Observing the remnants of shattered stone and scattered bones, he shook his head slightly.
Despite having eradicated all the stone creatures in this area, the skeletons had suffered considerable losses.
With over 80 skeleton soldiers perishing and the remaining ones left battered, Anjha, you take them to clear the battlefield while I summon more skeletons, Fong Hao instructed.
Anja shrugged nonchalantly, indicating it was up to him.
Fong Hao felt an odd impression that Anja had become more compliant.
Had she matured overnight? Exiting, he summoned an additional 300 skeleton soldiers, causing the area to become instantly crowded.
As they assess their gains, they discovered 12 energy cores, 21 metal parts, and eight precision components.
At the end of the area lay a passage leading to the next zone, alongside a black iron treasure chest.
Upon opening the chest, they found blueprints for a blacksmith shop, blueprints for crafting wooden masks, two healing potions, and 12 battle coins.
The emergence of blacksmith shop blueprints in this second area was unexpected.
In Fongghow's estimation, the blacksmith shop would not significantly benefit him.
He relied on the Lord's book for crafting weapons and armor, coupled with a 100-fold amplification that allowed for rapid production of equipment.
Given that the territory was still relatively isolated, he envisioned the potential to expand into local markets to sell gear in the future, positioning himself as a formidable war merchant.
Therefore, the blacksmith shop or the blacksmith himself was not a necessity for him.
Nevertheless, since the blueprint had surfaced, he would construct it upon his return to enhance the territo's productivity.
He continued to examine the second blueprint.
Wooden mask green category mask blueprint ability level one fear.
Level one fear.
Wearing the mask carries a chance to induce a state of level one fear, causing the enemy's living forces to experience dread, leading to a decline in morale and other negative effects.
The fear effect does not stack.
Only the maximum level of fear is applied.
Description: The mask originated as a mold for facial armor for constructs, evolving through improvements into the current form.
Adorned with various ghostly visages, it instills a sense of terror.
Not bad.
Another piece of equipment has been acquired.
When the time comes to battle the Skull Crusher Tribe, I shall equip all the skeletons with this mask.
Even with a mere chance of inducing fear, the sheer number of troops will exponentially increase that probability.
They should be terrified.
The healing potions are nothing remarkable.
I have obtained some previously.
I will gather them all and proceed to the next level.
Traversing a narrow corridor, I entered three distinct areas with the last one yet to be explored.
The luminescent stone lampstands have been replaced with golden ones surrounded by numerous earthn jars, jewels, and decayed damaged scrolls among other funeral offerings.
They are referred to as funeral offerings as there lies a stone coffin at the end of the passage.
However, the entire geological structure has fractured, causing the majority of the coffin to collapse.
This area does not feature the stone statue constructs found in the previous two sections.
At the center, kneeling is a new type of construct, towering at nearly 2 meters, covered entirely in iron armor.
Iron statue construct seventh tier.
Chapter 109.
The Phantom, the Iron Statue, towering and imposing, was entirely encased in metallic armor.
Wielding a long curved blade while kneeling solemnly in the center of the hall, as if guarding the stone sarcophagus behind it.
From a distance, it exuded an air of oppression.
Is there a problem? Should we summon more people? Fungho inquired softly, tilting his head.
As a level seven hero, can I not defeat a level seven creature? And Jar retorted with disdain.
Indeed, in the preceding two areas, most of the stone golems had fallen to Engia's prowess.
This was particularly true since Fongo emphasized the value of the energy core, which prompted her to hold back her full strength.
Arriving here, she bore not a single scratch.
Then I shall leave this to you, Fongghao declared.
Very well.
I find it quite unsightly, and Ja replied, her fingers flexing with a fierce determination.
Fong Hao nodded in agreement, choosing not to elaborate further.
It would be most advantageous if Inja emerged victorious.
Should any peril arise, he could swiftly command the soldiers to provide assistance.
After finalizing their strategy, the duo stepped directly into the arena.
The previously kneeling iron statue began to tremble, shedding a cascade of dust.
Like a rigid automaton, it gradually rose to its feet, raising its curved blade high, and Jia advanced steadily, swaying her head as if preparing for a boxing match.
As they closed the distance, the battle commenced with a resounding crash.
The iron statue brought its blade crashing down, and Jia pivoted, evading the attack while delivering a powerful punch to the creature's flank.
The force of the blow sent tremors through the air, displacing the dust around them.
The iron armor at its waist crumpled under the impact.
The iron statue, momentarily staggered by the assault, turned once more, raising its blade a new, and Jia unleashed a flurry of punches, each strike falling like raindrops upon the abominable construct.
The statue staggered back, and by the time it regained its footing, its once smooth armor was marred and dented, presenting a pitiful sight.
Yet as a construct, the iron statue knew neither fear nor the concept of mortality.
Rising again, it opened its mouth, gathering energy within, a beam of white energy thick as a gun barrel.
Shot forth.
Imbued with a terrifying power directed at Anja.
This unexpected display took both combatants by surprise.
The iron statue could attack from a distance.
And Jia, unwilling to confront a head-on, executed a swift roll to evade.
She then charged towards the iron statue, leaping high into the air.
Her blood red fangs beared with a thunderous roar.
The entire hall quakd as Inia's immense force struck the iron statue's head, which was ultimately dislodged from its neck and sent flying.
The head rolled to rest at Fong Hao's feet, still crackling with residual energy.
And Jia plunged her hand into the statue's chest, extracting the energy core and tossing it to Fong Ho, who promptly stowed it in his backpack, accompanied by a throng of skeletons.
They stepped over the lifeless body of the iron statue, advancing towards the stone sarcophagus ahead.
The sarcophagus appeared as though it had been heuned from natural stone, with its surroundings and interior meticulously hollowed out, its base seemingly connected to the very mountain itself.
Perhaps a consequence of tectonic shifts or seismic activity.
A massive crack appeared beneath the stone sarcophagus causing it to shatter and collapse with a significant portion buried beneath the rubble.
Open it, Fongghao commanded.
Several skeletons advanced, joining forces to push aside the remaining half of the coffin lid, revealing the interior.
The coffin was relatively empty, containing only dark debris and stains that formed a humanoid shape.
After such an extended period, even a body had decayed beyond recognition.
Damn it, there's not even a corpse left.
This is a loss.
Fong Hao cursed silently.
He began to search the area, collecting everything he could carry, even stripping the iron skin from the iron statue.
He could not afford to leave empty-handed.
Despite the coffin being vacant, there were jewels scattered around and treasure chests yet to be uncovered.
The skeletons dispersed, commencing a thorough search for items.
candlesticks, luminescent stones, and any undamaged vessels and jewels were all gathered for later transport.
At last, one of the skeletons discovered a golden treasure chest and promptly delivered it to Fonggha.
Just as he was about to open the chest, a sharp reprimand echoed from a distance.
"You seek death.
" Fong Ho quickly looked up to seeing Jia leap into the air, her fist aimed at a shadowy corner with a resounding crash.
Debris flew as a translucent female figure emerged from the darkness, hovering in midair, her brow furrowed as she gazed at the group.
The woman had distinct features and an alluring figure, yet she was entirely transparent, floating like a spectre from a film.
Ghost tier three.
A ghost? It truly is a spirit.
All the skeletal soldiers hastily gathered around Fong How, assuming battle stances.
Wait.