Chapter 325: Red Date... That What Fist?
Stepping aside, I was startled to realize Velas was still behind me, her clothes disheveled. I quickly turned back, about to cover their eyes, but unexpectedly, with a glance, the neatly dressed Velas was already sitting upright on the bed with a smile on her face, even the messy quilt folded neatly.
So fast, truly so fast. As expected of a versatile housework expert.
"Come, hurry over to Older Sister."
Velas smiled and waved to the Twins. Xi Lu Si and Ai Ke Lu were a little hesitant at first, afraid Velas would be angry. Hearing her call out like that, their childishly cute little faces immediately blossomed into flower-like smiles, and they hugged their Pillows and rushed into Velas's embrace.
"Look at you two, really."
While holding them both, Velas pulled the quilt over their smooth little legs, which were Shivering from the cold, completely entering the role of a Mother.
"Um, you three sleep together. I'll go to the next room..."
I scratched my face and pointed outside the Door. Before I could finish speaking, Xi Lu Si and Ai Ke Lu turned their heads at the same time, and a circle of mist welled up in their adorable big Eyes again.
"Ai Ke Lu, I told you not to. Dad will be troubled." The sensible Xi Lu Si lowered her Head, trying hard to hold back the Tears in her Eyes, her Voice choked and trembling slightly.
"Did we make Dad feel troubled?"
Ai Ke Lu sniffled, looking at me with teary Eyes, showing an Expression like a small abandoned Animal.
"That's not true, absolutely not true. Dad was wrong, Dad isn't going anywhere. Being able to sleep with my cute Daughters, Dad is so happy he's about to Faint."
I exaggeratedly put on a Stance of being about to Faint, which immediately made the two of them burst into laughter, tears turning into smiles. Their innocent and brilliant smiles, like Sunflowers, made my Eyes blur.
Taking stiff steps, I Trembling with Fear sat on the bed. Velas smiled and let go, and the Twins in her arms immediately pounced over as if liberated, clinging to my Body, constantly rubbing their soft faces against mine, their small Bodies soft and light like cotton candy, making me feel a desire to hold them close and cherish them, yet afraid to use too much force, fearing I might accidentally break them. It was a conflicted feeling.
"Alright, Xi Lu Si, Ai Ke Lu, stop messing around. It's time to sleep." Velas watched my flustered appearance, secretly smiling with pursed lips, while gently raising her hand. The Magic Lamp immediately dimmed.
Xi Lu Si and Ai Ke Lu simply threw the Pillows in their arms aside, pushed my Arms apart one on each side, and hugged me like little koalas, their Heads resting in my arms. With expressions of peace and Happiness on their faces, they soon let out even breathing sounds.
One Sheep, two Sheep, three Sheep...
I didn't dare to move. My Body was stiff and rigid like a broken robot drenched in acid rain, making a grating Metal friction sound every time I moved.
Five hundred fifty-six Sheep, five hundred fifty-seven Sheep...
Tick-tock, tick-tock, half an hour passed. I had no Sleepiness at all. Just then, a pair of soft little hands gently held mine. I stiffly turned my Head. Velas, who had slightly raised her Head, was conveying tenderness through her smiling, dark Eyes.
"Lord, can't you sleep?"
"Mm."
"How does it feel to have Daughters?"
"I guess you could call it happy trouble," I thought for a moment, tilting my Head, and replied with a smile.
After a moment of silence, the small hand holding mine suddenly tightened.
"If, if it were the Daughter I have with Lord in the future, would Lord also love her so much?"
"Of course. In the future, I will definitely build a Castle for our Daughters and let them live like Princesses." I held her soft hands back.
"What about a Son?" Her bright, shining big Eyes in the darkness looked at me with a smile.
"A Son? A Son won't do. He needs to go through good tempering," I answered without the slightest hesitation.
"Wuwu~, it seems it's better to have Daughters for Lord."
"As long as it's my little Lu Lu who gives birth for me, anything is fine."
"Lord..."
The intoxicating Warmth transmitted from our tightly clasped hands made my tense Body unconsciously Relax, and I vaguely fell asleep.
Early the next morning, the bright Light shining through the window woke me up. I groggily turned my Head to look. Where Velas had been sleeping, only her unique faint floral scent lingered. I had always wondered how she managed to get up without me, a Druid, noticing anything. Could she really make no Sound or Movement at all?
Just as I was about to sit up, I unexpectedly found my Body heavier than usual. Looking down, the two little darlings were resting their Heads on me, sleeping soundly. Their sweet little faces were framed by exquisite black Long Hair like silkworm threads, scattered on the pure white bed sheet, forming a beautiful visual like a painting.
These two Little Squirts, one resting on each side of my Chest, their four slender Arms wrapped around my Waist, and even my Thighs were tightly entwined by their two slender legs. Is this the legendary Koala-hold hell? Velas, help!
My Chest felt cold. Hey, hey, little Xi Lu Si, although your smile is indeed very happy, your saliva is about to flow out! It's about to drip onto my Chest! Uh... well, whatever, it's already wet anyway. Looking at the water stain on the right side of my Chest, I looked into the distance, speechless.
Before Xi Lu Si on this side could stop, a wet and warm touch came from the left side of my Neck. Huh? Ai Ke Lu, Dad's Neck isn't Roasted Meat, you can nibble on it, but please don't bite hard. That's the Artery, people will die! You must not learn bad things from the Little Ghost.
Finally, after Velas finished making Breakfast and came in to wake up Xi Lu Si and Ai Ke Lu, I finally let out a sigh of relief. The Twins, waking up groggily, rubbed their Eyes sleepily, like two pure white lilies that had just bloomed. Their slender and graceful figures, fair and smooth Skin, showed at a glance that they were beauties in the making.
It seems I'll have to guard against some Lecherous Men in the future. Want to marry my Beloved Daughter? Fine!! Let's talk after you pass my Asura Purgatory 108-Move Survival Trial. Let me state beforehand, although there are no specific examples, based on scientific estimates, the death rate is 99.99%. Of those who survive, 99.99% claim they wear their Underwear outside, and of the remaining, 99.99% claim they are from the M78 Nebula...
"Mm, Dad..."
With heavy Sleepiness, their Voices sounded like soft hums from their noses. The Daughters affectionately hugged me, rubbing against me like Act Spoiled Kittens a few times before jumping off the bed and swaying back to their own Room to change Clothes.
Two days passed in a flash. Xi Lu Si and Ai Ke Lu have completely Integrated into the big family. Every day they follow behind Velas to stroll around the West District Market, or help with Housework with Sarah, or get some strange Knowledge from the Little Ghost. Then they fiercely fight against the Three-No Princess's authoritarianism. Of course, most of the Time they cling to my side and Act Spoiled. From an outsider's perspective, if Velas and I walked down the Street holding one in each hand, I believe no one would doubt that we are a family - lively and cute Twin Daughters, a virtuous and beautiful Little Wife, and an ordinary Druid Uncle.
Hey, hey!! Who said that last sentence? Step forward.
This day, I just returned from Akara's Place. These past few days, she, together with Cain, has been racking their brains trying to dissuade me from building a Castle. They calculated for me that building a small-scale Castle alone would cost over a million Gold Coins in various expenses. That's not all. A Castle is so big, you'd have to hire Servants, and Soldiers must also be hired to maintain an Air. There are also various Decorations, Furniture, and supplies, which are no less expensive than building the Castle itself. Furthermore, after Velas and the others Class-Changed Ones go out for Trials, the Daughters will also spend most of their Time in the Training Camp. Building such a Castle is a complete waste of Resources.
Alright, I admit, I was convinced by them. Of course, it wasn't because of the Money issue. Several million could be raised by selling some unused Golden Equipment and Gems. Although I am Stingy, I am very generous to my own people. The key point is that I don't want too many Strangers in the family. As Xi Lu Si said, a family squeezed together, even if it's a bit small, is warm enough.
As for the Clothes, Akara agreed. She hired a High-Level Tailor from Lut Gholein to design them, but the production is done by the Housewives in the Camp. According to her Statement, since anyone can make them, why not increase the Employment rate for our own Camp? Don't underestimate these Housewives. As long as they have Fabric and design blueprints to follow, the things they make will definitely not be worse than those made by top-tier Tailors. This means my Beloved Daughters will soon be able to wear beautiful Ribbon dresses.
"Yo, where are you going, Lord of our great Castle?"
From afar, the Old Drunkard's teasing Voice came. Because of that matter these past few days, she kept calling me "Lord of the Castle" as a nickname, which made me grit my teeth every time I heard it.
"Of course, I'm going home to coax my Beloved Daughters. I'm not like some people who are all alone." I turned my Head away, entering the ignoring interference mode of the Old Drunkard.
"Hey, hey, don't be so cold. I'm a bit bored, how about practicing a few moves with me?" The Old Drunkard swung the Wine Pot in her hand, looking like "you're annoying," which made my Hair stand on end for a while. Grandma Kashya, how old are you?
"What does your boredom have to do with me? I'm busy. Besides, the Church that was destroyed last time isn't finished yet, where can we practice?"
"Don't worry about that, just follow me." Completely ignoring my previous refusal, the Old Drunkard grinned and darted towards the nearby intersection.
"..."
Alright, let's loosen up. I just practiced a new move recently, so it's a good opportunity to test it on the Old Drunkard. Speaking of which, this fellow's behavior today is a bit strange. Such a lazy person actually proactively asked to be my sparring partner. Something's not right, I need to be careful.
Following behind the Old Drunkard, I turned left and right, passing through patches of Jungle. About half an hour later, a huge open space appeared In Front of us.
"How about it? Is this suitable? But let me state beforehand, absolutely do not spray your Energy Cannon over there, otherwise your little lover and Beloved Daughters will probably be blown sky high with one shot." Kashya pointed in the direction of the Rogue Encampment and said.
"Don't compare me to your Brain that only contains Wine." I glared at her fiercely.
"Is that so? But I think I'm smarter than you, hehe~~~" The Old Drunkard said this, grinning smugly, feeling good about herself.
You little thing, let you be proud!!
I Roared, and immediately Transformed into Blood Bear. It was a wise move to bring the Little Ghost with me when I came out.
"Boom—"
Accompanied by the whistling fist wind, the place where Kashya was standing had already become a Large Pit several meters deep.
Behind me.
There was no Time to turn back. I twisted my Waist, and a big spin sent my elbow thrusting behind me.
"Your Movement is much faster than before."
As expected, I hit nothing. Kashya's slightly praising Voice came from above.
Hmph, it's not over yet. Being praised by you gives me no sense of accomplishment at all. I leaned back, and my Fists immediately turned into several black shadows, bringing up a biting fist wind that covered the entire area above.
"Ya da da..."
Punch, punch, punch, punch. At this moment, I had only one thought in my mind: once I caught Kashya's slippery figure, I would blast her with a punch without hesitation. If one hit missed, there was a second, a third, a fourth...
Accompanied by countless explosions, the open space was enveloped by a crimson storm. Every shadow the storm swept across brought up a Gale. Smaller Trees were even uprooted by this strong wind, which was quite terrifying.
But if you look closely, you will also find that within the storm, there was a small black shadow. Like a small boat in stormy waves, it seemed about to be swallowed by the storm, yet it slipped away with the momentum like a loach.
Half an hour later, there was no intact flat ground in the open space. All around were Large Pits caused by my Fists, and even the surrounding Forest suffered. The Old Drunkard stood safe and sound on a small palm-sized patch of flat ground, holding a Whiteboard Spear in her hand, her Body straight. When the wind blew, she had quite a bit of heroic bearing.
"You fellow, your Technique hasn't improved much, but your skin has gotten thicker."
Kashya did a flourish with her spear and shook her Head helplessly. She, a dignified Level 78 Amazon, using the Normal Attack of a Whiteboard Spear, couldn't break the Defense of a mere Druid of a certain Level. If she told this to others, they would probably be shocked speechless.
Tsk, speaking of thick skin, I can't even compare to your nerve.
It's Time to show you some new tricks. I Roared, and two Blazing Flames rose from my Fists, wrapping around my Arms like snakes. This made the originally blood-red bloodthirsty giant claws look even more ferocious and terrifying.
This move was the Flame I displayed during the Blood Bear Transformation last Time. Although I couldn't cover my entire Body like last Time and transform into the Flame Blood Bear Form, just like this, my Attack Power could be significantly increased.
"Good kid, when did you learn new tricks? Quite good." Feeling the temperature of the two Flames from afar, Kashya did not conceal the surprise in her Eyes.
"Boom—"
As soon as the words fell, two bright Fire Pillars passed through her. Wherever they reached, there was scorched smoke, and even the Air crackled and expanded rapidly.
Tsk, it's an afterimage, didn't hit again? I withdrew my stance and spat helplessly.
"Wah wah~~, my Cloak."
The Old Drunkard's panicked figure came from above. Looking up, I couldn't help but be amused. Although I didn't hit her directly, the residual heat ignited the signature Cloak behind her. At this moment, she was in a fluster, patting out the Flames.
"This is an Heirloom left to me by my grandmother's grandmother! Can you afford to compensate?" Landing on the ground, the Old Drunkard touched the half-burned Cloak with heartache, looking at me with a face full of resentment.
"Stop lying! Do you think I don't know? You have at least twenty Cloaks like this in your Tent. Do you think Heirlooms are on a huge clearance sale?" I glanced at her with disdain. Want to trick me out of Money again? No way.
"Tsk, was seen through."
Casually throwing the Cloak aside, Kashya muttered indignantly. I said, don't you have any sense of shame after being exposed as a liar?
Just now was a surprise attack, plus the Old Drunkard likely wanted to witness the Power of my new move, which is why her Cloak got burned. It probably won't be that easy next Time, but I still have a trick up my sleeve.
Taking a deep breath, I withdrew my Fists and assumed a Concentration stance. The Muscle on my Arms constantly bulged and expanded at a speed visible to the naked eye.
"Ha~~, watch my Red Date Radish Fist."
"Huh?"
Only the Old Drunkard's stunned exclamation had Time to linger in the Air. The next moment, the place where she was, along with the entire Space within a radius of several dozen meters, was enveloped by heavily roaring Blazing Flames and fist shadows.
"Bang—"
A small figure burning with Blazing Fire shot out from the huge fist shadows. It crashed into the Jungle several kilometers away like a Meteor. With a rumbling sound, it carved out a ravine over ten meters long on the ground.
Hit? I stopped, shaking my swollen and numb Arms, and looked Incredulously at the place where the Old Drunkard fell.
Wuwu~, after being suppressed by the Old Drunkard for four years, I finally got ahead once. At this moment, I was so excited that I almost wanted to undo my Shapeshifting and high-five the Little Ghost to celebrate.
This punch was enough for her to suffer. Don't think that just because Carlos was fine after taking a punch from me, the Old Drunkard would also be unscathed. Firstly, my Attack Power was much higher than at that Time, and Carlos, as a Paladin, had higher innate Defense than an Amazon. The most important point was that Carlos was fully equipped at that Time, with Equipment all over Level 60, while the current Kashya was unarmored, only holding a Whiteboard Spear. This is the Gap.
Of course, I don't think this punch could do anything to her, only because she is the Old Drunkard, a super Amazon whose Combat Power exceeds ten million, the deserved Strongest Expert in the First World. Even the Stingy Guy, a Level 82 Wizard, is not her Opponent. This was something I got out of Cain after he got drunk.
Under my playful Gaze, the Old Drunkard finally staggered out of that ravine. All the Clothes on her Body were burned to tatters by the Power of Flames attached to the punch. Her only decent wine-red Long Hair was extremely messy, like a Beggar.
"You stinky kid." Using some leverage, she leaped back, and the Old Drunkard angrily pointed up at me.
"Quickly change that messy name for me! Don't embarrass our Elder."
No, I think the Elder's dignity has already been completely lost by you and Fara.
"Why? I think it sounds quite nice." I didn't understand why the Old Drunkard was so impulsive.
"Nonsense, just change it when I tell you to. If others misunderstand that our Elder has the same vulgar taste as you, then we can't live anymore."
"Roar roar~~, you say change and I'll change? Ask my Fists first." I was angry. It's a move I created myself, why do you care what name I give it?
"Rumble—, Rumble—"
Continuous explosions sounded again in the open space. This Time, the crimson storm not only kicked up a Gale but even brought up patches of Flame. The area within a ten li radius felt like a smothering furnace. The closer to the center, the higher the temperature. Within the area covered by the crimson storm, even sand and stone gradually began to melt.
The crimson storm was no longer the crimson storm from before, and the small black shadow within the storm was no longer the black shadow from before. Similarly, while coming and going freely within the storm's coverage, the black shadow brought up streaks of Golden Light. Although they were only occasional streaks, their Power was so great that they even tore a large opening in the crimson storm.
Another half hour passed.
"You're cheating."
I undid my Shapeshifting and was beaten down onto the ground, my Head full of bumps. I pointed at the Old Drunkard and angrily rebuked her. This fellow actually put on Equipment! Look at the glistening golden Spear in her hand, covered with exquisite Runes, it looks at least Level 60 or higher. And the Armor on her Body emitting dazzling radiance, even a sloppy fellow like the Old Drunkard looked tall and mighty after putting it on. Only a fool would believe it's not Level 70.
"Hehe, nobody said I can't use good Equipment! Alright, stinky kid, quickly change that tasteless and disgusting name for me." The Old Drunkard stepped on my back, while constantly changing angles to poke my Brain with the tail end of the golden Spear.
Damn it, damn it, stop poking! If you poke again, my IQ will leak out! I know now, Sister Sharna is so violent because you trained her like this.
Holding my Head, I constantly dodged the Old Drunkard's abuse, shouting loudly, "Rather die than submit!"
"Wait, listen to me first."
Sitting up from the ground, I coughed a few times and flamboyantly flipped my dust-covered Hair.
"After you listen, you will understand the painstaking effort I put into this name."
Smiling faintly, I gracefully clasped my hands behind my back. I pierced the sky with an indifferent Gaze. The melancholy west wind whistled past, making my Back View appear even more aloof. Every Movement, every Gaze, seemed to be narrating a kind of loneliness.
Protagonist Mode officially activated.
"Thou... cough cough, do you know that this move's name has also gone through four different development eras?" I narrated slowly in an endlessly melancholy Tone.
"The first era was called the Golden Age. The moves in this era pursued gorgeous names, with things like God-Slaying Demon-Annihilating Palm, Earth-Shaking Finger, Pegasus Meteor Fist, etc., emerging endlessly. The second era was called the Silver Age. The moves in this era emphasized appropriateness. If the Speed was fast, it was Wind-Chasing Lightning-Pursuing Step. If the Strength was strong, it was Stone-Splitting Iron-Breaking Claw. If the move was ruthless, it was Leg that Breaks Offspring. The third era was called the Bronze Age. In this era, simplicity became the mainstream. A saber move was a 'Collapse', a Movement Technique was an 'Escape', a spear move was a 'Spin'."
"As for the fourth era, cough cough..." I cleared my throat.
"It is the current Black Iron Age. It has abandoned all superficiality and emphasis, existing only for practicality. Like that move I just used, wasn't it because the name startled you that you were hit squarely? This is what is called practicality."
"Furthermore, Red Date Radish Fist isn't bad either. Although it was a bit strange when you first heard it, if you say it a few more times, won't it feel smoother and smoother to say? This is what is called 'connotation'..." I kept talking to myself, nodding.
"That's how it is, do you understand?" I looked back at the Old Drunkard with my hands behind my back, in a Tone of having finished instructing.
"Change the name." My Brain was hit again.
"Bastard, after saying so much, you still haven't realized? Wasted so much of my breath, could it be you can't understand human language?"
"You're the one who can't understand human language, aren't you?"
"Why do you insist on the name?"
"You're the one who's insisting, aren't you?"
The old and the young immediately started arguing.
"Now everyone knows I guided you. What if others misunderstand that such vulgar taste was taught by me, Kashya? What should be done?"
"It's not vulgar, it's connotation, understand? Connotation!"
"Connotation my ass."
"Still hitting? I'll fight you! Watch my Red Date Radish Fist."
Crackling sounds of fighting rang out again.
"Alright, I'll just change it..." After being beaten down for the nth Time, I finally helplessly submitted to the Evil Forces.
"That's right." The Old Drunkard smiled and took a sip from her Wine Pot.
"Right, that move of yours is quite interesting. Do you want to improve it?" After sitting down, the Old Drunkard started giving me a lesson.
"Oh? It can be changed? How to change?" My Eyes immediately lit up.
Red Date... uh. Speaking of the principle of my fist technique, there are nothing more than two. The first is Charge Up, and then explode in one breath, instantly striking out Fists several times faster than usual. This kind of Technique is like Shaolin Long Fist, simple and easy to learn. Almost every Adventurer knows it. The only difference is in the Charge Up Time and punching Speed due to different Technique Proficiency. It is said that true Experts can compress the Charge Up Time to a mere 0.1 seconds and then strike out Fists dozens of times faster. Damn, that really is Pegasus Meteor Fist.
And the second point is the wonderful part of this move. Speaking of which, it's not something rare. As everyone knows, at high temperatures, Air expands, causing different densities and producing refraction phenomenon. And Red Date... cough, that what fist is based on this principle, using the Flame gathered on the Fists to extremely expand the Air, producing serious refraction and distortion phenomenon, making it impossible for the Opponent to accurately judge the landing point of the Fists. It's very simple, right? But not many people can attach such high-temperature Flames to their Fists. In addition, this move is not very useful for Experts with sensitive five senses, so very few people use it.
"In short, the biggest feature of this move of yours is to confuse the enemy's vision, right?" The Old Drunkard exposed it with one sentence, and I immediately nodded.
"Then, why not just add some Feints inside?" she said, smiling slyly.
"Mm, it's not that I didn't think of this, but I don't know how."
I said helplessly, grabbing my Hair. Don't think that just because you often see "a feint flash" or something similar in Novels, it's easy to learn. Let me tell you, Feints in the Diablo World are completely different concepts. If you dare to use those Feints from Novels to Deceive the enemy, I guarantee you'll be beaten until your Head is full of bumps.
"That's not easy? Watch carefully."
The Old Drunkard rarely felt so bold and stood up. The moment the golden Spear in her hand thrust out flatly, it suddenly split into three spear shadows attacking me. I didn't dodge, but let the three spear shadows hit my Body, striking my Chest, right Arm, and left Lower Leg respectively. Except for a stinging pain from my Chest, the other two places were like scratching an itch through a boot, very light.
This is what Feints are like in Diablo. They are not fake moves, but creating one or several Attacks that are Exactly Alike to the real Attack. When the Technique is high, it's like what the Old Drunkard just displayed. Even the Presence generated by the Feints is exactly the same as the Real Move, and you only realize it when you are hit. But by then, it's already too late.
Therefore, if I could learn Feints, even if I could only split into two, one feint and one real, I could expand the Attack range of my move by more than double. That would be an extremely terrifying coverage area.
"That's how it is. If you have Time, come find me. Of course, only if I'm free." Withdrawing her Weapon, Kashya took another gurgling sip of Wine.
"You fellow, why are you suddenly so kind? You even proactively started teaching me." I watched the Old Drunkard, who was acting contrary to her usual self, warily, and a chill went down my spine. I only felt that a huge Conspiracy was enveloping me.
"You think I wanted to? Isn't it because Akara saw you indulging in that pair of Twins these past few days and was afraid you neglected practice, so she asked me to temper you? To see if you've regressed. Fortunately, you stinky kid also lived up to expectations," Kashya said, shaking her Head.
"So I was Press-ganged Labor. I said, why were you suddenly so kind?" I immediately let out a sigh of relief.
"Right, I still need you to help with a favor." The topic changed, and the Old Drunkard grinned cheekily and came closer.
"Not doing it, not doing it. I want to go back and accompany my Beloved Daughters." I hastily shook my Head like a rattle-drum. As expected, there was still a Conspiracy. I almost fell for her trick.
"Don't say that. It's not a big deal. It's just the Paper Mill over there. In a couple of days, it will be the new round of rotating guards, but the Harrogath Adventurers who were supposed to take over have something going on with their Team and can only arrive the day after, so there's a one-day gap. Originally, I was going to fill this day, but I also have something that day, so I'll trouble you to do it as a favor."
Oh, this is indeed an easy job. I heard that since the Paper Mill was built, it hasn't suffered any Monster or Demon Beast Attacks. Going there to guard is purely a business trip.
"Alright, just let me know when the Time comes." For the sake of her usual Teachings, I'll help with a small favor. I patted my Buttocks and stood up, preparing to leave.
"Remember to change that vulgar name." Before leaving, the Old Drunkard reminded me again uneasily.
I know, I know, I'll change it then. Calling it Red Date Radish or something is indeed not very appropriate. Mm, how about changing it to Watermelon Lemon Fist? But I still prefer pineapple. On the way Home, I was constantly thinking about this question...
Two days later, at the Old Drunkard's Request, I embarked on the road to the Paper Mill. Traveling with me was Cain. He was going to inspect the progress and record the ledger. Besides this, there were four accompanying Adventurers protecting him. Damn it, why are we both Elders, but Fara and I don't have guards? But fortunately, I could hitch a ride on Cain's Carriage. Along the way, having nothing to do, I asked Cain to tell me about the current situation of the Paper Mill.
Currently, the Paper Mill has hired nearly a thousand people. Just this point alone has greatly improved the living standards of the Camp residents. After officially operating, it can now profit one hundred thousand Gold Coins every month. This number still needs to be improved in the future. However, it's a pity that even though the price has been lowered very low, Merchants who brave heavy dangers to cross the Misty Forest to do business are naturally unwilling to only earn a Single Point. So after reselling, they still sell it at a higher price, resulting in the current situation where the price of Books has not significantly decreased. However, when the Optimization of the Remote Teleportation Array is completed, the journey and Danger Level will be reduced to zero. That will be the beginning of the popularization of Books.
Perhaps some people will say, isn't it just a Book? Many people can't even eat their fill. Even if the price of Books comes down, how many Commoners will buy them? Saying this is because you haven't realized the Status of Books in the hearts of people in Sanctuary. I once said that Sanctuary is a world severely lacking in entertainment. Simply put, it is extremely lacking in spiritual civilization. And as Books that can satisfy one's spiritual needs to the greatest extent and broaden one's Knowledge and horizons, they are naturally loved by people. Many Commoners even prefer to go hungry and save Money to buy one. If they are illiterate, they ask literate people to read it. A small Book is the Capital for Commoners to Show Off to each other.
Chatting and chatting, it was probably afternoon when we finally entered the range of the Paper Mill. However, this is the Logging Area. Groups of bare-chested big men, and even strong and sturdy women, were swinging Axes to cut down Large Trees one by one. The energetic shouting, the earth-shaking sound of Trees falling, these sounds were interwoven, forming a scene of bustling activity.
We didn't walk far before the outline of the Paper Mill appeared within my Line of Sight. Damn it, look at the Wall made of sturdy logs inserted into the ground, and the Soldiers frequently patrolling back and forth. It looks just like a small-scale Rogue Encampment.
Just as we walked into the Main Gate, a Bronze Statue several meters high stood towering before us. It was posing like a thinker, holding a piece of White Paper in its hand. It looked no different from the Stance of someone who had just finished a big one on the toilet and was preparing to wipe their butt and leave.
"..."
I silently scanned the Statue from top to bottom, then grabbed Cain's shoulder and started shaking him, wanting to cry but having no Tears.
"Grandpa Cain, didn't I say it doesn't matter if it looks alike? The most important thing is that the appearance is handsome and the Stance is dominant. Why did you carve it so much like me?"
Cain: "..."
After separating from Cain, I found the rotating guard who was still in the factory - Barthak, a Level 62 Barbarian from Harrogath. This tall and strong big guy, whose forearm alone was thicker than my Thigh, had a very straightforward Personality. As soon as we met, he affectionately patted my shoulder, patting it again and again, almost nailing me into the ground.
"Young man, why do you look so familiar? I always feel like I've seen you somewhere. We are indeed meeting for the first Time, right?" This was Barthak's first sentence after seeing me.
It's true that this is the first Time we're meeting, but don't you see that Statue at the Main Gate every day?
Barthak has been here for a month. According to the Rule, he will return to Harrogath tomorrow after I take over. Speaking of this, he felt quite regretful. The Vacation is over.
However, Barbarians are naturally the type who can't sit still. See, he had just finished sighing and became happy again. He could go back to Harrogath to brag to his Friends and fight a bit. The Monsters here are too weak, completely meaningless.