A moment of silence enveloped the room.

Then a tall, slender man stepped forward, offering a slight bow before speaking.

My lord, Fielding, do you have something to propose? The Red Duke regarded the Lanky Man, raising an eyebrow.

Fielding served as the official merchant within the Blood Clan, responsible for the procurement and sale of goods within the territory, holding a certain status among them.

Moreover, the Red Duke seldom entrusted him with troublesome affairs.

"Your grace," Fielding murmured.

"I sense that the opposition has become aware of our movements.

Continuing to deploy scouts may yield little benefit.

The Red Duke nodded, mirroring his thoughts.

Indeed, if you have a more prudent suggestion, please articulate it.

The fact that they have now spoken indicates they harbor alternative intentions, likely more secure than merely sending out scouts.

Clearing his throat softly, Fielding gazed earnestly at the Red Duke and spoke, "Your grace, have you contemplated incorporating Pearl City into the dominion of the Blood Clan?" At this pronouncement, an immediate clamor erupted among the attendees, even the Red Duke furrowing his brow and concern.

Fielding must have understood the implications of his words.

Should this information become public, it could very well incite a war between humans and vampires.

Elucidate your thoughts, the Red Duke commanded, withholding his judgment with a faint smile.

Fielding continued, "Your grace, I recently had some correspondence with the lore of Pearl City, Sirill.

" Oh, pray tell more.

The Red Duke urged his interest peaked, mirrored by the curiosity of others present.

Indeed, Sirill has a son who suffered grievous injuries 2 years ago and has yet to recover.

His life expectancy is uncertain.

For the past 2 years, Sirill has been seeking a remedy for his son.

Fielding revealed, choosing not to elaborate further.

Yet, all present comprehended the subtext.

A father s desperate quest for healing was likely the reason for Sirill's communication with Fielding.

What relevance does this have to the undead? The Red Duke inquired further.

My lord, the territory of the undead lies to the north of Pearl City.

If we could seize control of Pearl City, it would not only facilitate intelligence gathering on the undead, but also enable a more strategic military response should conflict arise rather than relying on the highlands of Hiwe.

Fielding explained.

The Red Duke rested his chin upon his hand, deep in contemplation.

The proposition of aligning with Pearl's city bore considerable risk.

Should it succeed, the Blood Clan would reap substantial rewards.

However, failure or leakage of information could reignite hostilities between the two clans.

Yet, it was worth the endeavor.

Fielding.

The Red Duke called softly.

Your grace.

Fielding replied.

This matter is entrusted to you.

Should negotiations falter.

Sirill must be silenced and this affair must remain confidential.

The Red Duke stated with grave seriousness.

Yes, your grace, Fielding acknowledged.

The Red Duke then turned his gaze to the assembly, his voice icy as he warned.

Should anyone dare to divulge this matter? You are all aware of the consequences.

Yes, we understand, they replied in unison.

The following morning, as dawn broke, Fong Ho awakened from his slumber, the golden rays of sunlight streaming through the window, somewhat blinding, he sat up in bed and stretched, noting the pleasantness of the day.

Rising from his bed, he conducted a brief morning routine before descending the stairs.

Your was preparing breakfast and greeted Fong Ho Master.

Why not indulge in a bit more rest? Having slept sufficiently, I rose from my slumber.

By the way, my lord, this morning Bachelor Neielson brought forth a skeletal hero who awaits you at the entrance of the organ museum, said your Neielson has emerged.

Bachelor Neielson instructed me to convey his message before returning to his work.

You're continued.

I shall go and see.

Exiting the Lord<unk>'s manor, I made my way directly towards the location of the organ museum.

At the entrance of the organ museum stood an orc skeletal hero.

The hero's frame was robust, and even in its skeletal form, it resembled a strong giant bear.

As I approached, I beheld the name of the skeletal hero, Skull Crusher, purple ninth tier hero.

It appeared that Neielson's first creation was the chieftain of the Frost Wind Mountains, Skull Crusher S.

Now, it could only be referred to as Skull Crusher.

I have met the Lord, Skull Crusher, said, kneeling on one knee and bowing his head.

Indeed.

Welcome to our ranks, Skullcrusher, Fonghouse said as he helped him to his feet.

Thank you, my lord.

Now, please retrieve your equipment from the warehouse.

In a while, I shall take you to the Frost Wind Mountains where you will manage it in mystead.

As you wish, my lord.

Chapter 242.

The unexpected visitor smasher made his way to the armory to retrieve his equipment from his former life.

As long as the gear remained intact, it would be stored in the weapon repository untouched by anyone.

Smasheres s equipment comprised a set of violet heavy armor complemented by a spiked Warhammer which also inspired his moniker.

During this time, Funghao took the opportunity to inspect Smasher's attributes.

Smasher violet ninth tier hero affiliation undead template violet racial traits.

Undead hollow skeleton.

Weakness to light.

Legion talents.

Fury tyrant.

Heavy infantry commander.

Skills.

Strength.

Faith shatter.

Frenzied hammer.

Rage of the berserker.

Inherent abilities.

Advanced tactical mastery.

Advanced command mastery.

Advanced hammer mastery.

Fury.

The units under his command gain a one increase in strength for 5 seconds after killing or assisting in the killing of an enemy with a maximum of 15 stacks.

Heavy Infantry Commander.

Infantry units receive a 20 boost to defense.

Tyrant units under his command experience a 20 morale boost and a five increase to all attributes.

Strength faith passive.

All physical damage taken is reduced by 20 while non-physical damage is reduced by five.

Shatter passive inflicts 15 damage to inanimate armor.

Armor shields.

Frenzied hammer active executes a whirlwind strike with the Warhammer dealing 100 trillion 120 billion140 million160,200 of physical damage.

Rage of the Berserker active enters a state of fury enhancing all attributes by 20 while ignoring any damage reduction effects and pain sensations.

Description: A creation of the immortal death mage.

This hero is not recognized by the god of the undead and cannot be enhanced or promoted.

Smasher's attributes were commendable overall, depicting him as a battleh hardardened warrior.