Chapter 086: Long-Range Before Charge

Half an hour earlier, the cannibalistic hunting party had arrived at the outskirts of the Black Rat Tribe, but they did not immediately attack. Instead, they rested while covertly observing the tribe, weary after a three-hour pursuit. Luo Chong also used this time to scout from a vantage point on the ridge, watching the cannibals and quickly regrouping his own tribe when he saw that the cannibals had not noticed him.

"Gather round, everyone. Let's share the jerky and take a quick break. Anyone has water? I'm dying of thirst here," Luo Chong whispered as he gathered his tribe in a hidden spot.

After rehydrating and sharing out food, Luo Chong explained his plan, "They're resting just over the ridge, on the other side. They'll be attacking soon."

"Attacking? Who are they attacking? Isn't that the Black Rat Tribe on the other side? Are they going to attack them?" one of the tribe members, Wood Barrel, asked while munching on jerky.

Luo Chong nodded silently as he continued eating.

"So, shouldn't we go warn them? The fight will start soon," Tree Trunk, another tribe member, expressed concern.

Luo Chong shook his head, "If we go now, the enemy might spot us. Plus, the Black Rat Tribe might not even believe us until it's too late. We'll help them once the fighting starts."

"But what are we going to do now? Should we help them defend?" Stone, always eager, chimed in.

"No, if we go now, we'd be at a disadvantage, and they might not even trust us. Wait until the battle begins. We'll attack from behind and surprise them. Just rest up now, I'll scout ahead a bit," Luo Chong said, then quietly moved towards the ridge to observe the enemy.

As Luo Chong predicted, the cannibalistic hunting party soon began their assault. From his observation post, he saw them advancing and quietly led his tribe to follow behind at a safe distance.

"Chief, shouldn't we help now?" Beast Fang asked as they moved.

"Not yet," Luo Chong replied, keeping his voice low. "If we attack now, they might retreat and focus on us instead. Do you want to be chased for another half-day?"

Understanding the strategy, the tribe members nodded, and they all held back, waiting for the right moment.

Once the cannibals reached the Black Rat Tribe's perimeter, Luo Chong gave the command. "Form up, target the fence at the bottom of the hill, angle your bows for a volley fire at 45 degrees."

"Can we really hit them from this far?" the tribe members questioned in surprise.

"Just follow orders. We'll discuss this later. Don't miss the opportunity to strike," Luo Chong commanded and released the first arrow himself.

The arrows flew in a high arc from the ridge, striking down at the cannibals as they tried to breach the Black Rat Tribe's defenses. The unexpected attack from behind confused and demoralized the cannibals, causing chaos in their ranks.

With the cannibals distracted and disoriented, Luo Chong shouted, "Cease fire! Let's move in closer and finish this." He and his warriors then charged down the hill, closing the distance for a more direct confrontation.

As they moved into position, the Han Tribe fighters switched to spears, preparing for close combat. Their arrival turned the tide of the battle, providing a much-needed advantage to the beleaguered Black Rat Tribe.

With the Han Tribe's support, the Black Rat Tribe found new hope. The combined forces of the two tribes overwhelmed the cannibals. Spears thrust and arrows flew, swiftly reducing the number of enemy fighters.

In the thick of battle, the strategies of long-range attacks followed by a forceful charge proved decisive. The cannibals, caught between the ranged assaults from the hill and the ferocious melee combat, quickly lost ground.

As the last of the cannibals fell, the battlefield quieted, leaving the Black Rat Tribe victorious but severely battered. They owed their survival to the timely intervention of the Han Tribe, which had not only brought superior weapons but also crucial tactical support.

This battle solidified a new alliance between the two tribes, born out of necessity and sealed in combat. As they tended to their wounded and mourned their losses, both tribes understood that this new bond might be the key to their future survival in a land where dangers were never far away.