Chapter 279 Diary (a 10,000-word chapter, please subscribe)
Zuo Si was undoubtedly very interested in what was hidden in Varena's mind.
But he was not in a hurry to conduct research. Instead, he planned to move these refugees who were about to starve to death to a relatively safe place for protection.
But 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 [Dominate Humanity] on Varena, who was the leader of the camp.
Through this spell, he directly controlled the other party to announce to all the refugees that he was a member of the Wizards' Council from the Floating City of Plantia, which could provide safe shelter and enough food for all the people who were still alive.
Although at the beginning, many people expressed strong doubts about this.
Because they are not fools and can see how bad the situation is outside. All kinds of undead creatures are almost everywhere in the streets and alleys of the city.
And for a long time after the plague broke out, there was no news about the Mage Council and the floating city, and no army or mages came to save themselves.
The most important thing is that the refugees are not sure whether they will be infected by the plague from the outside world after leaving this safe place.
More than two years of despair have caused all survivors to lose trust in the Master Council and the Floating City.
If it weren’t for the heartfelt awe of magic and mages that remains deep in his bones, he might have done something radical.
After all, in many versions of rumors, it has been mentioned that this plague was most likely caused by the necromancers' dangerous research and experiments that went wrong, which led to such serious consequences.
But in the end, driven by hunger, these people agreed to walk out of this hidden tomb.
Under the leadership of Zuo Si, everyone brought a small amount of belongings and quickly headed towards the location of the warehouse along the underground tunnel.
The tunnel, which was originally only suitable for a ten-year-old boy to crawl, was quickly expanded to about two meters high and three meters wide under the influence of magic.
When they climbed out of the warehouse, these hungry people immediately rushed to the place where the food was stored, stuffing bacon, dried meat and hard raw grains into their mouths.
A few ate so quickly that they almost choked themselves to death.
Fortunately, Zuo Si was nearby to help them get out the things stuck in their throats and trachea, otherwise they would have died of suffocation within a few minutes.
Similarly, this also reminds Zuo Si to pay attention to the amount of food these people eat to prevent them from accidentally stuffing themselves to death.
You must know that for a group of people who have endured hunger for a long time, suddenly getting enough food cannot control the instinctive and strong desire.
Zuo Si also suffered from hunger once. Although it only lasted for a few days, the unforgettable feeling will never be forgotten in his life.
After stopping these people from swallowing grains and chewing hard bacon and dried meat, he decisively summoned the [Heroes’ Feast].
In an instant!
These two hundred refugees are excited!
Because even before the outbreak of the plague, none of them had eaten such delicious food, and more than two-thirds of them accidentally bit their tongues while chewing quickly.
Looking at these refugees gobbling up food, Zuo Si immediately ordered Vanessa: "Send two people to go underground in the cemetery area to detect whether there are other gathering places for survivors. The permanent population of Hull is Almost half a million, I feel there may be similar places in other tombs. Also, be careful to sprinkle the holy water I prepared around the warehouse to ensure that these people will not be infected by the plague remaining on the undead."
"Understood, leave it to me."
The lich took the bottle filled with holy water and nodded.
After a while, he sprinkled the holy water evenly around the warehouse, and gave orders to all the controlled undead and constructs, prohibiting them from approaching these survivors who were in an extremely weak state.
In fact, Zuo Si had no intention of bringing all the undead, golems and other structures brought here back to Faerûn or other worlds.
Because from the moment they are released, they are very likely to become carriers of the terrible plague.
Unless collective disinfection is carried out, it is basically a group of moving natural disasters.
With the powerful magic item of the Scroll of the Undead, most of the low-level undead in Hel City were captured in just a few days, and those who were born with sanity High-level undead are either destroyed mercilessly, or forced to choose to surrender and become the commander-in-chief of the undead army.
In the end, the lichs successfully replenished the city with approximately 80,000 to 100,000 undead cannon fodder.
In addition, the magic materials and iron ingots in the warehouse were also made into thousands of the simplest and cheapest steel structures.
These constructs do not have as strong magic resistance and immunity as golems, and they cannot understand complex commands.
But it is better because of its large number, and its defense against physical attacks is amazing, and it will not be affected by psychic or charm spells.
Looking at the densely packed army of constructs and undead in front of them, the core members of the organization present could not help but feel a surge of emotion.
“Now, we finally have enough capital to regain the floating city of Plantia.”
With that said, Zuo Si activated the power of the planeswalker's sparks and once again forcibly tore open an unstable space rift.
The next second...
Countless constructs and undead creatures surged over.
The spectacular scene even made the survivors who were rescued near the warehouse open their mouths in shock and became speechless.
At this moment, they really believed that this group of spellcasters of unknown origin might really be able to occupy the floating city and end this desperate doomsday.
At the same time, the army that passed through the rift, led by the high-level undead creatures that chose to surrender, soon began to attack using the mage tower as a forward base, capturing nearby buildings one by one along the streets.
Especially those towers that can release all kinds of destructive magic.
Suddenly, the originally silent Floating City of Plantia suddenly became lively.
A large number of undead that were originally hidden in inconspicuous corners rushed out to mingle with these intruders at the lord's order.
Some relatively spacious streets, parks and squares gathered thousands of undead creatures belonging to different lords in a very short period of time, and then began to fall into an endless war of attrition and tug-of-war.
Since low-level undead have no consciousness and cannot feel fear, from the moment the battle breaks out, they enter a tragic state that living people can never imagine.
I saw them wearing the same armor and clothes as when they were alive, carrying all kinds of simple weapons randomly picked up in the streets and alleys, crowded together like sardines.
When it reaches the front of the battle line, it will immediately try to smash the head of the undead creature on the opposite side with a very clumsy movement.
If the weapon is lost in the melee, 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 clubs.
Almost every minute, hundreds of skeletons or zombies were dismembered and consumed. The broken bones and corpses even piled up a raised hill in the center of the battlefield.
But what’s interesting is that neither the undead lords who have evolved sanity nor the lich on Zuo Si’s side have any intention of ending up personally, and they don’t care at all how shocking their losses are.
Because this is the war between the undead!
A war that is a hundred times more brutal than the war in the living world!
A kind of war with only cold calculations and a life-or-death war!
Unless the cannon fodder is exhausted, the lords will not take the risk of being killed.
As for Zuo Si, it was purely because he had enough war resources and cannon fodder on hand, so there was no need to expose his cards too early.
And he also plans to test whether there is some kind of connection between these high-level undead creatures, or whether they all surrender to a powerful undead king.
You must know that the concentration of negative energy existing in the environment in the floating city is not something that ordinary cities on the ground can achieve.
In addition, there are many corpses left after the death of archmages and high-level professionals, so it is easier to spawn powerful undead creatures. Those death knights holding cursed weapons are the best proof. .
Standing at the top of the tower and looking out at the advancing battle front, Zuo Si asked without looking back: "How, how many threatening undead lords have been detected?"
A man who is good at prophecy. The magical female lich replied without thinking: "There are fourteen observed so far. Seven of them are melee zombies, skeletons and death knight lords, and two are spirit banshee lords. , and there are five others wearing tattered robes, who should obviously belong to spell casters, but we don’t know yet what kind of magic and spell-like abilities these guys have."
"Accelerate the consumption of cannon fodder as soon as possible. Some of these lords join the fight," Zuo Si quickly instructed.
He does not have time to wait and fight with these guys for several months, but hopes to defeat them as soon as possible and complete the actual occupation of the floating city of Plantia.
After all, occupation and control are only the first step. Later, the entire city must be cleaned and disinfected, and some survivors must be collected to rekindle the fire of civilization.
Each of these things requires a lot of time and energy.
"Without using constructs, with the current number and density of low-level undead creatures on the battlefield, we may not be able to deploy more troops." Jeffrey explained helplessly.
"According to the current consumption rate, how long can the other party last?" Zuo Si frowned subconsciously.
Jeffrey replied without thinking: "Even the fastest line will probably take at least two hours. You can take a rest first, or do something else. Let’s just pass the time.”
“Do you need me to keep this holy sword?”
Zuo Si grabbed the sword in the sheath and asked.
This move immediately frightened all the lichs present and stepped back. Vanessa shook her head desperately: "No, no need, we can control the situation. This weapon should still be kept. You can use it yourself. I don’t want to experience the feeling of being instantly burned by positive energy.”
“That’s right! I think this sword in your hand is the right one. Our biggest threat." Jeffrey echoed.
It is not difficult to see from the reactions of the lich how afraid they are of the holy sword formed by the combination of Casomire and the Day Star.
Because whether it is the extra spell resistance and dispel magic effect provided by the former to the holder, or the amazing positive energy possessed by the latter, it can cause unimaginable devastation to any undead creature at the moment of hit. blow.
Not to mention a lich, but a demi-lich with greater power. If it takes a hit, it will probably be half disabled even if it doesn't die.
Due to the weakening of the order and lofty belief instilled by the holy warriors during the transformation process, and at the same time greatly strengthening the sacred characteristics of its positive energy, the holy sword will still be around for more than ten meters just when it is pulled out. A positive energy area is formed within the range.
All creatures in this area will be slowly healed and boosted to their effects, while undead creatures will be continuously burned.
If those Good God Church and paladins knew that such a holy sword was born, they would probably get it at all costs.
And this sword is the strongest trump card Zuo Si has prepared to regain the floating city.
He believed that no matter what kind of undead creature they were, they would become extremely vulnerable in front of the Holy Sword.
However, the panicked reaction of the lichs still made Zuo Si laugh. While laughing, he joked: "As lichs whose souls are stored in the phylactery, you have no need to be afraid of the holy sword. You can even Take it and die with those tough enemies. Anyway, you will be reborn next to the phylactery in a few days."
"Sir, please don't be ridiculous. The undead are always afraid of positive energy. The instinct in the soul, even the lich who retains the memory and personality of his life, is no exception," Jeffrey explained with a serious expression.
He was obviously frightened by Zuo Si's unbridled ideas, and was afraid that the supreme leader of the organization would really let him do this.
Let the lich hold a holy sword and die with other undead lords?
Just imagining this scene in your mind will cause strong discomfort and rejection.
"That's really a pity. Well, I'll leave it to you guys here. I'll go and rest for a while, and then call me when those lords join the battle."
After that, Zuo Si took the The holy sword returned to the small room that once belonged to him in the mage tower.
Looking at the once extremely familiar furnishings and decorations, as well as the two low-level undead creatures that continuously generate electricity by stepping on them day and night, he couldn't help but sigh in a low voice: "I can't believe that it only took more than two years. , I'm back again. But this time my identity is no longer a chess piece controlled by others, but a chess player who can control his own destiny."
"You are remembering your lost youth. ”
A thick tome hanging next to the satchel suddenly opened its mouth and made a sound without warning.
"Youth? Hahahaha! That kind of thing no longer exists for me. This should be clear to you as the person who carries my past thoughts."
Zuo Si smiled and shook his head, not at all surprised that a book spoke.
Because this book is a diary endowed with sanity by the power of the creator.
In this way, he obtained a magical creature with thoughts very similar to his own.
Unlike most other magic items that are used to obtain stronger defense or attack capabilities, the greatest use of this creation, which has a very similar way of thinking to himself, is to have a dialogue with his past self and keep a clear mind at all times.
“No! This is just remembering.
Although you don’t want to admit it, you still really like the time you lived in the Floating City.
Although Ah Star is using you to force you to abandon the values and weaknesses in your character that have been cultivated in modern society, but he also gives you many things, including but not limited to a respected social status. Words can determine the life and death of dozens or even hundreds of slaves.
All of this is something you can’t get in today’s society.
Don’t forget, I carry your past thoughts, so I know very well what you were thinking at that time.
It is the feeling of being able to control and change the fate of others at will that shapes your current character. ”
The diary pointed out the subtle psychological changes that even Zuo Si himself was not aware of with extremely sharp words.
Of course, it will only be published when there are no outsiders. I usually keep silent about my opinions and suggestions
"So you think I have feelings for Asta similar to Stockholm Synthesis?" Zuo Si asked with interest, touching his chin.
The diary replied in an emotionless tone: "On the contrary, your reaction is more serious and terrifying.
At least I have not heard of anyone suffering from Stockholm syndrome. People will not hesitate to kill the person who has made them feel dependent.
I think you suffer from another kind of psychological problem, that is, you are always in a strong sense of uneasiness and crisis.
This is why you take violent revenge on those who threaten your life
Any external stimulus that exceeds a certain threshold will trigger a violent reaction in you.
This is unusual and also makes you look dangerous in the eyes of others. "
"So according to the diagnosis of modern medicine and psychology, I should be regarded as a patient suffering from mental illness and mental problems? And the illness is not serious? "Zuo Si couldn't help laughing and mocking himself.
In modern society, police officers who shoot and kill criminals must undergo a series of mental evaluations and psychological counseling, not to mention the things he has experienced.< br>
In other words, after being forced to dismember living and dead bodies for more than a year, he was lucky enough not to become a mentally twisted and sick lunatic.
As for other aspects, naturally we can’t ask for too much.
Not to mention that Faerûn is not much better. There are so many lunatics, paranoiacs, psychopaths, fanatics, devil worshipers and devil believers.
Conspirators from all walks of life are also on the stage, and there is no stable life at all.
In this environment, do you still want to be a normal person who abides by the law?
Stop dreaming!
"Modern medicine and psychology are targeting ordinary people, and you are already different from them.
I just want to remind you not to always maintain this high-tension state of constantly fighting with others. , you should relax a little occasionally.
For example, go have a relationship with women who are obviously attracted to you.
If you like someone more mature, I think Alustriel is the one. Not bad.
Her rich experience and gentle personality can bring you unprecedented pleasure
If you like someone a bit greener, Hermione Granger is a good choice, and you can also take this opportunity to get closer and train her to become a qualified helper.
If you like to listen to your own words, then consider Isadora. Although she has big mental and psychological problems, 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 desires and energy, forget it.
In short, what you need now is to divert your attention a little and let your tense nerves completely relax. "The diary gave his advice straightforwardly.
Unlike the consciousness of Strange Objects and Mage Tower, which was basically "mentally retarded" in the early stages of its birth, because the content inside recorded a large number of thoughts, it had a complete and independent consciousness from the beginning of its birth.
"I didn't expect you to actually care about my love life..."
Zuo Si's mouth twitched and he complained softly.
“I just don’t want to see my master turn into a monster with endless thirst for magic and knowledge in the future. In addition, you haven’t slept for almost five days. Let's take this time to take a break."
After that, the diary fell into silence and stopped making any sound.
Regarding its reminders and suggestions, Zuo Si just shrugged his shoulders, obviously not taking them seriously.
Because after all, this thing is just a magical creation, carrying part of one's own thoughts and consciousness, and it may not always be correct.
In this way, after simply using a spell to clean up the dust in the room, he quickly lay down, closed his eyes and entered a state of sleep.
Although just one or two hours is not enough to restore the spell and divine spells, it can greatly relieve mental fatigue.
Ever since he gained divine power, Zuo Si's sleep has basically not been normal and regular. He needs to prepare his magic again before he chooses to rest for up to eight hours. On weekdays, it is 24 hours or 48 hours. , seventy-two hours and so on.
In a way, he is no less crazy than Irenicus, who wants to become a member of the elven gods.
While the Undead War in the Floating City of Plantia was in full swing, Luskan, the City of Thousand Sails at the northernmost tip of the west coast of the Faerûn continent, welcomed a very special group of visitors.
They are not humans, but dwarves from the ancient Mithril Hall.
The leader is the current king, the leader of the dwarf Warhammer clan, a famous adventurer who participated in the Shattered Magic Crystal incident in Icewind Dale, and a friend of the dark elf ranger Drizzt, who successfully killed the intruder The shadow dragon of his homeland - Harlem Urim Shimmer, and Bruno Warhammer who reforged the crown of Mithral Hall.
Because he successfully regained the former home of the Warhammer clan in 1356 DR, he was later attacked by the dark elves of Menzoberranzan in the Underdark during the Year of Troubles, and took in hundreds of people who were massacred underground in Brynden City. A dwarf survivor, the Mithril Hall he now leads has become one of the largest suppliers of mithril, steel, and various weapons and armor in the entire North.
Even because it has seized too much market share, it has aroused hostility from Miraba, which also relies mainly on minerals and metal smelting.
Although Alustriel of Silvermoon City intervened and eventually no war broke out, the private infighting never stopped.
In order to open up the market so that the things produced in Mithral Hall can be sold and exchanged for food, salt, wine, cloth and other living materials, the old dwarf had to extend southward from the mountains of the Spine of the World. The tentacles came out, crossed the dangerous hidden forest, carefully avoided the hostile Mirabar, and took a boat down the Mirar River to Luskan.
Of course, the so-called King of Mithril Hall, including the underground dwarfs who came to seek refuge, actually has less than a thousand subjects, and they all live in dark tunnels.
Looking at the astonishing number of stalls and bustling hawking in the Luskan Market, Bruno raised his eyebrows in surprise and asked the dwarf guide following him: "What on earth is going on? I don't remember Qianfan. There are so many merchants in the city.”
The latter smiled and explained: "Your Majesty, since the Nelanthel Islands captured Luskan, they have carried out a large-scale purge of the original thieves' guilds, pirates and lycanthropes in the sewers.
A few times A merchant guild that monopolized trade was also ruthlessly banned and all property was confiscated.
When these guys who hindered trade disappeared, merchants from Amn, Baldur's Gate, Waterdeep City and Neverwinter City quickly followed. They swarmed in, selling the specialties they brought, and purchasing various valuable goods from the North.
And the new ruler also moved all the residents of Mingtan Island over and released them. All slaves are given jobs and rewards.
So the market here is experiencing unprecedented prosperity.
People from all the towns and villages in the surrounding area are willing to trade here without even paying a single copper coin in town tax.
If you want to sell the weapons, armor, iron ingots and mithril we produce, this should be the ideal place.
Especially mithril, fine gold and gemstones, the officials here have offered very high prices to purchase them in unlimited quantities. "
"So what you mean is...let us sign a long-term trade contract directly with the other party? "Bruno touched the thick beard on his chin and fell into thought.
There is no doubt that as a dwarf who was born and raised in Icewind Dale, he does not have very good senses about Luskan.
At least during his adventurous journey to find Mithril Hall a few years ago, this city did not leave him with the least bit of a good impression.
Whether it was the conflict and fight that broke out in the tavern, the high price paid for purchasing information, or the pursuit by members of the Arcane Brotherhood.
What's more, Akar Kessell, who brought the broken magic crystal to cause a bloody storm in Icewind Dale, was also an apprentice of the Luskan Arcane Brotherhood.
Obviously, the dwarf guide didn’t know what his king was thinking, and he promised emphatically: “Please believe me, there shouldn’t be anyone in the entire North who is willing to pay such a high price to acquire mithril. Buyers of fine gold and precious stones
And we can also buy the daily necessities we need on the way back.
Although I also know that Mithril Hall and Silvermoon City are allies, and they are closer.
But the market in Silvermoon City obviously cannot consume all our goods, but Luskan can.
In addition, it is very close to Neverwinter and shipping is very convenient. Even ordinary iron weapons and armor can be sold at a good price. "
"Okay, then I'll listen to you and try to talk to them first. ”
Bruno hesitated again and again but still couldn’t make up his mind.
Soon, under the leadership of the guide, the group of dwarves walked through the streets and arrived at the city hall that was built not long ago under the gaze of countless pairs of eyes.
After explaining his purpose to the receptionist, the news was presented to Eric as quickly as possible.
Since Zuo Si and the lichs are no longer here, he is temporarily left as the nominal supreme ruler to handle some diplomatic matters.
Although in the eyes of this former pirate leader, a small force like Mithril Hall with a population of less than a thousand is not worthy of negotiating terms with him.
But for the sake of mithril, fine gold and gems, he still chose to meet the other party.
After all, these things are all things Vanessa wants, and they are ranked very high in various priorities. They are real strategic materials.
Eric knew his position very well, so he didn’t dare to neglect it at all.
A few minutes later, the two parties saw each other in the living room.
"Hello, the ruler of Luskan and the Neransir Islands, the supreme king of the Western Sea." Bruno suppressed his boredom and spoke the diplomatic words prepared for him by his advisors.
As an upright dwarf, what he hates most is this extremely hypocritical title, and he prefers to call people by their first names in conversations.
In contrast, Eric, who had received etiquette education, was already familiar with this, and responded with a smile: "I am also very happy to meet you, the king of Mithril Hall, the famous dragon slayer."
No doubt about it!
Killing the black dragon Shuiying and regaining the homeland belonging to the Warhammer clan was the proudest thing in Bruno's life. A smile from the bottom of his heart suddenly appeared on his originally awkward face.
"Hahahaha! Okay, we are both warriors, so don't brag about each other's achievements here, let's get straight to the point."
"No problem. Please sit down. ”
Eric greeted the other party very skillfully and winked at the servant on the side.
The latter understood it and immediately took out a bottle of rum and poured a glass for everyone present.
The dwarves, who never knew what politeness was, smelled the smell of alcohol and immediately raised their heads and drank it all in one gulp. They were instantly choked by the strong and spicy taste and coughed.
You must know that these spirits, which are fermented, distilled, and finally blended with residues from the sugar production process, are not the light beer they usually drink. The alcohol content can even reach about 40 degrees.
But after a brief cough, Bruno immediately returned to normal, his face flushed and he licked his lips and praised: "It's good! I like it! What kind of wine is this? Why have I never heard of it before?"
"Rum, which is a specialty of the Nelanthel Islands, is very popular with merchants and sailors, and is always in short supply. If we can sign a large enough trade agreement, then you can get priority in purchasing Right." Eric threw out the first bait calmly.
Everyone in the entire Faerûn continent knows that due to their physical constitution, almost all dwarves are addicted to alcohol.
In addition, he owns a brewery in his own business, so he will naturally not miss this good opportunity to satisfy the lich and make money for himself.
"Then it depends on whether the price you offer is sincere enough. After all, from Mithril Hall to Luskan, we must pass through Mirabar, and the risk we have to bear is not small." Bruno tried To bargain.
Although this was not what he was good at, he still faithfully fulfilled his responsibilities and obligations as a king.
Eric lowered his head and thought for a moment, then quickly said: "About this, I can give you two options. One is that you are responsible for transportation and ensuring safety along the way. We are only responsible for harvest payment, and the purchase price is increased by two The other one is from Miraba to Luskan, but the purchase price remains unchanged."
"You will be responsible for the transportation!" Bruro was instantly surprised. .
You must know that Mithril Hall is a secluded location. No businessman has been willing to patronize it since its establishment.
Otherwise they would not always have to worry about how to sell their products if they had such a large mine.
“Aren’t you afraid of arousing Miraba’s hostility?” Another dwarf couldn’t help but ask.
Hearing this question, Eric immediately showed a disdainful expression and said: "Miraba? If they dare to do anything remotely hostile to the goods shipped from Mithral Hall, I guarantee that the people behind the scenes will The leader will pay ten times or even a hundred times the price.
Do you know why Luskan and the Arcane Brotherhood perished?
It was because they tried to go south and plunder the waters under our control. Merchant ships.
If Mirabar is not afraid of death, then let them come.
I am very much looking forward to seeing how they will act in the face of a huge fleet and thousands of troops. How to react.”
"Fuck! Just these words! I'm determined to be your friend!"
Bruno suddenly stood up from the chair and swore with no image of a king at all.
You don’t need to ask to know that he must have been tripped up a lot by the other party during this period, and he is holding back his anger.
Just considering the face that must be given to Alustriel, I had to endure it for the time being.
After all, in the process of conquering Mithril Hall, the other party helped a lot. As for the Warhammer clan, it still owes a favor that has not been repaid.
But Eric obviously doesn't need to worry about this.
He had already received instructions from Vanessa. If anyone dared to provoke someone without opening his eyes, he would respond directly with actual actions.
"How many gems, mithril and fine gold can Mithril Hall provide at most each year?"
Seeing that the dwarf king was already getting a little ahead, Eric immediately took the opportunity to raise the question he was most concerned about.
"If you go all out, you can smelt up to thirty tons of mithril, five tons of fine gold, three thousand high-quality gems, and fifteen thousand medium-quality gems." Bruno quickly Give an exact number.
Since dwarves and underground gnomes are good at digging holes and exploring mineral veins, and Mithril Hall is located in a dark area that is rich in mineral deposits, its output of magical metals is simply not comparable to that of ordinary surface mineral veins.
As a small town in Naxikai, Amn started from mining, there are at least three to four thousand people engaged in mining, but the annual output of mithril is only five tons, and the fine gold is only enough To the extent of forging a sword or axe.
“We want all of these things.” Eric’s eyes flashed with excitement and ecstasy.
For him, as long as he completes this deal, he will immediately receive praise from Vanessa.
Perhaps when the Lich is happy, he will fulfill his promise and crown himself the king.
Although this king is just a puppet, and it is foreseeable that his descendants will not be able to escape the fate of becoming puppets, it is still much better than the current situation without even a formal title.
“All of them? Do you know how much these things cost?”
Bruno was completely frightened by the other party’s terrifying appetite.
He didn't think that the Neransir Islands plus Luskan could make so much money in one year through taxation and trade.
“Don’t worry, it’s just a few million gold coins, we can afford it.”
Eric showed off his rich character with a big wave of his hand.
Maybe others don’t know the amazing financial resources Nelanser Islands currently possess, but he can probably know something about it through the compiled ledgers.
Although Bruno and other dwarves of the Warhammer clan were skeptical about this, an agreement was finally signed with the guarantee of payment and delivery.
The agreement stipulates that Luskan has the first right to purchase all gems and magic metals produced in Mithril Hall.
Only when the former can no longer eat it, the latter can sell the remaining portion to other buyers.
In return, Luskan will provide Mithril Hall with a special ship to transport various living supplies.
There is at least one round trip every month, transporting goods to the mouth of the river hidden at the edge of the forest.
Of course, except in winter when roads are blocked by ice and snow.
Because Miralko is frozen throughout the winter, there is no way to use the river for transportation.
After the agreement was signed, Bruno did not rush back to Mithril Hall. Instead, he threw away the guides, advisors and guards around him and walked into a tavern alone.
However, he did not go straight to the bar to order a drink like other local dwarves. Instead, he patrolled the hall and soon found a familiar figure hiding in an inconspicuous corner. He immediately stepped forward and grabbed it. He raised his head and drank from the wine glass placed in front of the other party, then smashed his mouth and asked: "How is it? Are you finished observing the new ruler of this city?"
"No. But it's okay. Some conclusions have been drawn."
As he spoke, the man, whose whole body was covered by a hood and cloak, slowly raised his head, revealing the dark skin and white hair hidden inside.
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 Drizzt Do'Urden.
The dwarf was obviously very interested in this, and immediately smiled and joked: "Then why don't you tell us about it? You know, I just met the famous King of the West Sea today. Although it is said that he was once the most ferocious under Hallet. He is a pirate captain, but after meeting him, he feels more like a cunning noble and businessman."
Drizzt has long been used to this kind of teasing from his friends, and he just doesn't take it seriously. Shrugging his shoulders.
“Overall, I am still optimistic about the changes here in recent times.
At least the slaves have gained their freedom, and most civilians can find jobs, even those on the road. Beggars who are unable to work can also eat two relief meals a day.
Of course, the price is the brutal and merciless purge.
According to my estimate, the number of the dead is at least more than two thousand, and almost all of the corpses were transformed into undead and sent to farms, mines, and lumberyards outside the city for work.
They took the place of the original slaves, working day and night.
This reminds me of some practices in my hometown of Menzoberranzan.
However, compared to the lifeless undead, my bloodthirsty and cruel compatriots obviously prefer living slaves who can make melodious screams. "
A thoughtful expression appeared on Bruno's face: "So you think Luskan will become a potential friend rather than an enemy? By the way, it's broad daylight now. How did you trick the guards into entering the city? ”
Drizzt replied without thinking: "I did not deceive anyone, but I showed my identity openly and walked in from the front door. Although many people still cast wary, suspicious and hostile looks."
"What? They allowed the dark elves to enter the city!" The dwarf's eyes widened in shock.
You must know that just a few years ago, when they ventured in the Northland to search for clues to Mithril Hall, this legendary ranger was banned from entry by various city-states along the way more than once, and even Silvermoon City was not allowed to enter. Exceptions, some even threatened to kill him.
It was precisely because of this strong hostility and rejection that Drizzt was depressed for a long time, and even doubted whether his choice to leave his hometown was wrong.
"Haha, instead of allowing all dark elves to enter the city, only Drizzt Do'Urden is allowed to enter. It seems that all these years of adventure have not been in vain, and I finally gained some recognition and acceptance. .”
When talking about this matter, a touch of unnoticeable emotion flashed in the ranger's eyes.
But he may never know that this order was actually issued by Zuo Si himself and had nothing to do with recognition or acceptance.
(End of this chapter)