Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 11 Archers

In the northeast direction of the forest farm, a clearing has been specially set up, with targets erected every hundred meters. These are all wooden figures made of ebony, which are very durable.

The arrows were driven deep into the center of the target's chest cavity, each one hitting its mark perfectly.

Archer (Castle Tier 1, Level 2 Unit): Attack 6, Defense 3, Ammo 12, Damage 2-3, Health 10, Speed ​​4, Small Size.

Element: None. Ranged Units

Upon the arrival of the forestry owner, the soldiers demonstrated their archery skills. The commander gave a signal, and immediately, someone, carrying an apple on their head, weaved between the wooden targets. The figure moved so fast, blurring the lines between the wood and the target, that it was impossible to see with the naked eye.

The commander drew two arrows, aimed at the target a hundred meters away, and fired them in quick succession.

One arrow shot down the apple, and another arrow pinned the flying apple firmly to the center of the target behind it, drawing cheers from the crowd.

"Good archery skills!"

Su Mu was full of praise for the superb skills.

"Your name is Ouling, right? Do you have a surname?"

Ouling stood upright, showing no fear in front of his new master: "Master, we are all country bumpkins, we only have martial arts skills, we have no surnames."

Indeed, the Terran units are produced from the grassroots level, and barracks buildings only serve a training function. The effort required to transform an ordinary peasant into a Tier 2 unit is considerable.

"Tell me about the things you did before!"

Ouling looked troubled upon hearing this, involuntarily clenching his fists with anger, but remained silent.

Knowing what the other party was worried about, Su Mu picked up his bow and arrow and shot at the target a hundred meters away.

Despite the hero attribute bonus, his archery skills were still lacking, barely hitting the target. However, the archers rarely saw nobles with such skills, and their goodwill towards their new master immediately increased.

Su Mu shook his head and threw the bow aside: "I still haven't grasped the essence of this thing."

Come on, you guys, let's get moving.

The people Su Mu pointed to were all following Ou Ling, and it was clear at a glance that they were the elites of the team.

The group looked at each other, then at their commander, but did not move.

"What, you're useless without bows and arrows? I spent a fortune to redeem you, what a waste!"

Ouling took off his gloves: "Since the master wants to test our abilities, let's stop hiding them!"

With the commander's approval, the archers no longer held back and stood at the four corners, subtly forming an encirclement.

Ouling faced Su Mu, took out a wooden dagger from his leg wraps, and approached him head-on.

He knew that nobles trained in martial arts from a young age, and some even had exposure to magic; they were no ordinary people. Since Su Mu dared to say that, he must possess considerable combat strength. However, the other party still underestimated the level of archers. Their skills, honed through years of battlefield combat, were far superior to the frivolous tricks and gimmicks used to please noblewomen.

Let's show them what we're made of today, and then go easy on them at the last minute. This way, we won't embarrass Su Mu, and we can make him take us seriously.

But before he could get close, Su Mu had already swept down two archers like a whirlwind, both of them punched in the ribs and in excruciating pain.

The remaining two immediately became alert, only to find that Su Mu possessed extraordinary strength. Without their bows and arrows, they were no match for him and were quickly taken down.

In the end, only Ouling was left. He seized the opportunity to run away with his dagger, but Su Mu seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. He attacked Ouling's wrist and knocked the dagger away, and the two engaged in hand-to-hand combat.

At this moment, Ouling had no more room for modesty. He discovered that Su Mu's seemingly frail body contained powerful energy. He had felt this familiar feeling before from the most dazzling people in the castle.

"knight?"

Su Mu didn't answer him. He threw two heavy punches, knocking Ou Ling to the ground, and then threw several more punches until Ou Ling was unable to defend himself.

As expected of a junior commander, he has good resilience. The opponent's only disadvantage is that his ranged units have reduced damage in close combat (half the damage). Otherwise, with my hero's stats, it would be really difficult to deal with him.

【Oling: Attack 12, Defense 6, Ammo 24, Damage 4-6, Health 20, Speed ​​6, Small size.

Loyalty: 35, Element: None. Ranged unit.

Characteristics: adventurous, responsible, hardworking

Archer Commander: Superb archery skills ensure your first arrow always hits its target, dealing maximum damage.

"Fine, I was just taking advantage of you not having bows and arrows, that's not heroism!"

Su Mu felt bored and was about to get up and leave.

Ouling struggled to his feet and stared at his opponent: "A bet is a bet! Archers' weakness is close-quarters combat. On the battlefield, we won't set up a formation in advance to give everyone ample time to prepare."

They always thought their archery skills were unparalleled, capable of keeping enemies at bay from a hundred meters away. Now look at them, how pathetic they are when they get close.

The soldiers were still somewhat unconvinced, but after hearing Ouling's words, they felt ashamed and inferior. After all, there are no rules on the battlefield; anyone can do whatever it takes to defeat the enemy.

Su Mu waved his hand: "Each type of soldier has its own strengths. Archers can deal ranged damage, but their power naturally decreases when the enemy gets close."

If you two are truly skilled with both bows and spears, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to hire you with my limited funds!

Hahahahaha! "

Seeing that Su Mu was straightforward and generous, without any aristocratic airs, the soldiers immediately felt closer to him.

After tidying up his men, Ouling followed Su Mu into the camp.

"My lord, are you perhaps a knight?"

"You can understand that."

Su Mu pondered for a moment, then offered no further explanation. The division of heroic professions was rather intricate, and ordinary people might not understand it. Besides, Ouling hadn't fully gained his trust yet, so it wasn't wise to say too much. In any case, these soldiers had the deepest impression of knights, so it would be good to use their reputation as leverage. He gently raised his hand, and Ouling immediately felt a surge of power within him, and his vision became even wider. If he were to fire an arrow at this moment, it would surely cause even greater damage.

"I am willing to serve you, sir!"

Ouling knew how terrifying knights were. Although Su Mu did not yet have such strong leadership abilities, his talent was already remarkable. Given time, he would surely make a name for himself in the kingdom.

This time he did not hesitate and recounted his previous experience: "Our unit was originally under the command of Baron Lille, who was an old friend of the former Marquess of Garfield, and was therefore sent to guard Longleat Castle."

However, after the Marquess of Garfield passed away, he left behind only a young daughter, whose right to succession was coveted by many.

Once, during a hunting trip, thieves broke into the hunting grounds and nearly kidnapped Garfield's eldest daughter. We, as guards, fought desperately to stop them, and ultimately prevented them from succeeding.

However, the nobles still punished us, saying we were colluding with thieves, and imprisoned us all.

"Although no one confessed, they were still convicted under torture."

The result was that this elite archer unit was exiled to the wilderness, where they were taken in by a refugee camp and then rescued by you.

Su Mu nodded, surprised that it was his superior who had caused this mess. He had heard about the situation in Langlitburg, and it was no surprise that this archer squad had been blocking someone's way.

The struggle for territory involves more than just fighting; politics is equally fraught with danger. Nobles, using their status, can manipulate and destroy these common soldiers.

"Didn't anyone from the Garfield family speak up for you?"

Ouling's eyes were filled with rage: "They're the ones who identified them!"

This……

Su Mu was stunned. Indeed, Ou Ling and the others were sent by the Baron, and only the master could convict them.

There's probably some kind of exchange involved, and Ouling and his group have become the victims.

Su Mu patted Ou Ling on the shoulder and comforted her, "You have the strength. Follow me into battle, and you will be rewarded for your merits."

"Chaos has descended, and Longlet Castle is leaderless, filled with degenerate scoundrels. I will take you back."

Orling prostrated himself on the ground: "The archer is at your service!"

Su Mu added, "Although your archery skills are currently quite good, you can't be considered elites yet. In forest warfare, if you can master the essence of the elements, you will achieve twice the result with half the effort."

After a few days of rest, I will find an opportunity for you to undergo an elemental baptism!

This time, Ouling was truly stunned.

Regular units can be promoted. For example, an archer is only a Tier 2, Tier 1 unit, but if they continue to hone their archery skills, they can be promoted to a Tier 2 unit. In addition, there is a chance to master elemental techniques, which imbue normal attacks with elemental magic.

This magic was originally reserved for heroes, but troops have a chance to receive elemental blessings during regular training, greatly enhancing their corresponding abilities.

Such troops are often the elite forces of various noble families, and are their trump cards.

To encounter a knight in such an obscure little place is already surprising enough, but to have the chance to advance to an elemental archer is simply incredible luck.

Ouling almost collapsed to the ground, trying to kiss Su Mu's shoes.

Su Mu accepted his loyalty and instructed him to first organize the archers before setting off in a few days.

The matter was only just beginning to unfold when, after he handed over some tips at the tavern, he finally received definite news.

If we can improve the archers' combat strength, we will have some initiative in the subsequent defense.

After all, with flying units not available, it goes without saying how powerful the Castle Archer is.

He waved for Ouling to leave, and the moment the tent flap was drawn, Su Mu's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

[Oling: Loyalty 45 (increased by 10 on top of the base value due to temporary exchange of benefits)]

Charm 80.

Archer Commander: Superb archery skills ensure your first arrow always hits, dealing maximum damage (the first two arrows are guaranteed to hit).

The influence of governance is powerful, almost directly controlling the soul level.

Despite flexing his muscles, offering benefits, and exerting influence in power, Su Muxiu only managed to increase loyalty by 10.

It seems that Ouling's emotional outburst just now was somewhat staged.

He said the squad was betrayed by the Garfield family, but the weak family couldn't even protect its own people, and they were probably torn apart by the wolves long ago.

There's probably more to the story.

The human heart is a deep and unfathomable place.

The effects of the art of observing qi are even more concrete in reality, enabling one to distinguish between loyalty and treachery in advance.

However, Ouling didn't seem to have any ill intentions; otherwise, the Qi Observation Technique would not only have prompted an exchange of benefits but would have issued a strong warning.

Moreover, the entire squad was branded with the shame of traitors, and those veterans were still completely obedient to Ouling. It was extremely rare for an ordinary commander to have 80 charisma.

If they can be subdued, they should be subdued as much as possible. If they cannot be used by him, as long as they have fulfilled their duty as guards, Su Mu will give them the option to choose.

With such a difficult start, having an elemental archer team is definitely a trump card.

But if Ouling thinks they are so important and has other intentions, then he is overestimating himself.

What he can give, he can also take back.

(End of this chapter)