Chapter 168 They're wise, but their perspective is limited
Black Forest, Southern Dense Woods.
"Elder, the traps are set. Should we start driving the beast tide?"
The speaker was a Geckos leader from the cannon fodder troops, assigned to Rockwell for this beast tide operation.
Rockwell, now noticeably taller and more imposing than before, leaned against a massive tree, his gaze fixed on the southern forest.
"A gnoll scout just reported that the hexapods are veering off course, away from the traps we've set."
"We can't let them escape!"
Rockwell's eyes narrowed with determination. He was filled with ambition for this beast tide.
He was on the verge of reaching the peak of hero-level, soon to enter the ranks eligible for Alpha-level resources.
Rockwell understood that to secure Alpha-level resources, strength alone wasn't enough—he needed to amass significant battle achievements.
Currently, he had two competitors: Earthshaker and Desdemona.
Most believed Earthshaker to be Rockwell's greatest rival, and Rockwell had thought the same at first.
But after consulting Prophet Onyx, Rockwell learned that Desdemona, the succubus elder, was even stronger than him.
This realization put immense pressure on Rockwell.
The beast tide was his chance to accumulate achievements and surpass both Earthshaker and Desdemona.
"Prepare yourselves. We'll circle around and drive the hexapods back into the traps!"
"Whether we feast on meat or gnaw on bark in the coming days depends on this hunt!"
The Geckos leader, hearing this, grew visibly excited.
According to the Stoneheart Horde's rules, participants in large-scale hunts were entitled to a share of the prey after the horde took its portion.
While the cannon fodder troops received a smaller share, the sheer volume of the beast tide meant they could still secure a substantial amount of food.
"Elder, we'll follow your lead! Anyone who disobeys, I'll personally whip them into shape!"
Rockwell nodded slightly, his attitude toward the Geckos leader neither warm nor cold.
---
Elsewhere in the forest, the succubus elders Desdemona and Vespera had gathered.
They were among the key planners of this hunting operation.
This hunt wasn't just a test for the eight council elders—it was also a competition among them.
"Elder Desdemona, has our queen given any instructions?"
Desdemona shook her head. Her once-perfect figure had begun to show signs of age, losing the allure of her youth.
But her wisdom had only grown with time.
"Vespera, this time, we're on our own."
"With so many gnolls and geckos assisting us, you should have more confidence!"
Vespera was still young. Though she had been chosen as one of the eight council elders, her mindset remained rooted in the succubus clan's traditional ways.
In other words, Vespera was still somewhat fearful and anxious about facing the beast tide.
"This time, our goal is to work together to hunt as many beasts as possible and stockpile food for the horde's winter reserves."
"Don't think about anything else!"n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
"With our queen and her sister here, the succubus clan will not decline within the Stoneheart Horde. On the contrary, we will only grow stronger."
"As for us, we need to keep a low profile and focus on honing our skills."
"Work hard with me, Vespera!"
Vespera nodded. She trusted Desdemona's words. Read new adventures at empire
After all, Desdemona had been an elder of the succubus clan since Vespera was a child.
---
On a forested hill, Prophet Onyx and Rendall sat across from each other, their gazes fixed on the plains and woods in the distance.
"The chieftain has summoned another council meeting. Do you think something major has happened?"
Rendall's tone carried a hint of worry. He always felt uneasy without knowing the specifics.
"Relax. With the chieftain in Blackstone City, nothing will go wrong."
"Besides, the chieftain's orders were for us to return after the hunt, which means it's not urgent."
Prophet Onyx's calm words eased Rendall's concerns somewhat.
Shifting the topic, Rendall brought up the current hunt.
"I've noticed that the two succubus elders, while putting in effort, aren't giving it their all."
Rendall wasn't particularly clever, but his experience allowed him to pick up on certain things.
"They're wise, but their perspective is limited."
"No matter how strong the succubus clan becomes, Chieftain Orion will always have room for them."
"They underestimate the chieftain's vision and ambition. They haven't yet adapted to the horde's pace of development."
"I suspect Delilah hasn't guided them because she wants them to figure it out on their own."
"After all, they're both intelligent and far more cunning than most."
As Prophet Onyx spoke, his gaze shifted to Rockwell, who was driving the beast tide below. A satisfied smile appeared on his face.
Understanding Orion's ambitions, Prophet Onyx had given Rockwell some guidance, instilling in him a sense of purpose and drive.
This drive was a vital energy, a spirit that could influence both temperament and cultivation.
If Rockwell maintained this energy, it would make his eventual advancement to Alpha-level much smoother.
This was an advantage the two succubus elders lacked.
"Succubi always overthink things."
Rendall agreed with Prophet Onyx, feeling that Desdemona and Vespera were too cautious and indirect in their actions.
---
Meanwhile, as the cannon fodder troops actively hunted the beast tide, Orion was awakened by the playful laughter of children outside his tent.
"Whose brats are making such a racket outside my tent so early in the morning?"
Orion grumbled, still nestled under the animal skins, holding a naked Lilith in his arms. He kissed her nipple lightly.
"My dear Orion, have you forgotten?"
"The ones practicing combat techniques outside are your new disciple and a group of younglings!"
Orion, who had been about to close his eyes and laze in bed a little longer, suddenly opened them wide in realization.
"Rolan?"
"Exactly!" Lilith giggled.
Orion gave Lilith's firm buttocks a light slap, signaling her to get up and help him dress.
Nearby, Lysinthia and Violet also opened their eyes.
To Orion's surprise, it was Violet who got up first to assist Lilith in dressing him.
"Master!"
Orion responded with a soft hum and kissed Violet lightly.
"Master!"
Lysinthia leaned in as well, and Orion kissed her too.
"Well, since you're all awake, why don't you prepare something delicious? Rolan is still growing, and as his elders, you shouldn't hold back on your cooking skills."