Domina turned to Fong How and softly remarked, "My lord, the number of scouts deployed by the Blackstone tribe around the mine is increasing.
It is likely that they will soon launch an attack on the mine, and we should prepare accordingly.
" Yet Fong Hao dismissed the Blackstone tribe as a threat, confident that his undead army was more than capable of overpowering them.
The only challenge lay in the lengthy stretch of land separating his territory from the mine, which was isolated by vast expanses of Orc tribes and various locations.
Especially now with the Copper Bull and the Tarthorc city, discussions regarding trade cooperation are underway.
To hastily mobilize the undead army in mass towards the east could potentially lead to unforeseen complications.
Even with a substantial military presence at one's disposal, one must tread cautiously.
Any significant upheaval might adversely affect one's development and the prevailing peace.
A large-scale undead army could easily rally the scattered orc factions, escalating into a racial conflict.
Historically, there have been instances where living beings united to collectively vanquish the undead.
However, the matter concerning the myithal minds also requires resolution.
Fonhow began to contemplate strategies to address the situation.
Under the cover of night, he could command the bone dragon to unleash a breath attack upon the Blackstone tribe, thereby diminishing their population.
Alternatively, he might reach out to rival tribes of the Blackstone tribe for potential collaboration.
While overt actions may be unfeasible, many covert approaches exist.
First, he would attend to the treasure cave matter and subsequently devise a plan targeting the Blackstone tribe.
Very well, my lord.
Everything shall proceed according to your instructions.
Domina nodded.
Indeed, Domina, gather your forces and bring as many archers as possible.
We shall depart immediately.
Fongghao continued.
Yes, my lord.
While Domina assembled her troops, Fongghao busied himself with the Lord's book, crafting carts and iron arrows.
The 100fold amplification triggered, yielding 303 carts and 505 000 iron arrows.
Merchant carts were stationed in the clearing, and a plethora of arrows appeared, cascading around like raindrops.
The quantity of iron arrows produced might exceed necessity.
Any surplus could later be allocated for use by the humanoid giant spider archers.
A multitude of giant spider hatchlings emerged in a serpentine formation from the dense forest.
Gathering the scattered arrows and binding them with white silk threads.
This method of equipment collection proved far more efficient than manual organization.
Within 10 minutes, all arrows were neatly gathered and stacked upon carts.
The clearing was prepared and Funghao proceeded to craft dragon lock crossbows and heavy crossbow bolts.
The 100fold amplification triggered again, resulting in 101 dragon lock crossbows and 10 100 heavy crossbow bolts which were scattered across the ground.
The dragon lock crossbow equipped with wheels at its base facilitated transportation while the heavy bolts resembled javelins exceeding the dimensions of standard arrows.
The giant spider hatchlings attempted to organize them, but found them too cumbersome to lift, necessitating the assistance of skeletal warriors for proper arrangement.
With the required equipment completed, Domina emerged with her subordinates.
My lord, aside from the forces remaining at the camp, I have assembled 100 spider archers and 50 spider warriors, Domina reported.
Excellent.
Prepare yourselves.
We shall depart at once.
Yes, my lord.
After conducting a final inspection of their equipment, the large group commenced their journey.
Continuing eastward from the weaver's campsite, they encountered a few wild beasts that trailed at a distance behind them.
Despite the considerable number of individuals in the group, the beasts retreated into the woods.
After following for a short while, under the guidance of Domina, Fong Hao and his companions finally arrived at the edge of the treasure cave mountain.
Before them loomed a towering peak, its slopes adorned with robust ancient trees, forming a lush and verdant cover.
The dense foliage obscured any visible path leading up the mountain.
My lord, this is the mountain.
The treasure cave marked on the map is located midway up, Dominus stated, transforming into her giant spider form.
What the dragon-like creatures you mentioned? Fungho inquired.
Standing nearby, they remain hidden within the dense forest of the mountain.
They will attack whenever anyone approaches, and there are many of them, Domina explained.
It seemed that no other beasts inhabited the vicinity, save for the dragon-like entities Domina had referred to.
After a moment of contemplation, Fong How continued, "The terrain on the mountain is unsuitable for crossbows and archers.
Can these foes be lured out?" "That should be possible.
" "Last time we explore this area.
We were pursued for quite a distance," Domina replied.
Her massive spider form crouched on the ground.
Very well.
Let us prepare for battle here.
Deatika, you shall coordinate the fight, Fongo declared promptly.
Deatika stepped forward.
Yes, my lord.
He then raised his voice to issue commands to the group.
Reinforce the crossbows.
Archers, check your gear.
Anja, direct the infantry forward to prevent any enemies descending from the mountain.
With each command given, the troops sprang into action.
The crossbows were fortified and loaded with bolts.
The skeletal archers and spider-like archers readied their arrows, awaiting the approach of the enemy.
The melee units positioned themselves at the forefront, prepare to defend against any land-based adversaries that might charge down.
Once everything was in place, Fong how invoked divine presence, taking control of a skeletal archer who ventured into the dense forest at top the mountain.
The path was arduous, necessitating the use of a dagger to sever branches and thorns to progress further.
Upon reaching the mountain side, Fongghao indeed spotted the dragon-like creatures that had surrounded the cave.
Just as Domina had described, the seventh tier pseudo dragon guardians resembled miniature versions of true dragons.
Each was nearly the size of an adult bear, boasting reddish brown scales for limbs and crimson wings.
They rested upon boulders and trees, either lounging or playing.
Their numbers were indeed substantial.
At seventh tier, they represented a relatively high rank among creatures and could be considered the dominant beings in this area.
Ordinary tribes would refrain from provoking these pseudo dragons.
Funha took a moment to reassess the situation surrounding them.
After failing to detect any other creatures, Fongghao seized his bow and aimed an arrow at the pseudo dragon nestled within the trees ahead, releasing it with precision.
Whoosh! Thud! The surface of the pseudo dragon was covered in a layer of scales, yet it evidently lacked the formidable defense of a true dragon.
The iron arrow pierced through its outer scales, burrowing into its neck.
Though the wound was not deep, it elicited a piercing cry of anguish from a pseudo dragon.
Without hesitation, Fongo slung his bow across his back and sprinted down the mountain.
At that moment, the pseudo dragons became aware of the suspicious intruder, and with the arrow lodged in their companion's neck, they erupted into a cacophony of shrieks.
A tremendous number of pseudo dragons soared into the sky, pursuing the fleeing intruder.
Fongghao continued his frantic dash, not daring to glance back at the ominous sounds of the air being sliced behind him.
It was not fear of death that gripped him, but rather the anxiety of losing control over his skeleton minion, necessitating another summon of foes.
He raced through the dense forest and soon burst forth into a clearing where he spotted Ditiga and the others waiting.
Seizing the opportunity, he glanced back one last time.
Behind him loomed a vast swarm of pseudo dragons, far more than he had anticipated, at least 300 strong.
The pseudo dragons, having detected the army below, shifted their focus.
No longer concerned with the fleeing skeleton, they charged toward the mixed forces beneath them, which included the spider creatures that had appeared 2 days prior and an array of skeletons.
The sky darkened as the pseudo dragons descended, their presence imposing.
While the undead remained relatively unfazed, the arachnid soldiers began to show signs of trepidation, their spider-like legs trembling slightly.
Domiga, observing the approaching pseudo dragons, commanded coldly, "Attack! Whoosh! Whoosh! Bang! Bang!" Arrows rain down like a vast net upon the pseudo dragons.
The crossbows emitting thunderous sounds as the hefty bolts were launched into the air.