Please verify the count, a soldier approached.
The quantity was already evident, and no special counting was required.
Is it permissible for me to take these now? Fong Ho inquired.
Certainly, they are yours, the soldier replied.
Fong Ho nodded, leading the giant lizard outward as they traversed the city's central district.
The lizard was compelled to slow its pace.
Inching forward amidst the throng.
On the roadside, individuals from the Firewolf mercenary corps dangled from the gallows.
On a platform, officials voseiferously proclaimed the crimes of the mercenary group detailing the recent acts of murder that transpired within the city.
When a residents learned that the deceased were victims of mercenary vendettas, an uproar erupted as they whispered amongst themselves.
The officials continue to denounce the wrongdoings of the deceased and extol the virtues of the Lord.
Will the residents believe this? Anja murmured.
I'm uncertain.
Most likely they will.
As Sirill stated, they are more inclined to trust the Lord rather than those mercenaries.
Fong Hao replied, equally unsure of the residents beliefs.
Surely many would speculate that this was Sirill's retaliation against the Firewolves.
Yet such thoughts were inconsequential.
No one would seek justice for the fallen, for they were already dead, and their misdeeds were ample.
After passing by shops and confirming that nothing unusual had occurred, the giant lizard exited Pearl City, heading towards his territory.
Upon the lizards return, the sun continued his descent.
Fongo instructed the skeletons to unload the white steel ingots into the warehouse, while he himself proceeded to the residents of Xiaoyu, armed with a sword of delayed justice.
Good evening, my lord.
Shiau greeted warmly.
Indeed, I eradicated a band of murderers today and recovered this sword of delayed justice which I thought to present to you.
Fongo said, extending the sword to her.
The moment Shiau touched the sword, her body radiated a blinding light once more.
Shortly thereafter, Fongghao received a system notification.
Your subordinate, the Phantom, has successfully advanced to an heroic unit.
Unfinished business quest.
No heroic assessment required.
The Lament of Hilda, green tier 2 hero faction, undead template, green racial traits, undead, ethereal, weakness to light skills, spirit possession, dark void, unfinished business, shadow stealth.
Inherent abilities, intermediate combat mastery, intermediate all-w weapon mastery, shadow stealth.
Merge your body into the shadows, including but not limited to the shadows of objects and living beings.
Note, they're bound here, neither eating nor sleeping, perpetually reliving the agony of near death.
Observing Xiao<unk>'s attributes, Fong Hao's brow furrowed once more.
Shiau had indeed acquired a name reminiscent of that noble lady from the tale.
Having ascended to heroism, she had reached the verdant tier 2 of heroes, unlocking the skill of shadow stealth along with the innate ability of weapon mastery.
The skill of shadow stealth evoked memories of playing an assassin in a game.
In a state of invisibility, one could deliver a sudden strike to an unsuspecting foe.
Shiau skill mirrored this, allowing her to conceal herself in the shadows, making it advantageous for gathering intelligence and executing stealthy assassinations.
Imagine a figure emerging unexpectedly from the shadows, delivering a swift blow to your lower back, an utterly unpredictable tactic, as who could guard against their own shadow.
Weapon mastery was indeed a rare trait.
Intermediate level skills were typically universal, yet lacking in potency.
The sole drawback lay in a moniker disaster song, which felt rather ominous.
Lacking the charm of a more melodious title, My Lord, I become a hero.
Shiau stated with a calm demeanor.
It seemed that achieving hero status was merely an ordinary occurrence for her, devoid of any emotional upheaval.
Funha observed her and noted the transformation.
Shiao<unk>s form had nearly solidified.
No longer a mere ethereal wisp, a drift in the sky, but rather resembling a true individual.
The shimmering garment that once cloaked her had vanished, leaving her standing bare before Fong How.
Shiau, perhaps you might consider dawning something, Fong Hao suggested, though it is ultimately your choice.
Following Fong Ha's gaze, Shiau glanced at her body, realizing the changes that had occurred since her evolution into a hero.
She hastily retreated to her chamber and emerged clad in a linen tunic.
The ability to wear clothing implied that Shiau could also dawn equipment.
"My lord, I apologize for my earlier modesty," Shiau expressed contritly.
Indeed, it appears you have acquired your own name.
Do you prefer us to call you Shiau or Hilda? I wish to honor your preference.
Shiau, she replied.
Very well.
Since you're now able to wear equipment, might there be any complications when utilizing shadow stealth? Fungho pondered aloud.
If she were to activate shadow stealth and meld into the shadows, would her equipment not clatter to the ground, thus revealing her presence to foes? Moreover, emerging naked to execute an assassination lacked decorum, and maintaining such a state of heightened excitement at the time of death could tarnish the deceased reputation.
"I shall give it a try," Shiau declared, her form dissolving into the darkness like ink.
In the next moment, she appeared behind Fong Hao, gently tapping his shoulder.
"My lord.
" Turning around, Fongo beheld Shiau, still adorned in her long linen tunic.
This confirmed that her equipment was indeed affected by her skills.
Dispelling his earlier concerns about the potential for her to vanish while leaving her gear behind.
Very well.
I shall have Sawyer prepare two sets of casual attire for you tomorrow.
Thank you, my lord.
I am fond of the black and white dress worn by Eur and the others.
Could you procure a set for me? Certainly.
Just request it from Quan Su.
Fong Ho felt a twinge of curiosity, noticing that the girls in the territory seemed particularly fond of made outfits.
It would be prudent for her to determine her needs in advance, so he could prepare accordingly.
Previously, Shiau was a pure spirit.
Although numerous furnishings and carpets were present, they served no purpose.
She could simply float through walls without the need to open doors.
Now, however, she was approaching a more corporeal state.
After conversing with Xiaou for a while, ear s dinner was ready.
Following the meal, Fong Hao made his way to the merchant alliance building.
Duo Gene was still busy assigning tasks as skeletal merchants moved in and out of the shop.
My lord, a throng of skeletal merchants bowed in unison.
You may continue your work.
I shall not disturb you.
Fonggha replied as he seated himself at the counter and inquired of Duo Gene.
Is the order for the white steel firearms still available? Indeed, my lord.
Duo Gene affirmed.
Please bring it forth for signature.
All materials are in place.
Also, check if there are any blueprints for firearm ammunition.
Of course, my lord.
One moment, please.
Duo Gene retrieved the order and perused the blueprints within the cabinet behind him.
Funha took the order and reverified the details.
Order requirement 2,000 white steel firearms.
Trade reward 20000 warfire coins, 10 dwarven influence.
Upon confirming the order information, Funghao promptly inscribed his name, thus rendering the order officially valid.