Chapter 278: Diary (10,000 Words Big Chapter Asking for Subscription)
Zuo Si was undoubtedly quite interested in what was hidden in Varenna's mind.
But he did not rush to conduct research, but planned to get this group of refugees who were dying of starvation to a relatively safe place to protect them first.
However, as an outsider, it is obviously not easy to gain their trust.
In addition, Zuo Si was too lazy to make things too complicated, so he directly chose to cast the five-ring magic [Domination of Humans] on Varenna, who was the leader of the camp.
With this spell, he directly manipulated the other party to declare to all refugees that he was a member of the Council of Mages from the Floating City of Plantia, providing safe shelter to all who were still alive, as well as enough food to eat.
Although at first, many people were strongly skeptical about it.
Because they are not fools, they can see how bad the situation is outside, and all kinds of undead creatures are almost all over the streets and alleys of the city.
And for a long time after the outbreak of the plague, I didn't hear anything about the Mage Council and the Floating City, let alone the army or mages coming to save him.
On top of that, the refugees are unsure if they will be infected by the plague from the outside world if they leave this safe place.
More than two years of despair have caused all the survivors to lose trust in the Mage Council and the Floating City.
If it weren't for the heartfelt awe of magic and mages in his bones, there would have been some radical actions.
After all, in many versions of the rumors, it is mentioned that this plague is most likely due to the necromancers' mistakes in conducting dangerous research and experiments, and then led to such serious consequences.
But in the end, driven by hunger, the men agreed to get out of this hidden tomb.
Under the leadership of Zuo Si, everyone took a small amount of belongings and soon marched along the underground tunnel towards the location of the warehouse.
The tunnel, which was originally only for a boy of about ten years old, was soon expanded to be about two meters high and three meters wide by magic.
As soon as they crawled out of the warehouse, the hungry men rushed to the place where the food was stored, desperately stuffing cured meats, jerky, and hard raw grains into their mouths.
A few of them ate so quickly that they almost choked themselves to death.
Fortunately, Zuo Si was next to him and helped them get out the things stuck in their throats and trachea, otherwise they would have suffocated in a few minutes.
Similarly, this also reminded Zuo Si to pay attention to the amount of food these people eat, so as to prevent them from accidentally supporting themselves to death and swelling to death.
You know, for a group of people who have been hungry for a long time, suddenly having enough food to eat, it is simply impossible to control the instinctive and intense craving.
Zuo Si also once starved, although he only worked for a few days, but that unforgettable feeling will never be forgotten for the rest of his life.
After stopping these people from swallowing grains and chewing hard cured meats and jerky, he decisively summoned the [Hero's Feast].
Moment!
These two hundred refugees are boiling!
Because even before the outbreak of the plague, no one had ever eaten anything so delicious, and more than two-thirds of them had accidentally bitten their tongues during a quick chew.
Seeing these refugees gobbling up, Zuo Si immediately instructed Vanessa: "Send two people to the underground of the cemetery to detect if there are other survivor gathering places." Hull has a permanent population of almost half a million people, and I suspect there may be similar places in other tombs inside. Also, be careful to sprinkle these holy waters around the warehouse with these holy waters that I have concocted, to make sure that these people are not infected by the plague that remains on the undead. β
"Understood, leave it to me."
The lich took the bottle full of holy water and nodded.
In a few moments, he sprinkled the holy water evenly around the warehouse, and ordered all controlled undead and constructors to not approach the survivors, who were in a state of extreme weakness.
In fact, none of the undead and golems or other constructs that were brought over, Zuo Si had no intention of bringing them back to Faeron or other worlds.
Because from the moment they are released, they are most likely to become carriers of a terrible plague.
Unless there is a collective disinfection, it is basically a group of mobile natural disasters.
With the powerful magical artifact of the Undead Scroll, most of the low-level undead in Hel were captured in just a few days, and those who gave birth to the high-level undead were either ruthlessly destroyed or forced to submit to become the commander of the undead army.
Eventually, the lichs managed to replenish the city with around 80,000 to 100,000 cannon fodder for the undead.
On top of that, the magical materials and iron ingots in the warehouse have been crafted into thousands of the simplest and cheapest steel structures.
These constructs don't have the magic resistances and immunity of golems, and they can't comprehend complex commands.
However, it is superior to a large number of them, and its defense against physical attacks is amazing, and it is not affected by psychic or enchanting spells.
Looking at the dense army of constructors and undead in front of them, the core members of the organization present couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
"Now, we finally have enough capital to reclaim the Floating City of Plantia."
As he spoke, Zuo Si unleashed the power of the Brigade Mage's spark and forcibly tore open an unstable spatial rift again.
Next Second......
Countless constructs and undead creatures poured over.
The spectacle was so spectacular that even the survivors who were rescued near the warehouse were speechless with their mouths wide open in shock.
At this moment, they really had a little belief that it might be possible for this group of spellcasters of unknown origin to take over the Floating City and put an end to this desperate apocalypse.
At the same time, the army that had passed through the rift, led by the high-level undead creatures who had chosen to submit, soon began to attack from the mage tower, capturing nearby buildings one by one along the streets.
Especially those towers that can unleash all kinds of destructive magic.
All of a sudden, the originally silent Plantia Floating City suddenly became lively.
A large number of undead who were originally hidden in inconspicuous corners rushed out one after another to mingle with these intruders under the order of the lord.
Some relatively spacious streets, parks, and squares gathered thousands of undead belonging to different lords in a very short period of time, and then began to descend into endless wars of attrition and tug-of-war.
The low-level undead are not sane and do not feel fear, so from the moment the battle breaks out, they enter a state of misery that the living can never imagine.
I saw them wearing the armor and clothing of their former lives, and carrying all kinds of rudimentary weapons that they picked up randomly in the streets and alleys, huddled together like sardines.
When they reach the front of the battle line, they will immediately attempt to smash the heads of the undead on the opposite side with a very clumsy motion.
If a weapon is lost in a scuffle, they will grab it with their hands, bite it with their teeth, or even hit it with their own heads.
The smarter ones will pick up the fallen thigh bones on the ground and use them as sticks.
Almost every minute, hundreds of skeletons or zombies are dismembered and consumed, and the broken bones and corpses even pile up a raised hill in the middle of the battlefield.
But what's interesting is that neither the undead lords who have evolved their sanities, nor the lich on Zuosi's side, have the slightest intention of ending up in person, nor do they care about how amazing their losses are.
Because this is the war between the undead!
A war a hundred times more tragic than the war of the world of the living!
A kind of war that only has cold calculations and must be divided into life and death!
Unless the cannon fodder is depleted, the lords will not risk being killed.
As for Zuo Si's side, it is purely because there are enough war resources and cannon fodder at hand, so there is no need to expose the hole cards too early.
And he also planned to test whether there was some kind of connection between these high-level undead creatures, or if they were jointly subservient to a powerful undead king.
You must know that the concentration of negative energy in the environment in the floating city is beyond the reach of ordinary cities on the ground.
In addition, there are many corpses left behind after the death of archmages and high-level professionals, so it is easier to give birth to powerful undead creatures, as evidenced by the death knights armed with cursed weapons.
Standing at the top of the tower and looking at the advancing battle line in front of him, Zuo Si asked without looking back, "How, how many threatening undead lords have been detected?" β
A female lich skilled in prophetic magic replied without thinking, "Fourteen have been observed so far. Seven of them were melee zombie, skeleton, and death knight lords, two were spirit banshee lords, and five were wearing tattered robes that clearly belonged to the spellcaster. But we don't know what kind of magic and spell-like abilities these guys have. β
"Accelerate the consumption of cannon fodder as soon as possible and force a part of these lords to join the battle." Zuo Si quickly gave instructions.
He didn't have time to spend months with them, but wanted to defeat them as soon as possible and complete the actual occupation of the floating city of Plantia.
After all, taking over and controlling is only the first step, and then the entire city needs to be cleaned and disinfected, and some survivors will be collected to rekindle the fire of civilization.
Either of these things takes a lot of time and energy.
"Without using the construct, with the current number and density of low-level undead creatures on the battlefield, I'm afraid we won't be able to deploy more troops." Jeffrey explained with some helplessness.
"At the current rate of consumption, how long can the other party last?" Zuo Si subconsciously frowned.
Jeffrey replied without thinking, "Even the fastest line is estimated to take at least two hours." You can go and rest for a while, or do something else to pass the time, and we'll just keep an eye on it. β
"Do you need me to keep this holy sword?"
Zuo Si grabbed the sword inserted in the sheath and asked.
This move immediately frightened all the lichs present to retreat twice, and Vanessa shook his head desperately: "No, no need, we can control the situation." Keep this weapon for yourself. I don't want to experience the feeling of being instantly burned by positive energy just yet. β
"That's right! I think the sword in your hand is the biggest threat to us compared to those lords. Jeffrey chimed in.
It is not difficult to see from the lich's reaction how terrified they are of the Holy Sword when Cassomir and Daystar merge.
Because whether it is the additional spell resistance and spell dissolving effect that the former provides to the wielder, or the amazing positive energy that the latter possesses, it can inflict unimaginably devastating blows on any undead creature at the moment of hit.
Not to mention the lich, even if the half-lich with more powerful power is taken by it, it is estimated that even if it is not dead, it will be half disabled.
Due to the weakening of the order and belief in benevolence instilled by the holy warriors in the transformation process, and at the same time greatly strengthening the sacred characteristics of its positive energy, this holy sword will form a positive energy area within a radius of more than ten meters just by pulling it out.
All mobs in the area are slowly healed and boosted to make them effective, while the undead are constantly burned.
If those Church of Good Gods and Holy Warriors learned that such a holy sword had been born, they would have to get it at all costs.
And this sword is the strongest hole card prepared by Zuo Si to recover the Floating City.
He believed that no matter what kind of undead creature it was, it would become extremely vulnerable in front of the Holy Sword.
However, the lich's panicked reaction still made Zuo Si laugh, and while laughing, he teased: "As a lich whose soul is kept in the life box, you don't need to be afraid of the holy sword at all, and you can even use it to die with those difficult enemies. Anyway, in a few days at most, you'll be able to respawn next to the life box. β
"Your Excellency, please don't be joking. The fear of positive energy for the undead is an instinct engraved in the soul, even if it is a lich that retains its memories and personality from the time of death. Jeffrey explained with a serious expression.
He was obviously taken aback by Zuo Si's whimsical thoughts, for fear that the supreme leader of the organization would really let him do this.
Let the Lich take a holy sword and die with the other undead lords?
Just imagining this image can cause intense discomfort and rejection.
"That's a pity. Okay, I'll go and rest for a while, and then call me when the lords come to war. β
With that, Zuo Si took the holy sword and returned to the small room that used to belong to him in the mage tower.
Looking at the once extremely familiar furnishings and decorations, as well as the two low-level undead creatures who kept trampling on electricity day and night, he couldn't help but sigh in a low voice: "I really didn't expect that it would only take more than two years for me to come back again." Only this time my identity is no longer a pawn controlled by others, but a chess player who can control my own destiny. β
"Are you remembering your lost youth?"
A thick tome hanging next to his satchel suddenly opened without warning.
"Youth? Hahahaha! That kind of thing doesn't exist for me a long time ago. This is best known to you, who carry my past thoughts. β
Zuo Si smiled and shook his head, not the slightest surprise at the fact that a book was spoken.
Because this book is a diary that has been given to the sanity by the power of the Creator.
In this way, he obtained a magical creature with a mind very close to his own.
Unlike most other magical items that are designed to gain greater defensive or offensive capabilities, this creature has a very similar way of thinking to itself, and its greatest use is to have a dialogue with its past self and keep a clear head at all times.
"Nope! That's remembrance.
You don't want to admit it, but you enjoyed your time in Floating City.
Although Asta is using you and forcing you to abandon the weaknesses in the values and character that have been cultivated in modern society, it has also given you a lot of things.
This includes, but is not limited to, the revered social status, the privilege of deciding the life and death of dozens or even hundreds of slaves with a single word.
All of this is something you can't get in today's society.
Don't forget, I carry your thoughts from the past, so I know very well what you were thinking at the time.
It is that feeling of being able to dictate and change the fate of others at will that has shaped your current character. β
The diary uses extremely sharp words to point out subtle psychological changes that even Zuo Si himself has not noticed.
Of course, it will only express its own opinions and suggestions when there are no outsiders, and it is habitually silent on weekdays.
"So you think I have the same feelings for Asta as I have for Stockholm Synthesis?" Zuo Si touched his chin and asked with interest.
The journal replied in an emotionless tone: "On the contrary, your reaction is much more severe and terrifying.
At least I don't know of a person who suffers from Stockholm Complex who would not hesitate to kill the person who once made him feel dependent.
I think you have another kind of mental problem, which is that you are always in a strong sense of anxiety and crisis.
That's why you'll take revenge on those who threaten your life.
Any stimulus from the outside world that exceeds a certain threshold will trigger a violent reaction from you.
It's unusual, and it also makes you look dangerous in the eyes of others. β
"So, according to the diagnosis of modern medicine and psychology, should I be considered a patient with mental illness and mental problems? And not lightly ill? Zuo Si couldn't help but laugh and laugh at himself.
In modern society, a police officer who shoots and kills a criminal has to go through a series of psychiatric evaluations and psychological counseling, not to mention the things he has experienced.
In other words, after being forced to carry out the work of dismemberment of living and dead bodies for more than a year, it is quite lucky not to become a psychologically twisted and pathological madman.
As for other aspects, naturally you can't ask too much.
What's more, the place of Feren is not much better, there are so many madmen, paranoids, psychopaths, fanatics, demon worshippers, and devil believers.
Conspirators from all walks of life are also singing about me, and there is nothing to live in peace.
In this environment, do you still want to be a normal person who abides by the law?
Stop dreaming!
"Modern medicine and psychology are aimed at ordinary people, and you are already different from them.
I just want to remind you not to maintain this constant tension of fighting with others all the time, and to relax a little once in a while.
For example, go into a relationship with a woman who clearly has a crush on you.
If you like something a little more mature, I think Erastro is good.
Her extensive experience in this area and gentle disposition can bring you a pleasurable experience like never before.
If you prefer something a little younger, Hermione Granger is a good choice, and it's a good opportunity to get closer and develop her into a qualified helper.
If you like to be the ones you say you say, consider Isadora. Although she has a big problem mentally and mentally, she will never refuse any request you make.
As for those creatures such as tree spirits, water fairies, succubi, and lust demons that can only be used to vent their desires and energy, forget it.
In short, what you need now is to divert your attention a little and let your tense nerves relax completely. β
The diary gives its advice straightforwardly.
Unlike the strange things and the mage tower consciousness, which was basically a "mentally retarded" at the beginning of its birth, because the content in it recorded a large number of thoughts, it had a complete and independent consciousness from the beginning of its birth.
"I can't believe that you still care about my love life......"
The corners of Zuo Si's mouth twitched and whispered.
"I just don't want to see my master turn into a monster in the future who is only hungry for magic and knowledge. Plus, you haven't slept in almost five days, so it's a good idea to take a break. β
With that, the journal fell silent, and no longer made any sound.
For its reminders and suggestions, Zuo Si just shrugged his shoulders, obviously not taking it seriously.
Because this thing is just a magical creation after all, carrying a part of its own thoughts and consciousness, and it is not necessarily all right.
And just like that, after a simple spell to clean the room of dust, he quickly lay down and closed his eyes and went to sleep.
Although a mere hour or two is not enough to restore spell and magic slots, it can greatly relieve mental fatigue.
Since gaining divine power, Zuo Si's sleep has basically not been normal and regular, and he needs to re-prepare for magic before he chooses to rest for up to eight hours, and on weekdays, he is twenty-four, forty-eight, seventy-two hours and so on.
In a way, he was no less insane than Irenikas who wanted to be one of the elven gods.
Just as the war of the undead in the floating city of Plantia was in full swing, Luskan, the city of a thousand sails, far away on the northernmost west coast of the Faren continent, welcomed a very special group of visitors.
They weren't humans, but dwarves from the ancient Mithril Hall.
Led by the current king, the leader of the Dwarven Warhammer clan, a famous adventurer who participated in the Shattering Shard incident in Icewind Dale, and a friend of the dark elf ranger Trist, he successfully killed the shadow dragon that invaded his homeland, Harlem Urrim Shimmer, and recast the crown of Mithril Hall.
After recovering the Warhammer Clan's former home in 1356DR, and later being attacked by the dark elves of Morsobrai in the Dark Realm of the Shadowlands during the turbulent years, taking in hundreds of slaughtered Brynden underground dwarf survivors, the Mithril Hall he now leads has become one of the largest suppliers of Mithril, steel, and various weapons and armor in the Northlands.
Even because it has seized too much market share, it has caused hostility towards Miraba, which also relies on minerals and metal smelting.
Although the war did not break out in the end with the mediation of Erasdror of Silvermoon City, the open and secret fighting in private never stopped.
In order to open up a market so that what was produced in the Mithril Hall could be sold and exchanged for food, salt, wine, cloth, and other necessities, the old dwarf had to step out of the tentacles that stretched south from the mountains of the Ridge of the World, traverse the treacherous hidden forests, carefully avoid the hostile Mirabah, and sail down the Miral River to Luskan.
Of course, the so-called king of the Mithril Hall, counting the underground gnomes who took refuge, actually had less than a thousand subjects, and all of them lived in dark tunnels.
Looking at the staggering number of stalls and the hustle and bustle of the Luskan Market, Bruno raised his eyebrows in surprise and asked the dwarven guide who was following him, "What the hell is going on?" I don't remember that there were so many merchants in the City of a Thousand Sails. β
The latter smiled and explained, "Your Majesty, since the capture of Luskan by the Nylantel Islands, they have carried out a great purge of the original thieves' guilds, pirates, and beasts in the sewers.
Several chambers of commerce that monopolized trade were also ruthlessly banned and all property confiscated.
When the trade blockers disappeared, merchants from Amm, Baldur's Gate, Waterdeep, and Neverwinter quickly flocked to the city, selling their own specialties and buying valuable goods from the Northlands.
Moreover, the new ruler also relocated all the inhabitants of Myenthan Island, and freed all the slaves, giving them jobs and rewards.
So the market here is showing an unprecedented boom.
People from all the towns and villages in the surrounding area are willing to trade here without even having to pay a single copper plate entry tax.
If you want to sell our weapons, armor, ingots, and mythril, this is the place to be.
In particular, Mithril, Adamantite and Precious Stones were officially offered for unlimited purchase at very high prices. β
"So what do you mean...... Let's go straight to the other party and sign a long-term trade contract? Bruno touched the thick beard on his chin and fell into deep thought.
Undoubtedly, as a dwarf born and raised in Icewind Dale, he didn't have a very good sense of Luskan.
At least a few years ago, during his adventure in search of the Mithril Hall, the city didn't make a good impression on him.
Whether it's the conflict and brawl that broke out in the tavern, the high price paid to buy the news, or being chased by members of the Arcane Brotherhood.
What's more, Akar Kaisso, who took the Demon Crystal to set off a bloody storm in Icewind Dale, is also an apprentice of the Luskan Arcane Brotherhood.
The dwarven guide, apparently unaware of what his king was thinking, swore an oath: "Believe me, there won't be a second buyer in the entire Northland willing to pay such a high price for Mithril, Adamantite, and Gems."
And we can also buy the necessities we need on the way back.
Although I also know that Mithril and Silvermoon City are allies, and they are closer.
But the markets of Silvermoon City obviously can't wipe out all of our goods, but Luskan can.
Coupled with the fact that it's close to Neverwinter and easy to ship by sea, even ordinary iron weapons and armor can be sold for a good price. β
"Okay, then listen to you, go and try to talk to them first."
Bruno hesitated, but could not make up his mind.
Soon, under the guidance of their guides, the dwarves walked through the streets under the gaze of countless pairs of eyes, arriving at the town hall, which had only recently been built.
After explaining the intention to the receptionist, the news was presented to Eric as quickly as possible.
Since Zoth and the Lich were no longer there, he was temporarily left as the nominal supreme ruler to deal with some diplomatic matters.
Although in the eyes of this former pirate leader, a small force with a population of less than a thousand like Mithril Hall is not worthy of negotiating terms with him.
But for the sake of Mithril, Adamantite, and Precious Stones, he still chose to meet the other party.
After all, these things are all things that Vanessa has named, and they are very high on the list of priorities, and they are real strategic materials.
Eric is very aware of his position, so he doesn't dare to slack off at all.
About a few minutes later, the two parties met each other in the reception room.
"Hello, ruler of the Luskan and Nærancer Islands, the supreme king of the Western Sea." Bruno forced himself to say the diplomatic rhetoric that his advisers had prepared for him.
As an upright dwarf, he hates this kind of hypocritical title the most, preferring to call him by his first name in conversation.
In contrast, Eric, who had been educated in etiquette, was already familiar with this, and replied with a smile: "I'm also glad to meet you, the king of the Mithril Hall, the famous dragon slayer. β
No doubt!
Killing the Black Dragon Shimmer and reclaiming the homeland belonging to the Warhammer clan was the proudest thing Bruno had ever done in his life, and a heartfelt smile instantly appeared on his face that was still a little awkward.
"Hahahaha! Okay, we're both warriors, so let's stop boasting about each other's exploits here, let's get straight to the point. β
"No problem. Have a seat. β
Eric greeted the other man skillfully, and gave the servant a look.
The latter understood, and immediately took out a bottle of rum and poured a glass for everyone present.
The dwarves, who had never known what politeness was, smelled the smell of alcohol, and immediately raised their heads and drank it all, instantly choking on the strong and hot taste and coughing.
You must know that the spirits that are fermented, distilled, and finally blended with the residues of the sugar making process are not the light beers they drink on a daily basis, and the alcohol content can even reach about 40 degrees.
However, after a brief cough, Bruno immediately returned to normal, his face flushed and licked his lips and praised, "Enough! I like it! What kind of wine is this? How come I've never heard of it before? β
"Rum, a specialty of the NΓ€lancer Islands, was so loved by merchants and sailors that it was always in short supply. If we can sign a trade agreement that's big enough, then you can get the right of first refusal. Eric threw the first bait unhurriedly.
The people of the entire continent of Faren know that almost all dwarves are addicted to alcohol due to their physique.
In addition, he has a brewery in his own industry, so naturally he will not miss this kind of good opportunity to satisfy the lich and make money himself.
"Then it depends on whether the price you offer is sincere enough. After all, from the Mithril Hall to Luskan, we must pass through Mirabah in the middle, and the risk we have to bear is not small. Bruno tried to bargain.
Although this was not what he was good at, he faithfully fulfilled his responsibilities and obligations as a king.
Eric lowered his head and thought for a moment, then quickly spoke: "I can give you two choices about this. One is that you are responsible for transportation and safety along the way, and we are only responsible for harvest payment, and the purchase price will be increased by 20%. The other one is that we will be responsible for the section from Mirabah to Luskan, but the purchase price will remain the same. β
"You're going to take care of the transportation?!" Bruro was taken aback instantly.
You must know that the Mithril Hall is a place where birds don't, and no merchants have wanted to patronize it since it was established.
Otherwise, they would not always have to worry about how to sell their products.
"Are you not afraid of arousing Mirabah's hostility?" The other dwarf couldn't help but ask.
Hearing this question, Eric immediately showed a disdainful expression and said, "Miraba? If they dare to do anything hostile to the goods shipped from Mithril Hall, I guarantee that the mastermind behind them will pay tenfold or even a hundredfold.
Any idea why Luskan and the Arcane Brotherhood perished?
It is because they are trying to go south to plunder merchant ships in the waters under our control.
If Mirabah is not afraid of death, let them come.
I very much look forward to seeing how they react to being surrounded by a huge fleet and thousands of troops. β
"! Just by saying that! I've made up your friend! β
Bruno jerked up from his chair and burst out without the slightest hint of a king.
You don't need to ask to know that he must have been stumbled by the other party a lot during this time, and he is holding back a fire in his belly.
It's just that I have to give Erostro face, so I have to endure it for the time being.
After all, in the process of subduing the Mithril Hall, the other party has helped a lot before and after, and as for the Warhammer Clan, there is still a favor owed to the people.
But Eric clearly doesn't need to worry about that.
He had already been instructed by Vanessa that if anyone dared to provoke without opening his eyes, he would respond directly with practical actions.
"What is the maximum amount of gems, Mithril, and Adamantite that the Mithril Hall can provide each year?"
Seeing that the dwarven king was already a little more advanced, Eric immediately took the opportunity to raise the issue that he was most concerned about.
"If you go all out, you can smelt up to thirty tons of Mithril, five tons of pure gold, three thousand high-quality gems, and fifteen thousand medium-quality gems." Bruno was quick to give an exact figure.
Since dwarves and underground gnomes are both adept at digging holes and exploring ore veins, and the Mithril Hall is located in a dark region rich in minerals, its production of magical metals is not at all comparable to that of ordinary surface veins.
As the small town of Naxikai, which started as a miner, there are at least three or four thousand people engaged in mining, but the annual production of Mithril is only five tons, and the amount of pure gold is only enough to make a sword or axe.
"We've got all of these things." Eric's eyes twinkled with excitement and ecstasy.
For him, as long as the deal is done, he will immediately receive praise from Vanessa.
Perhaps as soon as the lich is happy, he will make good on his promise to crown himself king.
Although this king is only a puppet, and it is foreseeable that his descendants will not escape the fate of becoming a puppet, it is still much better than not having an official title now.
"All? Do you know how much these things cost? β
Bruno was completely frightened by the other party's appetite for terror.
He didn't think that the Nerancer Islands, plus Luskan, could make so much money in a year from taxes and trade.
"Don't worry, it's just a few million gold coins, and we can afford it."
Eric waved his hand to show his true character as a local tyrant.
Perhaps others don't know the incredible amount of money that the Nlanthor Islands possess now, but he can get a glimpse of it from the aggregated ledger.
Despite the skepticism of Bruno and the other dwarves of the Warhammer Clan, an agreement was eventually signed with the promise of paying the money in one hand and delivering the goods in the other.
In the agreement, Luskan has the right of first refusal to purchase all the gems and magic metals produced by the Mithril Hall.
Only if the former is unable to eat, the latter can sell the rest to other buyers.
In return, Luskan will provide the Mithril Hall with a dedicated vessel to transport all kinds of necessities.
At least once a month, the goods are transported to the mouth of the river at the edge of the forest.
Except, of course, in the winter when the roads are covered by snow and ice.
Because Miral was frozen throughout the winter, there was no way to use the river for transportation.
After the agreement was signed, Bruno did not rush back to the Mithril Hall, but left behind his guides, advisors, and guards, and walked into a tavern alone.
However, instead of going straight to the bar to order a drink like other dwarves who live in the area, he walked around the hall, and soon found a familiar figure hiding in an inconspicuous corner, and immediately stepped closer, grabbed the wine glass placed in front of him, raised his head and drank it all, and then slammed his mouth and asked, "How, is your observation of the new ruler of this city over?" β
"Nope. However, some conclusions can already be drawn. β
As he spoke, the man, shrouded in hood and cloak, slowly raised his head, revealing his dark skin and white hair hidden within.
There is no doubt that he is a notorious dark elf on the surface.
Combined with his relationship with Bruno, it is not difficult to guess that his true identity is the legendary ranger Triste Duchaeden.
The dwarf was obviously very interested in this, and immediately laughed and quipped, "Then why not talk about it?" You know, I've just met the famous King of the West Sea today. Although it is rumored that he was once the most murderous pirate captain under Harlett, he feels more like a cunning nobleman and businessman when they meet. β
Trist had long been accustomed to this kind of ridicule from his friends, and just shrugged his shoulders disapprerovingly.
"Overall, I'm optimistic about what's going on here in the recent period.
At least the slaves were freed, most of the civilians were able to find work, and even the beggars on the road who were incapacitated were given two relief meals a day.
The price, of course, was the brutal and merciless purge.
According to my estimates, there were at least two thousand dead, and almost all of the corpses were transformed into spirits and sent to work on farms, mines, and lumberyards outside the city.
They took the place of slaves, working day and night.
It reminds me of some of the practices in my hometown of Morsoblay.
But my bloodthirsty and brutal brethren apparently prefer living slaves who can scream pleasantly to the dead undead. β
A thoughtful expression appeared on Bruno's face: "So you think Luskan will be a potential friend rather than an enemy?" By the way, it's daylight, how did you trick the guards into entering the city? β
Trist replied without thinking, "I didn't deceive anyone, but I confessed my identity openly and walked in through the main entrance." Although there are still many people who cast wary, suspicious and hostile glances. β
"What? They allowed the Dark Elves to enter the city! The dwarf's eyes widened in shock.
Just a few years ago, when they ventured out into the Northlands to find clues to the Mithril Hall, the legendary ranger had been banned from various city-states along the way, including Silvermoon City, and some even threatened to kill him.
It was precisely because of this strong hostility and rejection that Trist was depressed for a long time, and even wondered if his choice to leave his hometown was wrong.
"Hehe, not all the dark elves are allowed to enter the city, but only Trist Duchaden. It seems that all these years of adventure have not been in vain, and I have finally gained some recognition and acceptance. β
As he said this, the ranger's eyes flashed with a subtle touch.
However, he may never know that this order was actually given by Zuo Si himself, and it has nothing to do with recognition and acceptance.
(End of chapter)