[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ember-dragon":3,"chapter-ember-dragon-ember-dragon-chapter-174":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Ember Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1162407,1504,"Chapter 174: Baya's Retreat","ember-dragon-chapter-174",174,"\u003Cp>“Slaughter these little creatures and avenge our kin!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the hobgoblins reload their rifles, Baya reacted swiftly, swinging his dragonbone pickaxe as he prepared to charge the infantry’s line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inspired by their leader’s ferocity, the frost giants followed suit, raising their weapons as they charged forward with unrelenting momentum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the hobgoblins in the front line rotated to the back while those behind moved forward, seamlessly executing another volley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the staggered volley firing tactic designed by Iron Frenzy for the hobgoblin infantry. With increased firearm efficiency, three ranks of soldiers could maintain a continuous stream of firepower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, several chimeras swooped overhead, spewing streams of fire along the frost giants’ charge paths, providing cover for the infantry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The frost giants, unable to close the distance, were forced to endure the relentless assault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ready, fire!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*“Bang!”*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another thunderous volley resounded, and several frost giants fell once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baya, protected by his dragon-scale armor, suffered only minor injuries, with a few stray bullets lodged in his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surveying the battlefield, Baya noticed that many of his bravest warriors had already fallen, while the remaining frost giants hesitated, wary of advancing further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veins bulged on Baya’s scarred forehead as he glared with bloodshot eyes, consumed by fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How dare you challenge the mighty frost giants! I will smear your blood across my body!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A veteran of dragon hunts, Baya lived up to his reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a deafening roar, he charged forward, relying on his dragon-scale armor. Wielding a shield in one hand and his dragonbone pickaxe in the other, he stormed through the hail of bullets, tearing into the hobgoblin ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His pickaxe pierced through hobgoblin soldiers with ease, staining its pale surface with blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baya rampaged through the formation like an unstoppable force, killing dozens of hobgoblins within moments of close combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Foolish giant! How dare you provoke the Ember Kingdom!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Droll, on his plains drake mount, shouted as he charged toward Baya. The enraged frost giant was caught off guard and knocked to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Baya’s combat prowess was undeniable. Rolling to absorb the impact, he quickly positioned himself beneath the drake, slicing open its belly with his pickaxe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*“Slash!”*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The drake’s thick hide was torn apart, spilling fatty tissue and viscera onto the ground in a gruesome mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*“Roar—”*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beast let out a final cry before collapsing sideways, causing the ground to tremble. Droll fell with it, crashing to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chimera! Save me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the frost giant advance, Droll desperately called for help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chimera, one of the oldest creatures in Dragon Valley, responded to Droll’s plea. Despite being labeled a \"beast,\" it commanded respect, even from Dolo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swooping down from the sky, the chimera landed on Baya’s back, sinking its claws into his flesh as its dragon head spewed flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*“Boom!”*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames engulfed Baya, scorching his already burned back into a charred black mass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, Baya looked less like a frost giant and more like a blackened obsidian variant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfazed by the flames, Baya roared in agony and instinctively grabbed the chimera’s front limb, pulling it off his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*“Thud!”*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground shook as the chimera’s massive body slammed down, rolling several times before struggling to its feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your hide will be my new cloak!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baya leapt at the chimera, locking its lion head in a powerful chokehold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*“Roar—”*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the chimera, with three heads, retaliated fiercely. Its dragon head bit into Baya’s arm and spewed another burst of flames, yet the frost giant refused to let go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two titanic creatures wrestled violently, raising clouds of dust and shaking the earth beneath them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other two female chimeras attempted to assist but, lacking dragonblood enhancement, were no match for Baya’s strength and skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overwhelmed in power and combat technique, the chimera relied solely on its flames for defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seizing an opportunity, Baya locked its dragon head in his arms, attempting to suffocate it and break its neck in a move reminiscent of his brother, the \"Bonebreaker.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha! I’ve got you now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the chimera’s desperate struggle, clawing and biting with all its might, Baya’s grip was unyielding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Steady your aim…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking advantage of the stalemate, Droll aimed his rifle at the frost giant, exhaling deeply before pulling the trigger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*“Bang!”*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bullet pierced Baya’s torso, causing him to bellow in pain and momentarily loosen his grip. This allowed the chimera to escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*“Roar—roar—”*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chimera, breathing heavily, ascended rapidly into the sky, determined to avoid further entanglement with the relentless frost giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the retreating chimera, Baya pounded his chest in frustration and let out a guttural war cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Coward! Come back and fight me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Limping back to his kin, Baya glanced at the frost giant casualties and the sturdy fortress ahead, his face darkened with anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the sound of a horn echoed in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*“Woo—”*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy and resonant, the horn was unmistakable to Baya—it was the Eternal Frost Tribe’s rallying call, signaling the chieftain, Kassa Eternal Frost, summoning them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the fallen giants and the unyielding fortress, Baya’s face was grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it, we’ve lost too many warriors here for nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Temma approached cautiously, advising, “Captain, Chieftain Kassa instructed us to regroup at the sound of the horn. Besides…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our people have bled enough in this barren valley.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baya’s expression hardened. Narrowing his eyes at Temma, he eventually sighed and relented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Retreat. Let’s rendezvous with Kassa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Temma stepped forward to dissuade him, saying, \"Captain, Chieftain Kassa has ordered us to regroup immediately when we hear the horn. Besides...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, his tone becoming somber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our kin have already spilled too much blood outside this barren valley with little to gain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baya's expression darkened. Narrowing his eyes at Temma, he eventually sighed and said, \"Retreat. Let's go find Kassa.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There might be repeated chapters tomorrow due to issues with the review process. Please refrain from subscribing until I've made the corrections.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*************************************************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you want to read more chapters, you can Read (316) chapters ahead on Patreon:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier 1: $1\u002Fmonth for an additional 5 chapters. 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