After several days of sailing, on a clear morning in late November, the Black Pearl docked at a shallow beach on the western shore of the southern forest.

The gladiators jumped into the icy water and used the tow ropes to pull the ship ashore.

The hatch was lowered, the deck was raised, and the passengers stepped onto land. This was the first time since they had fled that they had set foot on solid ground.

Ackerman checked the roster against the personnel and supplies one by one, then walked over to Todd and said worriedly, "Boss, we might be in trouble."

The latter looked at him and said, "Tell me about it."

“Back in Gugu City, because so many people boarded the ship, most of the space was used as passenger cabins, and we brought almost no supplies.” Ackerman tapped the words on the roster with a charcoal pencil. “These past few days, many people on board have contracted diseases, and our medicine is running low; the temperature is getting colder, and the snow has blocked the roads into the mountains, making hunting and gathering impossible. With so many people consuming so much food every day, our supplies will soon be depleted; also, the materials for building houses and shelters will be difficult to gather in a short time, which means a considerable number of people will have to camp outdoors…”

Todd nodded approvingly as he listened to Ackerman's account.

This young and handsome man, aside from his somewhat frustrating control over his lower body, is a rare talent when it comes to handling government affairs and adapting to changing circumstances.

This may be related to his past experiences. Ackerman's father once sent him to a monastery to study (according to Kasper, he was sent there to get rid of his sex addiction). He himself had also done some small business (according to Kasper, the so-called business was pimping). Later, he became the village chief of Chiki Village (it seems that he had to return to his hometown to seek refuge after his affair with the wife and daughter of a nobleman was exposed).

Todd patted Ackerman on the shoulder, indicating that he didn't need to worry, then got off the boat and led the group toward the 'Froststone Camp' in the forest.

As the sun gradually rises, its warm rays filter through the gaps in the needle leaves, bringing a touch of warmth to the earth.

A group of over three hundred people traversed the dense forest, slowly making their way southeast.

Todd found Rachel at the back of the group and asked her, "Have the resources allocated by Twilight City arrived yet?"

The latter raised his hand to push aside the drooping branches and replied, "According to the liaison officer's signal, it was all delivered yesterday morning."

Todd nodded.

Rachel looked at him and asked uncertainly, "I have a question. Why did you insist on rebuilding the outpost on the ruins of Froststone Camp? Although the terrain there is treacherous and suitable for building defensive military facilities, neither the soil nor the climate is suitable for growing crops. Transporting food from Twilight City is detrimental to the future development of this place, both in terms of cost and risk."

Todd parted the bushes in front of him with his shield, gesturing for Rachel to go first, and then explained, "I once lived in Froststone Camp for a while and found that the terrain there is high, the topography is a basin, the humidity is high, the sunlight is good, and the soil is red soil, which can grow a high-value cash crop."

"Cash crops? What are they?"

"Even if I tell you now, you won't know what it is. I'll make it myself and show it to you later."

Glancing at the man and woman talking behind her, Deirdre, feeling utterly alone, turned around, her delicate face etched with sorrow, and walked forward with her head down.

After walking for about two hours, the group finally arrived at the ruins of Froststone Camp.

To their surprise, an army seemed to know they were coming and was already waiting there.

"Enemy attack!"

With a loud warning shout, the gladiators at the front drew their weapons, formed a shield formation, and stared intently at the opposing army.

This strange force, numbering no more than thirty, carried no banners and belonged to no particular kingdom. Their elaborate, full-body armor made it impossible to even see their faces.

Ackerman, drawing his bow, looked at the army stationed in the ruins, swallowed hard, and said with difficulty to Casper beside him, "Look at that guy at the front! That suit of armor, and that greatsword on his back! I bet that set of equipment alone is worth more than all of our combined wealth."

The latter glared at him: "Besides women and money, can't you pay attention to anything else, you bastard?"

"for example?"

"Their standing positions, the terrain behind them, the formation... You've been in the 'Red Circle' for so long, and you haven't improved at all!"

“Kasper, have you noticed that you’ve changed?”

"What do you mean?"

"They've started talking more nonsense."

"roll!"

Todd ran to the front of the procession and shouted to all the gladiators, "Drop your weapons! Drop your weapons! They are not the enemy!"

Looking at the army that had remained silent throughout, Rachel walked towards them, sighing heavily as she asked, "I remember, the king's letter only requested supplies from Muxi City, not reinforcements..."

The army commander quietly removed his intricately patterned full-face helmet, revealing a terrifying scene that terrified the surrounding gladiators, who screamed in fright.

Dozens of parasitic limbs, as stiff as steel bars, slowly wriggled along the contours of the head and cheeks. The armor's owner may have once had a heroic face, but a fire left permanent scars on his face.

Alfonso stared into Rachel's eyes and said coldly, "Where is His Majesty?"

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