ZulDrak, located on the frozen plains southwest of Gundrak City.
At this very moment, it was consumed by the thunderous shouts of battle and the screeching clash of weapons.
Northrend's snowstorm pressed down on the sky, making it oppressively stifling.
However, the strong scent of blood still stubbornly permeated this oppressive atmosphere, filling every inch of air.
Ital'ruk's divine emblem banner flapped in the snowstorm, facing off against the Frostmane Clan's ice-blue war banner from a distance.
On the vast ice plain, thousands of Ice Troll warriors were locked in a deadly struggle.
Axe blades split bone shields, long spears pierced leather armor, and still-warm blood splattered the ground, instantly freezing into dark red ice crystals.
Shaman priests' ice spells were greatly enhanced in such an environment, becoming the preferred choice for both factions.
From time to time, witch doctors would also throw poison mist, which instantly spread through the crowds, causing bursts of coughing and screams.
In addition, Ital'ruk's ranks also included priests and Paladins.
The weapons in their hands shone with holy light, becoming the indestructible mainstays of the army.
They could provide healing and protective divine magic for their team, and also use divine grace to punish enemy forces and break their morale.
The battle was fierce, with Ital'ruk's side barely gaining the upper hand.
Contrary to the situation during the Battle of Gray Tooth Valley, this time they had a numerical advantage.
The enemy was still a well-equipped, well-trained Loa guard unit, the "Hakkah Guard."
These elite warriors, personal guards of the Snow Leopard Loa Hakkah, though only a thousand strong, were like top predators on the snow plains.
Their movements were swift and sharp, and their coordination was seamless.
The standard equipment of the "Hakkah Guard" was enchanted soft leather armor, which ensured their agility while providing moderate defense.
In terms of weapons, they habitually used scimitars and long spears, with tricky and fierce moves.
They bit into Ital'ruk's offensive spearheads like a pack of wolves, dragging the numerical advantage into a quagmire of attrition.
On the flank of this stalemated battlefield, Skala personally led an assault team composed of elite wolf riders and Paladins.
They were currently flanking from the side to the rear of the main battlefield, preparing to encircle the entire "Hakkah Guard."
He wore fine enchanted leather armor, wielded a refined iron long spear, and rode an Ice Wolf, moving around the battlefield.
Each spear thrust was accompanied by a whistling sound, precisely parrying incoming weapons or leaving fatal wounds in the gaps of enemy armor.
He did not stay behind to command but personally led his troops to the front line—following the Drakkari Ice Troll tradition, where the chief must fight alongside his warriors, leading them forward with courage and strength.
"Gulen! Block them with your men! Provide us with support!" Skala's voice remained clear and steady amidst the chaos of the battlefield.
He dodged a sweeping scimitar, then thrust his spear into the attacker's shoulder blade, the sound of bone cracking clearly audible.
"Gollon! Organize the shamans to raise ice walls! Block the impact from the flank!"
"Yes, boss!" The old soldier's hoarse voice responded, as steady as ever.
Gulen, on the other hand, said nothing, merely casting a sharp glance in the direction Skala indicated and making a gesture.
Several barbarian soldiers immediately roared and charged forward, forcefully blocking the Hakkah Guard's diversion of troops that were attempting to intercept this flanking unit.
Skala's movements remained powerful, his steps steady.
But upon closer inspection, one would notice his breathing was slightly more rapid than usual, and the transitions between his movements carried a subtle, almost imperceptible stiffness.
For an entire year, he had dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the construction of Ital'ruk, dealing with complex political affairs and skillfully maneuvering among various factions, leaving him with almost no time to maintain his rigorous daily training as he once did.
Governing sharpened his mind, but it also caused some of his previously accumulated muscle memory to deteriorate.
Now, back on the front lines, his will was battling against the sluggishness of being out of combat for so long.
After executing the order, Gollon returned to Skala's side, riding his Ice Wolf and guarding his back.
"Ha! Looks like our Administrator needs to stretch his limbs!" He grinned, teasingly.
Gollon had keenly noticed Skala's subtle lack of coordination.
Skala had no time to respond, merely glaring at him fiercely, parrying a spear thrust aimed at his ribs, and then kicking the attacker away. He knew Gollon was right.
These damned political affairs!
Although his skills were a bit rusty, the tactical execution was spot on.
The tide of battle turned momentarily under the tenacious assault of Skala's squad.
They were like a sharp knife, gradually piercing through the Hakkah Guard's sturdy flank, on the verge of forming an encirclement.
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