But he did not rush into the research. Instead, he prepared to take these starving refugees to a relatively safe place for protection.
However, as an outsider, it is obviously not easy to gain their trust.
In addition, Zuo Si was too lazy to make things too complicated, so he directly chose to cast the fifth-ring magic [Dominate Humans] on Varena, the leader of the camp.
Through this spell, he directly manipulated the other party to announce to all refugees that he was a member of the Mage Council from the floating city of Plantia, and could provide safe shelter and enough food to fill the stomachs of all the living people.
Although at the beginning, many people expressed strong doubts about this.
Because they are not fools, they can see how bad the situation outside is. All kinds of undead creatures are almost everywhere in the streets and alleys of the city.
Moreover, for a long time after the outbreak of the plague, no news was heard about the Mage Council and the Floating City, and no army or mages were seen coming to save them.
Most importantly, the refugees were not sure whether they would be infected by the plague in the outside world after leaving this safe place.
More than two years of despair have caused all the survivors to lose trust in the Mage Council and the Floating City.
If it weren't for the genuine awe of magic and wizards in his bones, he might have done something extreme.
After all, many versions of the rumors mentioned that the plague was most likely caused by something going wrong when the necromancers were conducting dangerous research and experiments, which led to such serious consequences.
But in the end, driven by hunger, these people agreed to walk out of this hidden tomb.
Under the leadership of Zuo Si, everyone took a small amount of belongings and quickly headed towards the location of the warehouse along the underground tunnel.
The tunnel, which was originally only wide enough for a boy of about ten to crawl through, was quickly expanded to about two meters high and three meters wide under the power of magic.
When they crawled out of the warehouse, these starving people immediately rushed to the food storage area and desperately stuffed salted meat, dried meat and hard raw grains into their mouths.
Some of them ate too quickly and almost choked to death.
Fortunately, Zuo Si was right next to them and helped them get the things stuck in their throats and tracheas out, otherwise they would have suffocated to death in a few minutes.
Similarly, this also reminded Zuo Si to pay attention to the amount of food these people eat to prevent them from accidentally dying from overeating or bloating.
You have to know that for a group of people who have been suffering from hunger for a long time, suddenly getting enough food will make it impossible for them to control their strong instinctive desire.
Zuo Si had also experienced hunger, although it only lasted for a few days, but the unforgettable feeling would never be forgotten for the rest of his life.
After stopping these people from swallowing raw grains and chewing hard salted meat and dried meat, he decisively summoned the [Heroes' Banquet].
moment!
The one or two hundred refugees were in an uproar!
Because even before the plague broke out, none of them had ever eaten such delicious food, and more than two-thirds of them accidentally bit their tongues while chewing quickly.
Seeing these refugees wolfing down their food, Zuo Si immediately instructed Vanessa, "Send two people to the underground of the cemetery to detect whether there are other gathering places of survivors. Hull has a permanent population of nearly 500,000, and I feel that there may be similar places in other tombs. Also, remember to sprinkle the holy water I prepared around the warehouse to ensure that these people will not be infected by the plague left in the undead."
"Understood. Leave it to me."
The lich took the bottle filled with holy water and nodded.
After a while, he sprinkled the holy water evenly around the warehouse and gave orders to all the controlled undead and constructs, prohibiting them from approaching the survivors who were in extremely weak conditions.
In fact, Zuo Si had no intention of bringing back all the undead and golem-like constructs brought here to Faerun or other worlds.
Because from the moment they are released, they are very likely to become carriers of the terrible plague.
Unless collective disinfection is carried out, they will basically be a group of moving natural disasters.
With the help of the powerful magic item, the Tome of Commanding the Undead, most of the low-level undead in the city of Hull were captured in just a few days, while those high-level undead who had gained consciousness were either ruthlessly destroyed or forced to surrender and become commanders of the undead army.
In the end, the liches successfully recruited approximately 80,000 to 100,000 undead cannon fodder in the city.
In addition, the magical materials and iron ingots in the warehouse were also made into thousands of the simplest and cheapest steel constructs.
These constructs do not have the powerful magic resistance and immunity of golems, and are unable to understand complex commands.
But their advantage lies in their large numbers, and their amazing defense against physical attacks, and they are not affected by mental or charm spells.
Looking at the densely packed army of constructs and undead before them, the core members of the organization present couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
"Now, we finally have enough capital to recapture the floating city of Plantia."
As he spoke, Zuo Si activated the power of the Planeswalker Spark and forcibly to open another unstable space rift.
The next second...
Countless constructs and undead creatures rushed over in a mighty force.
The spectacular scene was so shocking that even the survivors who were rescued near the warehouse opened their mouths and were speechless.
At this moment, they really began to believe that this group of spellcasters of unknown origin might really be able to occupy the floating city and end this desperate doomsday.
At the same time, the army that passed through the rift, led by those high-level undead creatures who chose to surrender, quickly began to attack using the Mage Tower as a forward base, capturing nearby buildings one by one along the street.
Especially those tall towers that can release all kinds of magic with amazing destructive power.
In an instant, the originally quiet floating city of Plantia suddenly became lively.
At the lord's command, a large number of undead who had been hiding in inconspicuous corners rushed out and fought with the invaders.
Some relatively spacious streets, parks and squares gathered thousands of undead creatures belonging to different lords in a very short period of time, and then began to engage in an endless war of attrition and tug-of-war.
Since low-level undead have no consciousness and cannot feel fear, from the moment the battle breaks out, they enter a tragic state that living people can never imagine.
They were seen wearing the armor and clothes they wore in their lifetime, holding various crude weapons they had picked up from the streets, and were crowded together like sardines.
When reaching the front line, it will immediately try to smash the head of the opposing undead creature with a very clumsy movement.
If their weapons are lost in the melee, they will grab with their hands, bite with their teeth, or even hit with their heads.
The smarter ones would pick up the fallen thigh bones on the ground and use them as sticks.
Almost every minute, hundreds of skeletons or zombies were dismembered and consumed, and the broken bones and body parts even piled up into a raised hill in the center of the battlefield.
But what's interesting is that neither the undead lords who have evolved intelligence nor the liches on Zuo Si's side have the slightest intention of taking part in the battle themselves, nor do they care at all about how staggering their own losses are.
Because this is a war between the undead!
A war that is a hundred times more brutal than the war in the world of the living!
A war filled with only cold calculations and destined to determine life and death!
Unless the cannon fodder is completely consumed, the lords will not risk being killed and fight in person.
As for Zuo Si, he simply had enough war resources and cannon fodder at hand, so there was no need to reveal his cards too early.
He also planned to test whether there was some kind of connection between these high-level undead creatures, or whether they all submitted to a powerful undead king.
You have to know that the concentration of negative energy in the environment of the floating city is not something that ordinary cities on the ground can achieve.
In addition, there are many corpses left behind by great wizards and high-level professionals after their death, so it is easier to give birth to powerful undead creatures. Those death knights wielding cursed weapons are the best proof of this.
Standing on the top of the tower and looking at the advancing battle line ahead, Zuo Si asked without turning his head, "How is it, how many threatening undead lords have been detected?"
A female lich who was good at prophecy magic answered without hesitation: "So far, we have observed fourteen. Seven of them are melee zombies, skeletons, and death knight lords, two are spirit banshee lords, and the other five are wearing tattered robes, which are obviously spellcasters. But we don't know what kind of magic and spell-like abilities these possess guys."
"Speed up the consumption of cannon fodder as quickly as possible and force some of these lords to join the battle." Zuo Si gave instructions quickly.
He didn't have the time to waste fighting with these guys for several months, but hoped instead to defeat them as soon as possible and complete the actual occupation of the floating city of Plantia.
After all, occupation and control are only the first step. The entire city must then be cleaned and disinfected, and some survivors must be recruited to rekindle the flames of civilization.
Any of these things will take a lot of time and energy.
"Without using constructs, given the current number and density of low-level undead creatures on the battlefield, I'm afraid we won't be able to deploy more troops." Jeffrey explained helplessly.
"According to the current consumption rate, how long can the opponent last?" Zuo Si frowned subconsciously.
Jeffrey answered without hesitation: "Even if we advance the fastest, it will probably take at least two hours. You can go take a rest or do something else to kill time. We will just keep an eye on it."
"Do you need me to keep this holy sword?"
Zuo Si grabbed the sword in its sheath and asked.
This action immediately frightened all the liches present and they took two steps back. Vanessa shook her head desperately: "No, no need, we can control the situation. You should keep this weapon for yourself. I don't want to experience the feeling of being instantly burned by positive energy for the time being."
"That's right! I think compared to those lords, the sword in your hand is the biggest threat to us." Jeffrey also echoed.
It is not difficult to see from the reactions of the liches how much fear they have for the holy sword that is the result of the combination of Cassomir and Daystar.
Because whether it is the additional spell resistance and magic dispelling effects that the former provides to the holder, or the amazing positive energy possessed by the latter, both can deal an unimaginable devastating blow to any undead creature the moment it hits.
Not to mention a lich, even if a demilich with greater power were to be hit, he would probably be half-crippled even if he didn't die.
Due to the weakening of the order and good faith infused into the holy knight during the transformation process, and the greatly enhanced sacred properties of its positive energy, this resulted in a positive energy area being formed within a dozen meters around this holy sword simply by being drawn out.
All living creatures in the area are slowly healed and boosted, while undead creatures are continuously burned.
If the Good God Church and the Holy Knights knew that such a holy sword had been born, they would probably do whatever it takes to get it.
And this sword is the strongest trump card that Zuo Si has prepared to retake the floating city.
He believed that no matter what kind of undead creature it was, it would become extremely vulnerable in front of the holy sword.
However, the panicked reactions of the liches still made Zuo Si laugh. He said jokingly, "As liches whose souls are preserved in the phylactery, you have no need to be afraid of the holy sword. You can even use it to die together with those difficult enemies. Anyway, you will be reborn next to the phylactery in a few days at most."
"Sir, please don't joke. The fear of positive energy of undead creatures is an instinct engraved in their souls. Even liches who retain their memories and personalities are no exception." Jeffrey explained with a serious expression.
He was obviously frightened by Zuo Si's wild idea, and was afraid that the organization's top leader would really let him do it.
Let the lich hold a holy sword and die together with other undead lords? Just imagining this scene in my mind will cause strong discomfort and rejection.
"That's a pity. Well, I'll leave this to you. I'm going to go and rest for a while. Call me when the lords join the battle."
After saying that, Zuo Si took the holy sword back to the small room in the Mage Tower that once belonged to him.
Looking at the once very familiar furnishings and decorations, as well as the two low-level undead creatures that were constantly generating electricity by stepping on them day and night, he couldn't help but sigh in a low voice: "I can't believe that in just over two years, I'm back again. But this time, I'm no longer a chess piece controlled by others, but a chess player who can control my own destiny."
"Are you reminiscing about your lost youth?"
A thick tome hanging next to the shoulder bag suddenly opened and made a sound without any warning.
"Youth? Hahahaha! That kind of thing no longer exists for me. As the bearer of my past thoughts, you should know this best."
Zuo Si smiled and shook his head, not at all surprised that a book could speak.
Because this book is a diary endowed with sanity by the power of the creator.
In this way, he obtained a magical creature with thoughts very similar to his own.
Unlike most other magic items that are used to gain stronger defense or attack capabilities, this creation, which has a thinking method very similar to the original self, is most useful for communicating with the past self and keeping a clear mind at all times.
"No! This is remembrance.
Although you don't want to admit it, you actually enjoyed the time you lived in the floating city.
Although Asta is using you and forcing you to abandon the values and weaknesses in your character that you have cultivated in modern society, he is also giving you a lot.
Including but not limited to a respected social status and the privilege of deciding the life and death of dozens or even hundreds of slaves with just a single word.
All of this is something you cannot get in today's society.
Don't forget that I carry your past thoughts, so I know exactly what you were thinking at that time.
It is that feeling of being able to manipulate and change the fate of others that shapes your character."
The diary used extremely sharp words to point out subtle psychological changes that even Zuo Si himself was not aware of.
Of course, it will only express its opinions and suggestions when there are no outsiders around. It usually remains silent out of habit.
"So you think I have developed feelings towards Asta similar to Stockholm Syndrome?" Zuo Si asked with interest, touching his chin.
The diary replied without a trace of emotion: “On the contrary, your reaction is much more serious and terrible.
At least I have never heard of anyone with Stockholm syndrome who would kill without hesitation the person on whom he once felt dependent.
I think you have another psychological problem, which is that you are always in a state of strong anxiety and sense of crisis.
This is why you will retaliate violently against those who threaten your life.
Any external stimulus that exceeds a certain threshold will trigger a violent reaction from you.
It's unusual, and it makes you look dangerous to others."
"So according to the diagnosis of modern medicine and psychology, I should be considered a patient suffering from mental illness and mental problems? And my illness is not mild?" Zuo Si couldn't help but laugh at himself.
In modern society, when a police officer shoots and kills a criminal, he has to undergo a series of mental evaluations and psychological counseling, not to mention what he has experienced.
In other words, after being forced to perform the dismemberment of living and dead bodies for more than a year, he was lucky not to have become a mentally twisted and morbid lunatic.
As for other aspects, naturally we can't ask for too much.
What's more, Furen is not a much better place. There are so many lunatics, paranoids, psychopaths, fanatics, devil worshippers and devil believers.
Various conspirators come and go, and there is no peace at all.
Do you still want to be a law-abiding and normal person in this environment? Don't dream!
"Modern medicine and psychology are aimed at ordinary people, and you are no longer like them.
I just want to remind you not to always maintain this highly tense state of constantly fighting with others, and to relax a little occasionally.
For example, start a relationship with women who obviously like you.
If you like something more mature, I think Alustriel is good.
Her rich experience in this area and gentle personality can bring you an unprecedented pleasure experience.
If you like someone a little more youthful, Hermione Granger is a good choice. You can also take this opportunity to build a closer relationship with her and train her to become a qualified helper.
If you like someone who listens to you, you can consider Isadora. Although she has serious mental and psychological problems, she will never refuse any request you make.
As for creatures like tree spirits, water fairies, succubi, and succubi that can only be used to vent desires and energy, just forget about them.
In short, what you need now is to divert your attention a little and relax your tense nerves completely."
Unlike the strange objects and the wizard tower, which were basically "mentally retarded" in the early stage of their birth, because the contents inside recorded a large amount of thoughts, they had a complete and independent consciousness from the beginning.
"I didn't expect you to care about my love life..."
Zuo Si's mouth twitched as he complained softly.
"I just don't want to see my master become a monster with only an endless thirst for magic and knowledge in the future. Also, you haven't slept for almost five days, so you'd better take a rest now."
After saying that, the diary fell silent and no longer made any sound.
In response to its reminder and suggestion, Zuo Si simply shrugged his shoulders, obviously not taking it seriously.
After all, this thing is just a magical creation, carrying part of one's own thoughts and consciousness, and it may not be correct.
Just like that, after simply using a spell to clean the dust in the room, he quickly lay down, closed his eyes and fell into a dormant state.
Although a mere one or two hours is not enough to restore spell slots and divine magic slots, it can greatly relieve mental fatigue.
Ever since he gained divine power, Zuo Si's sleep has basically never been normal and regular. He would only take an eight-hour rest when he needed to re-prepare his magic. On weekdays, he would sleep non-stop for twenty-four, forty-eight, or seventy-two hours.
In some ways, he is just as crazy as Erinikas, who wanted to become one of the elven gods.
While the Undead War in the floating city of Plantia was in full swing, a group of very special visitors arrived in Luskan, the City of a Thousand Sails, far to the northernmost tip of the west coast of Faerun.
They were not humans, but dwarves from ancient Mithril Hall.
Leading the group was none other than the current king, leader of the dwarven Warhammer clan, a famous adventurer who had participated in the Crystal Shatter incident in Icewind Dale, a good friend of the dark elf ranger Drizzt, who had successfully killed the shadow dragon Harin Urem Shimmershadow that invaded his homeland, and who had reforged the crown of Mithril Hall, Bruno Warhammer.
Since he successfully recaptured the former homeland of the Warhammer Clan in 1356 DR, and later took in hundreds of deep gnome survivors from the massacre in Brynden when they were attacked by the Dark Elves of Menzoberranzan in the Underdark during the Troubled Years, the Mithril Hall he now leads has become one of the largest suppliers of mithril, steel, and various weapons and armor in the entire North.
It even aroused hostility from Mirabar, which also relied mainly on minerals and metal smelting, because it had seized too much market share.
Although the war did not break out due to the mediation of Alustriel of Silvermoon City, the open and secret fighting in private never stopped.
In order to open up the market and sell the products produced by Mithril Hall in exchange for food, salt, wine, cloth and other daily necessities, the old dwarf had to walk out from the tentacles extending southward from the World Spine Mountains, cross the dangerous Lurking Forest, carefully avoid the hostile Mirabar, and take a boat down the Miral River to Luskan.
Of course, this so-called King of Mithril Hall, including the deep gnomes who came to him for refuge, actually had less than a thousand subjects, and they all lived in dark tunnels.
Looking at the astonishing number of stalls and the bustling hawking in the Luskan Market, Bruenor raised his eyebrows in surprise and asked the dwarf guide who was following him: "What is going on? I don't remember there being so many merchants in the City of Sails."
The latter smiled and explained, “Your Majesty, ever since the Nelanther Islands captured Luskan, they have carried out a massive purge of the Thieves Guild, pirates, and beastmen in the sewers.
Several chambers of commerce that monopolized trade were also ruthlessly banned and all their property was confiscated.
When these guys who were hindering trade disappeared, merchants from Amn, Baldur's Gate, Waterdeep, and Neverwinter quickly flocked in, selling their own specialties and purchasing all kinds of valuable goods in the North.
The new rulers also moved all the residents of Mingtan Island here, freed all the slaves, and gave them jobs and wages.
So the market here is showing unprecedented prosperity.
People from all the towns and villages in the surrounding area were willing to trade here without even paying a copper coin for entry tax.
If you want to sell the weapons, armor, iron ingots, and mithril we produce, this is probably the ideal place to do it.
Especially for Mithril, Fine Gold and Gemstones, the officials here offer very high prices and unlimited purchases.”
"So what you mean is... let's sign a long-term trade contract directly with the other party?" Bruno stroked his thick beard on his chin and fell into deep thought.
There is no doubt that as a dwarf born and raised in Icewind Dale, he did not have a very good impression of Luskan.
At least a few years ago, during his adventure in search of Mithril Hall, this city did not leave him with a good impression.
Whether it was the conflict and fight that broke out in the tavern, the high price paid for purchasing information, or being stalked and hunted by members of the Arcane Brotherhood.
What's more, Akar Kessell, who brought the Shard Crystal to Icewind Dale and caused a bloody storm, was also an apprentice of the Luskan Arcane Brotherhood.
The dwarf guide obviously didn't know what his king was thinking, and he assured with a solemn oath: "Please believe me, there shouldn't be another buyer in the entire Northland who is willing to offer such a high price for mithril, fine gold, and gems.
We can also buy the necessary daily necessities on the way back.
Although I also know that Mithril Hall and Silvermoon City are allies and are closer.
Obviously the market in Silvermoon can't handle all our goods, but Luskan can.
In addition, this place is very close to Neverwinter, and sea transportation is very convenient, so even ordinary iron weapons and armor can be sold at a good price."
"Okay, I'll listen to you and try to talk to them first."
Bruno hesitated again and again but still couldn't make up his mind.
Soon, under the guidance of the guide, the group of dwarves crossed the streets under the gaze of countless eyes and arrived at the town hall which had been built not long ago.
After explaining his purpose to the receptionist, the news was presented to Eric as quickly as possible.
Since Zuo Si and the liches were no longer around, he was temporarily left behind as the nominal supreme ruler to handle some diplomatic affairs.
Although in the eyes of this former pirate leader, a small force like the Mithril Hall with a population of less than a thousand was not worthy of negotiating terms with him.
But considering the mithril, adamantium and gems, he still chose to meet the other party.
After all, these things were what Vanessa specifically requested, and they were ranked very high in priority. They were real strategic materials.
Eric was very clear about his position, so he didn't dare to be negligent at all.
About a few minutes later, the two sides met each other in the reception room.
"Hello, ruler of Luskan and the Nelanther Islands, supreme king of the West Sea." Bruenor suppressed his disgust and said the diplomatic words prepared for him by his advisor.
As an upright dwarf, he hated this extremely hypocritical title the most and preferred to call people by their names during conversation.
In contrast, Eric, who had received etiquette education, was already familiar with this and responded with a smile: "I am also pleased to meet you, the king of Mithril Hall, the famous dragon slayer."
Without a doubt!
Killing the black dragon Shimmer and taking back the homeland of the Warhammer clan was the proudest thing in Bruno's life. A smile from the heart suddenly appeared on his originally awkward face.
"Hahahaha! Well, we're both warriors, so let's stop bragging about each other's achievements and get straight to the point."
"No problem. Please take a seat."
Eric greeted the other party very skillfully and winked at the servant beside him.
The latter understood what he meant and immediately took out a bottle of rum and poured a glass for everyone present.
The dwarves, who had never known what politeness was, smelled the alcohol and immediately raised their heads to drink it all in one gulp. They were instantly choked by the strong and spicy taste and started coughing.
You have to know that these spirits, which are made from the residues of the sugar-making process through fermentation, distillation and finally blending, are not the light beer they usually drink. The alcohol content can even reach about 40 degrees.
But after a short cough, Bruno immediately returned to normal, his face flushed and he licked his lips and praised: "It's strong! I like it! What kind of wine is this? Why have I never heard of it before?"
"Rum is a specialty of the Nelanther Islands. It is very popular among merchants and sailors and has always been in short supply. If we can sign a large enough trade agreement, you can get priority purchasing rights." Eric calmly threw out the first bait.
Everyone on the entire continent of Faerun knows that due to their physical constitution, almost all dwarves are addicted to alcohol.
In addition, he owns a brewery, so he naturally would not miss this good opportunity to satisfy the lich and make money at the same time.
"That depends on whether the price you offer is sincere enough. After all, from Mithril Hall to Luskan, we have to pass through Mirabar, and the risk we have to bear is not small." Bruno tried to bargain.
Although this was not what he was good at, he still faithfully fulfilled his responsibilities and obligations as a king.
Eric lowered his head and thought for a moment, then quickly said, "I can give you two choices on this point. One is that you will be responsible for transportation and ensuring safety along the way, and we will only be responsible for harvesting and payment, with the purchase price increased by 20%. The other is that we will be responsible for the section from Mirabar to Luskan, but the purchase price will remain the same."
"You are responsible for the transportation?!" Brulo was instantly surprised.
You have to know that the Mithril Hall is in a remote location and no merchants have been willing to patronize it since its establishment.
Otherwise, even if they owned such a large mine, they wouldn't always have to worry about how to sell their products.
"Aren't you afraid of arousing Mirabar's hostility?" another dwarf couldn't help but ask.
Hearing this question, Eric immediately showed a disdainful expression and said: "Mirabar? If they dare to do anything hostile to the goods shipped from the Mithril Hall, I guarantee that the mastermind behind the scenes will pay ten times or even a hundred times the price.
Do you know why Luskan and the Arcane Brotherhood perished? It was because they tried to go south and plunder merchant ships in the waters we control.
If Mirabar is not afraid of death, then let them come.
I am very much looking forward to seeing how they react to being surrounded by a huge fleet and tens of thousands of troops."
"Fuck! Just based on these words! I'm determined to make you my friend!"
Bruno suddenly stood up from his chair and cursed without any sign of being a king.
Needless to say, he must have been tripped up by the other party a lot during this period and is very angry.
But considering that he had to give face to Elastro, he had to endure it temporarily.
After all, the other party helped a lot in the process of conquering Mithril Hall, and the Warhammer Clan still owes them a favor.
But Eric obviously doesn't need to worry about that.
He had received instructions from Vanessa long ago that if anyone dared to be so blind as to provoke him, he would respond with practical actions.
"How many gems, mithril, and adamantium can Mithril Hall provide at most each year?"
Seeing that the Dwarf King was getting a little carried away, Eric immediately took the opportunity to raise the issue that concerned him most.
"If we go all out, we can smelt up to 30 tons of mithril, 5 tons of refined gold, 3,000 top-quality gems, and 15,000 medium-quality gems." Bruno quickly gave an exact number.
Since dwarves and deep gnomes are both experts at digging holes and exploring for mineral veins, and Mithril Hall is located in the mineral-rich Underdark, the output of magical metals is simply incomparable to that of ordinary surface veins.
As a small town in Amn that started out as a mining town, Nashikai has at least three to four thousand people engaged in mining, but the annual output of mithril is only five tons, and the amount of refined gold is so little that it is only enough to make a sword or an axe.
"We want all of these things." Eric's eyes sparkled with excitement and ecstasy.
For him, as long as he makes this deal, he will immediately get Vanessa's praise.
Maybe if the lich is happy, he will immediately fulfill his promise and crown himself king.
Although this king is just a puppet, and it is foreseeable that his descendants will not be able to escape the fate of becoming puppets, it is still much better than the current situation where they do not even have a formal title.
"All of it? Do you know how much these things cost?"
Bruno was completely frightened by the other party's horrible appetite.
He had no idea that the Nelanther Islands and Luskan could make that much money from taxes and trade in a year.
"Don't worry, it's just a few million gold coins. We can afford it."
Eric waved his hand and showed his rich character.
Perhaps others are not aware of the amazing financial resources that the Nalansel Islands currently possess, but he can roughly know something about it through the compiled account books.
Although Bruenor and other dwarves of the Warhammer clan were skeptical about this, they finally signed an agreement under the guarantee of paying for goods.
The agreement stipulates that Luskan has the priority right to purchase all gemstones and magical metals produced by Mithril Hall.
Only when the former can no longer eat it can the latter sell the remaining part to other buyers.
In return, Luskan will provide the Mithril Hall with a special ship to transport various daily necessities.
They make a round trip at least once a month, transporting goods to the river mouth hidden at the edge of the forest.
Of course, this does not apply in winter when the roads are blocked by ice and snow.
Because Miralko is frozen throughout the winter, it is impossible to use the river for transportation.
After the agreement was signed, Bruno did not rush back to the Mithril Hall. Instead, he left the guide, advisor and guards around him and walked into a tavern alone.
However, he did not go straight to the bar to order drinks like other dwarves living in the area. Instead, he took a look around the hall and soon found a familiar figure hiding in an inconspicuous corner. He immediately walked up to the figure, snatched the wine glass in front of him, raised his head and drank it all. Then he asked with a smack of his lips: "How is it, have you finished observing the new ruler of this city?"
"No. But we can draw some conclusions."
As he spoke, the man, whose entire body was covered by a hood and cloak, slowly raised his head, revealing his dark skin and white hair hidden underneath.
There is no doubt that he is a dark elf who is notorious on the surface.
Combined with his relationship with Bruenor, it is not difficult to guess that his true identity is the legendary ranger Drizzt Do'Urden.
The dwarf was obviously very interested in this, and immediately laughed and joked, "Why don't you tell me about it? You know, I just met the famous King of the West Sea today. Although the outside world is saying that he was once the most brutal pirate captain under Hallett, after meeting him, he gave people the impression that he was more like a cunning nobleman and businessman."
Trist had long been accustomed to this kind of teasing from his friends, and simply shrugged his shoulders indifferently.
"Overall, I am optimistic about the recent changes here.
At least the slaves were freed, most civilians were able to find jobs, and even the beggars on the street who had lost their ability to work could have two relief meals a day.
Of course, the price was a brutal and merciless purge.
According to my estimation, the number of dead was at least over two thousand, and almost all of their bodies were transformed into undead and sent to farms, mines, and logging camps outside the city to work.
They took the place of the original slaves and worked non-stop day and night.
This reminds me of some of the practices in my hometown, Menzoberranzan.
But compared to the lifeless undead, my bloodthirsty and brutal compatriots obviously prefer living slaves who can make melodious screams. "
Bruenor had a thoughtful look on his face. "So you think Luskan would be a potential friend rather than an enemy? By the way, it's broad daylight now. How did you trick the guards into entering the city?"
Drizzt answered without hesitation: "I did not deceive anyone. I stated my identity openly and walked in through the main door. Although many people still looked at me with caution, suspicion and hostility."
"What? They allowed the dark elves to enter the city!" The dwarf's eyes widened in shock.
You know, just a few years ago, when they were adventuring in the north to find clues about Mithril Hall, this legendary ranger was banned from entering by various city-states along the way more than once, even Silvermoon City was no exception, and some even threatened to kill him.
It was precisely because of this strong hostility and rejection that Trist became depressed for a long time, and even doubted whether his decision to leave his hometown was a wrong one.
"Haha, not all dark elves are allowed to enter the city, but only Drizzt Do'Urden is allowed to enter. It seems that these years of adventure have not been in vain. I have finally gained some recognition and acceptance."
When talking about this, a barely perceptible touch of emotion flashed in the ranger's eyes.
However, he may never know that this order was actually issued by Zuo Si himself and had nothing to do with any recognition or acceptance.
(End of this chapter)
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