The skeleton soldiers are slightly taller than the labor skeletons.

Not entirely exposed bone.

Instead, they were tattered rags on their upper bodies, fluttering in the breeze like a bundle of mop strands.

To be frank, the newly introduced combat unit did not bring much astonishment to Fongghao.

The first three abilities are akin to those of the labor skeletons, with the only addition being the shield bash skill, which requires the equipage of a shield to be effective.

By the way, the weapon blueprint obtained today pertains to shields.

He promptly opened the crafting page of the Lord's book.

Wooden shield, three wood, two hemp rope.

Craft 100fold amplification triggered.

successfully crafted wooden shield 101.

A pile of wooden shields immediately appeared beside him.

All right, everyone, pick up your wooden shields and stone axes.

Fawn how commanded.

The skeleton soldiers step forward, each arming themselves.

Your task is to patrol the vicinity of the territory, safeguard the labor skeletons as they perform their duties, and gather prey, Fongo pointed out.

Upon receiving the orders, the skeleton soldiers turned to depart.

The territory remained within the novice protection phase.

As long as they stayed within the domain, they would not be subjected to any attacks from beasts or enemies.

Therefore, as long as they lay low, they would be safe.

Conversely, the labor skeletons required a degree of protection to prevent any beastly incursions that could disrupt their work.

Once all instructions were conveyed, the sky began to darken.

A growl from his stomach reminded him that he was still human.

He had not eaten all day.

Inside the lord's cabin, there was a flint.

He ignited a campfire, using the stone axe to chop meat into chunks, skewering them with wooden sticks, and roasting them over the fire.

Immediately, the aroma of grilled meat wafted through the air.

While waiting for the meat to cook thoroughly, he opened the chat channel out of boredom.

Without a phone, this had become his sole means of entertainment.

Who has food? I'm starving and feeling weak.

I beg you, please give me something to eat.

I'm so hungry too, but I dare not go out.

Who can save me? Who is way back? I'll transfer 5 million as soon as I can return.

Wake up upstairs.

Accept reality sooner.

Resources for food.

The loyalty of the farmers has already plummeted.

If I don't provide food, I fear they might devour me.

Who has food? Resources for food.

In a quest for sustenance, I, the bell of the film academy, pondered the possibility of exchanging surplus provisions.

Instead of allowing the excess food to decay, it seemed far more prudent to barter for items I truly needed.

Thus, I delve into the Lord's book and discovered the intricacies of item exchange.

Trader, Fongghao, registered item.

Meat quantity 1,000 units.

Requirements per unit.

50 units of wood, 40 units of stone, five units of iron, any type.

Note, for special items, private messages can augment the food quantity.

As soon as the information was released, the chat channel erupted with excitement.

Wow, someone has listed meat.

And in a staggering quantity of 1,000 units.

Impressive.

Is the esteemed Fong how in need of embellishments? Is this the same Fong How who was the first to upgrade the main city? Indeed, it is incredible.

Fong How has an astonishingly advantageous start? This seems rather exorbitant.

Such a high demand for mere meat.

Are you human? Esteemed traitor, I possess a golden tooth.

Does it count as a special resource? Should you desire it, I shall promptly part with it.

You might as well keep your yellow teeth for repelling mosquitoes.

Fonggha, I have a golden chain here.

Would you consider trading it for two units of food? You can save that chain for a noose.

Chapter 5.

The shadow stone.

I managed to seize it.

At last, I could have a meal.

What? It disappeared so swiftly.

I couldn't grab any.

Brother, could you please list some more? I just missed out.

The meat that Fong Hao put up for sale vanished at an astonishing pace with a thousand units being sold out in less than 2 minutes.

Immediately thereafter, his private messages flooded in.

Brother, I just couldn't get any.

I have timber.

Can we trade? I'm starving, brother.

Saving a life is more virtuous than building a seven-story pagod.

Funha, I'm so hungry.

I have some particularly private photos.

Can we exchange them for some food? Fong Hao chose to disregard those who lamented their misfortune, hoping to obtain food for free.

Hunting outside the territory indeed posed risks.

However, he had set the exchange rate for materials quite low, allowing almost everyone the opportunity to trade.

The sheer number of people who had traversed here was overwhelming, and the initial territory provided no direct means of acquiring food.

Consequently, food became the most scarce resource.

In contrast, water was not in short supply.

Numerous territories boasted nearby water sources, and a river or freshwater lake was sufficient for sale, no matter how much water one sold.

It was impossible to drain a river.

Thus, water resources were relatively inexpensive, with many individuals engaging in its sale.

Timber and stone could be harvested gradually with no real shortage.

Yet, the absence of food was far more discomforting.

After pondering for a moment, Fong Hao decided to list another 500 units of meat, maintaining the same exchange rate.

The channel erupted once more.

Wow, hurry and grab it.

He really listed it.

How does this big shot have so much meat? Is he using cheats? I've said it countless times.

This is reality, not a game.

Big shot, please take me along.

I'm willing to serve.

Fun.

Ha, do you need a girlfriend? In times of need, having more friends can be quite beneficial, and I can be of assistance.

Wow.

The person above has some interesting points.

As he observed the channel incessantly scrolling with various chatter from nizens, Fongo finally comprehended the scarcity of meat.

The vast majority of individuals presently lacked the ability to leave their territories to hunt beasts.

Those who ventured outside and were fortunate enough to slay a beast typically only managed to acquire one.

They were often unwilling to sell it, preferring to find ways to preserve it for themselves and their farmers.