Chapter 1637: Chapter 82: Adapt and Overcome (Part 2)
Prime Minister Javat spoke sincerely.
Betrayal is something that only allows to happen once.
With this precedent, trying to borrow the Earth Core Passage from other species is already impossible.
Moreover, the Giant Centipede now has no bargaining chips to negotiate terms with various parties.
With just tens of thousands of remnants, it’s uncertain whether they can even escape the Human Army’s massacre.
“Send the orders, do not continue entangling with the enemy, return to the Earth Core World immediately!”
The King Centipede said harshly.
Following this order, how many troops can withdraw depends entirely on luck.
The time for escape was limited. Once the order was given, King Centipede led the team into the Earth Core Passage.
All units engaged in combat, upon receiving the message, also quickly gathered towards the Earth Core Passage.
Even the peak battles unfolding in the sky ended with King Centipede’s retreat order.
The four Centipede Sanctuary had no hesitation, rushing into the Earth Core Passage at the fastest speed, infuriating the two Demonic Alligator Holy Domains who cursed loudly.
Boyke joined in the swearing too, after bombing for so long, the Earth Core Passage remained unharmed.
Although it looked like they aimed at the Earth Core Entrance, the cannonballs landed randomly, with errors so vast they missed by miles.
This level of accuracy is definitely the mark of a novice. Any experienced artilleryman wouldn’t achieve such outcomes.
An excellent gunner can control errors within a hundred meters within the range of the Magic Crystal Cannon.
“Fools, aim and hit!”
Boyke reluctantly vented.
If possible, he really wanted to kick these artillerymen out and operate it himself.
But it was just a thought; operating artillery is a skillful task.
After buying Magic Crystal Cannons from the Stone People Race, the Demonic Crocodile also sent crews to learn the operation method.
Due to the short time frame, these “artillerymen” could only manage to fire the bullets.
Perhaps on the frontlines, the artillerymen frequently dealing with Magic Crystal Cannons have slightly better quality.
This group of artillerymen only underwent training before being stationed here.
Doing routine tasks mainly involved wiping the Magic Crystal Cannon to ensure the barrel was absolutely clean.
Shooting real ammo was out of the question.
Even though the Earth Core World’s production of Magic Crystals is higher, it still remains a critical strategic resource, not to be squandered lightly.
After the loud noise, an energy shell accurately hit above the entrance, causing a large collapse of soil and rocks.
Though it did not block the hole, it did cause considerable trouble to the Centipede Army withdrawing.
Seeing this scene, Boyke’s expression immediately changed from gloomy to bright.
“Nicely done, keep firing!”
As soon as he praised, two Sanctuary Honored Ones from his tribe angrily confronted him.
“Who told you to destroy the Earth Core Passage? Stop at once!”
Venerable Heinz scolded angrily.
The Earth Core Passage is their lifeline, once blocked, no one knows how long it would take to clear it again.
At this crucial moment against Humans, suddenly finding the way behind cut off would certainly devastate morale.
“Honored One, this is Governor Bram’s order!
The Earth Core Passage has fallen into the hands of those centipedes. Given their unscrupulous ways, they would definitely destroy it upon returning to the Earth Core World.
Since it’s going to lose its function, we might as well sever the Earth Core Passage ourselves, cutting off their retreat!
Besides, below the Earth Core Passage links our Royal City. Allowing a large Centipede Army through would result in heavy losses for the Capital!”
Boyke’s explanation left Venerable Heinz speechless.
Under such circumstances, choosing to destroy the Earth Core Passage truly wasn’t a wrong decision.
“It’s enough, Heinz, since things have come to this, let’s also take action!
These Magic Crystal Cannons are too inaccurate to be effectively used.
Since the Giant Centipede’s strongmen have already fled, we might as well destroy the Earth Core Passage entrance to break the remaining Centipede Army’s retreat!”
Listening to Venerable Wilson’s persuasion, Heinz immediately nodded.
He was convinced, since the situation had worsened, letting the Giant Centipede—this traitor—go cheaply was not an option.
Looking at the continuously incoming intelligence from Yangguan County, the smiling faces of the allied forces’ high command were full of delight.
The enemy reversed into a self-destructive outcome, an unexpected turn of events.
But as the Commander in Chief, Hudson didn’t share a shred of joy on his face.
The remnants of the Giant Centipede broke through the Demonic Crocodile Army’s blockade, yet failed to completely retreat their forces, but the Earth Core Passage was blocked.
This means hoping for the two races to continue fighting in the Earth Core World is likely a pipe dream.
The heavily depleted Giant Centipede, returning to its old lair, would only do one thing—recuperate and rebuild.
Losing contact with the surface world, the Demonic Crocodiles in the Earth Core World wouldn’t dare make reckless moves either.
To avoid others profiting from their conflict, for many years to come, both races wouldn’t dare to start a war lightly.
Without chaos in the Earth Core World, future plans to develop the Earth Core World in the Southeastern Province are bound to be fraught with difficulties.
Besides the bleak prospects, the blockage of the Earth Core Passage also implies the “bait” is gone.
Losing the Earth Core Passage seems to have hit the Demonic Crocodile Clan hard, but it equally freed them from their shackles.
Without an essential place to protect, the future operational space of the Demonic Crocodile Army is no longer confined to just Yangguan County.
“Send the orders, the Offering Group and Cavalry Corps will immediately head to Yangguan County!
Earl Piers, you will personally lead this operation.
The mission is very simple: monitor the Demonic Crocodile Army to prevent their retreat, but avoid a decisive battle with them!”
Hudson decisively ordered.
Although the best bait was lost, the remaining few Demonic Crocodile armies were still significant bait.
In scenarios where hope for rescue exists, he doesn’t believe the Demonic Crocodile Clan is willing to abandon this force.
As for the involved Centipede Army, it’s even simpler; just trap them inside, and the Demonic Crocodile Army will help clean up these remnants.
Governor Piers replied immediately.
A Cavalry Corps watching over tens of thousands of remnants is hardly worth mentioning as a task.
Were it not for Hudson’s order against engaging in decisive battle, Piers felt confident that his cavalry could grind down the enemy forces.
Ever since witnessing the cavalry’s destructive power against the Earth Core race, perceptions of Earth Core races had plummeted.
A group of uncivilized natives, without even cavalry, failed to impress Nobles born as Knights.
With the continuous victories on the battlefield, the Knights’ pride among Human Aristocratic Military Officers was greatly heightened.
Even nobles from the Black Forest Kingdom transitioned from initial fear to current disdain.
In fact, not only towards Earth Core races, Humans had a psychological advantage over most species on the continent.
The only fearing and respecting groups were those who personally tasted defeat at their hands.
For instance, a few decades ago, Alpha Kingdom nobles were both in disdain of the Orc’s barbarism and in awe of their strength.
After several victorious large-scale battles shifted the tides of battle, only disdain remained in people’s hearts.
The Orcs, who suppressed the Alpha Kingdom for hundreds of years, found themselves losing their intimidating shadow with a few victories; needless to say, for just emerging Earth Core species.
This is the unique dominance and pride of a continent’s overlord, unmatched by other species.
Demonic Crocodile Royal Court.
Looking at the battle report from the front lines, the Demonic Crocodile King nearly collapsed on the spot.
The more feared something is, the more likely it will happen!
The Giant Centipede broke through their blockade. For the capital’s safety, the garrison had to destroy the passage, leaving behind a large portion of the Centipede Army.
The decision was without fault, yet the aftermath was quite severe.
From this moment, they too followed the Giant Centipede’s path, becoming rootless.
The original plan to control two provinces was now a shattered illusion.
“Your Majesty, with the Earth Core Passage lost, continuing to reinforce Yangguan County serves no purpose.
Directly order the garrison to withdraw, and let those detestable Centipede remnants be handed over to the Humans to deal with!”