"Very well.
Let us see if there are any slave scrolls or hero scrolls available in the shop," Fongo suggested.
Certainly, the merchant pressed a button at the counter, causing the shelves behind him to open, revealing an array of goods.
"Indeed, there were slave scrolls for sale, and not just from one vendor, but several offering them simultaneously.
I shall purchase all of these slave scrolls, Fong Hao declared.
Understood.
My lord, the merchant responded promptly, retrieving several slave scrolls from the shelves.
Fong Ho counted them, totaling 21.
That is a sound transmission conchk, is it not? I shall take that as well.
I will carry it with me later.
He pointed to the conchk on the counter.
Such an item serves as a communicator in this era, allowing individuals to maintain contact with one another.
The merchant handed it to Fongghao.
After a brief inspection, finding nothing else urgently needed, he exited the merchant alliance and returned to the Lord's Manor for a meal.
Chapter 199.
Constructing the fortress and blasting the mountains after breakfast.
Fongo set forth with H Jing and 20 skeletal dragons laden with skeletal trolls towards the fringes of the bloodstained mountains.
After approximately an hour's journey, they finally reached their destination.
They first rode the skeletal dragons along the mountain range, meticulously surveying the area.
"My lord," the bloodthrow tribe you mentioned.
"If they wish to launch an assault, this is their sole pathway," Hey, Jing remarked, pointing at the map.
The map depicted the surrounding mountainous terrain with a solitary mountain path beneath them, which was also the route they had taken during their previous expedition to the dragon's tomb.
There existed another passage, a concealed tunnel within the mountain that they had discovered upon exiting the dragon's tomb.
Fungho had already dispatched personnel to procure black powder.
Intending to seal that route off, nodding in acknowledgement, Fong Hao opened the lord's book and navigated to the construction section, he located the blueprint for the fortress.
Level one fortress.
3,000 wood, 2,000 stone, 1500 stone bricks, 500 iron, 120 metal parts.
He chose to construct it between two towering mountains.
A radiant light flickered and a fortress materialized before them immediately upgraded to level six.
Level six fortress type defensive structure ability bastion.
Bastion increases building defense durability by one.
Materials required for upgrade 3,000 tough wood, 5,000 stone bricks, 3,200 iron, 500 metal parts.
Upon reaching level six, the bastion's capability was unveiled, enhancing durability by one.
It was a modest improvement.
Yet, Fongghow hoped it would suffice to thwart the trolls advance on the battlefield.
In Fongo's eyes, the fortress resembled a medieval castle from the west with robust walls connecting the flanking mountain faces forming a formidable barrier.
The central position of the wall featured a grand and heavy gate, ensuring normal passage during peaceful times.
The top of the wall spanned over 5 m in width, allowing for the placement of archers, mages, or siege weaponry.
Inside, barracks could be constructed along with civilian residences and blacksmiths with no restrictions whatsoever.
It bore a striking resemblance to a small town.
Suddenly, Fong Ho had a revelation.
"Of course," he exclaimed, slapping his forehead.
"If I can build all this, then watchtowers and defensive magic towers should also be feasible.
" He reopened the Lord's book to construct the watchtowwer and defensive magic tower.
A luminous glow heralded the appearance of both types of defensive towers.
He upgraded the watchtowwer and magic tower on the walls to level six, leaving only the placement of the appropriate troops remaining.
He jingo called, "My lord Jing approached.
The two stood upon the walls, gazing into the depths of the northern mountains.
In preparing to resist the trolls here, "Do you perceive any additional arrangements we should consider?" Fungho inquired.
With his skills encompassing defensive strategies and his extensive experience as a leader of the Orc army in life, H Jing should possess ample expertise.
Fonggho hoped that Nelson had not eradicated any of his knowledge in this regard.
Hijing stood to the side, pondering briefly before speaking.
"My lord, the trolls possess advantages in size and strength.
The height of the city walls is sufficient for defense.
Yet, we must also strive to delay the trolls approach, thereby increasing our opportunity to attack.
Perhaps we could construct some cow troop barriers.
However, these are easily destroyed, and I fear they may not impede the trolls for long.
Fong contemplated the cow troops, but shook his head in self-denial.
Having encountered ogres before, he was aware of their combat characteristics and physical advantages.
Their strength is formidable, and their skin is tough and thick.
Unless one targets their vital points.
Even penetrating their flesh yields minimal effect.
Those mass-produced barriers are more suited to obstructing human-sized units.
While they might still hinder the trolls, their effectiveness would be considerably diminished.
No, my lord.
I mean, we could dig a trench that would be difficult for the trolls to cross, thereby impeding their advance.
Hijing gazed downward, realizing the magnitude of the undertaking would be significant.
This is the Frost Wind Mountains, and even the ground beneath their feet is solid rock.
If the fortress were not constructed using blueprints, relying solely on manpower would make even the groundwork exceedingly challenging.
Excavating soil and quarrying stone are two entirely different undertakings.
Moreover, with the enemy's assault imminent, Hijing was concerned about the time required to dig a trench capable of hindering the trolls.
Yet, Fong Hao found this suggestion quite appealing, who said the undertaking was too great.
He did not perceive it as such.
This proposal is excellent.
Please study the trenches location, depth, and width.
While I arrange for assistance, Fong Ho instructed.
Understood, Hijing replied, descending the city wall to begin planning the trench's position and its capacity to impede the trolls.
Fungho opened the Lord's book to contact Jeang Bin.
Jeang Bin, are you there? Boss, up so early.
Wait a moment.
I'll send someone to fetch you and all the ironclaw rats.
All right, with that, Funghao ended their conversation.
Before long, Blood Hunter arrived riding a skeletal dragon.
As he landed, several skeleton trolls leaped down, each carrying barrels of explosives.
My lord, where should we place these barrels? Blood Hunter inquired, "Here, follow me.
" Fong Hao led Blood Hunter to a mountain tunnel that connected to the outside world.
The barrels were tossed inside, and after a thunderous explosion, the tunnel collapsed, sealing it completely.
"Blood Hunter, go to Jean Bin's territory and bring him and the ironclaw rats back.
" Fongghao continued.
Yes, my lord.
Blood Hunter departed once more with a skeletal dragon toward Jeang Bin's domain.
Approximately 2 hours later, when the skeletal dragon returned, Jeang Bin arrived accompanied by a throng of ironclaw rats.
The wooden barrels were placed down and the ironclaw rats scattered, stretching their necks to gaze at Fong Hao, whom they had not seen for several days.
Fongghao too curiously surveyed the ironclaw rats, noting that these little creatures had changed significantly since their first encounter.
Some wore circular rings around their necks, others dawned leather helmets, and some even sported well-fitted garments.
In any case, each was distinct, adding an endearing charm to the scene.
Jeang Bin approached, accustomed now to riding the skeletal dragon without any incidents.
"Is this an animal beauty pageant?" Fong Hao inquired, glancing at the curious ironclaw mouse nearby, its neck stretched in wonder.
Oh, weren't these distributed to the residents? To easily identify their own ironclad mice, they made some markings, Jeang Bin elucidated.
The ironclaw mice all appeared quite similar, and the residents feared they might not recognize their well-fed pets.