Chapter Twenty-Nine: Preparing to Break Through

Elves are generally proud by nature, but that does not mean they are foolish. Their earlier decision to maneuver against the orcs within the forest stemmed from their longstanding confidence in their own advantage on this terrain. However, upon hearing Zhou Tian mention the overwhelming numbers of the orcs, the elves immediately realized their decision had likely been a grave mistake. In such a moment, when Zhou Tian suddenly revealed his “scorched earth strategy,” it was only natural that fear gripped them.

Had Zhou Tian not brought up the idea, it is likely the elves would never have considered such a possibility. Indeed, even the orcs outside would hardly have thought of such a stratagem. Not that Zhou Tian’s plan was especially ingenious, but because he was not a native of this world and therefore did not think along the habitual lines of its inhabitants.

At present, setting the forest ablaze would undoubtedly be the most effective way to deal with Zhou Tian and the elves. The problem, however, lay in whether burning the forest would truly rid them of their enemies. This world is unlike Earth; on Earth, a raging fire drives all creatures to flee for their lives. In this other world, while a forest fire poses a threat to many creatures, vast woodlands such as the Magic Beast Forest or the Elven Forest cannot be so easily consumed, nor can a single blaze destroy a significant portion of such forests. Even in smaller woods, setting a fire might ignite the trees, but once the flames rise, there’s no telling whether it will be enemies or something far worse that emerges from the blaze.

There are countless forests on the continent, and apart from those like the one Zhou Tian currently occupies—lacking magical beasts—many smaller woods are home to powerful, high-level monsters.

One can easily imagine the consequences: if one were to light a fire indiscriminately within the forests of this world, awakening the monsters within, the chaos that would ensue would be far from trivial.

Thus, while Zhou Tian did point out that arson was the most effective tactic against them, it remained uncertain whether the orcs outside had considered this plan, and even if they had, whether they would dare gamble on such a course of action was questionable.

But just as the elves had never imagined the orcs would possess such an effective means to deal with them, now, in turn, they could not fathom that the orcs would not dare to employ it. So, after listening to Zhou Tian’s suggestion, the elves grew restless. Even though the forest was their home ground, if it could at any moment become their tomb, they would still choose to retreat.

“What do you suggest we do now?” After a series of blows to their confidence, the elves had lost even the most basic faith in their own wisdom. In such a state, their thoughts stalled, and they instinctively placed all hope in Zhou Tian. Whether or not he truly had a plan, they all looked to him with hope in their eyes.

After nearly a decade as a recluse, Zhou Tian suddenly found himself the focus of so many beautiful women’s attention—it would be a lie to say he wasn’t nervous. Yet, excitement far outweighed the anxiety in his heart. Under the gaze of the elves, he flicked his tail with pride, then firmly declared, “Without a doubt, if we do not wish to die, our only chance is to escape. Fleeing the forest does not guarantee safety, but at least then we no longer need to fear the orcs burning it down around us.”

“Escape? How?” The elves exchanged glances, and the one who had always looked down on Zhou Tian the most stepped forward, casting a scornful glance his way. “You’ve said all this, but I thought you’d come up with some clever solution. Escape? If it were that easy, would we need you to think for us?”

“Are you running or not?”

“Of course I’m running! Why wouldn’t I? Staying here is certain death. Escaping may be a long shot, but at least there’s a glimmer of hope.”

“Well, that settles it then.”

“You—” After a few quick questions from Zhou Tian, the elf realized she’d been outmaneuvered yet again without even noticing. She was about to lose her temper, but just as she was on the verge of an outburst, another elf hurriedly pulled her aside and whispered in her ear. Whatever was said, it managed to quell her anger, and after shooting Zhou Tian a look, she made no further move.

Seeing that she had not exploded, Zhou Tian refrained from provoking her further; after all, he would still need the elves’ cooperation later. If their mutual relations soured now, any mishap during their breakout could spell doom for them all.

With their minds made up, and under Zhou Tian’s so-called “discussion”—which was really an order—they quietly made their way to the forest’s edge.

“This forest is far too small. If we stay here and the orcs launch a major assault, none of us will escape. So, we not only need to flee, but must do so before the orcs make their move. If reinforcements arrive, even that slim hope will vanish.” He quietly stressed the importance and urgency of their situation, then issued his command. “It seems the orcs haven’t expected us to attempt a breakout. Judging by their current deployment, if we move swiftly, breaking through shouldn’t be difficult. Fall back for now, and we set out at three o’clock tonight!”

“Three in the morning?”

“Uh…”

—Section Break (If you enjoy reading, please add this to your collection!)—

Anyone with a bit of common sense knows that the hours just before dawn are when people are most prone to drowsiness. Even if one has slept all day, there’s still a strong urge to sleep during those hours. For those who haven’t rested, unless something rouses their attention, it’s almost impossible to stay awake at that time.

For this reason, in ancient times on Earth, armies would often choose this hour to launch surprise attacks. Whether or not the orcs were aware of this principle, their utter lack of vigilance convinced Zhou Tian that if he chose to break out at that hour, they would never be able to respond in time.

—Once more, requesting your support—

After silently calculating the time and sending several small snakes to scout the orc camp, Zhou Tian made sure the orcs in the encampment outside were all fast asleep. Only then did he rouse the elves at his side.

“Get up, quickly!”

“Don’t make so much noise, let me sleep a bit longer.”

“Do you still want to escape or not? If you don’t get up, I’m leaving without you.”

“Escape?” At that key word, the elves snapped awake at once. First, they nervously scanned their surroundings; after confirming there was no danger, they blushed and hastily gathered their things.

“Hurry up. Once you’re ready, we move out.” With that, Zhou Tian spared them no further glance and slithered off alone.