He immediately ordered everyone to spread out and prepare for battle.
But in the next moment, those panicked refugees entered his sight. A group of six people, half men, half women, all dressed in rags and looking like refugees. Their bodies were covered with various wounds, but fortunately, they hadn't lost their weapons—having kept their weapons meant they hadn't lost their fighting spirit. Under such conditions, this alone showed they were extremely excellent mercenaries.
Indeed, Ben had already recognized them from their attire: Gray Wolf Mercenaries.
No, these people weren't just Gray Wolf Mercenaries; Ben squinted his eyes. These were a group of Jadran Mercenaries, the few heavy infantry among the Gray Wolf Mercenaries. He had previously seen these people once before.
However, he immediately frowned. No, according to the strategy, Black Fire Sect Believers and Gray Wolf Mercenaries shouldn't appear in this direction. He thought for a moment and considered that it might be a few mercenaries who got separated from Bujia and others. Though the possibility seemed slim, it was more believable than the other option.
The mercenaries were visibly stunned when they saw Ben and his group, their faces almost desperate. But in the next moment, someone among them recognized Ben, and in fact, Ben also recognized the person—it was the young man who had chatted briefly with them that afternoon along with Redi. Compared to that brash white-haired boy, Ben had a much better impression of this young man.
What was his name again? Oh, right! Sanfde!
"Mr. Ben, help us!" The young man named Sanfde, upon seeing Ben, seemed to see a savior, his strength drained as he knelt down and urgently raised his head, shouting.
Although Ben didn't like meddling in affairs, he wasn't someone who would leave others to die. Moreover, he was now holding onto the thick thigh of the Phoenix Guard—an excellent opportunity for bluffing and intimidation. He knew the Gray Wolf Mercenary Group was finished. Macaro might treat his old subordinates as cannon fodder, but that couldn't change the fact that most of these men were experienced warriors—they were mercenaries with no other paths to take. Given this, they could indeed buy some good favor to win these people over.
Jadrans, one of the best mercenaries. Understanding this, Ben immediately nodded and ordered his mercenaries to protect these people. At the same time, he asked the question he cared most about:
"We..." Unfortunately, Sanfde didn't have time to answer before the pursuers behind them responded for him.
The sound of rustling trees came from the distance, leaves trembling, followed by several knights riding 'wild boars' charging out. Of course, those weren't wild boars. Other than Ben, probably no one here, except for the wood elves in the rear, recognized what these Black Fire Sect Believers were riding.
Low-Born Demons, a kind of demon resembling wild boars but with mixed brown-green spotted skin, four pairs of fangs, and four pairs of eyes. Low-Born Demons were an important part of the demons' lower cavalry, making them fitting mounts for these Black Fire Sect Believers. But Ben's breath caught seeing the attire of these Black Fire Sect Believers.
"Mr. Ben, be cautious... They... are somewhat unusual," Sanfde quietly reminded.
Obviously unusual! Ben couldn't help but curse inwardly. Facing a dozen advanced believers, how could they not be unusual? These were elite cavalry of the Black Fire Sect. Why would they chase these five wretched mercenaries who looked like beggars?
Suddenly, Ben drew his longsword. Ben realized something—if the pursuit was earnest, Sanfde's group wouldn't have made it here. This meant they were deliberately driven to this place, but why? To demonstrate their strength? He stared intently at the Black Fire Sect Believers, unsure if these annoying fellows had targeted his group, despite seemingly no intersections between them.
At that moment, the Elf Commander behind him suddenly said, "There are others in the forest."
Ben immediately looked in that direction—within the forest, not a shadow in sight, only layers of leaves forming mottled colors. But then, in an instant, he felt his heart stir.
The card of the Unicorn Knight in his hand pulsed as if it had life.
Good heavens, another card reaction!
So that's what's going on. (To be continued, for more details, please visit www.qidian.com, support the author, support legitimate reading!) ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ Novᴇl_Fire(.)net