Another chimed in, "A few days ago, I also investigated the mercenary group and found no record of this fellow's registration.
Many began to associate the situation with the mercenary group.
Capturing the faceless ones is no simple task.
A reliable and combat capable team is essential.
The notion of a mercenary group lingered in their minds.
Yet thorough inquiries yielded scant leads.
The leader in black continued.
It is no longer possible to retrieve details regarding his mercenary group from the task hall, which is precisely why I began to harbor suspicions about him.
Upon receiving this information, the assembly fell silent once more, although their masked expressions concealed their reactions.
The atmosphere in the room grew somber.
Few could conceal the registration information of a mercenary group, and the motives behind such concealment warranted scrutiny.
Thus, Fongo emerged as a figure of suspicion.
I believe we should apprehend this merchant to ascertain his potential involvement in these matters and to further the investigation into the transgressors.
I propose we eliminate him directly regardless of his involvement in this matter.
He should be eradicated without hesitation.
No, Funha has gained significant influence within the city.
I have received information that he recently made a substantial donation of supplies to the temple.
To kill him would have a profound impact on the city.
How then should we proceed? Suspicion has fallen upon him.
Yet we cannot kill him, nor can we apprehend him.
Just as the crowd began to express their concerns, with no viable solutions in sight, the leader in the black robe spoke once more.
Enough of a clamor.
Since suspicion has already been cast upon him, we must conduct a thorough investigation.
I shall designate this matter as a task.
Whoever successfully accomplishes it will receive an appropriate reward.
After concluding his statement, the figure produced a blank order, swiftly inscribing the necessary details before sliding it to the center of the round table.
The previously noisy assembly fell silent as all eyes turned toward the order.
Yet, no one dared to reach for it.
Moments later, a robust member of the blackroed assembly spoke up.
I can investigate this Fongo, but I cannot guarantee his fate.
Agreed.
If it is confirmed that he is the one, his life or death is of no consequence.
Very well, I shall accept this task.
With that, the individual took the order for himself.
The gathering continued for some time with discussions revolving around the city's affairs and the exchange of intelligence.
It was only in the late hours of the night that this clandestine meeting gradually came to a close.
One by one, the attendees departed while shadows began to writhe in the corners of the room, hesitating for a few seconds before following in the direction of the leader in the black robe.
The following morning, Fongghow awoke as usual from his slumber.
After completing his morning exercises around the territory, he returned to the Lord's manor, only to find Luo Lee seated in the Lord's Hall, accompanied by an elderly blackfooted cat, Beastman.
My lord, Lu Lee hastily rose to pay her respects.
The aged beastman trembled slightly before bowing.
My lord, the elder is the chieftain of the black-footed cat clan.
Upon hearing Luoli's account, he had accompanied her to this territory.
Upon witnessing the vast array of undead soldiers, trepidation gripped the hearts of all his kin.
Yet their trust in Luo Lee compelled them to enter the city to meet this lord.
However, the sight of an unremarkable young human made it difficult to connect him with the undead outside the city, evoking a sense of unreality.
Seeing Lui return brought relief to Fong Hao.
In recent days, Anjhao had incessantly warned him of Lu Le's lack of writing skills, fearing she might fall and drown in the river due to her short stature.
Thus, he had been anxious about her safety during her journey.
Now that she had returned unharmed, his worries were finally set at ease.
His gaze shifted once more to the elderly black-footed cat.
The elder stood approximately 1 m 30 or 40 tall, clad in a gray linen garment, leaning on a wooden staff crafted from a tree root.
You should be the chieftain of the Blackfoot Cat clan.
Well, it's good that you're back.
Make yourself comfortable.
Fongghao also settled in his seat.
The two of them rose and the elder cautiously took his place in the chair.
Lui then picked up a cup and went to the seller to fetch two cups of fruit wine, placing them in front of the elder and herself.
Lui, why did you take so long? Fonhao inquired with curiosity.
The reason for Luo Lee's journey on the bone dragon was not only to avoid the dangers along the way, but also to minimize travel time.
Yet, despite her efforts, she had still been away for over a week.
If she didn't te return soon, Funha would have to send someone out to look for her.
Let us not mention it, my lord.
It's all due to that oursed Blackstone tribe.
If it weren't for the need to be wary of them, I would have brought everyone back long ago, avoiding the hardships of the journey.
Lui swung her legs, continuously complaining.
Ahem.
The elder cleared his throat twice, casting a stern glance at Lu Lee to signal her to refrain from further remarks.
Fong how discerned the underlying message.
It seemed that the migration of the Blackfoot cats was indeed entangled with some conflict with the orc tribes.
Could you elaborate on the grievances you have with the Blackstone tribe? Fonhow asked them.
Before Lui could respond, the elder spoke first.
I would not dare to deceive you, my lord.
We previously resided near Tasgo City, but due to some conflicts with the Blackstone tribe, we were compelled to seek refuge in a new location under a powerful lord's protection.
As he spoke, the elder placed his staff aside and knelt down, bowing deeply.
Although Fong Ha's territory appeared perilous, its strength was undeniable, boasting a formidable military force.
Only Fong Howo possessed the capability to offer them protection, free from the threats posed by the Stone Tribe.
Is the Blackstone tribe indeed powerful? How many members do they have? Or the nature of your conflicts? Fun Hao probed, articulating his inquiries.
Having promised Lu Lee he had no intention of driving these people away.
Yet he needed to understand the adversaries he would soon confront.
My lord, the Blackstone tribe is a large Orc clan, boasting a population of about 10,000 robust warriors.
In a previous hunting expedition, some of our young inadvertently entered their hunting grounds, leading to ongoing oppression from the Blackstone tribe.
In desperation, we contemplated relocating as a clan to find a place where we could survive.
The elder recounted the situation, adding, "But rest assure, my lord.
The Blackfoot cats are always discreet in their movements.
We have been exceedingly cautious on our journey, ensuring we do not bring trouble to you.
Or tribes often operate this way, devoid of fixed rules.
The strongest clan with the most robust warriors wields absolute authority.
If your village lacks strength and has a small population, it can only succumb to the whims of the more powerful tribes.
It is fortunate to depend on a reasonable clan.
Otherwise, encountering a ruthless one could spell doom for the village.
Not all races possess the fortitude to abandon their original villages in pursuit of new settlements.
Akin to the black-footed cat.
Upon hearing the elers's words, Fongo instinctively cast a glance at the side of his companion, Lu Lee.
With her innocent disposition and the binding contract between them, Luo Lee was incapable of deceiving him.
Observing her serene expression, Fong how discern the truth in the elers statement.
The Blackstone tribe comprised merely a few thousand individuals which did not instill fear in him.
Should they truly pursue him here, it would only signify their own demise.
Funghow refrained from delving further into this matter and initiated a new topic.
Have you chosen a location for your settlement? The Hiwa Highlands boast fertile lands and a sparse population, making it quite suitable for your existence.