- Fantasy Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence
- FLDI Chapter 31
Chapter 31: The First Pioneering War
Standing atop the platform, Thor gazed at the expressions of the serfs below. A smile crept onto his face. This was exactly the result he had hoped for. He hadn’t mobilized the troops immediately upon his return, not only because preparations were necessary, but also because he wanted the news to spread and ferment.
After all, mobilizing a group of apathetic people wasn’t easy.
However, when hope is ignited, rallying them becomes much simpler.
“By the grace of the Goddess of Life, I offer you a chance at rebirth.”
“You will once again have the opportunity to bask in the radiant light of the Goddess of Life!”
“Today, I will lead an expansion war against a goblin tribe. I promise that anyone who slays three timid goblins in this battle will have the opportunity to be freed from their status as serfs. Those who slay ten goblins, I, as the lord of Eagle Ridge, pledge not only to free you from serfdom but to also grant you the chance to join the reserve knight corps, giving you the opportunity to become a knight.”
“Will you fight alongside me?”
Thor’s voice, amplified by his life force, resonated throughout the entire crowd.
As soon as his words echoed, the 3,500 people gathered below turned red-eyed with excitement.
The newcomers, in particular, were especially affected, but even the 500 original residents were deeply moved.
Though Thor had previously promised that hard work could lead to freedom from serfdom, the timeline and specific conditions were unclear.
This time, however, Thor provided a clear path and attainable conditions.
Three timid goblins. If they could kill just three, they would be freed from their serfdom.
Although this would require fighting, they weren’t too afraid, as the goblins were known to be weak. They saw this as a feasible goal.
Even more thrilling was the promise that those who killed ten timid goblins could join the reserve knight corps, with a chance to become knights.
This possibility sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Knighthood represented the possibility of becoming a noble—a key step in achieving social mobility in this world.
Such an opportunity would drive even freemen to madness, let alone serfs.
And now, at Eagle Ridge, it was no different.
“Master!”
“Master!”
“We are willing to fight alongside our lord!”
A thunderous response erupted from the crowd. All 3,500 people shouted, their voices filled with heavy, excited breaths.
“Good!”
“I, as the lord of Eagle Ridge, have heard your response.”
“May the Goddess of Life bless you!”
Thor nodded, then waved his hand.
At that moment, the reserve knights began distributing the weapons Thor had purchased in Lorren City.
These weapons had cost him a fair amount of gold, but the expense was necessary at this point.
The weapons were distributed, and all 3,500 serfs, including the recently freed freemen, were filled with excitement and anticipation.
“Let’s move out!”
Seeing the eager and expectant faces, Thor drew his knight’s sword and gave the order.
In that moment, he was full of vigor and confidence, already envisioning his victory.
A great knight, over thirty full knights, more than a hundred apprentice knights, 200 reserve knights, and 3,500 serfs.
Against a tribe of 5,000 to 6,000 timid goblins, he couldn’t foresee failure.
He was confident that, with the use of wildfire oil, they could prevent any goblins from escaping.
The force set out in high spirits, their target being the large timid goblin tribe.
They covered dozens of miles, and by the next day, they were already near the goblin tribe’s stronghold.
With a wave of Thor’s hand, the group halted, and he quickly gave orders.
He instructed 3,000 of the serfs to form a wide semicircle, gradually encircling the large timid goblin tribe.
His plan was simple.
The main cavalry force would charge straight into the goblin stronghold, and they would ignite the tribe with wildfire oil. The ensuing chaos would allow them to slaughter the goblins.
With 400 knights attacking from the front and 3,500 serfs cutting off any escape routes, Thor was confident that no goblins would escape.
“Raine , I’m entrusting these men to you!”
“I’ll assign you three knights, thirty apprentice knights, and a hundred reserve knights. Don’t let me down.”
Thor turned to Raine as he issued the command.
“Yes, my lord!” Raine replied, his excitement evident.
This was the first time he would be leading a knight corps, along with more than 3,000 serfs—a testament to the immense trust the lord had in him.
Though he felt nervous, he was also thrilled.
“Steve!”
After giving instructions to Raine , Thor turned to Steve.
“Yes, my lord!” Steve responded respectfully.
“Check the supplies and inspect the wildfire oil. We’ll move out in two hours.”
Thor gave his next command promptly.
“Yes, my lord!” Steve quickly nodded and hurried off.
Steve and Raine both moved into action swiftly.
Raine organized the 3,000 serfs, spreading them out to encircle the goblin tribe.
Meanwhile, Steve checked the supplies and the weapons.
Time passed.
Two hours later, Thor mounted his warhorse.
More than 200 knights did the same.
“Victory is ours!” Thor’s voice boomed.
“Victory!”
“Victory!”
The 200 knights shouted in unison.
With that, they galloped off like a raging storm, heading straight for the large goblin tribe.
The ground trembled beneath the thunderous charge of over 200 knights.
They crossed the few remaining miles in no time.
The loud commotion quickly alerted the timid goblins.
Inside a cavernous mine, a group of goblins, noticeably larger than typical timid goblins, gathered.
At the center stood an even bigger goblin, clutching a staff, its eyes closed in concentration.
Suddenly, a panic-stricken goblin burst into the cavern.
“Something’s wrong! Something’s wrong!”
“Humans are coming!”
The goblin’s frantic cries sent a wave of panic through the timid goblins inside the cavern.
Goblins were among the lowest of the beast races. In most beast tribes, they were little more than food. Against humans, they were nearly always slaughtered.
Even the goblin leader, upon hearing that humans were approaching, couldn’t help but feel a surge of fear.
(End of Chapter)