After finishing the mission's affairs, Todd immediately began to gather the members of the Froststone Tribe in the Soul Space.
In the underground temple, Todd sat on the throne, with Rachel standing to his left and Alfonso to his right, while the others stood in awe in the center of the temple, awaiting instructions.
With a wave of his hand, Todd activated a 3D projection above the temple, pointing to the mountain of weapons and armor on the screen, and said, "Three days later, a convoy carrying this equipment will depart from Watchtower and head north along the trails of the Falling Star Mountains."
Looking at these well-crafted, high-quality equipment, the old barbarian warrior Fried swallowed hard: "Our people always lose more often than they win when facing the Ulster army. The reasons for this defeat are that some of us are cowardly, and some of us are foolish."
Fried looked at Todd, who was seated above him, and said excitedly, “But what they don’t know is that our people grew up in the deep mountains and dense forests. Our enemies are war beasts and disasters. Death and misfortune are as common as eating and drinking. How could we, who struggle to survive in such an environment, be afraid of war and clumsy? Our biggest disadvantage is that we do not have good weapons and armor!”
Kasper, who had once served in the Holy Guard's army, muttered to himself with some suspicion, "A convoy that departed from Watchtower?"
When he saw the emblems on the armor in the image clearly, he couldn't help but gasp: "These are all equipment from Holy Guard City!"
Todd lowered his hand, and the projection above the temple ended. He addressed the group, saying, "The convoy can only transport these weapons and armor out of Watchtower at most. We'll have to figure out the rest of the transport ourselves. These past few days, the mountains have been snowbound, and the road south from the camp is treacherous and difficult to traverse. Do you have any plans to get these things back?"
Old shaman Minnie smiled and said to Todd, "Chieftain, it is because of this heavy snow that the originally treacherous roads are now passable."
Todd asked curiously, "Why is it that heavy snow actually makes transportation easier?"
Minnie explained, “After the heavy snow, the swamps that were originally difficult to pass through will freeze into permafrost, and the bumpy mountains will be covered with snow and become soft roads. In addition, the wealthy families in the barbarian camps will keep a few dogs, so as long as a sled is hastily made, they can travel freely across the land.”
Todd suddenly realized that there were also three silly sled dogs in this other world.
After confirming that there were no problems with the equipment transportation, Todd began to inquire about the current situation of the camp.
The quick-witted Ackerman first reported on the camp's development: "Including the gladiators and barbarians, the number of people in the camp has exceeded seven hundred. Thanks to the food and supplies transported from the south, every household now has a tent to live in, food to eat, and even herbal medicine for the sick. Construction in the camp has only started on two buildings due to the cold weather and frozen ground. One is the tribal chief's house for organizing meetings, and the other is your residence, Boss."
Todd was somewhat surprised: "Residence? You mean that building?"
"That's right. The blueprints were given to us by Lord Rachel. Currently, we are laying the foundation and preparing the timber. I believe the cement and furniture will be ready in a few days, and it should be completed before the end of this year."
Todd glanced at the woman beside him, but Rachel pretended not to see his movement, her face remaining calm and composed.
Kasper was the second to report, and his speech reflected his usual taciturn nature: "The gladiators are training and preparing for battle, but your absence from the camp is making them somewhat uneasy."
Ackerman then added, "Boss, I know the gods are all very busy, but it would be best if you could come back and visit more often when you have time. Although there is no shortage of food and supplies in the camp, the most discussed topic is still when you will return."
Todd nodded to indicate that he understood, and then turned his gaze to Fried and Minnie.
Fried bowed and said happily, "I have spread the word about Chief Boyle's deeds. People are coming from faraway places to Froststone Camp to join us. If it weren't for the heavy snow, there would be even more people."
Minnie was clearly not so optimistic: "Chief, there is one thing you must know: we cannot grow crops on this land, and hunting is not convenient. As the population gradually increases, food and supplies will become increasingly scarce. Ensuring people's basic needs is an extremely important prerequisite."
Todd listened to the two men's words and fell into deep thought. The food supply in the barbarian camp was indeed a big problem.
Although there are only 700 people now, next spring, when the snow melts and the earth revives, more people will surely come to join him because of Boyle's name.
However, relying solely on cargo ships for food supply to the entire camp is certainly insufficient to meet future needs; we must find ways to develop new food sources.
Todd then looked at Alfonso, wanting to hear his report.
Unexpectedly, the latter's words startled everyone present: "The Ulster army may launch a surprise attack on the camp."
Ackerman exclaimed, "A surprise attack?!"
Todd stared into Alfonso's eyes and said in a deep voice, "Your basis."
"Five years ago, scouts from the Kingdom of Ulster were first spotted twenty kilometers north of the camp. Three years ago, a large number of scouts arrived five kilometers away, and the Heirs' Guards engaged them in battle, annihilating a total of seventy-two enemy soldiers with no casualties on our side. But just yesterday, two more groups of scouts appeared near the camp, so I estimate that Ulster is planning to take action against the camp."
Ackerman shook his head and said, "I really don't understand that Conchierber. Ulster and Connaught are already on the verge of war, and he still has the mind to attack us?!"
Todd had some understanding of the stubborn King Ulster. The reason was simple: the series of events in the arena had thoroughly damaged Concherber's pride, and it was only natural that the other party would retaliate at all costs.
Todd turned to Alfonso and asked, "Do you roughly know when they will launch their attack?"
Alfonso shook his head and said, "That's impossible to predict."
The transport of equipment, the unrest in the camp, the source of food, and the shadow of a surprise attack—these four things weighed heavily on Todd's mind like four mountains.
Noticing Todd's expression, Rachel lowered her head and whispered with a smile in his ear, "How about you come up north soon?"
Todd turned to look at Rachel: "Does something happen to you too?"
Rachel shook her head, her words making Todd's teeth itch: "I'm fine, it's just that your beautiful lover keeps calling out the name 'Boyle' in her dreams."
"I am not Boyle!"
"When night falls and the candles are blown out, if you don't, if I don't, then who will know..."
Rachel winked mischievously at Todd.
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