Sorcery Monarch

Chapter 69: Training the Kobolds

 

News of the victory at the logging camp quickly reached Bay Village.

 

The anxious villagers relaxed and confidently told the newcomers:

 

"I told you, there’s no need to worry. The lord and the soldiers will always come out on top!"

 

"It’s just a few gnolls! The lord has a dragon, after all!"

 

"I heard from Captain Sean that clearing out the various monsters in the Gloomy Forest is only the first step in the lord’s plan…"

 

"Victory is certain, but I’ve heard the gnolls are numerous. Will the casualties be high?"

 

"I don’t think so. The lord takes great care of the soldiers. They have excellent weapons and equipment, and there are alchemical potions as well…"

 

"We’ll know once they return…"

 

"…"

 

Steward Ralph, having received a full report, breathed a sigh of relief, admiring and marveling at the lord's decision to prioritize military strength.

 

"Indeed, in this dangerous, untamed land, having a reliable armed force is the most important thing…"

 

With this thought in mind, Ralph did not relax in handling the other affairs:

 

"Under the protection of our lord, we’ll never have to worry about our safety."

 

"Working hard is the best way to repay the lord's care!"

 

Ralph's strong confidence helped ease the newcomers' anxieties.

 

The villagers of Bay Village had long grown accustomed to such victories. They greeted the newcomers and got back to work according to plan.

 

Seeing them so at ease,

 

Those curious about the lord began to ask questions.

 

With pride and excitement, the villagers spoke in great detail.

 

From how Matthew led the caravan,

 

To crossing the treacherous Misty Marsh,

 

Nearly facing an attack from a black dragon,

 

Surviving the aberrant beast tide of the Scarlet Moon,

 

Capturing four live trolls,

 

Clearing the dangers around the Gloomy Forest,

 

And dealing with the slaver raid on the village,

 

To taming hundreds of kobolds.

 

"…"

 

Hearing these almost legendary tales, the image of a mysterious and powerful lord became even more ingrained in everyone’s minds.

 

Their unease gradually faded.

 

Many even thought that if Bay Village’s policies of developing the land continued, bringing their families here might be a good choice.

 

After all, it was difficult for ordinary farmers and commoners to acquire land for permanent use and lease.

 

Plus, in Bay Village, there were more paths to success than just farming.

 

Learning a trade, joining the reserve soldiers, or working in one of the newly established logging camps, livestock farms, plantations, or other factories offered plenty of good opportunities.

 

What appealed to most people was the lord's focus on developing the children.

 

All children under ten years old were given vocational training to prepare for the path of a professional.

 

Even if a child didn’t have the talent to become a professional, they could still learn literacy or practical skills during the process.

 

This offer was irresistible to everyone!

 

Now, with the safety concerns seemingly resolved…

 

Gloomy Forest.

 

Outside the logging camp.

 

Goldfang and Silverfang were commanding the kobolds to clean up the battlefield.

 

The gnoll corpses were buried deep underground to prevent mutations from the Scarlet Moon’s influence.

 

This kind of precaution had already been necessary several times.

 

In this battle, four soldiers had died.

 

Their bodies would be returned to Bay Village for a memorial service, after which they would be cremated and buried.

 

From now on, Angela would handle these memorials and reward ceremonies.

 

"Ding! Your forces have killed a total of 367 gnolls, earning 16,500 experience points and 2 skill points!"

 

"Ding! You’ve achieved a great victory against superior numbers, earning 2,000 bonus experience points and 2 skill points!"

 

"Ding! You’ve changed the fate of 536 individuals, earning 820 Fate Coins. Your current Fate Coin total is 1,500!"

 

Matthew was extremely pleased with the experience points gained from this battle.

 

Experience points were becoming increasingly valuable, though their accumulation had some unusual limitations, forcing Matthew to be cautious.

 

After all, he couldn’t simply provoke fights just to farm experience points, leading to the loss of his soldiers and subordinates.

 

They could generate far greater value alive!

 

After mentally calculating how to allocate his experience points, Matthew turned to see the kobolds feasting noisily.

 

The sound of whips cracking filled the air.

 

Goldfang and Silverfang would need several more days to fully tame these kobolds.

 

However, once this thousand-strong kobold force was properly trained, Matthew was confident he could begin developing the kobold mine.

 

Due to their unique physiology, using humans to mine would inevitably lead to various occupational diseases.

 

So, kobolds were destined to play a critical role in Matthew's development plans.

 

With that in mind, Matthew carefully instructed Goldfang and Silverfang, following the guidance provided by the system:

 

"Kobolds may prefer dark environments, but cleanliness is still important. Ensure regular cleaning to prevent disease."

 

"Maintaining a clean living environment will reduce the spread of germs and significantly improve their lifespan and overall health."

 

"Make sure all kobold eggs are centrally monitored and cared for. This will greatly increase their survival and hatching rates."

 

Goldfang and Silverfang tried their best to understand, forcing themselves to remember Matthew's words.

 

After witnessing how easily Matthew destroyed the once-powerful gnoll tribe,

 

They had already begun to place him on the same level as Yaya.

 

Matthew didn’t expect them to fully understand, but he wanted to establish the concept so they could better manage the kobolds.

 

Naturally, specific tasks would be handled by Ralph, who would select specialized personnel for the job.

 

However, finding a proper home for over a thousand kobolds was essential.

 

Matthew had initially considered assigning the kobolds to Bay Village’s sewer system, having them maintain and expand it.

 

But now, he believed that to rapidly expand the kobold population, he needed to provide them with a more comfortable and spacious living environment.

 

Noticing Goldfang and Silverfang’s confusion, Matthew patiently drew out a blueprint for an underground structure and used the Copy Spell to make several duplicates.

 

"Start digging according to this plan. Extend the excavation deeper into the valley."

 

"Food and supplies will be delivered soon. For now, focus on getting the kobolds to cooperate. This arrangement will benefit both sides…"

 

Goldfang and Silverfang nodded, though they still didn’t fully understand. With their limited intelligence, they couldn’t quite grasp Matthew’s diagrams.

 

Nevertheless, Matthew's respectful attitude toward the kobolds, showing no disdain or disregard, deeply moved them. They eagerly thumped their chests and promised:

 

"We’ll get them in line right away!"

 

At the sound of food being promised, the kobolds burst into excited cheers. Even those who were whipped seemed content.

 

Seeing the average intelligence of the kobolds was no higher than four, Matthew refrained from explaining further and simply nodded.

 

Perhaps there was some truth to the saying: "Ignorance is bliss."