We shall leave him behind while we return for the coins, and then we will come back to retrieve him," Parker explained, lifting the tarp from the last wagon.
Upon the cart filled with hides lay of frail pigment, his leg bandaged, but still seeping blood.
Fongghao rose and inspected the contents of the wagons.
Two carts bore furs, another contained iron ore, and one had pilferred resources belonging to Fongghow.
The final cart held the hides and the injured pigman.
Fongo approached and scrutinized him, asking, "Are you there, Captain?" The pigman, visibly weakened, glanced up at Fong Ho and replied, "Yes.
Are you willing to remain here until they return to redeem you?" Funhao questioned.
Before the injured Pigman could respond, Parker interjected, "Captain Bolton, you're injured and will likely slow us down.
We shall retrieve the money in return for you.
" The wounded pigman surveyed Parker and the other pigmen before conceding.
"Very well, I shall remain.
" "Agreed.
However, should you fail to deliver the coins by dawn, I will execute him and seek you out in your village," Fong Ho warned.
Fong Hao, unwilling to squander any more time with him, spoke directly.
Yes, yes, my lord.
We shall leave at once to fetch the money for you, Parker exclaimed, his enormous head bobbing up and down like a tambourine.
Let us depart.
Remember the time I set, Fongghao instructed.
Understood, Parker replied, no longer hesitating as he swiftly led the other pigmen away.
Once at a distance, they greedily cast a glance at the goods that had been unloaded within the territory.
There lay carpets, portraits, furniture, and the rare night glow stones.
Such treasures carelessly piled by that human lad were indeed valuable.
The pigman slowly retreated.
One pigman approached, harboring resentment, and inquired, "Captain, are we truly going back to get the money? Will Captain Bolton not be killed?" A fierce glint flashed in Parker's eyes as he replied vehemently, "I am a captain now.
This matter is not yet resolved.
By nightfall, we shall reclaim our losses with interest.
The compensation we just agreed upon is merely a means to survive.
An orc warrior would never abandon his plans due to a momentary setback.
As for the old captain left behind, he cannot survive.
Otherwise, how could I secure my position as captain? I shall take advantage of the human's hands to dispose of him without a trace.
We will hide within the mountains and return at night to retrieve everything.
Understood.
The pigmen replied in unison, beginning their preparations.
Meanwhile, Fongghao observed the remaining pigmen.
He summoned 20 skeleton soldiers and commanded, "Keep an eye on him.
If he approaches the warehouse or attempts to flee, kill him.
" After issuing his orders, he returned to his territory and sat on a bench.
The pigman's goods had yielded him 120 units of iron and one 125 units of pelts, significantly increasing his resource reserves.
Without pausing for rest, he commenced the crafting of iron pots, having promised a trade of iron pots and iron axes upon their return.
The iron axes were readily available in the warehouse, but the iron pots required production.
100fold amplification triggered, successfully crafting iron pots 101.
He privately messaged the other party listing the agreed upon items for trade.
After a brief respbit in his bedroom to hydrate, he resumed the construction of his territory.
This latest experience at the castle had filled many gaps in his upgrading materials, allowing him to enhance the level of the burial grounds with the quantity of shadow stones he had acquired.
Level two burial grounds, 500 wood, 720 stone, 80 leather, 120 hemp rope, five shadow stones.
Indeed, shadow stones were difficult to procure.
From Fong Ho's preliminary understanding, this resource only appeared in locations where the deceased were interred, indirectly hindering the development of his territory.
Without further contemplation, Fong Hao opted for the upgrade.
A radiant light flickered as the burial grounds ascended to a higher level.
Level two burial grounds recruitable skeleton soldiers.
Skeleton soldier quivering spine one.
Note this structure allows for the recruitment of troops belonging to the affiliated faction.
Upgrading the building level unlocks new soldier types and higher tiers of units.
Materials required for upgrade 700 wood, 1,200 stone, 120 leather, 300 hemp rope, eight shadow stones.
After the upgrade, Funghow still possessed 13 shadow stones, sufficient to elevate the level once more.
He chose to upgrade again.
The burial ground was once more enveloped in radiant light.
Moments later, the construction was complete.
Level three burial ground.
Recruitable skeleton soldier.
Skeleton spearman.
Skeleton soldier.
Undulating spine one.
Note, this structure permits the recruitment of troops belonging to the affiliated faction.
Upgrading the building level unlocks new soldier types and higher tiers of units.
Materials required for upgrade: 1,700 wood, 2,200 stone, 350 leather, 500 hemp rope, 12 shadow stones.
Excellent.
Upon observing the newly added skeleton spearman in the recruitment section, Fongo felt the surge of joy, he decided to recruit one to inspect its attributes.
Would you like to consume undulating spine one to recruit skeleton spearman? Recruitment 100fold amplification triggered.
Successfully recruited skeleton spearman 101.
Chapter 31.
The guardian pavilion.
Skeleton spearman.
Level one.
Alignment.
Undead.
Racial traits.
Undead hollow skeleton.
Vulnerability to light.
Skills.
Spear thrust.
Innate abilities.
Basic combat mastery.
Basic spear mastery.
Basic shield mastery.
Undead.
This unit is a lifeless entity devoid of morale or emotion and immune to toxins, diseases, blindness, and mental magic.
Hollow skeleton lacks critical weaknesses.
Vulnerability to light.
Light magic inflicts a 20 damage increase upon it.
Spear thrust.
Equipped with a spear, the wielder thrusts the spear towards the target, dealing substantial damage.
Note, the preserved skeleton soldier upon equipping a spear is capable of withstanding any charge from opposing forces, disregarding all charging bonuses.
Visually, the skeleton spearman bears a striking resemblance to the skeleton soldier.
However, its attributes have undergone a transformation.
The skeleton soldier possesses the innate ability of sword and shield mastery, indicating a greater familiarity with these weapons.
In contrast, the skeleton spearman has transitioned to a combination of spear and shield, receiving an attribute bonus when wielding the spear.
Indeed, the advantages of unit composition were already evident during the assault on the ancient castle.
The skeleton soldiers, reliant solely on their sword and shield, were rendered powerless against the bloodthirsty batwolves with just a slight alteration, substituting some soldiers weapons for spears and light crossbows.
The tide of battle shifted dramatically.