Chapter 734

Chapter 734: The Attack Operation

The forest east of Stonewatch Keep connected to the vast Gnoll woods further east. Jesse remembered passing through here with Vereesa on their way to the Badlands, where they could even glimpse part of the Tower of Ilgalar from Redridge’s ridge.

February arrived with lingering snow in the woods, though high branches already sprouted new buds.

Most old leaves and twigs still clung to trees. Sunlight filtering through the forest cast dying browns against fresh greens, creating an oddly desolate feeling.

Stonewatch’s cavalry had entered the woods from the north, staging a diversion against the Gnoll stronghold hidden in Redridge’s foothill caves and ravines. Per Captain Troteman’s orders, an apprentice mage would approach their camp to unleash fire, drawing enough attention to lure Ilgalar’s Gnolls northward.

Even with Stormwind and Lakeshire reinforcements, Stonewatch’s forces remained outnumbered by the Mage Tower defenders and surrounding Gnolls. A direct assault would cost heavy casualties even with Jesse’s help.

Captain Troteman planned to distract them with a small cavalry unit—a tactic that always worked against single-minded Gnolls obsessed with protecting their tribal altars.

Fifty-odd soldiers accompanied Captain Troteman and Jesse, wearing basic breastplates and helmets while wielding spears or sword-and-shield combinations. Since Gnolls favored crossbows—especially when assaulting a Mage Tower housing both warlocks and Gnoll Guardians—maximal protection was essential.

Jesse noted their gear was battered and dented, helmets especially cratered by Orc blows—likely uncomfortable to wear.

At noon, a scout reported to Troteman, who turned to his crouched troops: "The Mage Tower Gnolls headed north! We move now! Our cavalry can’t hold them long or they’ll be surrounded! Elite Gnoll Guardians still protect the tower alongside warlocks. Now’s our moment, lads!"

Soldiers nodded and followed Troteman deeper through thick woods.

Crossing a ridge revealed the Tower of Ilgalar atop a distant slope. Below lay a lowland strewn with camps and debris where five or six Gnolls lingered—though clearly built for twenty. Another camp near the tower held only one visible Gnoll crossbow sentry.

Soon that sentry ducked, sensing movement, then looked uphill before clutching his throat and collapsing. Another squad must’ve eliminated him with arrows—invisible at Jesse’s distance.

Troteman signaled advance. Archers picked off the remaining Gnolls below while infantry secured the camp.

Animal bones—including shattered human skulls—littered the ground. Soldiers cursed and clashed with arriving Gnoll patrollers, smashing campsites and cooking racks until chaos nearly erupted.

Many Stonewatch troops had lost comrades or kin to these Darkpaw tribes. Troteman bellowed for order: their priority was seizing Ilgalar Tower. Holding it would force Gnoll retreat.

After eliminating two patrol squads, soldiers advanced uphill toward the tower. A Gnoll peered from an upper window—Jesse’s cue.

He launched a Shadow Bolt through the opening. Exploding shadow corrosion engulfed the window, driving back shrieking Gnolls.

Jesse then noticed faint shadowlight emanating from the tower’s peak, just as predicted.

Other captains spotted it too. "The Gnolls will realize we’re after the tower soon, Captain Troteman. We must hurry."

"Watch for external Gnoll movements! Assault team—with me!" Troteman waved Jesse and better-equipped soldiers toward the tower steps. As they charged, a dark-purple curtain materialized at the entrance.

"Magic seal?" Troteman swore. "Since when do Gnolls craft such tricks? Must’ve learned from Orcs. Master Seso, can you breach it?"

"I’ll try."

Jesse approached, sensing the tower’s energy flow converging at a point sustaining the curtain. The Netherwalker’s shadow power fueled the entire structure.

Drawing Azuresong Mageblade, he cast Life Drain upon the shadow energy. Instantly connecting to the tower’s magic, his body became a vortex sucking shadows toward him. The curtain faded as the tower’s energy destabilized.

An enraged roar echoed above. The Gnolls dropped the barrier—realizing this strange warlock might drain even their power-supplying demon.

The chaotic shadows churned painfully inside Jesse. He steadied himself with deep breaths.

"Barrier’s down!" Troteman signaled. "Charge!"

"Hold, Captain." Jesse stopped him. "I sense many Gnoll warlocks inside. I’ve a safer, faster method—no frontline charge needed."