It would seem that the human army lost a substantial number of their forces due to a trap involving the Elven army, in cooperation with our forces.
Combined with how slow their advance is, we have a startling advantage over the human army.
The trap seemed to utilize a terrifying combination of four waves of carnage that was taught to the Father Elf.
Unfortunately, it became obviously clear that inside information has been leaked.
We had prepared traps and an ambush within the forest in place where the human army had been advancing, only for the human army to reorganize their battle lines and retreated temporarily.
Having an enemy that has infiltrated ranks and is collecting detailed information is quite bothersome, so today we are moving to deal a surprise attack on the human army's supply unit en-route to the human encampment within the woods. This is to prevent any information reaching the humans in time.
Supplies for the human expedition has become more or less of a case of life and death. Compared to food and water within a desert, it may be easy to gain, but with our past attacks, the enemy has grown cautious, coupled with the sheer size of the enemy forces, it is obvious that resources must be delivered to maintain operational standards. Especially to maintain adequate moral above all else. Furthermore that when equipment is worn out it must be replaced and ammunition such as arrows must also be replenished.
Attacking these supply units is a case of killing two birds with one stone in my book.
After awhile a supply unit comes into view across the plains. Naturally of course we don't initiate an attack on the plain in part due to our few numbers. From what I can see, there are no less than 50-100 soldiers in this convoy. Currently I am also thinking of prisoners of war, which has already grown to over 200 at least.
From what I can see, there are enough supplies for 600 soldiers or more. More than three times the supplies my own forces require. Now it is only a matter deciding when to deliver the offensive in order to secure this delivery.
Stopping this convoy might also reduce damages received in the future for our combined forces.
Under those circumstances, I decided to wait until the supply unit began to enter the inner recesses of the woods. The supply unit is getting closer to the human encampment, information acquired from the Female Knight and the Rusty Iron Knight.
One of the slaves I brought with us comes into view.
His face is appearing blue, since the controlling power of the slave rings has been heightened. I made them almost parasitic on the inside of the body. Even though they may object directly, in this state they cannot even move a finger against my will. To be honest, even if it is done forcibly, the result is unavoidable. For me, they are simply disposable pawns after all. I would have preferred if more of them had turned out to be like the Rusty Iron Knight, but this simply was not the case. Their expressions were very gloomy, more so than usual, though they hold an active part in this brilliantly planned strategy.
This strategy isn't all too complicated when you think about it. I've picked out ten of the aristocrat knights that didn't have any [Jobs] or did not have much experience with them and had very little worth to me. Some 17-20 knights hand picked by the Rusty Iron Knight were also brought along to be turned onto the supply unit.
With my abilities I can make their murderous intent rise while making them run with arms raised.
In this state, ally becomes enemy despite how they are dressed or what species they are. My ability also plays with the slaves mind, twisting it and changing it into a consciousness that is suitable to play an enemy.
Though there was almost no chance that we would have to help, even a little, the overall operation proceeded ordinarily this time around.
After we hid ourselves in a trench built where we had estimated the convoy would pass through, we took care to ensure the slaves could not be seen. Once the convoy got into range, they were bombarded with arrows shot by the repeating crossbows armed with arrows soaked in my special poison by the ranged corp [Tirard]. We brought along a Hobgoblin that could use magic and Hobushaman-san who is able to use the ghosts of six bodies he ruled over. The trees and thickets made the chance to hit for magic and arrows pretty low, but the same can be said for the other side as well. The purpose of the barrage was only to lock the convoy in one place and to reduce the enemy numbers to some extent.
All that was left was to merely wait for the preparation of the climax to finish.
After a short amount of time passed the ten aristocrat knights mixed within the convoy rise up all at once.
For this, I have made special preparations. Inside each of their hands I have planted a [Burst Seed], with others scattered about the circumference of the supply unit's position.
Since the overall power of these seeds are high and the creation process is fairly simple, if scattered in the right quantity in a dense place, a single seed could in theory create nearly 50 victims. They are certainly a very wonderful weapon that can be mass-produced easily at a low price. Since the explosion is so great, those who use them are taking a risk, but since this time the slaves using them are merely pawns made for taking the risk I pay it no mind. If the pawn dies, it dies.
A faint smile cracks on my face as I give the order to ignite the seeds.
All at once, the sound of 300 shots burst into the air, the roar carries across the entire forest.
After the explosion the survivors were left in a state of confusion and panic. They were chased down by the supply team led by Asue-chan, management of the captured supplies was also dealt with by Asue-chan.
The size of the cart was nearly two meters in height, too high for the entrance of the cave, it will have to be collapsed because of the scaffold at the entrance. We set about to collect the captured humans. The poison used this time was a numbness medicine that had an instantaneous effect. A soldier exposed to this venom falls to the ground like butter, though not dead, return to this battle would be impossible.
I moved quickly using [Tone of Red Crystal] and [Job Minstrel] to issue directions. While the enemy is subdued, it is best to not get carried away and remain cautious. Enemies from the surrounding area could be drawn due to the extensive explosions left by the burst seeds. Given the circumstances, each person's orders were carried out dutifully.
Ah yes, among the ten knights i sent in to scatter the burst seeds, three of them were consumed in the explosion, two were injured from the explosion and the fragmentation caused by the seeds while five of them were unhurt and managed to return. That was the extent of our casualties. All enemies who were still alive were collected; those injured from the explosion were treated. Any of the humans that fell victim to the explosion and were killed were consumed.
Those who fought well get to eat, and as long as they continue to be of use will be used until death. This is a principle of mine when handling my forces.
Well, the amount captured were few, but as usual, cuffs and a collar are put on, and the domination of the senses takes over. I take my share of the hearts and materials gained in the skirmish.
Ability unlocked [Continuation Thrust]
Ability unlocked [Greater Stabbing]
Ability unlocked [Higher Sneak]
Ability unlocked [Armor Pierce]
Ability unlocked [Dancing Kenarashi]
Ability unlocked [Attacking Force]
Ability unlocked [Job-Ranger]
Ability unlocked [Job-Occupation and Supply Soldier]
Some of the warfare [Arts] (Cleaner-Previously referred to as [Combat Maneuver Arts] will now just be called warfare [Arts]) that I had discussed with the Rusty Iron Knight earlier were obtained. These were [Continuation Thrust] and [Dancing Kenarashi]. It has been clear that some experimentation with these new [Arts] will increase their effectiveness in actual use. But for now, I am satisfied with my gains.
The spoils were brought home along with the new prisoners of war.
The captured supply soldiers weren't really strong, so I will just use them as sacrificial pawns in the future - they are honestly really delicate. In regards to the captured supplies, under the current circumstances, I determined I'll pass half of it to the Elven army. I'll be asking for a reasonable reward for my efforts of course.
With the current situation, it was determined best for me to escort the supplies to Father elf for him to buy. The price was determined to be several magic items. I passed on some information over some Elvish wine and returned to the cave.
According to what we know so far, the humans are after a special and very rare elixir created with the blessing [Dark green Demigod]. Although the Kingdom is powerful, but since the medicine is unbelievably rare, and has a near cure-all effect, it is almost impossible to find. Well Father Elf decided it was safest to give me the elixir for safe keeping.
I started to contemplate this conflict between the two parties and why an "Ogre" had to be the one to discuss peace. Such a thing is bothersome, but I received some alcohol for the labor so I guess it's fine.
Just then the idea hit me, I opened the flask and downed the elixir.
Ability unlocked [High-Speed Reproduction]
Ability unlocked [Elixir of Blood]
! ...
My blood became the elixir. I test this on a slave that has not recovered from his injuries yet-
...
The injury recovered completely in an instant...
Just... what... This actually makes me worried.
If such a thing got out, species from all over will be likely to target the Ogre who's blood is worth more than gold... I am seriously fearful on this one. Although the recovery capability is insane, I actually don't feel that this is enough to exchange for this extreme r