C7 Saving the Civet Clan!

Lin Mo carefully tallied the numbers; the squad before him was comprised of sixty to seventy individuals.

Beyond the twenty to thirty ordinary folk, the remainder were knights of at least Rank One, with the squad being led by a formidable Rank Four Mage!

In stark contrast to the Civet Clan, which lacked even a single Rank Two Warrior, this assembly was nothing short of opulent.

A Rank Four Mage – the Humanity Empire was certainly not skimping. Lin Mo mused to himself with a sense of awe.

Given the profession's unique capabilities, a Rank Three Mage could sway the outcome of a battle involving a hundred combatants, to say nothing of one of Rank Four.

The path to becoming a mage demanded exceptional talent and consumed vast resources. As such, mages of Rank Four and higher typically aligned themselves with royal families across the empires or founded their own schools, seldom joining military ranks.

It was no mystery then why the Civet Clan had been subdued. With a Rank Four Mage at the helm, even if two additional tribes of Beastmen were to join the fray, their efforts would be futile.

"Mother! My people!"

From her perch in the trees, Qingyou gazed down at the imprisoned matriarch and members of the Civet Clan, her eyes blazing with fury, her knuckles white from the intensity of her grip.

"Young Patriarch, with that Rank Four Mage among them, can we truly prevail?"

The presence of the Rank Four Mage continued to intimidate the Cat-men, prompting a hesitant inquiry.

"Silence! You've borne witness to the divine, how can you utter such foolishness! We of the Civet Clan have pledged our unwavering devotion to the God of Flames. Question our faith again, and face exile from our ranks," Qingyou retorted, her voice icy with conviction.

"I... I apologize! It won't happen again," stammered the Cat-man, drenched in sweat, as he quickly sought forgiveness.

Lin Mo's approval grew as he observed Qingyou's unshakable faith.

Determined to earn the Cat-men's absolute allegiance, Lin Mo resolved to unveil the full extent of his power.

As a breeze stirred, Lin Mo seized the moment, springing from Qingyou's grasp and gliding on the wind down towards the human squad below.

"The God of Flames has felt my devotion. Come, follow me swiftly to liberate our kin under the divine's guidance."

As Lin Mo sprang into action, Qingyou let out an exhilarated cry. All the Cat-men in the trees followed her lead, leaping down to the ground.

"Oh? If it isn't the Cat-men who fled. You've got the nerve to return? Very well, I shall mete out punishment with the harshest of ice magic. You will atone for your sins amidst the agony of your trembling souls!"

The sight of Qingyou and her companions prompted a sneer from the Rank Four Mage. Brandishing his blue staff with a swagger, he taunted them.

"Qingyou, my child, why have you returned? Hurry, take your clansmen and flee!"

The Spirit Cat Clan's Patriarch, trapped in a cage, was taken aback and shouted urgently.

"You vile human scoundrels, we have secured the blessing of the deities. Mother, my kin, fear not. The gods will lead our Civet Clan into the future!"

Undaunted, Qingyou stood her ground against the human knights and the Rank Four Mage, her voice ringing clear and defiant.

"Heh, which god would bother to protect such lowly orcs? You must be mad with despair. Well then, out of pity, I shall grant you release..."

With a scornful laugh, the Rank Four Mage lifted his staff, aiming it at Qingyou.

Boom!

In an instant, a fiery red mushroom cloud erupted at the heart of the human squad. The knights were scorched, screaming for mercy, while the ordinary human soldiers were incinerated into black ash.