Chapter 308: Nagrand

Although the target had been decided, actual implementation required more time and preparation.

What Wu Qingsong lacked most was manpower. The soldiers at his disposal numbered fewer than 500. Apart from the hound soldiers and their families, the rest of the group consisted of largely non-combatant ratfolk, rabbitfolk, and deerfolk. However, combat capability was never a concern. With Nina and Xiela’s awakened abilities, they were like gods of war. Ling and Liuli were strong enough to restrain large numbers of enemies, and even without calling on Feya or the Beastfolk Sisterhood, the five of them alone were more than enough to handle the battles on these wildlands.

Wu Qingsong spent the remaining time buying vehicles and grain from desert bandits, spending almost all the money he had just acquired from Riniconia. Then, with a grand caravan of horses, sheep, hundreds of vehicles, and tools and supplies for building a settlement, they set off toward the Icy Sea.

Ling, Liuli, and Ram operated the airship, conducting aerial reconnaissance. In the open wilderness, it was nearly impossible for anyone to evade their sight.

“Take it slow. There’s no rush. Let’s take a week to get there,” Wu Qingsong instructed Angus and the others responsible for the caravan’s movement.

Although the distance was only 300 li, the lack of roads and the presence of heavy supplies and non-combatants meant they departed at dawn each day and stopped by late afternoon. Each evening, the vehicles were arranged into three large circles, encamping everyone securely within.

On such plains, traveling just 40 or 50 li a day was considered extremely cautious.

Shortly after leaving New Silvermoon City, Liuli and the others spotted figures secretly tracking and observing the caravan. The caravan’s size, however, likely deterred them from acting rashly. They kept their distance, apparently waiting to see where the caravan was headed.

By the second day, the number of observers doubled. Some among them even had small skirmishes, leaving casualties before quickly dispersing. While some left, others maintained their surveillance at a cautious distance.

They seemed aware of the airship hovering over the caravan, but perhaps they didn’t understand its purpose. Liuli noticed a bearfolk who spent a long time observing the airship, though it was unclear if he spotted any of the beastfolk aboard.

Each time the caravan left a campsite, the watchers would split into groups and examine the abandoned site, likely estimating their numbers and strength.

Wu Qingsong hoped that one of the tribes might be foolish enough to attack and serve as an example to deter others. 

However, even small tribes of 200 or 300 people were common on these plains, and a group of nearly 3,000—including many wolfmen closely associated with Silvermoon—was not something to be ignored. Most potential aggressors likely abandoned their greed.

Most of the watchers came and went, but on the fifth day, when they were less than 30 li from their destination, a large group of beastfolk charged in from the north.

“No reinforcements, but at least 5,000 people,” Ram reported hurriedly after the airship landed.

“You and Harold stay and organize the caravan’s defenses,” Wu Qingsong ordered. “Nina, Xiela, Ling, Liuli, let’s go meet them.”

Though inelegant, Wu Qingsong also awakened the latent abilities of Feya, Alice, and other talented members of the Beastfolk Sisterhood, ensuring they could help Ram in dealing with any emergencies.

While they lacked combat experience, their abilities would likely prove as effective as the hound soldiers in a real fight.

Mounted, Wu Qingsong and his group rode out to confront the approaching force. The opposing side seemed puzzled that so few had come out to meet them but stopped nonetheless.

This reassured Wu Qingsong slightly. At least they wouldn’t have to start with a bloodbath, and there was still a chance for negotiation.

“You’ve trespassed into Boyle Clan territory, strangers!” a massive bearfolk roared. 

His vital areas were covered with crude metal armor, while the rest of his body was bare. He carried no weapons, but his enormous claws were weapons enough. 

“Leave immediately!”

“I am Sidre-Wu of Nagrand!” Wu Qingsong responded loudly.

This was a name he had used in a game, and Nagrand was the name he had chosen for the new city they were about to build.

“We come with peaceful intentions,” he continued, addressing the opposing force.

The army before them was predominantly bearfolk, accompanied by wolffolk, foxfolk, wolverinefolk, and hyenafolk—various vassal species. Most wore simple metal or leather armor, while many were clad in plain hide clothing. Their weapons were a chaotic mix, ranging from imperial-standard arms to crude clubs, wooden spears, hunting bows, and massive bone weapons.

Meanwhile, the other side scrutinized Wu Qingsong’s group—a pair of frail-looking half-elves, a wolfwoman, a catwoman, and a hybrid dogwoman. Aside from the wolfgirl and catgirl, who carried large swords and appeared somewhat formidable, the rest seemed weak and unimpressive.

What kind of group was this? Were they just stalling for time?

“Whatever your purpose, leave this land at once! Otherwise, you’ll pay for your trespass in blood!” the bearfolk shouted. “Or, you can kneel and pledge loyalty to King Akuna. Perhaps then you’ll be spared!”

Fight or surrender—those were the choices.

Wu Qingsong glanced back at the caravan, where a proper defensive formation would take time to arrange. The enemy had likely noticed this and was preparing to attack.

So be it.

Wu Qingsong nodded to the beastfolk beside him.

To establish themselves, they needed to prove their strength. A decisive battle was inevitable; otherwise, no one would take them seriously.

“Defeat them. Minimize the killing,” Wu Qingsong instructed.

“Huh?” 

The bearfolk on the other side seemed to hear his words but couldn’t grasp their meaning.

As he prepared to charge and crush the frail-looking elf, a sudden searing pain exploded in his head. He roared in agony and lost his balance, collapsing to the ground.

Xiela vanished in a flash. Moments later, four or five advancing soldiers found themselves falling as the ground seemed to vanish beneath them. When the pain hit and they hit the ground, they saw their severed legs and screamed in terror.

“Kill them all!” another bearfolk roared.

“You’re so annoying!” the catwoman suddenly appeared before him.

“You…” 

The bearfolk tried to grab her but found himself hoisted by one arm. She swung him around like a weapon, smashing into a group of his comrades. His arm dislocated, and he was flung aside, colliding with another bearfolk and sending them both flying.