However, a closer look reveals that this seemingly fierce confrontation is imbued with an indescribable restraint.

The Ninth Knights' Holy Light Strike was mainly concentrated behind the charging orc vanguard, with the intention of slowing down the advance of their follow-up troops rather than killing the vanguard with all their might.

The orcs did the same, deliberately avoiding the main force of the Ninth Knights' main formation with their ranged attacks and charges, while their main force remained focused on the core target, the Grey Falcon Squad.

Both sides tacitly agreed to target their main attacks and forces at the small team that was faintly visible in the deadwood forest.

The Ninth Knights want to steal treasure from the living, while the orcs want to kill and plunder.

As for the relationship between the two armies?

Before the real objective is settled, a fierce but somewhat ambiguous performance seems to be the tacit understanding that best reflects the secret intentions of the two sides' top management.

The miasma of death permeating the depths of the deadwood forest was so thick it was impossible to dissipate, like a heavy shroud pressing down on the chests of every member of the Gray Falcon Squad.

After a whole day of running for their lives in the cold, filthy black mudflats, each step felt like breaking free from sticky asphalt, and everyone's strength had been completely drained.

Even the physiques of high-level professionals showed obvious signs of fatigue under the combined strain of continuous high-pressure escape and harsh environment.

"Huff...huff...damn it...I can't run anymore..." Ron was panting like a broken bellows, sweat mixed with mud streaming down his pale face, his steps unsteady and unsteady.

Darren's lips were turning purple, and he was mechanically taking steps only with the will to survive. The lingering burning pain between his brows and the fear of being betrayed by his own people were far more chilling to him than the orcs behind him.

Even veterans like Scarface Rick and Mole Jim were noticeably sluggish, their eyes filled with exhaustion.

However, the two elite squadrons of the Ninth Holy Knights behind them were closing the distance at an astonishing speed, like hounds that had smelled blood.

They were well-rested and well-equipped, and their horses' hooves pounded the relatively solid forest floor with a deep, oppressive roar.

Commander Harrington's chilling command seemed to pierce the deathly silence of the forest: "Speed ​​up! Intercept them! Prioritize the recorder!"

"Damn it, I can't shake him off!" Enzo roared, lava-like patterns appearing and disappearing beneath his skin, as if he were trying to forcefully summon dark magic to fight back, but Mark immediately raised his hand to stop him.

"Conserve your strength! It's not time to fight to the death yet!"

Mark's voice was calm and unwavering, and the little M on his shoulder glowed with iridescent light, alertly sensing the approaching threat from behind.

Kyle's expression was equally solemn, the holy light of judgment surrounding him concealed, his sharp gaze sweeping across the direction Elliot had indicated, searching for any glimmer of hope.

Just as the Ninth Knights' wedge formation was about to bite the Gray Falcon Squad's tail like iron pincers and completely encircle them.

Among the orc vanguard relentlessly pursuing from the flank, the warlord with ferocious claw marks on his face finally couldn't hold back any longer.

His bloodshot eyes were fixed on the "holy relic" within his grasp and the human knight whose credit was about to be stolen. His rage instantly clouded his judgment.

"Roar—! We can't let them succeed! The Heart of Bloodvine is ours!" The warlord roared deafeningly, swinging his massive battle axe forward with a mighty slam. "Blood Spear Formation! Charge! Stop those Holy Light scum!"

At his command, dozens of the most burly berserkers in the orc vanguard, clad in heavy totem armor, abruptly stopped in their tracks.

Instead of charging haphazardly, they quickly formed a peculiar triangular pyramidal formation, their massive, rough-hewn shields covered in blood-red runes slamming heavily into the ground with a dull thud.

Between the gaps in the shields, dark red magic spears, each as thick as a cartwheel and condensed from pure, berserk battle energy, instantly materialized, their tips pointing directly at the Ninth Knights squadron that was rapidly maneuvering through the area!

This is one of the Orcish Royal Court's elite legion-level war spells, [War Stomp - Blood Spear of the Formation Breaker]!

Sacrificing mobility for terrifying penetrating power in an instant, it is designed to tear apart the formations of heavily armored legions!

Buzz—!

The air was torn apart by violent energy, emitting a chilling hum.

Dozens of massive, dark red spears, like meteors tearing through the sky, carried a destructive aura and relentlessly slammed into the flanks of the two elite squadrons of the Ninth Knights, ignoring distance and terrain obstacles!

Their goal was not to kill the Gray Falcon Squad, but to prevent the Ninth Regiment from seizing the initiative at all costs!

"Raise your shields! Holy Light Barrier!"

The captain of the Ninth Knights roared in a mixture of shock and rage.

The knights were well-trained and instantly adjusted their formation, their holy light converging in front of them to form a thick wall of light.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Deafening explosions rang out one after another!

The crimson spear slammed into the barrier of holy light, unleashing a blinding surge of magical energy.

The ramparts trembled violently, and sparks flew everywhere. Although they managed to withstand the terrifying concentrated fire, the entire charging formation was disrupted and slowed down, and some riders even fell off their horses.

The pressure on the Grey Falcon Squad suddenly eased!

“An opportunity!” Elliott’s icy voice took on a hint of urgency for the first time.

Under his guidance, the team mustered their last strength, attempting to take advantage of the chaos to penetrate a massive, denser forest of dead trees, filled with the stench of decay.

However, at this critical moment, another unexpected event occurred!

On the other side of the deadwood forest, near the edge of the Blackwater Shore, another banner of the Holy Knights pierced through the gray-green fog, fluttering in the wind.

It was a flag with a dark blue background and intricate golden thorn patterns embroidered along the edges!

The banner of the Eleventh Holy Knights, Count Ferdinand!

Unlike the Ninth Regiment, which attempted high-speed infiltration and interception, they efficiently deployed defensive formations on the spot after reaching the edge of the battlefield.

The knights dismounted, their heavy tower shields slamming into the ground. The priests and chanters in the rear chanted in unison, and a rich, holy light intertwined above the formation.

Just as the Ninth Knights were thrown into disarray by the orcs' [Blood Spear of the Shattered Formation], and the orc vanguard was momentarily stunned due to the release of Legion magic, dozens of Holy Light Mages clad in bright silver robes simultaneously raised their staffs from the rear of the Eleventh Knights' formation!

"Target—the forward combat zone, cover and strike!" The commander's clear yet authoritative voice rang out.

The order was given in a very vague manner, but its scope precisely covered the area where the Ninth Knights were blocked and the narrow area in front of them where they were interlocked with the orc vanguard.

The next moment, a dazzling rain of light fell from the sky!

[Sacred Arrow Rain]!

【Purifying Light Burst】!

[Judgment Beam]!

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