Seizing the Mine

This time, Qi Ji imposed certain restrictions on the Temporary Workers.

After all, Hunters and Smokers were worth several times more than Common Zombies, while Adventurers were a bunch with poor discipline and a knack for reckless antics. Punitive measures had to be put in place to stop them from getting themselves killed.

That was also why he had not let the Adventurers play the role of Tank.

Otherwise—

Once the Adventurers got carried away—

Who would care whether Tank lived or died?

Losing a Tank Essence Soul would be far too costly for Miracle City at its current stage!

"Sign me up!"

"I'm definitely signing up!"

"This time, I want to be a Hunter!"

"I'd do it even without rewards!"

Just as expected, the Adventurers were incredibly enthusiastic, scrambling to sign up.

Especially for Zombies with special abilities like Hunters and Smokers, even the penalty for death could not dampen their enthusiasm.

Gloomy Valley.

It was roughly circular.

Over a hundred li in diameter.

It was ruled by Dark Goblins.

According to Qi Ji's estimates, the Goblin stronghold lay over sixty li from Miracle City. It was a First Order Dungeon called "Gloomy City," with at least a thousand Combat Power within.

This was the core target for the near future!

If they could successfully capture this Dungeon, Miracle City would not only gain a great deal of resources, but also completely control Gloomy Valley. More importantly, it would obtain a new core, allowing the territory to create a Second Secret Realm in the future!

However—

Though it was a short-term mission—

It would not happen that quickly.

At the very least, their current forces could not possibly threaten Gloomy City today.

Qi Ji had no intention of trying to swallow an elephant in one bite. The Dark Goblins not only possessed a city, but also controlled several large and small outposts throughout Gloomy Valley. They could start with those outposts.

Red Claw Village had once been one of them.

The territory troops teleported to Red Claw Village, then traveled six or seven li northwest to reach a place called Red Rock Mountain Mine. It was one of the Dark Races' important strongholds and Miracle City's target for this operation.

Its location was crucial.

It was a necessary route for attacking Gloomy City.

At the same time, it was a resource-rich outpost.

If they could seize the mine and plunder its resources, building the Adventurer Inn would be no problem at all.

An hour later.

Recruitment ended.

A total of twenty-seven Mercenaries had been recruited.

They spent 145 Mental Strength and 145 Magic Crystals each!

Converting one Riot Zombie required 5 Mental Strength and 5 Soul Crystals.

Converting one Hunter or Smoker required 10 Mental Strength and 10 Soul Crystals.

Magic Crystals remaining: 684.

Mental Strength remaining: 1562.

These disposable Temporary Workers were not cheap once their numbers increased. Therefore, they still needed to stockpile more permanent monsters through the Monster Camp. Using both together would maximize cost-effectiveness.

Of course—

More monsters were not always better.

First, the Monster Camp had a capacity limit.

Second, these permanent units required greater short-term expenditure. They were not perpetual-motion machines and would consume resources as well. Too many would burden the territory's finances, so an army should value quality over quantity.

Qi Ji planned to build the Soldier's House as soon as possible.

This building could convert Contract Adventurers into combat power. Not only was there no limit on their number, but the cost was negligible. If the territory had enough Contract Adventurers, forming an army from them would be the cheapest and most cost-effective option.

That night.

The Chaos Tide receded.

It was time for the Secret Realm to close.

The Territory Godstone at the center of Red Claw Village shone brightly.

Dozens of figures descended here from the Main City, led by a massive Tank Zombie that radiated an overwhelming presence!

"Hahaha, I'm so damn lucky!"

Lone Wolf burst into laughter.

He had drawn a Hunter Zombie.

He now looked like a Hooded Man dressed in black.

"My luck isn't bad either!" An Adventurer named Wool Warrior had become a Smoker. "Who wants a taste of my tongue?"

"Fuck!"

"That's disgusting!"

"Get the hell away from me!"

"Why don't you look in a mirror? If I turned into that, I'd rather be a Riot Zombie!"

"..."

Wool Warrior said, "You're all just jealous!"

Sleeping in the Wind said at this moment, "Stop wasting time. We need to set off immediately!"

"That's right!"

"The mission comes first!"

"Everyone, stay close to Big Brother Tank!"

"Yes, sir! Big Brother Tank is different from us Temporary Workers. He's an official territory monster!"

"..."

Qi Ji did not personally join the battle.

But he could control Tank remotely.

It felt much like playing Red Alert, StarCraft, or Warcraft.

Tank led the twenty-seven Temporary Workers through a fairly arduous journey until they arrived at the target of this operation: a stretch of reddish-brown mountains.

There was a moderately sized mining camp here.

Qi Ji knew that this was the Dark Goblins' Red Rock Mountain Mine. It was garrisoned by thirty Goblin Warriors, fifty Goblin Miners, and one exceptionally powerful Goblin Champion.

Though Goblin Warriors were one-star monsters—

Their equipment was far better than that of Red Claw Village.

Therefore, they were among the stronger one-star monsters.

Goblin Miners, meanwhile, were weak one-star monsters, but there were as many as fifty of them. They were not a force to be underestimated.

With the Goblin Champion stationed here as well, possessing strength comparable to a four-star monster, while Red Claw Village's Goblin Warlock had only been three-star, it was clear that they were outnumbered and this battle would not be easy!

Although Miracle City had Tank Zombie—

To reduce losses, they had to win this battle through strategy!

"There's a watchtower ahead!"

"There are two Goblins on watch up there."

"From that position, they can overlook the mine. It's extremely unfavorable for our operation!"

"Then find a way to quietly take them out. We need the advantage of a preemptive ambush!"

"..."

Under Qi Ji's lead—

The Adventurers scouted ahead.

They first located the mine's Watchtower.

The Adventurers Lone Wolf and Wool Warrior immediately volunteered. They decided to take advantage of the Smoker's and Hunter's strengths to launch a surprise assassination.

"Then I'll leave it to you two!"

"Don't worry! We guarantee mission success!"

The two Adventurers immediately sprang into action.

Using the Hunter's agile movements, Lone Wolf silently approached, scrambled up the tower in a few quick motions, then clung upside down beneath the observation platform like a gecko.

Wool Warrior was a Smoker.

Though his mobility was poor, his attack range was long. He secretly climbed a large tree.

"Get ready!"

"On the count of three, we move together!"

"Alright!"

"Three, two, one!"

From the tree where he hid, Wool Warrior suddenly unleashed a seventeen- or eighteen-meter-long tongue. It precisely wrapped around one Goblin's throat and instantly yanked him off the Watchtower.

The other Goblin was greatly alarmed.

Before he could shout or ring the alarm—

A black shadow pounced on him. Lone Wolf, transformed into a Hunter, knocked the Goblin to the ground on the spot. His claws sliced open its throat, leaving it unable to make another sound.

"Die!"

Lone Wolf frantically slashed with his claws.

He killed the unfortunate Goblin on the spot.

The Goblin dragged down by Wool Warrior was no better off.

It was nearly killed by the fall, then swarmed by a group of Riot Zombies that rushed out and beat it to a bloody pulp within moments!

"Hahaha!"

"Well done!"

"Special Zombies are so useful!"

"Now, even if we get close to the camp, these stupid Dark Races won't have time to react!"

"This one's in the bag!"

"..."

The Adventurers' operation went smoothly.

Their morale was soaring, and they were extremely excited!

Watching from behind the scenes, Qi Ji nodded in satisfaction.

Why could he not spend all his resources on recruiting permanent monsters from the Monster Camp? This was one of the most important reasons!

Monsters had no intelligence. Remote Micro-management also had its limits; he could only convey some basic commands. Most of them could not adapt or improvise, and their ability to react to changing circumstances was poor.

Adventurers were a little less obedient.

But they also had more clever tricks and unconventional moves!

After successfully eliminating the Goblins at the Watchtower, the Adventurers continued their operation. Using the Hunter's and Smoker's abilities, they successively killed another six patrolling and sentry Goblin Warriors.

So far—

Not a single member of the territory's forces had been lost.

Miracle City's advantage was growing larger and larger!

Thanks to ChunJie Nan for tipping 45,000 Qidian Coins and becoming this book's first Helmsman, Hall Master, and Elder. I can't add extra chapters during the new-book period, but I'll try to update more after it goes premium! Thanks as well to Fa Fa A for tipping 1,700 Qidian Coins and becoming this book's Deacon!