Chapter 90

"Given our current strength, it's not suitable to turn back."

Seeing the doubts in the two men's eyes, Rod quickly provided an explanation.

"To be frank, the undead creatures here, as well as in the previous highland battlefield, are not particularly strong in terms of individual power, but their numbers are a significant issue. As our group expands and our defenses spread out, we will face more enemies. However, if we continue moving inward, the number of undead will start to decrease. Of course, their strength will greatly increase, but we are not without a chance. High-level undead mostly act alone and rarely coordinate, which gives us the opportunity to defeat them one by one."

"But some high-level undead have the ability to command lower-level undead..."

Serek clearly knew a lot about this.

"Don't worry, at least in the place we're going, that won't happen."

As he spoke, Rod picked up his sword and began to draw a simple map on the ground. He first drew a small circle, then a straight line.

"This is our current location. Fortunately, we are already at the edge of this cursed place. If we speed up a bit, we should be able to leave. Then, we just need to pass through here..." As he spoke, Rod pointed to the edge of the line. "We can reach the next area of the highlands. There's a valley there, and if we can get through it, we can leave the highlands."

"How do you know this?"

Kudra couldn't help but ask curiously. He looked at the young man before him with a scrutinizing gaze, suspecting that he might be making it up.

"Because I've been here before."

As usual, Rod didn't elaborate. He simply said this calmly and continued.

"In the valley, we will encounter two types of undead. One is the Bone Giant. I think you can guess what it is from the name. Like other giants, it is massive and has unparalleled strength, but it lacks agility. However, you need to be aware of its special ability. When it encounters danger, it will destroy its own body, looking as if it has fallen apart. But don't think you've won just because of that. The scattered bones will still attack you. However, this creature is not without weaknesses. The soul fire is hidden in its skull, so we just need to destroy its skull to completely eliminate it. Once the battle starts, besides dodging, the only thing to focus on is destroying its head as quickly as possible. The Bone Giant has no intelligence and attacks purely by instinct, so there's no need to worry too much about that."

Rod's explanation was clear and concise, and both Serek and Kudra nodded in agreement. Although they had never seen such a monster, they quickly formed a vivid impression in their minds after hearing Rod's explanation.

"At the end of the valley is the territory of the Death Knight."

Rod drew a basin-like shape on the ground with his sword.

"He is very powerful, perhaps on par with Mr. Serek. Most importantly, as Mr. Serek mentioned, he is a high-level undead and has the ability to command lower-level undead. The Bone Giants in the valley are his subordinates!"

Rod's hand paused.

"So we must clear out these Bone Giants as quickly as possible. In the shortest time, the shortest time, gentlemen, I need your full cooperation. The Bone Giants do not transmit signals, and it's hard for the Death Knight to notice if they are attacked. However, if the commotion is too loud, even a fool would guess something is wrong. So, what I'm going to say next is..."

Listening to Rod, Kudra couldn't help but nod. Although he initially looked down on Rod, thinking that a young man like him could have any command experience, after hearing Rod's explanation, he realized his thoughts were completely wrong. Rod's command style was something he had never seen before. He almost completely detailed the likely attacks the enemy would make and then told everyone what they should do in response, even specifying which skills to use. What was even more impressive was his accurate and thorough understanding of these skills, showing no signs of being an amateur.

This made Kudra realize he was indeed inferior to Rod. No mercenary leader he knew used such a command style. They usually just directed who should attack, who should defend, who should retreat, and who should advance. Kudra had always thought that commanding a mercenary group was just that, and the rest depended on the commander's reaction speed and the coordination and默契 of the subordinates.

But now, he saw a completely different command style.

This command style was almost unimaginable for Kudra. Each mercenary learned different skills, and their personalities and fighting styles varied. In theory, a commander couldn't teach them step by step, which was almost impossible. But now...

Of course, if Kudra were a player, he would be familiar with this. What Rod described was just the necessary preparation before a raid in any game.

"Alright, that's the general plan."

Rod clapped his hands. Unlike in a game, he didn't say things like "If anyone doesn't pay attention, they'll be kicked out." After all, this wasn't a game, and there would be no second chance if someone made a mistake.

Rod had no interest in complaining to the dead.

After discussing with Serek and Kudra, Rod gathered everyone and explained the dangers they would face and their responsibilities. Unlike before, this time Rod, Selia, and Serek would be the main attackers, while Annie would protect the spirit master. The mercenaries had no specific duties or missions; Rod was not familiar with them and only arranged for them to guard the rear in case of emergencies. Of course, he also placed Kudra in the rear, having already explained clearly what the mercenary leader should do during the attack on the Bone Giants. It was clear that Kudra was smart and flexible, so there shouldn't be any major issues.

However, in Rod's plan, the roles of two people had changed.

"I don't need to attack?"

Marine raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Because the noise from spells would be too loud, and we hope to resolve the battle in the shortest time and in the least noticeable way."

"I see."

Hearing Rod's explanation, Marine nodded and then suddenly said,

"So, the enemies shouldn't hear any noise, right? Then I can try using Silence."

Hearing Marine's response, Rod was taken aback.

"You know Silence?"

"Of course."

Marine nodded matter-of-factly, as if the sun always rises in the east.

"Aren't you an elemental mage?"

"I am indeed skilled in elemental magic, but I am also proficient in illusions and arcane magic."

"………………"

Looking at Marine, who proudly and confidently raised her head, Rod finally understood what it meant to be a once-in-a-century magical genius... No wonder so many players in the game were annoyed with her but couldn't bring her down. Her ability to master all types of magic was even more monstrous than a player's. "……Miss, you're practically an

oss template……"

"I understand what you mean, but kid……"

Old Walker rubbed his chin, looking hesitant. In previous battles, he had mostly been a bystander, only observing and leading the way. But now, Rod clearly didn't want him to remain idle. It was important to make use of his experience.

"You want me to provoke those monsters, but they are very alert, right?"

"Exactly."

Rod nodded.

"But don't worry, I'll tell you what to do."

For Annie and Liss, Rod's requirements didn't change. He didn't say much more to Liss, only reminding her to maintain the rhythm. The upcoming battle was both a test and an opportunity to gain experience. Liss had always done well with the details, so there was no need to worry. As for Annie, Rod didn't say anything more. He finally understood why the two deputy leaders of the Mark White Mercenary Group always tried to get rid of her. Her words were indeed harsh, and the mercenaries were already looking at her with unfriendly eyes. Not to mention the half-elf rogue, who would have killed her with his gaze if it were possible. Despite the awkward and tense atmosphere, she still hummed a song, looking relaxed and carefree. No wonder people had certain thoughts about her. She was indeed a tank, pulling hate like a pro……

As the boulder blocking the cave entrance was pushed aside again, a cold wind blew in, making everyone shiver.

"Let's go."

Rod said in a low voice, then walked out of the cave, followed by the others.

Perhaps their luck was good. This time, when they left the eerie dead forest, Rod and his group did not encounter the monsters again and left the forest smoothly. However, before they could relax, they immediately faced a new challenge.

"Thud, thud!"

Warned by Rod, Liss did not cast Holy Light. They were pressed against the edge of the rock wall, quietly observing the giant figure moving back and forth in the valley. Almost everyone felt their scalp tingle.

Bone Giants.

As the name suggested, they were a type of giant, but without flesh and skin. However, when they saw the Bone Giants, everyone's inner unease deepened. Their bodies, as tall as three or four-story buildings, were not at all slender. The white bones forming their bodies were strong and powerful. They moved slowly through the valley, their massive heads occasionally looking around. The soul flames in their eye sockets were like small suns, casting a green light that swept through the valley like searchlights.

Liss had already retracted her Holy Light, as it was unnecessary. However……

Facing such powerful enemies, did they really have a chance to win?

No one was confident.

"Now, listen to my command."

Rod took a deep breath, lowered his voice, and gestured to Old Walker.

"Come here, do as I say."

Hearing Rod's words, Old Walker hurriedly crouched and walked over. Then, under Rod's lead, the two quietly moved a few steps forward and hid behind a large rock at the edge of the valley.

"See that?"

Rod pointed to the nearby Bone Giant, which was holding a huge bone hammer and moving back and forth. Old Walker looked up and nodded. Rod then stood up and gestured to him.

"Shoot an arrow, but don't hit it. Aim near it, in front of it... five meters away. Follow my command."

"Alright."

Old Walker nodded, then drew his bow, aiming seriously. Behind them, everyone held their breath, watching their actions.

When the Bone Giant turned its head again, about to move to the other side of the valley, Rod finally gave the order.

"Now!"

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