?” replied a mage wearing a black robe. His fingers were shriveled like dead branches, and his back was severely hunched. The entire figure resembled the wicked old witch from a fairy tale. “If they have enough soldiers, killing a Divine Chosen isn’t impossible—especially if they possess city-defense ballistae.”

Within the orb, the ballista being set up at the territory’s gate was clearly visible.

“No. I observed the battlefield where Acron fell. The traces of combat were clean and decisive. The enemy must have a warrior or assassin-type Divine Chosen. We cannot act rashly. Let’s first observe how they deal with the corpse tide.”

The woman hidden in the shadows reached out and gently brushed her hand across the orb as if caressing a cheek. Her voice was cold and calm.

“The more of the enemy’s strength we force out, the better. Food Number One, move the mist-dispelling lamp farther away. The power of holy light makes me feel nauseated.”

“Yes… master.”

Hearing this, the mage’s body trembled uncontrollably. He slowly stepped back, the fear and despair in his eyes deepening.

Who would have thought that a human mage like himself would now be forced to obey corrupted creatures?

“You’ll be the next food. You’d better prepare yourself mentally.”

The mage was so frightened he nearly dropped his staff and turned to run.

Fortunately, the woman spoke gently.

“If we take this territory, they’ll be placed ahead of you. You might even become Food Number One Thousand.”

“Yes… I will do my utmost, my lord.”

The mage fell deeply to his knees.

Meanwhile, the temporary fortifications in front of Starnight Manor were being built at a frantic pace. Phield stood atop a watchtower behind the stone wall, gazing into the distance.

Before long, he saw a sea of moving figures as the corrupted corpses surged forward.

Then, a lone figure ran ahead of them.

“This is… a corpse envoy?” Phield asked in confusion.

Once the corrupted corpse entered the range of the mist-dispelling lamp, it raised both hands in a strangely human gesture and walked forward slowly.

The demi-human archers standing atop the stone wall immediately drew their bows.

“Wait. It seems to have something to say.”

Phield crossed his arms, curious about what the other side intended.

“Greetings, humans.”

“As expected—an intelligent enemy, and one capable of controlling corrupted corpses.”

Phield’s eyes lit up. Immediately channeling magic, he amplified his voice so that it resonated through the air with a low hum.

“Greetings, lady who commands the corrupted corpses. Please state your purpose.”

“I seek food,” the corpse replied. “Just as humans slaughter cattle and sheep.”

“Sorry, but I cannot agree with that. Your actions are nothing more than a leopard attempting to ambush a lion.” Phield kept his arms crossed. “Don’t pretend killing humans is some natural law. Corrupted creatures can survive perfectly well without killing people.”

“Heh. An interesting idea. But I possess intelligence, and I would rather make a deal with you.”

“Oh?”

It was the first time Phield had encountered someone this interesting.

“Offer twenty humans each month as tribute, and each year present one village for me to harvest. In return, I will not unleash a corpse tide, and I will even provide you with protection and help transport your supplies.”

The corpse extended its rotting tongue and licked the corner of its mouth.

Without question, the one controlling it was making the same motion at that very moment.

“Hiss…”

Phield was stunned, his scalp tingling with shock.

This thing actually understands sustainable farming.

He had to capture it. And if he couldn’t capture it—then he would kill it.

If this creature continued to grow stronger, it would undoubtedly unleash a catastrophe of corruption.

“Not bad, right?” the corpse asked expectantly.

“Not bad my ass. Fuck! If I don’t chop you to pieces today, you’ll never learn what a black hand looks like.”

Phield casually took a bow from the soldier beside him.

The bow bent like a crescent moon, the arrow like a shooting star.

Whoosh—

He missed.

The arrow landed far from the target. Fortunately, there was a large group of corrupted corpses in the distance, and the arrow struck down one unlucky victim. At least it wasn’t completely embarrassing.

“Well, that’s awkward. I forgot my archery is pretty average.” Phield sighed. “I have been weakened by wine and pleasure. From now on—I quit drinking!”

“Amazing shot, my lord!”

“You hit something from that far away!”

“Incredible!”

Some quick-witted soldiers nearby immediately began flattering him without even opening their eyes.

“You will regret this. The power of the corpse legion will grind you into fragments.”

After saying that, the corpse paused for a moment. Then its eyes filled with savage ferocity as it lunged forward.

A sharp mechanical snap rang out.

The charging corpse was instantly shot dead by a ballista bolt.

“Heh. You can’t even apply legion enhancement. Clearly not third-tier. I’m not scared of a pup like you.”

Phield patted the ballista beside him.

“This thing is much easier to use.”

According to known information, when a Divine Chosen reached the third tier, their Divine Chosen mark would undergo a qualitative transformation.

In battle, the mark of a commander-type Divine Chosen would strengthen the army they led, while the army would also feed power back to the Divine Chosen. That was what made them commanders.

Meanwhile, combat-type Divine Chosen who specialized in a specific type of unit—like Ashina—could only grant bonuses to cavalry and receive feedback from cavalry. However, they usually possessed formidable individual combat strength, making them generals.

Only a Divine Chosen supported by the triple foundation of army, territory, and lord could reach their complete form.

“Thinking about that is still too far away. Right now everyone’s a rookie. Who’s afraid of who?”

Phield stopped dwelling on it. He hadn’t even seen a first-tier corrupted corpse yet—there was nothing to fear.

The battle flag snapped violently in the foul wind as endless waves of black-gray corrupted corpses surged toward the outer walls of the manor. Dense footsteps and the strange growls coming from the corpses created an overwhelming sense of pressure.

“The young men fall back behind the stone wall and divide into two groups. One group will crank the ballistae, the other continues digging trenches. The army advances—form ranks behind the trenches! Cavalry circle to the rear of the corpses and use angled attacks or rear charges!”

Phield issued bold commands.

The First Army of the Nightfall Domain formed ranks behind the trenches. Rows of spears stood upright like a field of reeds. Each squad leader of ten continuously shouted orders, commanding the soldiers to hold their positions.

“Only a little over three hundred men?” the corrupted Divine Chosen hidden in the distance sneered.

“Three thousand against three hundred. The advantage is mine.”

The moment she finished speaking—

Phield swung his spear forward.

“Ballistae—fire!”

Boom!

The city-defense ballistae fired first. Five massive bolts shot out side by side, slamming straight into the corpse horde and instantly carving five bloody lanes through their ranks.

“Now that’s power. Worth abandoning a pile of loot just to bring this thing back.”

Phield pumped his fist excitedly.

“Archers, prepare!”

The wolf demi-human archers immediately drew arrows from the quivers at their sides, nocking them onto their bows.

“Volley!”

The moment the corrupted corpses entered bow range, sharp twangs of bowstrings erupted in succession, followed by the whistling of arrows slicing through the air.

After all, unarmored corrupted corpses were nothing more than terrifying-looking mobs.

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