The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1526 - 437: Decisive Victory at Rapids Pass! (4)

Under Erin Campbell's leadership, the Northern Relief Army suffered less than a thousand casualties and broke the siege at Rapids Pass.

Not only did they annihilate a force ten times their own size, but they also defeated "Lin Ying" Finnian, one of the twelve leaders of the Green Forest Army, in a single battle!

For the soldiers following Her Highness Aileen Campbell northward, this was undeniably a resounding victory!

The soldiers cleaning up the battlefield were either whistling, chatting merrily, or enthusiastically counting the captured weapons and supplies.

Although they couldn't find many copper coins on these poor souls, and the captured equipment wasn't worth much, they weren't doing it for profit.

"I wonder how much land my son can get from this battle."

"Heh, I think the area next to Rapids Pass looks good! And there's no one there; it'd be a shame not to plant something!"

"Don't think about those now; let's wait until we survive first..."

"Ha, if those waiting behind us are all like this, I don't see any problem in thinking about it now!"

"Indeed, these guys were really weak, not at all comparable to the Demon King in Thunder County before. Just wonder how they managed to defeat their Lord!"

"I think that King Ryan is just so-so, too!"

The entire camp was filled with a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.

Not only were the "regular soldiers" like this, but the "big boys" were also happy, their faces full of delight.

Perhaps the Green Forest Army's combat strength was just too weak, and most of those charging at the forefront actually survived.

Currently, they were loudly bragging about their recent achievements, even complaining that the battle ended too quickly, and they didn't get their fill of throwing things.

"I hope we can encounter some decent opponents in the next round." [One Punch One Whining Monster] couldn't help but click his tongue, his face showing unfulfilled excitement.

[Village Headmaster Wang], scratching his head, stared at the player interface only he could see, confused. "Wait, why aren't there any Contribution Points added?"

Professional Nuclear Submarine Repair: "Maybe they'll be converted into land for us."

Village Headmaster Wang: "Where's the land?"

Professional Nuclear Submarine Repair: "As usual, settled all at once after the event ends."

Chop Chop Lumberjack: "…Damn, why is this so complicated?"

Village Headmaster Wang: "I'm suddenly a bit panicked for not seeing the event announcement..."

Could it be that the sly game planners wouldn't even give a bit of virtual reward?

Probably not...

Singing the victory anthem, the Northern Relief Army, under Erin Campbell's leadership, returned to the castle called Rapids Pass.

However, unlike the high-spirited soldiers, there wasn't much joy on Erin's face; instead, her eyes carried a hint of heaviness.

On the way back to the castle, what met her eyes were burned villages, desolate farmlands, and empty pastures.

The fires of war had turned everything here into scorched earth, with the ruins becoming a playground for crows. The nauseating smoke mixed with a stench she didn't want to identify, leaving only wandering Undead among the debris.

Some Priests showed compassion on their faces, raising their scepters silently chanting spells, using Holy Light to absolve the wandering souls.

"These bastards..."

Theresa, riding beside Erin, looked at the remains of a burned-down farmhouse by the roadside, muttering curses.

"These cannibal beasts... They are not rebelling against tyranny; they are purely enjoying destruction and slaughter!"

That may not necessarily be the case.

Erin silently gazed at the ruins and the death wandering between them, not entirely agreeing with Theresa's statement.

Two things are not contradictory.

But one thing is sure: if Twilight Province were as prosperous as the Campbell Duchy, people, even if discontent, would never resort to such extreme actions.

At least that's how she sees it.

After a while, Erin spoke with an unwavering voice, "Theresa, we will restore order to this land."

Theresa nodded respectfully.

"My sword will always follow you, Your Highness."

When they reached the castle gatehouse, the surviving Commander General Pierce leaned on his Longsword, with his less than a hundred remaining soldiers welcoming them at the door.

These veterans were weary but still stood with straight backs.

They were victors too.

Facing enemies a hundred times their size, they resisted to the last with determined resolve, finally awaiting reinforcements they weren't sure would arrive.

"Your Highness Erin, on behalf of all the defenders of Rapids Pass, thank you for your relief... I believe you must have received approval from His Majesty the King or the Governor, and I won't inquire further; I'll leave this place under your control." Pierce thanked in a hoarse voice while transferring castle control.

Regardless of whether they had authorization, letting the Campbell people occupy this castle was better than letting it fall into the hands of looters.

At least they still uphold the knightly doctrines.

At least they won't massacre villagers hiding in the castle.

"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Pierce; please allow my Military Chaplain to heal your wounds." Erin nodded solemnly.

"Haha, thanks indeed." Pierce did not refuse.

Just then, he noticed the heaviness on Erin's face that did not match the victory, vaguely guessed something, and cracked his chapped lips to continue speaking.

"... The Green Forest Army leaves a devastation like locusts passing through; what you see now is just the beginning. If your next destination is Twilight City, along the way, you'll witness far worse sights; I can only say please be prepared, Your Highness."

Erin remained silent for a long time, suddenly speaking.

"General Pierce, I heard someone say... it was the Kingdom's Nobles who abandoned their duties first; is this true?"

General Pierce was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting to hear this question, with a complex look passing through his muddy eyes.

He didn't answer directly but turned to look at the battered castle behind him, then at the wounded, united warriors at his side.

"I don't know who you're specifically referring to, nor do I wish to make excuses for them."

He then turned to Erin, speaking firmly word by word.

"I just want to tell you, I did not."

As he spoke, he pointed at the warriors behind him.

"Neither did they."

From his weary yet steadfast gaze, Erin found the answer, then bowed to this respectable old soldier.

"I understand."

She was about to enter the castle.

However, at this moment, a sentry riding a horse came speeding over, dismounting swiftly upon reaching the castle edge.

Noticing the solemn expression on the sentry's face, Erin did not blame him for his rudeness but instead asked immediately.

"What's happened?"

The sentry did not dare to slack, reporting immediately.

"Your Highness! My brothers and I found the Green Forest Army's artillery base; there were six siege cannons there, all destroyed by our howitzer units."

Swallowing hard, he continued speaking in a strained voice.

"We found Ratmen corpses there..."