The man hesitated briefly, his eyes darting before he swiftly responded, "Fabrics.

" to where is your caravan transporting these goods? Fonhow continued his inquiry.

The man surveyed the army and discerned that it had come from the north, promptly replying, "East, my lord.

There are many orc tribes in that direction, and they're not skilled in fabber production.

We aim to profit from the price difference.

" Uh, Fong Hao acknowledged, then asked, "Is that encampment ahead yours?" "Uh" the man instinctively replied, then quickly corrected himself.

"No, I'm unaware of any encampment.

" Fongghao scrutinized him closely before declaring, "Very well, how much are you willing to pay for your life?" "My lord, I shall give you all the money I possess.

There must be over 100 gold coins," the man stated as he gestured to his bindings.

One of the skeletal minions unshathed its iron sword and severed the ropes that bound him.

Once freed, the man eagerly produced all his coins.

The gold he spoke of was not the war currency but a universal currency crafted by humankind embossed with the visage of a crown monarch.

The exchange rate of human currency to war coins was approximately 3 to one surpassing the craftsmanship of orish gold and thus holding greater value.

My lord this is all I have the man said nervously casting furt of glances.

Fonha nodded collecting the coins.

Very well you may leave.

Thank you my lord.

Thank you.

The man stammered, rising unsteadily and hastily retreating into the forest as his figure vanished.

Anjhao cast a peculiar glance at Fong Hao.

He is not a merchant.

Look at those callous hands.

Do you believe they were earned from handling fabrics? Anja remarked a note of caution in her voice.

She recognized Fong Ha<unk>s intelligence but could not be certain.

I am well aware, Fong Hao replied.

Then why let him go? Anja queried puzzled.

Being a hero bound by contract, she could not interfere with Fong Ho<unk>s decisions.

Yet she remained perplexed by his actions.

He is one of the individuals from that camp.

Let him guide us while we observe the activities of these people.

After Fong Hao finished speaking, he continued, "And Jia, you will lead the team from here.

" Upon his command, the soul fire within the skull warrior's eyes extinguished, only to be rekindled in the gaze of the accompanying skeletal bat.

With its wings flapping, it pursued the direction in which the man had departed.

Chapter 156.

You are the one lacking intelligence.

The colossal bat trailed the man from a distance, leading him to the base of a mountain.

At the foot of the mountain lay a deep and shadowy cave, its entrance marred by the disarray of human habitation.

With a resounding crash, the man kicked over an ironpot position before the cave and bellowed.

"Stop hiding and gather your belongings to leave.

" With a clamor, a mixed group of orcs and humans surged forth from the cave, brandishing an assortment of weapons.

"Bach, have you lost your mind? I told you to keep watch for the ransom.

Why are you shouting like a lunatic?" An orc wielding a spiked mace roared, his fury palpable over Bach's reckless return.

Ransom? A horde of undead has arrived from the north.

A military force numbering in the tens of thousands.

With our lives at stake, you still think of money.

Bach continued to shout defiantly, "Is that old fool willing to sacrifice his daughter? Does he dare to summon an army?" I said, "The undead are coming from the north.

What is wrong with you? Hurry and pack up.

Take that little girl and let us escape these undead before contemplating ransom.

With urgency, Bobby darted into the cave and emerged with a small girl, her hands bound and her eyes blindfolded.

Quickly, gather your things.

Discard what is useless and take anything of value.

The group sprang into action, retrieving all valuable items.

Where we headed, east.

Move.

The kidnappers began their hurried flight towards the east.

While behind them, the skeletal bat continued to observe their every move.

Moments later, laden with their spoils, the kidnappers heard footsteps, and Boxface turned pale as he beheld a white-haired woman blocking their path, flanked by undead cavalry.

How is this possible? How could they know our escape route? The thundering of footsteps reverberated, causing the ground to tremble slightly.

The skeletal army moved in an orderly fashion, encircling the group of just over 40.

You, how could you? Boach's expression shifted dramatically and realization struck.

You deliberately let me go to follow me.

Well done, Bach.

As agreed, the ransom will be paid to you as a reward.

A voice resonated from within the ranks of the undead, belonging to the skeletal figure with eyes ablaze with blue fire.

Bach paused, pondering the implications of the skeleton's words and then shouted in exasperation, "Don't believe him!" they a sudden thud interrupted his protest as the spiked mace pierced through the crown of his head.

Bach's eyes widened in disbelief, staring vacantly at the towering orc who had wielded the mace.

"You, you brainless fool.

" Bach was dead, his eyes still wide open, reflecting sheer terror and incredul.

How dare you betray us? I despise being called brainless.

The orc spat, shaking off the blood from his mace as he glared down at the lifeless body.

Turning to Fonggha, the orc coldly remarked, "Ha, what can your numbers do? As long as this little girl is in my grasp, I dare anyone to act.

If she perishes, I wonder how you will explain to Tavac.

" The orc, brandishing the girl, spoke with brazen arrogance, exuding an air of invincibility due to his hostage.

"I am not familiar with Tavac.

What is your intention in threatening the undead with a mere mortal? Fonggho retorted.

The orc furrowed his brow and shouted, "Nonsense.

Wasn't it Tav who sent you to rescue his daughter? Just a moment ago, you promised Boke a ransom.

Do you think you can deceive me?" Dream on.

I truly do not know Tav.

I merely overheard your discussion and sought to mislead you.

Fongghao replied, "The orc, struggling to accept this revelation, turned to his comrades, insisting, "Do not believe him.

It was Bok who betrayed us, and that is why I eliminated him.

Not because he incessantly nicknamed me.

" At that moment, his companions instinctively stepped back as the orc turned away from Fong Ho.

"Eliminate him," Fongo commanded, seizing the opportunity.

The skeletal archers, already in a steady aim, released their arrows.

The bow strings vibrated, releasing a flurry of delicate sounds through the air.

In the next instant, thud.

The orc, oblivious to the impending attack, was pierced by numerous arrows, collapsing to the ground like a toppled porcupine.

As the orc fell, the skeletons launched their assault on the remaining bandits.

Outnumbered, the bandits failed to mount any significant resistance.

Swiftly overwhelmed by the undead.

Following the skirmish, the battlefield was surveyed.

Enfong how approached the young girl who was bound and blindfolded.

"We are not your capttors and mean you no harm.

"I will remove the claw from your mouth and ask you a few questions," he stated, striving to soften his raspy tone, though it still resonated with discomfort.

The girl nodded obediently, displaying remarkable composure.

Removing the rag from her mouth, she refrained from screaming.

"Where is your home? Is Tavoc your father?" Fungho inquired.

I reside in Pearl City.