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Chapter 183: New Advents
🕑 Added 2024-03-21 15:05:43 +0000 UTCAfter finishing the daily meeting, Thorian decided to first check the progress on the stone gathering. Although he could not transport rocks himself due to other responsibilities, a full team dedicated to the task was already in place.
Three carts were being filled around the clock, and an additional team of thirty warriors carried a significant amount of stone on their backs.
Nodding in appreciation at their work, Thorian decided to move on to the next task on his agenda: dungeon diving. As usual, Thorian quickly sped through the first four layers of the Verdant Labyrinth.
For the fifth one, he decided that two teams could take on the challenge today. The first team consisted of Nox, Vigil, Ventus, Caedar, and himself. The second team was comprised of Zogarth, Forlune, Aqua, Elder Oom, and Ifrit. Of course, both teams had access to their direwolf companions to assist them throughout the run.
Having already experienced the challenge once, neither team struggled against it. They knew that the moment the guardian's exoskeleton was destroyed, it would be their best chance to finish off the fight, and they did not squander it.
After splitting the reward from the gold treasure chest, Thorian made his way to the Thunderous Labyrinth, where he cleared both layers. While the thought of challenging the third one did indeed cross his mind, he believed that it was still too early.
The third hidden boss is nothing like the previous two; if I remember correctly, I need to be as prepared as possible before tackling it.
With those thoughts in mind, Thorian led his team back to the village. On the way, Thorian decided to check his current progress.
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Ding
Race: Elemental Lord Kobold
Level: 29/45 (EXP: 154450/385000)
Class: Elemental High-Magus
Level: 14/50 (EXP: 112980/385000)
Lifespan: 70 years
Cultivation Realm: Qi Gathering Seventh Stage (37.9%)
Stats:
Strength: 223
Agility: 224
Constitution: 214
Mana: 269
Qi: 200
Free Points: 138
After the triple experience boost expired, progress in leveling has certainly slowed down. Still, managing to gain about three levels in both my class and race at this advanced stage in just a few days is quite good, Thorian reasoned. But if I want to accelerate my growth and reach the coveted 300-point mark in all of my stats, I'll need to return to the abyss.
Leaving those thoughts in the back of his mind, Thorian focused on what he needed to do next. The progression of his territory took precedence over everything else.
As they entered the village, Forlune asked Thorian, "My lord, what is the plan from now on? Should we focus solely on bringing in more people and gathering more stone?"
"Certainly, our expansion shouldn't halt, and we do need more stone units to upgrade the village," Thorian agreed. "However, I want you to delegate the matter of recruitment to lower-ranked soldiers. There are more significant tasks for our council to address today."
"You're referring to the vassal territories, aren't you, my lord?" Forlune inquired, drawing the interest of Zogarth and Elder Oom.
"That is indeed correct," Thorian confirmed. "Selecting the right personnel and distribution for all three territories is no easy task and will require our full attention."
"If you wish, my lord, I can be one of those vassal lords," Forlune offered with a wide grin. "With me on the task, you wouldn't have to worry about any problems. The population and the growth of the village will be smooth sailing with me in charge."
"I can promise to do the same, my lord," Elder Oom added. "With my position as elder shaman and the power you've bestowed upon me, I can easily expand your influence in whichever territory you assign me."
"This discussion is premature," Thorian responded firmly. "I will announce my strategy later, once our human vassal arrives."
With those words, the group dispersed, leaving only Thorian and Zogarth making their way to the Village Hall.
Looking at his orc general, Thorian smiled curiously. "Both Forlune and Elder Oom asked to be vassal lords, yet you didn’t. If you had wished for it, I would have certainly considered it."
"My lord, my wish is to stand by your side and lead battles with you at the helm," Zogarth responded with a resolute voice. "However, if you wish for me to serve elsewhere, then I will respect your orders."
Hearing those words, Thorian nodded. After a thoughtful pause, he explained, "When it comes to Forlune, he might be a bit impulsive, but his intentions are good most of the time. With the right people by his side, I’m not too concerned."
"Then is it Elder Oom you’re worried about?" Zogarth asked, making a keen observation.
Hearing Zogarth’s question, Thorian shook his head slightly, "It’s less about Elder Oom, and more about the goblins in general. If we just give them a vassal territory they fully control, their community will become more homogeneous as they recruit more goblins. It's the same problem we’ve been trying to address from the start."
"In that case, I can take on the mantle if you wish, my lord," Zogarth offered, nodding. "With my presence, I’ll ensure that everything remains in order."
Thinking for a moment, Thorian raised a concern, "We would face a problem if both you and Forlune were away from Wolvendale. Our current military structure depends on its generals."
Hearing this, Zogarth found himself at a loss for words. "Indeed, I wouldn’t be able to fulfill my duties to Wolvendale properly if I had to oversee an entire other territory."
Nodding at Zogarth's words, Thorian turned to face him. "Which role would you prefer? Do you want to be my general here in Wolvendale, or do you wish to be my vassal lord, expanding my influence elsewhere?"
Looking down in thought, Zogarth sighed, "I am not sure, my lord."
"That's okay," Thorian smiled. "You can give me your answer later. I will adjust my plans based on your decision."
With those words, they went their separate ways. Thorian continued on to the Village Hall, where he claimed the rewards for his daily quest. After noting the modest increase in Arcane Coins and Experience Points, Thorian headed upstairs. However, instead of heading straight to the meeting table, he entered a new small room on his right.
This room featured a small desk for writing notes about the state of the village. However, the most striking feature was a bulletin board that covered the main wall.
Walking closer, Thorian inspected the board.
Territory Information:
Warriors: (200/200)
Average Level: First Advancement Level 12
Magi: (150/200)
Average Level: First Advancement Level 15
Assassins: (130/200)
Average Level: First Advancement Level 16
Priests: (125/200)
Average Level: First Advancement Level 16
Alchemists: (40/200)
Average Level: First Advancement Level 3
Blacksmiths: (25/200)
Average Level: First Advancement Level 6
Carpenters: (0/100)
Average Level: N/A
Tailorsmiths: (0/100)
Average Level: N/A
Looking at the list in front of him, Thorian felt as if a part of his brain had been unlocked. We are severely lacking in our supportive professions. But still, this isn't bad. It means we can still very efficiently allocate all of the monsters we will be recruiting in our quest to upgrade to a town.
Scratching his chin and deep in thought, Thorian reached another conclusion. Our civilians and supportive classes need a structured approach. Relying solely on the military, burdening Zogarth and Forlune with these responsibilities, is profoundly inefficient. By assigning dedicated individuals to manage civilian affairs, we can significantly alleviate their load.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Thorian made his way down the Village Hall, where he found Alacritas waiting for him.
"My lord, William and his men have arrived," Alacritas whispered in Thorian's ear.
Nodding at the silver-furred assassin's words, Thorian inquired, "Have they brought James and Robert?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Good," Thorian nodded. "Have them tour around the village in wait. In the meantime, bring me Zogarth, the three elders, as well as Ventus, Ifrit, and Saxum to the makeshift meeting place. I need to talk with them."
"As you wish, my lord," Alacritas lightly bowed before disappearing.
With those instructions given, Thorian made his way to the outer area of the village and sat in wait as his comrades arrived.
"Our human vassal lord has come," Thorian began the brief meeting, his voice resonant. "To initiate our efforts on the village that James will steward, a formidable team is required. Hence, your presence."
"Wait, my lord, do you want us all to work on that village?" Ventus asked, puzzled.
"No, not everyone," Thorian clarified. "But I do want you, Ifrit, and Saxum to be part of that team."
"If that is your wish, my lord, then I will gladly do it," Saxum responded seriously.
Ventus stretched his arms nonchalantly, "If it means I don’t have to listen to Aqua’s nagging every day, then I’m also interested."
Nodding at their responses, Thorian turned to the three elders, "In keeping with our strategy of blending our races in any territory we govern, I desire one of you to join this team. Of course, your status here will be mirrored in the new territory."
The three elders exchanged looks before Yur spoke up, "I am interested in this work, my lord. I want to be part of this group."
"Then it’s decided," Thorian nodded before looking at Zogarth. "For the rest of the group, I want you to organize a mix of twenty powerful fighters from different races and classes. This group will be the nexus from which our new territory will grow; we need it to have a strong variety."
"I understand, my lord," Zogarth curtly responded. "Consider it done."
Comments
omar el amrani
Thinking about it, most other settlements should be either deeply hidden or have some form of natural protection that would have let them wither the insanity of the apocalypse.
ManguKing
Wonder what other human settlements could be nearby. He should consider recruiting humans to bring them into his towns since I doubt many will be willing to leave locksley
