Chapter 394
To the mercenaries, claiming the Fortress meant their jobs were completed . However, claiming the Fortress only meant the start for Rhode . After most of the Fortress was destroyed, itโs no longer livable . But luckily, after defeating the Demon General, there was massive information on this Fortress and its area reflected in Rhodeโs construction system . This proved that this system had recognized Rhodeโs rights over this place . And next, Rhode would need to restore the Fortress and begin rebuilding facilities . In fact, up until now, Rhode was used to the levels of illogicality on this system . He even gave up ridiculing how this system could repair the Fortress by spending gold coins and didnโt require any materials at all . Anyway, since things were set this way, thereโs no point to figure them out .
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It wasnโt difficult to restore the Fortress as long as the money was spent . Right now, Rhode was lacking the least in money which was why he wasnโt mindful of such small matters . However, the next problem would be the biggest of them all โ Rhode not only wanted to restore the Fortress, he even wished to reconstruct it for his own convenience . The blueprint of this Fortress had been analyzed through the mercenary construction system and it reflected as only an ordinary architecture for militaries . Such architecture wouldnโt be too suitable for a guild and there were some areas that required modification and re-planning .
Although there were many fortress blueprints and models for Rhodeโs considerations within the construction system, the next job would be the most troublesome of all .
All except Rhode was able to view the system and they naturally couldnโt bring any help for him . However, Gillian, Canary, and Mini Bubble Gum were different as they were products of the system . With Rhodeโs permission, they could also share the information . Originally, Rhode had a positive attitude towards this and linked up with the three of them to hear their opinions . However, he immediately regretted his decision within a short span of 10 minutes .
As for their opinions on how to construct the fortress, all three of them had different views . Canary preferred the fortress to be similar to Starlight in the past because it would be more reminiscent . However, Mini Bubble Gum was against this idea because she felt that the fortress wasnโt anything great to start with . Now that they had a chance to rebuild it, they shouldnโt commit the same mistake . This was why Mini Bubble Gum recommended a fortress with a European castle-style .
Whereas for Gillian, she wasnโt supportive of both their ideas . She would rather the fortress to be an ornate wooden palace . Soโฆ In order to convince one another, all three of them quickly got into a bicker .
โStarlight in the past had the most logical design, Bubble . You should know too . Our guild was able to gain victories after so many guild wars because we relied on its sturdy defense and reasonable layouts . Now Leader is building this fortress for our future good to prevent ambushes . Since the previous Starlight fortress was able to survive the harsh conditions, then I think we should stick to it . โ
โThatโs only in the game, Big Sister . Where would there be so many carefree players engaging in guild wars in this world? Do you really think that those bunch of scrubs could defeat both of our defenses? Also, I think my design is good too . Since weโre in the western world, whatโs wrong with having a castle? Also, this castle seemed so mighty and we can definitely recruit many more people isnโt it?โ
โBut they are still ranked below us isnโt it, Bubble? This proved that a guildโs attracting point was still on capabilities and not based on their exterior reputationโฆ Although I have to admit that your Irish Rose Knights fortress is indeed beautiful, you also know that their defenses were too fragile and weak . If not, they wouldnโt have been destroyed by us Starlight . โ
โHmph, thatโs because we were much more powerful than them! Especially when that bitch even dared to taunt Leader . She was seeking death! No matter what, Big Sister, donโt you think this place is suitable to build a castle? Itโs still a better choice than that female fox . Is she thinking of building a Summer Palace (Referring to the one in Beijing)?โ
โAiya? Miss Bubble, youโre wrong on this . Itโs important to keep the traditions okay? Traditionsโฆ Besides, isnโt it beautiful too? Besides, only with such unique qualities could leave deep impressions on people . โ
My headโฆ
Rhode felt his head was about to crack under the constant bickering by the three of them . Now he was regretting why he was so foolish to make such a dumb decision . Initially, Rhode was overly-fatigue after the battle, which was why he was lazy to rack his brains and decided to get some help . As a result, not only did he not have a chance to relax, he felt even more tired .
โMr Rhode . โ
As Rhode was hopelessly looking for a way out, suddenly Lizeโs voice sounded beside him . After hearing her voice, Rhode instantly neglected their quarrels and looked at the maiden before his eyes .
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โWhatโs wrong? Lize?โ
โItโs like thisโฆโ
Lize found it somewhat difficult to express her words . However, after looking at Rhodeโs expression, she managed to speak her mind .
โThe villagers that we rescued yesterday are outside right now . They want to thank you personallyโฆโ
โOh?โ
Rhode couldnโt help but twitched his brows .
Rhode understood the situation . However, as he was too tired the day before, he didnโt have the mood to care . He thought the villagers would instantly leave after theyโre rescued but it seemed otherwise . The villagers chose to stay and even though Rhode wasnโt too mindful of them, this presented a good opportunity to get away from this noisy commotion . As a result, he instantly sent a message to the three of them mentally with a โYou three continue to discuss . I will be right back . โ and quickly left .
Soon, Rhode saw the villagers standing outside the Fortress .
From their expressions, these villagers had a hard time being imprisoned . Many of them were looking desperate and their bodies were filled with dust and scars . If the Demon General didnโt intend to use their lives to maintain the ritual, these villages wouldโve been dead by now . But now, at least they survived .
As Rhode appeared before their eyes, some of these villagers revealed some traces of surprise as they looked at the black-haired young man with gratitude . The villagers stepped to the side to make a path for a tall and big man . He arrived before Rhode and respectfully bowed .
โHi there, dear sir . โ
The man lifted his head and gazed at Rhode with respect .
โIโm the village head for Deep Creek Village, Charlie . Thank you and your men for saving us from the hands of that evil demon . Oh lord, to be frank, I had already given up and thought we could never see the sun againโฆ However, itโs all thanks to you that we are able to stand here . Please allow me to give you our utmost and sincere gratitude . โ
โYouโre welcome, Mr Charlie . You should thank my subordinate, Marfa, instead . Although I did give an order, he was the one to rescue all of you from grave danger . So, I think that Iโm not worthy of this gratitude . โ
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โSir?โ
Marfa trembled for a little after hearing Rhodeโs words and he strangely gazed at the young man beside him . In fact, Marfa totally didnโt expect Rhode to put in nice words for himself . Although he did join mercenary groups before, he knew that during such situations, most leaders would just smile and accept the other partyโs praises . However, Rhode pushed the credits towards himself insteadโฆ Of course, what Rhode said was, in fact, the truth . However, even Marfa didnโt realize this point .
โOf course, Mr Marfa led his men and rescued us from that dangerous place . For this, we will forever be in his debt . โ
Charlie hurriedly turned around and bowed towards Marfa . This left Marfa at a loss but he eventually accepted his gratitude .
After expressing his gratitude, Charlie shifted his attention back to Rhode .
โOf course, Sir . No matter if itโs you or your men, at least, itโs right to say that your guild had saved us . And to us, the grace of saving lives shouldnโt be thanked without any actionsโฆ I heard that you decided to build a fortress here?โ
โI do have this intention . โ
Facing Charlieโs question, Rhode wasnโt too surprised . After all, all his mercenaries knew about this plan and the villagers would get their answer just by asking, After hearing Rhodeโs reply, Charlie hesitated before speaking .
โIf thatโs the case, do you need manpower for it? Iโm not praising ourselves but our men do have strong physiques . If you need us to do anything, we will do our best . No matter if itโs repairing the fortress or transporting materials, as long as you need manpower and if you are not disgusted by us crude villagers, then we swear in godโs name that we will do our very best to fulfill your requests . โ
Thisโฆ
Rhode remained silent for a moment while heโs facing the man before his eyes . These villagers had good intentions but frankly, he didnโt need any manpower to repair the fortressโฆ Hold up?
At this thought, Rhodeโs eyes brightened as if he recalled something . He gestured his hand and said .
โMr Charlie, thank you for your kind intentions . Butโฆ I have something to ask you . What are your next plans?โ
โNext plans?โ
Charlie lowered his head and pondered .
โThisโฆ Sir . To be honest, we donโt have much to do . We are just hunters that lived day by day in the mountains and forests . We are grateful for your help to remove so many Barbarians and Demons . Also, there wonโt be that many threats anymore when we go hunting in futureโฆโ
โIf thatโs the case, Mr Charlie . How about you listen to my suggestion?โ
Rhode suddenly asked .
โEh?โ
Charlie was taken aback but quickly nodded in acknowledgment . Under his gaze, Rhode pondered for a moment before giving an answer .
โItโs like this, Mr Charlie . As you know, we are deciding to build a fortress here . So you are also clear that in future, this place will be Starlight Guildโs territory . โ
Charlie nodded in agreeance . In any case, heโs also the village head who often go out and see the world . So, he had heard of guild matters and understood the purpose of this sudden booming guild coming to this area . However, to Charlie, this place indeed wasnโt any good . If it wasnโt for their ancestors who lived here for many years, they perhaps wouldโve left this ghostly place . Although he didnโt know why the mercenaries chose this place, itโs still better to be protected under a powerful guild, wasnโt it?
โItโs like this . โ
Rhode had some difficulties opening up but after letting out a cough, he continued to speak normally .
โI think youโre also aware that before coming here, we had visited Deep Creek Village and fought against the Barbariansโฆ Hmmmโฆ How should I put itโฆ Because we fought too aggressively which led to the surroundings of the village to be a littleโฆ troublesome or perhaps affected everyone . So, I have a suggestionโฆ After Starlight Guild constructed the fortress, we will need some manpower and if all of you are willingโฆ I can open up a district for everyone in the fortress to move over and live in . What do you think?โ
โOh?โ
Charlieโs expression changed .
Got to say, this suggestion indeed was a good choice for them . Although the location of Deep Creek Village was good, being alone within the mountains and forests would be too dangerous . Like previously when they were surrounded by the Barbarians, even the patrols couldnโt locate them and they only relied on themselves . So if they could collaborate with such a powerful guild, his villagers wouldnโt need to worry about their homes anymore even when theyโre out hunting .
Howeverโฆ although it may be convenient, they had lived in Deep Creek Village for a few hundred years . No matter how bad the environment got at times, they still had emotional bonds with this place . To mention about shifting locations, they would more or less hate to do so .
โFor this, please allow me to discuss with everyone . โ
Charlie revealed a hesitant look but eventually gave an answer . After hearing his reply, Rhode understandingly nodded .
โI understand, Mr Charlie . This is an important matter so you definitely canโt make a decision on the spot . I can understand that . โ
Rhode paused and nodded towards Marfa .
โMarfa, lead a team of men to protect Mr Charlie and the other villagers back to Deep Creek Village . Those escaped Barbarians may still be lingering nearby . Iโm afraid those bastards would find trouble with the villagers . โ
After this, Charlie once again thanked Rhode and under the protection of Marfa and the other mercenaries, they returned to their village . Rhode then returned to the ruins in the fortress and opened his mental channel . At this moment, Canary passed a message โ After their โunremittingโ hard work and negotiations, they finally fixed on a decision .
โFinally decided?โ
Hearing this piece of news, Rhode finally heaved a sigh of relief . He was originally mentally prepared to withstand the noise pollution of those three women which equaled to a 1500 ducks quacking . However, it seemed that the progression was much smoother than he expected .
โYes, Leader . We exchanged many opinions with one another and finally adjusted to a decision agreeable for everyone . Right? Bubble? Miss Gillian?โ
โโฆ I definitely have to listen to Big Sisterโs wordsโฆ rig-right? Miss Gillian?โ
โAh hahaโฆ ah hahahaโฆ this, itโs needless to say that Miss Canary had unique tastes, Master . I have nothing better to sayโฆโ
For unknown reasons, the answers from both Mini Bubble Gum and Gillian were sort of odd . But, no matter what, since the decision had been made, it would make things much easier .
Since Rhode was constructing the fortress, naturally he would need to consider the current geographical conditions . This fortress ruin was located under Misty Mountains and the Misty Mountains penetrated the entire region . If seen from the air, the entire mountains presented a โ+โ shape and separated four regions . One of the regions on the left was Paphield Region, whereas the right regions from top to bottom were the common border of the Land of Chaos and Country of Darkness respectively . The Misty Mountains was arduous and precipitous and normal humans couldnโt possibly pass through โ Even undead creatures were no different . Whereas, for this Fortress, it was located at a relatively gentle hillside at the junction of the โ+โ shaped mountain . The water sources would be from the deep underground and also the melted snow from Misty Mountains which would form into a river stream, so there werenโt any concerns for water sources .
Of course, there were different kinds of fortresses . This fortress ruins used to be a pure military fortress thatโs not equipped with other functions . This definitely wasnโt what Rhode wished for as the fortresses for player guilds were usually mixed with palaces, castles and the three architectural structures and functions . This way, not only the fortress could engage in defense, at the same time, they could engage in commercial development and trading businesses .
However, after analyzing the finalized blueprint by the three of them, Rhode was puzzled .