5 Dire wolves (1)

The days that followed were filled with an eerie calmness that hung in the air like a prelude to a storm. Ourin Ironguard had gathered the thirteen members of his alliance, known as the [Steelcrest Alliance], to discuss strategies. Everyone possessed the right to speak their minds. As days passed, they honed their sword skills, gathered medicinal herbs from the untamed wilderness, and trained relentlessly as a united force.

However, they were not the only ones who had thought of doing this. George Sarranid, son of a count, had founded a similar alliance. However, his benevolence, good looks and status allowed him to attract even more youths. His group reached roughly 30 members.

The goal of founding an alliance was not just for the Great Plains. Ourin saw an opportunity in this. This alliance was a small circle which he would be able to exploit later on, in their respective magical academies. Exchange of information, or even expeditions...Having trustworthy allies was a must for survival when you did not have cheats.

Late into the night, a few girls from the Steelcrest Alliance carefully embroidered the azure Steel Shield crest, symbolizing their newly founded, onto their garments and the leather armours worn by the boys. Meanwhile, some of the boys were cooking the rabbits Ourin and Harry caught in the forest.

"The four carriages are occupied by different factions" Anna Bellford, the daughter a Viscount, spoke up. Although she was weaker than Harry, who had reached the preparatory knight realm, she possessed an remarkable talent of spearmanship. Because of her fighting prowess, she had been promoted to be Ourin's most trusted subordinate after Harry. With determination in her eyes, she had investigated the other carriages to gain valuable information.

She shared her findings with the group: "Our faction is currently in the third carriage, and we are likely the most united among them all. The crossbows we managed to secure in our last town stop also makes us the strongest ones in terms of pure equipment. Each carriage is guarded by five black-robed knights, while the white-robed acolytes seem uninterested in engaging in battles. The first carriage belongs to the [Work Alliance], and the second and fourth carriages belong to the [Furze Alliance]. However, the Furze Alliance is less cohesive and there are internal conflicts, mainly youths disappointed by George's leadership"

Ourin nodded, acknowledging the information. Without Leylin to support George, the project of establishing an alliance as big as the Furze Alliance was very difficult. This had been one of the reasons why Ourin valued loyalty and order more than numbers and strength. A united alliance would have better odds of survival than a group of strong individuals against the threats they would have to face.

On their carriage, Ourin looked at his personal crossbow and the piercing bolts he had made from branches and steel heads. His crossbow was very strong, and the requirement to draw the crossbow was roughly 80 pounds, meaning that anyone with less than two points of strength based on his biochip's evaluation standards, would fail to use it.

This strategic plan had been meticulously discussed and devised collectively. The formation consisted of two lines, with five warriors in the first and four in the second. This allowed them to rotate during extended battles, providing rest for the weary and enabling those who had recovered to continue fighting. As for him, he would shoot from afar, helping the formations in case one of his allies fell in combat.

The next day, bells reverberated, waking everyone from their slumber.

*DONG*

*DONG *

The signal for retreat to the carriages sounded a miles away. Typically, the threat was minor, involving a few bandits or desperate wild beasts.

However, this time, Ourin's sharp senses allowed him to identify the number, strength, and locations of the approaching wild beasts with impressive accuracy.

[Beep!]

[Warning! Warning! Dangerous creatures are approaching! 228 [Dire Wolves] have been identified. Estimated attributes: Strength between 1 and 3, Dexterity between 2 and 3, Vitality between 1 and 4]

The girls inside the carriage gasped, and some of the boys felt a surge of intimidation at the overwhelming number of beasts charging towards them.

Remaining composed, Ourin smiled and addressed his comrades, "Fear not, my friends. I promise you that we will survive this ordeal as long as you follow my lead! Stick to the plan, and do not leave your position unless I command it!"

His words carried the strength of a true leader.

Drawing his crossbow, Ourin acknowledged that he too felt fear coursing through him. It had only been a month and a half since he reincarnated into this world. He had killed Leylin, trained and became the leader of a powerful alliance of nobles. Now, clad in armor and facing numerous gigantic monsters, he was overwhelmed by the perilous reality of his new life. However, just as his responsibilities and the risk of death weighed on his shoulders, Ourin entered a state of flow. It was confidence. Fear was but the symptom of doing something important.