" The reaper wolf retorted.

Hurry.

We have a marriage alliance to secure.

Are you not a man? Let me go out.

Let us not get ahead of ourselves.

We aren't that familiar.

Fonggha's gaze landed on the chief's hall, spotting the gray bear concealed within.

Gray bear, do you wish to die? As her name was uttered, an invisible pressure enveloped the gray bear as though unseen hands were tightly gripping her heart, making each heartbeat feel laborious.

Boss asked him what he wants.

A subordinate tugged at the gray bear's clothing.

Snapping back to reality, the gray bear suppressed her rising anxiety and inquired, "What brings you here, my lord? A week ago, you ambushed my merchant convoy.

How shall we resolve this matter?" Fong how s eyes locked onto the gray bear.

She furrowed her brow, recalling the events of a week prior.

That can't be.

The only skirmish I engaged in was against a cloth merchant, and I lost many brothers.

I've had no dealings with the undead.

My lord, we do not know.

I offer you an opportunity.

Submit to me and I shall spare your lives.

Fongghao interrupted the grizzly bear's defense directly.

The grizzly understood that the events of a week prior concerning the plundering of the undead merchant caravan were no longer relevant.

The adversary had never intended to hear his explanation.

His sole purpose was to compel the grizzly and his followers to yield to him.

For a moment, the grizzly hesitated.

The threat posed by the undead was far more formidable than that of mountain bandits seizing a stronghold.

The oppressive aura of death enveloped him, instilling a profound fear.

With over 80 of his men remaining, how many would dare confront 10 skeletal dragons and towering skeletal warriors? Perhaps only a few would muster the courage.

Casting a glance at the nearby Reaper wolves, he noticed they averted their gaze instantly.

rather than allow the other mountain bandits to overtake his stronghold.

It seemed wiser to gamble on the undead.

My lord, my subordinates and I are willing to submit to you, and we hope you will not make things difficult for us.

" The grizzly knelled on one knee, placing his weapon upon the ground.

"Excellent," Fong how dismounted the skeletal dragon, flanked by Anja and Domiga.

Once this is signed, this place will serve as a transit station to Lys City, and you will be responsible for the safety of the caravans passing through.

Fong Hao rifled through the Lord's book until he found a blank slave contract.

The grizzly gazed at Fong Hao, then glanced at Anja and Domiga.

His eyes widened in recognition as they fell upon Ditiga.

He recalled vividly the merchants party from a mist.

Cursed that Iron Blood mercenary corps, they have led me to my doom.

Yes, my lord.

The grizzly bit his finger and pressed it onto the slave contract.

The contract's glow enveloped him, binding him to its terms.

Human warrior read.

Current loyalty level 65.

Chapter 256.

The rejuvenating spring.

The loyalty of the gray bear stands at a mere 65 points, which is not particularly high yet remains within the realm of normaly.

Those compelled to sign a contract through force typically exhibit low loyalty initially, but tends to gradually improve over time.

This is not a cause for concern.

The gray bear is named Reed of rather neutral appellation.

Perhaps he believes that such a name befits his masculine identity.

Simultaneously, a notification from the Lord's book confirmed the option to establish an affiliated village.

Gray Bear Camp has become your affiliated village.

You may name the village here and allocate all resources within it.

Subsequently, Fongghao refrained from any further actions and simply close the Lord<unk>'s book.

Let's converse within," he suggested.

As they settled in the hall, Fongo<unk>s gaze fell upon the figure of the shadow wolf nearby.

"Who are you?" he inquired.

The shadow wolf, figning invisibility, felt a pang of anxiety, having just displayed a consiliatory smile.

It was the gray bear who spoke first.

He is the chief of another camp.

Aspiring to be the wolf king here.

A bead of sweat appeared on the shadow wolf as forehead and he awkwardly chuckled.

Wolf king, my lord, you may simply call me little dog.

Little dog will suffice.

Fonggho found himself perplexed.

The title of hero is a mark of strength and personal attributes.

Why would these bandits adopt such nicknames? Both gray barren little dog seemed rather inongruous.

Furthermore, the tidal little dog hardly conveyed any sense of authority.

Enough.

You shall remain here from now on.

You're under Gay Bear's command, tasked with managing this camp, Fongo declared.

Huh? But I I have matters to attend to, my lord, the shadow wolf stammered.

What matters could possibly outweigh your life.

Fong how retorted, producing a slave contract and presenting it to Gray Bear for his signature.

This contract was not under Fong Hao same, but under Gay Bears, allowing him to manage the camp more effectively.

Gray Bear, how many subordinates do you command? Fonhao inquired.

89 individuals, Gray Bear replied, providing an accurate figure rather than an inflated one to deceive other bandits.

And you, little dog, my lord, I have over 200, he answered.

Very well.

Henceforth, you're no longer bandits, and you must refrain from plundering passing merchant caravans.

Huh? Then what shall we do in the future? Gay Bear asked, curiosity evident in his tone, as their skills lay primarily in raiding.

You will develop as a normal village for now.

I shall assign you tasks in due course.

Fong how instructed.

Oh, understood, my lord.

Additionally, should any information regarding the undead escape, do not blame me for my lack of courtesy, Fong How warned coldly once more.

A stifling sense of oppression enveloped the two.

We will ensure everything is managed properly.

Rest assured, they responded hastily.

Very well, take this with you.

I shall inform you of any tasks when the time comes.

Fonggho handed a skeletal gray sparrow to Gray Bear.

The latter held the palmsized aven bone, somewhat bewildered by Fong Ha's intentions, yet dared not to inquire further.

He could only instinctively nod in agreement.

Oh, understood.

All right, convene a meeting for everyone.

This place is not a mere imitation.

It is known as Gray Bear Village.

With that, Gray Bear summoned all the bandits for a gathering while Fongo strolled through the village.