Escaping also requires skill; having formed a deadly enmity with the Human Race up ahead, the enemy’s territory is certainly not where we can go.
Otherwise, even if we temporarily cling to life, we will eventually be cleared by the forces of the Human Race.
Surrender is a luxury; countless unlucky Giant Centipedes ahead have already proven it with their lives.
The choice of this thousands-mile-long escape route is solely because the Ancient Heritage Alliance is a multi-racial union that is relatively less exclusionary.
Based on the gathered intelligence, only those Earth Core races appearing on the territory of the Ancient Heritage Alliance obtained a piece of land for recuperation without engaging in war.
Of course, in order to obtain land, they also paid a price.
Not only do they need to provide the Ancient Heritage Alliance with a large amount of rare minerals, but their territory was also divided into border regions, with neighbors like the Alpha Royal Family.
Once war ignites, they could face utter disaster at any moment.
Both sides were able to agree on conditions mainly because the races within the Ancient Heritage Alliance promised absolutely not to trigger war in that area.
This has indeed been the case; since the Ancient Heritage Alliance annexed half of the Warhammer Kingdom, they’ve been as docile as can be.
Anyone with a bit of insight knows this is a leftover effect from the last continental war.
The war from years ago buried the War Faction within the Ancient Heritage Alliance, and those who survived are frightened.
For a major power, losing their spirit and morale is terrifying.
But for the Earth Core race looking for a backing to survive in the surface world, this is the best choice.
As long as the Ancient Heritage Alliance behaves, the Alpha Kingdom won’t turn their gaze towards them.
At least until the Orc Empire falls, there’s no need to worry about threats from the Alpha Kingdom.
As for the Moxi Duchy, which also shares a border, because it borders the Elf Race, it has been as low-key as possible in recent years and cannot possibly instigate a war.
The seemingly dangerous border region actually poses no threat of war for the coming decades.
This long period is enough for a race to get a firm footing within the Alliance.
"Richard, don’t be so impulsive!
I don’t think any fool would want to stay put and wait for death, but we must be cautious about the evacuation route.
The Ancient Heritage Alliance is indeed a nice place to go, but the distance between us is really too far, and we have to take a detour through elf territory.
In the Ancient Era, our ancestors were at odds with that arrogant bunch of elves, and how much of that hatred has lingered, no one can say.
If by chance those elves bear a grudge, we might be wiped out before reaching our destination.
They might not even need to act themselves; just an order could keep us shut out by the Ancient Heritage Alliance.
After all, with just our few tens of thousands of troops, we’re really too insignificant!"
Chieftain Duarte spoke up to advise.
If it were during the peak period of the Giant Centipedes, rushing to serve as a lackey might indeed make the Elf Race consider us seriously.
The Elf Race, though they loathe the Earth Core race, wouldn’t necessarily refuse handy henchmen offered on a platter.
Without their tacit approval, the Ancient Alien Alliance, as mere lackeys, wouldn’t dare to let the Earth Core race join no matter how much they wish to strengthen themselves.
Now it’s different; a mere few thousand remnants can be dealt with by the garrison along the way, not requiring the Elf Queen to personally intervene.
Taking a detour through elf territory now is gambling with our lives.
"Duarte, this isn’t a matter of impulse; we’re truly out of time.
Judging by the current situation, tonight is our last chance to evacuate; if we miss this opportunity, we won’t be able to leave even if we want to later.
You all know about the distribution of forces on the Continent of Aslante.
The Central Continent where we currently reside isn’t peaceful; the Human Race and the Alien Coalition could start fighting again at any time, and staying here will surely drag us into it.
With our current forces, no matter which species we join, we are bound to become cannon fodder.
The location of the Ancient Heritage Alliance is indeed a bit remote, but precisely because it’s remote, conflicts can be avoided.
If we don’t seize this opportunity to take a gamble, when we become cannon fodder in the future, we won’t even have the chance to gamble!"
Chieftain Richard spoke firmly.
No matter how other Centipedes choose, he is determined to flee.
The Elf Race is certainly powerful, but their population is too small, and the newly occupied areas have a lot of uninhabited zones.
According to a schedule of resting by day and moving by night, with some luck, we might not even encounter the elves.
A scar-faced centipede chieftain spoke in support, soon followed by a group of centipede chieftains all voicing their agreement, clearly endorsing the judgment that staying would mean certain death.
No matter how crude this escape plan is, or how low the chances of success, it’s currently the only plan offering a glimmer of hope.
Demonic Crocodile Royal Court.
"The situation has changed; the evacuation plan failed.
Boyke sent word that the enemy has stationed a cavalry corps twenty miles from their camp.
Infantry can’t outrun cavalry; even if they evacuate overnight, they’ll be pursued and caught in the field by the enemy the next day.
Engaging in battle while exhausted will only cause the army to defeat more miserably, as the Giant Centipedes suffered in this respect.
Now two paths lie before us: either let the enemy swallow up the tens of thousands of troops in Yangguan County or have the main force continue forward to join them.
Marshal, what’s your view?"