To counter cavalry, the absolute first priority is digging trenches—not necessarily deep, a foot is sufficient—and ensuring these trenches are dug deeply and numerous along the line of advance. This is what cavalry detests most. If that proves impossible, then digging pits will suffice.

The method for creating these pits is even simpler. The fertile soil of the Pelennor Fields is damp and densely packed. Simply take a spade, curl the side flaps up to an angle of 70 to 80 degrees, drive it into the earth, and pull upward sharply. This extracts a plug of earth about a foot long, leaving behind a hole thirty centimeters deep. If a warhorse, in full gallop, puts a single hoof into one of these, the bone will shatter from the sheer, terrifying momentum of the charge.

These laborious tasks were naturally delegated to the Orc laborers. Given the sheer fame of the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Jax was fully prepared. Everyone understood the terrifying power of a cavalry charge, but they also knew that if the charge’s speed could be forcefully reduced, the cavalry’s might would be little more than that of infantry.

More crucially, Sauron had anticipated this wave of reinforcements, which was hardly a surprise attack, and had set a countermeasure: the legions of trained Mammoth War Beasts, commanded by the Haradrim from the south. Given just a little time, these terrifying giants could easily shatter the cavalry's formation!

At this point, Fang Senyan and the others regrouped, taking stock of the Contribution Points they had acquired.

Although Fang Senyan had done nothing but sleep soundly the previous night, his prestige was such that everyone willingly handed over their earned Contribution Points; no one held anything back. The only amusing element was Aldaris, who sneered, first trading his points to Zi, and then having Zi submit them collectively—a transparent act of self-deception to show he supported Zi rather than submitting to Fang Senyan’s leadership.

Fang Senyan’s group already possessed nearly 1,300 points. However, after Jax convened an emergency meeting and they understood the gravity of the situation—that if the nest was overturned, not an egg would remain intact—they did not hold back, contributing a full thousand points.

Of course, this thousand points was not given freely. This thousand, combined with over 800 points from another team, was used to purchase a massive Trebuchet. Any Merit Points generated by this massive siege engine would be divided between Fang Senyan’s group and the other team at a 6:4 ratio.

However, a massive Trebuchet is primarily designed for assaulting city walls and suffers a high rate of damage, making recovery of investment nearly impossible. Such an asset is like a nation’s military construction—usually a loss-making endeavor, but indispensable. The chance of a single lobbed stone striking and killing a lone Pipkin was equivalent to winning the lottery.

Thus, Fang Senyan’s investment of a thousand points yielded only about 400 points in dividends—a necessary loss for a core team; without taking such hits, breaking the impregnable fortress would be unthinkable. Fortunately, the Ace Team’s relentless bombardment after a night of desperate fighting had managed to claw back over 1,100 Contribution Points, bringing their total above 1,500.

Do not underestimate the value of Zi’s group’s 1,100-plus points; it was substantial. Considering combat effectiveness ratios, this was equivalent to slaying over 1,100 of Minas Tirith’s basic garrison troops! Furthermore, the defenders benefited from the high ground; if they couldn't be instantly eliminated, they could often be heavily wounded and rescued by comrades, whereas Contribution Points were halved for killing garrison troops hired by other Contractors.

Fang Senyan proposed using these 1,500 Contribution Points to "buy out" the freedom of the three familiar brutes: "Black-Ear," "Big-Nose," and "Lame-Leg." While the standard exchange rate only cost 380 Contribution Points per Ogre, a targeted acquisition like this was inevitably much more expensive.

More importantly, the standard redeemed Ogres possessed only baseline quality—to put it plainly, they had zero experience. But what kind of person was San Zai (The Third)? A professional Summoner who had already thoroughly mapped out the stats of "Black-Ear," "Big-Nose," and "Lame-Leg."

Firstly, they possessed individual names. Just as a named general from the Three Kingdoms period was clearly superior to an unnamed secondary officer, these three had base stats 10–15 points higher than the standard redeemed Ogres.

Secondly, these three were battle-hardened veterans. Black-Ear possessed the richest combat experience; Big-Nose had the highest Strength; but Lame-Leg boasted the strongest Willpower. Black-Ear was perpetually on the verge of promotion, effectively having 95+ experience; Big-Nose and Lame-Leg would certainly exceed 80 points.

Ultimately, to secure the employment of "Black-Ear," "Big-Nose," and "Lame-Leg," the Ace Team paid a staggering total of over 1,200 Contribution Points! This was even after Fang Senyan’s Influence level of +3 allowed for a shameless 30% discount! Yet, you get what you pay for. Clad in terrifying battle armor custom-made for Ogres, these three monsters resembled walking cubes of steel, wielding pitch-black, menacing morning stars.

Crucially, their superior base stats meant that even while fully armored, they could withstand the Shield of Earth enchantment cast upon them by Kurutgo. Over their steel plating floated three basin-sized boulders, orbiting their rugged bodies like moons around the Earth, capable of flying out to strike enemies at the Ogres' mental command!

With all preparations complete, the next critical step was selecting the team’s deployment zone on the battlefield.

Although the Pelennor Fields were known as plains, there was a sloping ridge spanning over ten li on its western side. Undoubtedly, the arriving Rohan cavalry, weary from their long march, would advance from the west, utilizing the incline to crash down like a tide—unless their commander was utterly brainless.

Given the Orcs’ and Uruks’ immense faith, morale collapse was only possible under the most extreme duress. Therefore, the front line would inevitably be filled with cannon fodder.

Despite the massive number of traps laid, King Théoden’s legendary cavalry force was not so easily thwarted. The cannon fodder’s purpose was to slow the cavalry down using mere flesh and blood, grinding down their initial impetus. Only then would they face the fierce regular armies of the Uruks and Orcs!

If the multitude of horse traps formed the first line of defense, the Orc laborers and slaves formed the second. Military wisdom states: the first charge is fresh, the second is exhausted, and the third is depleted. After attrition from these two lines, even the most formidable army should be checked when facing the desperate final stand of the Orc main force.

Consequently, nearly ninety percent of the Contractors positioned their teams just behind the regular Orc armies, particularly scrambling for the prime real estate at the rear flank of the Orc legions. In their minds, the regular Orc forces acted as a massive sponge, a great filter to absorb the cavalry’s impact, leaving the remnants ready for easy reaping.

However, after deep consideration, Fang Senyan positioned his team in what was arguably the easternmost location, startlingly close to the Hall of the Dark Source. The most telling detail was that Fang Senyan’s decision forced Jiao Shi (Reef) to take the blame; the Ace Team was even whispered about as the 'rear-guard team,' drawing peculiar looks toward Jiao Shi, who often stared back with a look of helpless resentment.

Only Zeus and Skull, seeing this bizarre maneuvering, recognized Fang Senyan’s unusual foresight. They cautiously shifted their own previously forward positions slightly rearward, but their vacated spots were immediately filled by others.

The air was heavy, utterly devoid of wind.

Even Minas Tirith had paused its assault, as the forces of darkness had withdrawn beyond their effective range. However, the city was already at its breaking point; even the Contractors were exhausted, relying solely on the defensive advantage. They lacked the strength for a counter-pincer attack and could only watch.

On the western horizon, a black line appeared.

A tide of black.

Then came the desolate, echoing blare of horns—a mournful sound. Though faint from the distance of more than ten li, the sound was subtle yet powerful, inspiring an atmosphere thick with clashing steel, charging horses, and a field of desperate battle!

The sound was undoubtedly made by King Théoden’s standard-bearer. The great horn was crafted from the horn of a Mûmakil bull, a powerful beast hunted by Virondeel, whose hide was used to fashion this magical instrument. The horn was silver-rimmed and engraved with ancient runes, fitted with a strap allowing it to be slung across the shoulder. Its sound was clear and long-lasting, and anyone who heard it received the benefits of three divine spells: Might of the Beast, Blessing, and Grace of the Wind.

Stretching for several kilometers, the cavalry stood atop the distant gentle slope. Then, a man clad in golden helm and golden armor spurred his horse forward, drew his sword, and galloped ahead of the formation. With his brilliant, dazzling blade, he struck the raised spears of his knights in succession—this was Théoden, King of Rohan! An indescribable, terrifying wave of killing intent surged through the entire host; it was unified, so potent that even from afar, it seemed to choke the very heartbeats and breaths of onlookers!

Immediately following, hundreds of horns joined the sound of the great Mûmakil horn, and the sky itself seemed to be enveloped in an aura of grim resolve!

Then, King Théoden roared, "Fight to the death!"

Initially, it was his solitary cry, then a hundred voices, then a thousand, spreading throughout the entire army!

Following this, the cavalry of Rohan formed a terrifying alignment and charged forward like a surging tide! RS