A/N: I wrote in an earlier Chapter that magical creatures gain intelligence when they break through to 3-star.

This means they become smarter and can speak human language. 1-star and 2-star beasts can still communicate with each other, but only within their own races.

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Two male hobgoblins and a female goblin were talking seriously inside a tent. The one wearing red armor was Varuk, while the one in leather armor was Kragmar.

As for the female goblin, her name was Nixra.

They wanted to expand their territory, so they were discussing how to conquer the Northvale Village.

"Leader, why don’t we just attack them directly?" Kragmar didn’t want to wait any longer, as it was only wasting their time in his eyes.

"That is not a wise idea, leader." Nixra voiced out her opinion. "They have hired awakeners, so in my opinion, we should learn about their strength first."

"We will only lose more subordinates if we do that." Kragmar disagreed. "And they are only at 1-star, like us. What is there to be afraid of? I’m sure we can kill them."

"It’s not like I think we will lose," Nixra explained. "I just want us to minimize the casualties. We still need many subordinates to conquer the other villages."

"Then isn’t it the same? You want to minimize the casualties, and so do I." Kragmar still believed his suggestion was better. "Leader, what do you think?"

Varuk didn’t answer immediately since they both had valid reasons. "How about this? Kragmar, you go to their place in an hour and gather information about them. We will decide our next move based on their situation."

"Alright." Kragmar agreed right away.

As they were discussing their plans, the villagers moved toward their nest silently and carefully.

Axel’s group went west, while Ren’s headed east.

They decided to attack from two sides because this would divide their attention. Once they were in position, Virelia gave them a signal to prepare themselves.

They placed their poisoned arrows on their bows and waited for her command. The moment she gave the signal, the archers fired them together.

*Whoosh... Whoosh...

Their arrows pierced the air and flew toward the beasts at an incredible speed.

They didn’t stop after the first shot.

They quickly grabbed another one and fired it again. The archers didn’t try to save their arrows since their goal was to kill as many monsters as possible.

The sky suddenly turned dark as countless arrows blocked the sunlight. The magical creatures were startled by the sudden change of atmosphere and instantly raised their heads.

The moment they realized what it was, their curious faces turned panicked, and they quickly ran to safe places.

However, what awaited them was another wave of arrows because Axel’s subordinates had also started their attack.

"Screeek!"

"Keeek!"

"GRAAWR!"

Screams of agony filled the air as several arrows pierced their bodies.

Although most of them were fine, those who were hit by the arrows were in a bad state. Their blood dripped down their skin, and they could no longer stand steadily.

The poison on the tips was deadly, so the effect was immediate.

Varuk, Kragmar, and Nixra walked out of the tent the moment their cries of pain reached their ears.

When they saw countless arrows flying in the air, their expressions darkened, and they instantly rushed to save their people.

"Kill them!" the villagers charged at the magical creatures with their weapons raised high.

They had run out of arrows, so it was time for close combat.

Varuk, Kragmar, and Nixra turned their heads as war cries filled the air.

While their full attention was on Virelia’s subordinates, Axel’s underlings also dashed toward them.

"Wipe them out! Show no mercy!" Bernard roared.

Varuk, Kragmar, and Nixra instantly shifted their gaze to them.

"We are under attack." Kragmar had never expected the villagers would strike them first.

"Kragmar, you handle the enemies from the east." After saying that, Varuk gave an order to the shaman. "Nixra, use your magic to support our people."

"Understood," Nixra replied.

"Don’t panic," Varuk said. "Even though their numbers are large, only fifteen of them are awakeners. The rest are ordinary people. We can win this battle."

Nixra and Kragmar nodded before joining the fight.

At the same time, Axel and his lackeys were facing the magical creatures, but they didn’t try to kill their enemies.

They only injured the beasts slightly since their goal was to take Varuk’s head and seek revenge on Ren and his friends.

"Axel, the shaman, is about to use her buff magic." Luka stopped attacking the magical creatures the moment he noticed what Nixra was doing.

"Stop her! Don’t let her finish casting it!" Axel didn’t want her to finish her spell as it would give them trouble later.

Luka, Vito, and Rian nodded before finally dashing toward Nixra.

But before they could get close to her, several hobgoblins stopped them and attacked them relentlessly.

The hobgoblins even used their bodies as shields when the attacks were aimed at the shaman.

Nixra was an important key in the battle, so they would not let Luka and the others hurt her or interrupt her chant.

"Tch! Annoying beasts!" Luka clicked his tongue.

"Do you think you can stop me?" Rian sneered. "We are mages. We can attack her from here."

Rian sent two light needles toward Nixra, but the beasts immediately blocked them.

When they took down two hobgoblins, several goblins charged at them. Protecting the shaman was top priority, so they left their opponents and rushed to defend her.

While they were fighting fiercely, Nixra raised her staff and closed her eyes.

She paid no attention to her surroundings and focused fully on her magic, since it could change the flow of the battle. "Groth... zan iruk... mel’thar..."

Unlike mages and normal shamans, who could use magic quickly by recalling the formation in their minds, shamans who use unique magic had to chant their spells.

It was the only way to borrow power from nature, so they could not skip or shorten it.

"Vorak... thirn... esh’kara..." The magic circle beneath her glowed red like fresh blood.

The moment the chant ended, all the goblins and hobgoblins froze. The totem marks on their foreheads lit up, and red light flowed through their veins like fire.

"War spirits, answer my call," Nixra shouted.

All goblins and hobgoblins suddenly roared together.

Their bodies were filled with new strength as the totem marks kept glowing red.