CHAPTER 49: CHAPTER 49: NEWS OF THE RELIC

After waving away all the Mud Swamp People, Haggs threw the unconscious Half-Fishman forward.

Lear looked at the sticky and foul-smelling Half-Fishman, then turned to the Swamp Boggart beside him.

"Wake him up and question him."

The Swamp Boggart nodded immediately and began to hum softly.

The elegant sound was soothing to the body and soul.

The unconscious Half-Fishman slowly came to.

His eyes were transfixed on the Swamp Boggart, his face full of longing.

He paid no mind to the fierce gazes of the surrounding warriors, as if only the Swamp Boggart existed in the world.

"Master, his soul has been enchanted by me. You can direct any questions to him."

The Swamp Boggart’s gentle and crisp voice was like a tickling sensation on the heart, extremely pleasant to hear.

Lear nodded, staring intently at the Half-Fishman.

"What is the strength of your companions?"

The Half-Fishman dumbly replied.

"The level is all Level 5. The Chieftain got a Magic Beast crystal from the ruins, raising his level to 10."

Magic Beast crystal?

Lear thought of the process through which Haggs transformed into a Hero.

This is quite a valuable thing.

His interest piqued even further.

"Have you opened that relic site?"

"No, the Chieftain said it was divine guidance from the Father God that allowed him to obtain it from the relic’s periphery..."

The Half-Fishman’s voice was stiff, carrying a touch of dullness.

Father God?

"The Half-Fishman God?"

"Yes."

"The Half-Fishman God fell a million years ago, and you can still hear his guidance?"

"Father God never fell, just fell into slumber. He’s been guiding us all along!"

His face showed a devotee’s unique piety.

Lear slightly raised an eyebrow.

The fanaticism of believers has always been like this.

But this requires additional attention to prevent the legendary revival of gods from happening.

In this Fantasy World, anything is possible.

After asking a few more questions, the outline gradually became clear.

A few days ago, the Half-Fishmen suddenly discovered an Ancient Ruin, though they haven’t found a way to enter yet, they’ve gained quite a few benefits from the outside.

This Half-Fishman held a low status, always standing guard outside and was not privy to more specific details.

After obtaining the key information he wanted, Lear casually asked another question.

"Is there any other danger around here?"

The Half-Fishman’s face showed a bit of resentment.

"Twenty kilometers from us, there is a group of Dark Naga who have always wanted to enslave us."

Dark Naga?!

Lear was somewhat surprised, this was another piece of information.

"There are enough Dark Naga to form two squads, reaching Level 9."

"We used to be over a thousand!"

"But last month, the Dark Naga launched an attack on us... We lost over half our people!"

After saying this, he grumbled unwillingly.

"When our God returns, and the great Half-Fishman rises, we’ll surely enslave those damned Dark Naga completely!"

Lear continued to probe deeper about the Dark Naga, but couldn’t get any more valuable information.

The other party just kept muttering about revenge and divine punishment by the Half-Fishman God.

Lost in thought, he waved to the Lizard-men to take him back for further interrogation.

Thus, this episode caused by the Mud Swamp People’s disappearance came to a close.

The unexpected incident enriched him quite a bit—with the beautiful singing, the future core force for the spiritual civilization construction of Weilu City—the Swamp Boggart.

Although just born, its potential reached 3 Stars, with a level cap of 12.

Moreover, they feed on emotion, requiring no feeding.

Based on the recent encounter, there is plenty of potential to be tapped from them.

Additionally, he learned of the Half-Fishmen’s gathering site to the south and the information about the Ancient Ruins.

Finally, he gained intel on the Dark Naga.

All in all, it was a small profit.

In a good mood, Lear didn’t linger by the pond, and headed straight back to the territory with the Swamp Boggart.

He informed Bain of the reason behind the Mud Swamp People’s disappearance.

Bain, hearing the news, looked at the exquisite beauty of the Swamp Boggart.

His expression was quite complex, as well.

Looking at the returning Hanno, he didn’t hold back and gave him a severe reprimand.

The young people’s minds are unsettled. Having been tempted, there’s really nothing else to say, but those who should face consequences will not escape.

Once the young Mud Swamp People left, Bain glanced at the Swamp Boggart and hesitantly asked.

"Master, how should we settle them?"

Lear smiled.

"The rise of a city can’t just rely on material life to satisfy its residents."

"It’s said that in the Elf Capital, you can hear the Elves’ wonderful songs every day..."

"Since the Elves can do so, why can’t our Weilu City?"

He looked at Bain meaningfully as he spoke.

"The Swamp Boggarts are not just for singing."

"In the future, they will be the main force in singing, praising, and chanting the glory of Weilu City."

"They may even become a banner for our territory..."

According to his plans, these Swamp Boggarts could be a trump card for Weilu City.

Of course, how they will develop in the future requires careful orchestration.

The territory is still just starting out, and everything needs to be done gradually.

Bain showed a thoughtful expression.

But, as an indigenous resident of this Fantasy World that had not been exposed to modern information, he didn’t delve into the deeper meaning.

He vaguely felt that he had grasped something, but couldn’t quite articulate it.

Could Swamp Boggarts represent Weilu City and become a flag?

His mind filled with questions, which he quickly suppressed. Whether he understood or not wasn’t important; what mattered was that these were orders from his master.

He just needed to absolutely execute his master’s will!

The gaze of the master is far beyond his reach.

After some communication, Bain left deep in thought.

As the construction of the territory gradually proceeded in an orderly manner, the administrative duties increased, keeping him busy from dawn till dusk.

However, just as he hadn’t gone far, he spotted a thin young figure in his line of sight.

The other’s lips pale, appearing somewhat frail.

"Hanno..."

Bain sighed.

"Are you alright?"

The young Mud Swamp Person shook his head, his light green eyes focused on Bain, speaking seriously.

"Lord Bain, I’m fine... I came to look for you because I wanted to know how I can repay Lord of the Territory."

This statement amused Bain a bit.

"Want to repay the Master? Focus on growing stronger. You’re not even a Hero yet, why think about so much?"

They, the Mud Swamp People, are too insignificant on this perilous land.

As a Hero himself, he dared not say he could be of help to the Master...

Patting the other’s shoulder, he was about to leave.

"Lord Bain, then how can I become a Hero?"

Bain looked at this rather frail Mud Swamp person and chuckled.

"That requires enduring a lot of hardships..."

Halfway through, seeing the earnest eyes of the other, a touch of complexity infused his tone.

"It took me ten years for this process."

Although his tone was calm, it carried a deep sense of wistfulness.

Becoming a Hero is not easy, and nobody knows what he sacrificed for this step... others may not care about it either.

An ordinary Mud Swamp Person wanting to stand out—without sufficient talent, background, or family—requires a do-or-die determination!

If you’re not harsh on yourself, how do you deserve to stand out?

Bain’s gaze was deep.

"Go back... those hardships are beyond you."

With those words, he turned and left directly.

If one can’t even withstand the temptation of a Banshee, how can such fragile willpower endure the rigorous training?!

However, in the next moment, thud~ that skinny boy fell to one knee, eyes filled with unshakable resolve.

"Lord Bain, the Master saved me!"

"Only by becoming a Hero can I offer greater assistance to the Master."

"I wish to become a Hero... I’m ready for it."

He spoke each word with determination.

"Even if it means giving my life for it!"

Bain suddenly turned back.

The boy kneeling on the ground seemed like wild grass battered by fierce wind, already weather-worn yet stubbornly rooted in the earth.

After a long silent gaze, Bain turned away again.

The boy, seeing this, felt a jolt in his heart.

As he watched the figure gradually fade away, the light in his eyes did not diminish but burned brighter and fiercer.

If no one helps me, I’ll help myself!

I won’t stop here... Never!