Chapter 363 - 361: Occupying Mountain Village

Chapter 363: Chapter 361: Occupying Mountain Village

Duane went to the Secret Realm again and brought back several hundred pounds of Black Soil to be converted, making it easier for Natalia to work with.

On the morning of the third day, he and Lune set sail from Black Forest Island with over two hundred people on three ships, heading for the Starfall Islands.

The group included not only soldiers but also some artisan slaves, whose task was to assist Lune in building granaries and other structures in Mountain Village to facilitate the stockpiling of food.

As the old saying goes, an army marches on its stomach.

When the day came for Duane to attack the Starfall Islands, he wouldn’t have to transport provisions over a great distance from Black Forest Island.

Aside from a select few, no one knew the true destination of this voyage. The official story was that they were expanding development in the Silver Jade Territory, and all necessary security measures were taken.

Natalia stood on the pier, waving goodbye. As the silhouettes of the ships disappeared over the horizon, she put away her feelings of sorrowful parting.

"Let’s go, Eleanor. We have our own work to do."

Natalia leaped onto Fur Ball’s back.

Perhaps because she carried Duane’s scent, Fur Ball was very obedient to her commands.

This was a relief; Duane didn’t have to worry about Natalia’s safety on the island.

After all, compared to Eleanor and Trent, Fur Ball was undoubtedly stronger.

Despite its harmless appearance, it was actually a Level 6 Demon Beast—the strongest fighting force on Black Forest Island aside from Duane himself.

Another tedious sea voyage began, and Duane settled in for a long period of focused improvement.

More than twenty days later, Duane had spent all his accumulated 6.9 attribute points, raising his Strength Attribute to 133.5, but there was still no sign of a breakthrough.

’All my Level 4 Magic has reached Perfection. There aren’t many spells left that I can easily farm for attribute points. Next, I need to switch to making Spell Scrolls, which means I’ll have to prepare enough Beast Hide and Ink in advance.’

Instead of grinding Skill Level for High-Level Magic, he could gain attribute points faster by crafting low-level Spell Scrolls.

’We’re almost there.’

Duane went to the port side deck of the ship.

As he had specifically instructed before their departure, the three captains—Heck, Mackenzie, and Jim—had brought the ships close to the coastline and slowed their speed.

"My Lord, have we arrived?" Lune asked.

Duane nodded. "Have everyone get ready. I will get you to shore. Once you’re on land, hide in the forest."

"Yes, sir!" Lune hurried to make preparations.

Duane glanced at the sea. There were still no other ships in sight, and his Wind of Inquiry detected no human presence on the shore.

Still, just to be safe, he cast the Level 4 Magic, "Fog Burst."

Compared to the Level 2 Fog Condensation Technique, it created fog much faster and took less time.

Soon, the entire area was a blanket of white.

Heck and the others took this as their signal and immediately dropped anchor, stopping the ships.

Soon after, Duane manipulated the water currents to ferry all two hundred-plus people to the shore, following them himself.

Heck steered his cargo ship toward the port of Scorching Wind Territory, while Mackenzie and Jim headed to Duke Star Sea’s Territory to procure goods.

Although they wouldn’t be able to sell off three ships’ worth of cargo in a short time, one could never have too many daily necessities, and they wouldn’t lose much money on it.

On the contrary, the main goal was for them to familiarize themselves with the various ports.

In the dense forest, the two hundred-odd people found themselves in a foreign land. Though they felt apprehensive and uneasy, the presence of their Lord and their large numbers ensured that order was maintained.

"You are all clear on the purpose of this mission. I will remember each of your contributions and reward your families back on Black Forest Island!"

"Now, follow me, and we will secure our first foothold in the Starfall Islands!"

After a few rousing words, Duane gave a great wave of his hand and led the soldiers through the jungle, heading straight for Mountain Village.

Weighed down by their equipment, they didn’t arrive at Mountain Village until the following morning.

The villagers here had never seen such a force. They couldn’t have imagined such a formidable army emerging from the mountains, and they surrendered almost without any resistance.

Outside a spacious yet crude wooden house, Ross had captured the administrator of Mountain Village.

"What is your name?" Duane asked.

The man’s body trembled with fear, and he answered without daring to delay, "My lord, my name is Heir. I am the village chief here. My master is Lady Selena of Sharp Stone Castle. You..."

"I am a friend of Selena’s," Duane said. "After Baron Torre’s death, did she not send anyone here?"

Heir cursed inwardly. ’These people attacked the village, how can they have the gall to call themselves friends of Lady Selena?’

But he didn’t dare voice his doubts, replying quickly, "Knight Brisson came to inspect once, but he left soon after."

Duane nodded. It was just as he had instructed before he left.

To avoid any complications, he had told Selena and Brison not to make any personnel arrangements in Mountain Village beforehand.

"Alright, get up. I will explain the situation to Selena. For now, you just need to follow my orders."

"Yes, yes!" Heir scrambled to his feet and stood aside.

Although he served Sharp Stone Castle, it was only natural for him to choose self-preservation when his life was on the line. It was perfectly understandable.

Duane looked at Lune and Ross. "I’m leaving Mountain Village to you. Handle all matters according to my instructions."

The key tasks for Mountain Village were threefold:

First, train the able-bodied men here as a militia.

Second, build granaries and stockpile grain.

And third, build a mountain road leading to the outside world, ensuring it is passable for horse-drawn carriages.

Lune and Ross replied with serious expressions, "Rest assured, my Lord, we guarantee we will complete our mission!"

"Good. Before I leave, I will come back one more time to give you the grain."

Without further delay, Duane mounted his warhorse and left Mountain Village.

Lune gripped the hilt of his sword. Managing Mountain Village was a crucial moment in his life.

He looked at Heir. "My Lord is a benevolent lord. As long as you do as we say, we will guarantee your safety."

"Yes, yes!" Heir nodded repeatedly. "May I be so bold as to ask your lord’s identity?"

Lune’s brow furrowed. "I don’t like people who ask too many questions!"

Heir jumped in fright and quickly bowed in apology. One look at this group told him they were incredibly powerful—not people he could afford to offend.

"Now, go gather everyone in the village. I have an announcement to make!"

Heir felt as if he’d been granted amnesty. "As you wish, my lord! I’ll see to it at once!"

Lune turned to Ross and ordered, "You will be in charge of arranging men to guard the main road leading out of the village."

"Leave it to me!" Ross didn’t delay either, immediately mustering his men and getting to work.

...

Since Selena began managing the Sharp Stone Territory on Willard’s behalf, she had accomplished four main things.

First, she rewarded the family of the fallen Knight Sean and compensated the families of the castle guards who died in battle.

Next, she rewarded the severely injured Knight Monto, gaining his support.

Then, she put a stop to Baron Torre’s many unreasonable oppressions of the common people. With the help of Brison, Kent, Robinson, and others, she executed the troublemakers in the city, winning the people’s allegiance.

Finally, she supported Viscount Freddy’s quest for revenge by handing over Faraway Town for his troops to garrison.

After accomplishing these four things, Selena’s position in the Sharp Stone Territory was considered secure, at least on the surface.

As for the subsequent war with Duke Star Sea, she followed Duane’s instructions and only sent some logistical personnel and militia.

Viscount Freddy didn’t ask for more. After all, Sharp Stone Territory had lost two of its top warriors, Torre and Sean, and its only Earth Tier Knight, Monto, was severely injured and bedridden.

He couldn’t possibly expect Selena to send her only two remaining Human Tier Warriors to the battlefield.

In the rear courtyard of Sharp Stone Castle, Selena explained all the recent developments.

"My Lord, I heard from outsiders about your battle in the Scorching Wind Territory. They said your arm was broken."

Selena looked at Duane’s hands, which were clearly perfectly fine.

Duane smiled. "You can’t believe rumors."

Selena also smiled. "Brison and I were worried for quite some time. It’s truly wonderful to see you safe and sound!"

’If Duane had died, her position in Sharp Stone Territory would have remained unchanged.’

’But without a powerful backer in the perilous Starfall Islands, her family’s situation would not be good.’

Duane’s long-delayed arrival had made Selena and Brison extremely anxious; at times, they were even tempted to send someone to inquire.

But actively seeking information carried the risk of exposure.

Fortunately, Duane had now come to them.

"My men are now stationed in Mountain Village. Lord Lune’s strength is that of no ordinary Celestial Tier Warrior."

Duane explained his purpose. "If you need to contact me about anything, you can do it through him."

Selena’s expression relaxed. She hadn’t heard of Lune, but since he had Duane’s approval, he certainly wasn’t someone with an undeserved reputation.

"With him here, I’m confident I can handle any trouble that might arise in Sharp Stone Territory."

Duane was a little curious. "What’s wrong? Is someone opposing you?"

"It’s not exactly opposition."

Selena sounded a bit helpless. "It’s just that Monto is unhappy with my appointment of Brison."

Duane said, "A widow in control of a territory will indeed attract the covetous eyes of others. However, I won’t interfere in such matters. I trust you can handle it yourself."

Selena nodded. "Rest assured, my Lord. Brison and I have been very restrained. We haven’t left any clear evidence for others to use against us."

"That’s good."

Duane took out the Hot Spring Mountain Tea and the Frozen Fish Soup that could enhance the strength of a Human Tier Warrior from his Void Space.

"These are gifts for you and Brison. They will help improve your strength. If either of you hits a bottleneck at your current Level, let me know. I can help you break through."

A look of pleasant surprise appeared on Selena’s face. She hadn’t expected Duane to bring gifts. She quickly stood up to thank him.

"Work hard to increase your strength. Have Brison train more soldiers. I estimate that war will break out in the Starfall Islands in a few years."

Selena’s expression tightened. "I understand!"