The man's sudden shout left the soldiers at the dock dumbfounded.
What's going on?
The female sorcerer did not retreat either. She chuckled lightly and pulled out two enormous hand cannons from beneath her coat, wielding the firearms with a smile: "Don't underestimate Councillor Jialan, we are not limited to just casting spells."
"Do as he says, follow the orders of our Lord Knight, prepare to engage the enemy!!!" Fortunately, there were not only slow-reacting soldiers at the dock.
Previously, the Guard Commander Lauritz, who was assigned by Villarld to help Laine with the investigation, was at the scene. He immediately gestured for the soldiers to follow the command upon hearing Laine's orders.
"Understood!" There were about forty guards at the port, well-trained as they swiftly formed ranks. About a dozen guards carrying bows and arrows positioned themselves at the front, ready with arrows set, hands lowered, awaiting the enemy's appearance to shoot. Behind them were ten shield and long spear soldiers, who raised their shields, leaving certain gaps between them for the archers in front to retreat if necessary.
Following them were the swordsmen, wearing chest armor, wielding standard longswords and shields—the main force in battle.
The guards assembled quickly, a standard military formation soon established. Laine nodded slightly in approval. In this world, there were no soldiers unable to fight due to prolonged peace, especially the armies of these local lords, who must always be prepared to face any threats from the wilderness and forests and protect the lord's territory. Thus, even the most foolish lords understood the necessity of maintaining their soldiers' combat effectiveness, for it was the means of survival in this dark world.
The sea surface was roiling, and soon, one hunch-backed figure after another emerged from the water. They were charging toward the port, their bodies bent, moving on all fours, with sharp horns on their heads, resembling creatures half-bull and half-horse.
It's the Water Ghosts!
These creatures roamed streams, rivers, and beaches year-round. They were inherently cunning and brutal, lurking in water waiting for opportunities upon encountering armies or powerful individuals, striking at night or when the weak passed by, mercilessly slaughtering travelers or livestock, consuming flesh and blood.
On the continent, countless such monsters abounded—Ghouls, Undead, Water Ghosts, Beastmen, Green Skin, even various forbidden beings deep in the forests. During the Great Calamity period, humans were merely food to these demons, existing as "reserve food" for the demons, akin to pigs and dogs.
Even when Charlemagne the Great led humanity to rise, creating an empire, human physical strength and physique were far inferior to Green Skin and Beastmen. Human intellect and magical affinity paled compared to Elves, and technological advancement was unmatched by Dwarfs.
What enabled humans to ascend from their status as swine to their current standing?
Laine watched the soldiers form their tight ranks, his lips curling upwards.
It was the strict military discipline, the solid formations, the undying faith, the sincere unity.
And also, the love for life.
"Steel, gunpowder, faith—these are the three foundational elements sustaining the empire today."
—Savior Ludwig
Guard Commander Lauritz drew his standard longsword, raising its cold edge high: "Soldiers, the time for battle has come! Thrust with your spears, block with your shields, hack with your swords, Nord above all!"
"Nord above all!!!" the soldiers shouted.
"I am the Kingdom Knight 'Great Hammer' Laine. Soldiers, today I shall fight alongside you! Let our swords drink deeply of the enemy's blood!" Laine wielded his hammer with both hands, positioning himself at one side of the entire formation: "Prepare to shoot!!!"
The archers nocked their bows tightly. The crossbowmen gripped their triggers.
Dozens of Water Ghosts had already surged from the sea, crossing the shallows. These creatures bore horse-like faces, long claws gleaming with sharp fangs, uttering strange roars from their mouths.
"Release!" Laine swung his warhammer, naturally assuming command. Lauritz had no objections, being merely an officer and not a noble. Laine was a high-ranking knight and a noble of the realm; taking command was entirely appropriate.
"Swish swish~ swish swish~~" A volley of arrows flew toward the Water Ghosts, the ones at the front instantly turning into porcupines, collapsing with screams. Yet the Water Ghosts behind showed no fear, relentlessly pushing aside, even tearing apart their fallen comrades. The stench and foul odor emanating from them gradually seeped into Laine's cold nostrils amidst the frigid air.
The first round of shooting ended, and the guards promptly prepared for the second round.
Already, over a dozen Water Ghosts had fallen, but those remaining seemed unaffected whatsoever, continuing their relentless howling and growling in surprising numbers. During the second round of shooting, a dozen feathered arrows claimed several more Water Ghost lives, yet they did not pause their advance.
"Close combat!" Seeing the Water Ghosts advancing faster than expected, Laine immediately judged that there was no time for a third round of shooting, thus ordering the soldiers to engage in close combat.
Groups of Water Ghosts charged onto the breakwater, yet the port guards, though tense, showed no fear. The Long Spear Soldiers formed a spear array, and the Sword and Shield Soldiers arranged themselves in a line, their shield formation protecting themselves and their comrades. Through the gaps in the shields were the Long Spear Array formed by the rear Long Spear Soldiers, their sharp spears extending from the battalion, aimed at the approaching foes, the soldiers' breaths visible as dense fog, reflecting their nervousness.