These Ratmen, holding all sorts of odd weapons and screeching chaotically, showed not a hint of their usual slickness and cowardice—each charged faster than the last, as if drugged.
As long as the dark shadow behind them pointed forward, they seemed utterly oblivious to the heavy great swords in the Minotaur Samurai's hands or their formidable size, standing twice as tall as the Ratmen themselves.
The Department of Justice makes the best enforcers. Once a contract is agreed upon, they can execute it forcefully. Wherever they are, the morale of these Ratmen is locked at full—whether it truly was full didn't matter.
In any case, none would flee even if it meant being the last to die.
It must be said, such expendable tools, whose deaths would cause no grief, are dreadfully useful.
With a wave of Huai Shi's hand, within the area covered by the Buried Sacred Place, the horde of Ratmen paused in action, and their fur rapidly hardened. Sharp, toxic crystals with edges and corners began to grow all over their bodies.
A large amount of toxin merged into their blood, quickly stimulating hormone secretion. The toxin itself, which could be used as stimulants and illicit drugs, spread through their blood and spinal cords. This caused their muscles to swell instantly as they entered a thoroughly berserk state.
"For the smelly hag!!!" Those creatures gasped violently, their faces contorted into stupefied smiles as they excitedly shouted nonsensical things. Their eyes were bloodshot, and they drooled while lunging at the Minotaurs. Then, naturally, those who charged first and fastest were cleaved in two by the sweeping great swords.
Splashes of fluid flew, and the manner of death was too gruesome to bear.
The collapse was instantaneous.
However, the Minotaur Warriors did not show any sign of pride or joy, instead becoming even more solemn. Killing these creatures required no effort at all, but what about after that? These weren't mere Ratmen; they were clearly suicide bombers charging forth, filled with poison! It wasn't a question of whether they could be beaten, but how messy and disgusting the aftermath would be.
But now that the battle had begun, hesitation and cowardice meant certain death.
Minotaurs naturally possess extraordinary physique and resistance. Although the toxins were dreadful, they would not die immediately. As long as they could resolve the situation quickly, they could buy time to inject Antidote and find a cure.
Without any hesitation, the Minotaur Warriors roared and quickly switched formations. A few Minotaurs wielding large shields moved to the forefront, forming a wedge formation. They ignored the offensive of the Ratmen and the Undead Army, heading straight towards Huai Shi.
Faster than them were the dark shadows swooping down from the sky.
The Gargoyles that had been hovering for some time finally made their move.
With giant bat wings folded, they swooped down, hurling their javelins with the force of the dive.
In the thunderous noise of Space Break, the javelins instantly penetrated the heavy shields and lodged deep into the lungs of the Minotaur Warriors. A simple dive completely crushed the Minotaurs' counterattack.
Straight after, the disbanded formation of the Minotaurs was swallowed up by the Undead Army's cavalry.
Despite the undeniable difference in size, the mobile Undead Army would not tangle head-on with them. Only after two distant volleys did they draw their Curved Knives and charge.
In just half a minute, a team of forty heavily armored Minotaur infantry was utterly defeated.
In the chaos, the team leader, far from giving up hope, picked up a large shield from a fallen comrade, stood firm against the Undead Army's charge, and dashed madly towards Huai Shi.
The fearsome mass of over four hundred kilograms trampled the earth. THUD. THUD. THUD.
The burly Minotaur took cover behind the large shield, rushing at Huai Shi with reckless abandon.
As the iron bulwark advanced, the shield scraped against the ground, creating sparks.
In the oncoming hurricane, Huai Shi lifted his hand and thrust forward with his sword in a moment too close to call.
The Sword of Virtue pierced through steel and, despite the heavy shield, like a hot knife through butter, ran through the Minotaur's reddening face and emerged from the back of the skull. Then, the charging Minotaur passed by Huai Shi. The heavy shield brushed Huai Shi's robes and hurtled forward.
Only after running dozens of meters did it slowly come to a stop.
Kneeling on the ground, it did not get up again.
"Everyone, don't waste time outside, look for signs of the Exploration Team. I will deal with that thing in the sky—"
Huai Shi flicked his sword, flinging the blood from the blade, and gave the command with his head held high.
The sharp sound of a flute burst forth.
The roars of Alien Species resounded once more.
The agitated beast horde sensed the situation here. Hidden among them, hunchbacked pipers blew several sharp notes. The monsters, lured by the flute's call, let out restless shrieks.
In the blaze, the rampaging beast horde abruptly turned around. More Abyss Heterogeneous, attracted by the firelight, were also immersed in the lure of the flute's call, recklessly hurling themselves towards this location.
Amid noisy sounds, Huai Shi paused in action. He suddenly looked up, towards the sky.
Sharp steel lights fell from above.
Surprise attack!