Subjugation: Corpse Demon!

Secret Techniques.

They could be regarded as Hidden Hero's special skills. Not only were the learning requirements stringent, but they could only achieve their full effect when wielding special weapons.

Every weapon had its own Secret Techniques.

For example, Red Moon corresponded to a blade technique called "Nineteen Moon Bloom."

As its name suggested, this set of Secret Techniques had nineteen moves in total.

Roger had only mastered the first move.

The requirement for learning the second move was being at least level 10, which he could not meet for the time being.

Roger was not in a hurry.

After all, he did not have enough Xia Yin Value.

Xia Yin Value was what one had to pay to learn Hidden Hero Secret Techniques.

Xia Yin Value was somewhat like experience points, but it could not be obtained simply by killing monsters.

From Roger's observations, it seemed that Xia Yin Value could only be accumulated by resolving certain specific events.

For example, drawing one's blade to help when encountering injustice.

Once the matter was settled, one could gain 1 to 3 Xia Yin Value.

Or, for example, killing monsters that plagued an area and benefiting the local living creatures.

That could earn 6 to 10 Xia Yin Value.

Roger had come to the following conclusion:

Since the Hidden Hero class had the word "hero" in its name, perhaps only actions that met the definition of "heroism" could earn Xia Yin Value.

As for how much Xia Yin Value one obtained, it probably depended on how large the benefiting population of that heroic deed was.

So, if he wanted more Xia Yin Value, he had to take on high-risk tasks.

That clashed completely with Roger's low-key style, so the Xia Yin Value he had accumulated was pitifully small.

Fortunately, killing the Red Tide Corpse Queen had just rewarded him with 9 Xia Yin Value.

He had previously accumulated 2 Xia Yin Value. After deducting the 5 needed to learn Moon's Splendor, he had only 6 left.

Roger now faced a difficult choice—

The Qing Fu Sword and the Zi Ying Bow corresponded to two different Secret Techniques:

"Cloud Mist Step"

"Rating: A (Cloud Mist footwork, reaching perfection)"

"Details: Learning the first level of Cloud Mist Step increases Evasion Value by 2 points (thirteen levels in total)"

"Cost: 5 Xia Yin Value / first level"

"Superior Breathing Technique"

"Rating: A+ (A breathing technique that calms the mind and focuses the spirit)"

"Details: Learning the first level of Superior Breathing Technique increases Focus Value by 2 points (nine levels in total)"

"Cost: 6 Xia Yin Value / first level"

To be honest, he wanted to learn both.

Evasion and Focus were both attributes that were difficult to improve and extremely important in combat.

Unfortunately, he did not have enough Xia Yin Value.

After weighing his options, he ultimately chose "Cloud Mist Step."

For Roger, survival skills always took top priority.

He tried out Cloud Mist Step in the courtyard, but could not make heads or tails of it.

After all, increased evasion was difficult to observe with the naked eye. Even the Qi Divination Technique was no exception.

"I wonder how much Evasion Value Cloud Mist Step can provide in total."

"If I can max out my Evasion Value, then add that to my already maxed-out Magic Resistance, wouldn't no one be able to hurt me anymore?"

For a moment, Roger's imagination ran wild.

Two days later.

At dawn, near a farm outside Tongma Town.

Figures began gathering of their own accord beneath the pumpkin lantern hanging high overhead. In the end, more and more people converged there.

They were fully armed and well supplied.

Their expressions were excited, yet they restrained the urge to speak with one another.

They were the first members of the reorganized Monster Extermination Squad! At the same time, they represented the strongest force Tongma Town could assemble!...

Dorothy stood among them in a suit of exquisite leather armor, carefully counting heads.

A stern middle-aged man stood behind her.

Though he looked somewhat aged, the enormous two-handed greatsword on his back made it clear that this warrior from Gem City was not someone to be trifled with.

He was the Uncle Terry Dorothy had mentioned.

Not far away, at the edge of the crowd.

Roger wore the cloak he often used while traveling in the wilderness, hiding most of his body beneath it and revealing only part of his face.

At first, many people cast curious looks his way.

Very quickly, though, the young adventurers were drawn to the young and beautiful captain.

Roger liked this feeling of being ignored.

At the same time, he was pleased that Dorothy had chosen to set out quietly—

Kane's previous failure had shrouded the Corpse Demon in mystery.

Some had even proposed the terrifying possibility that the town had a Corpse Demon informant.

Roger did not believe that, but keeping a low profile was better than drawing attention.

There were indeed many eyes in town fixed on this newly formed squad.

"Everyone's here!"

Dorothy put away the roster, her gaze sweeping over the adventurers one by one.

Her voice was crisp and resolute. "This Subjugation Squad has thirty-five members in total: three vanguards, nineteen in logistics, and thirteen main combatants."

"I can't guarantee that everyone will return alive, but I can guarantee that when we return, we will bring back the Corpse Demon's corpse!"

"For Tongma Town."

"For the innocent residents who died at the Corpse Demon's hands."

"For Kane."

"Target: Southern Mine."

"Move out!"

There were no excessive words of encouragement and no tedious mobilization—only a few facts laid before them.

The residents of Tongma Town had suffered deeply under the Corpse Demon. There had never been any need for too much talk.

Every adventurer who joined the Subjugation Squad had come prepared to die! They clenched their fists tightly, gathered together, lightly bumped fists, then set out in groups one after another according to their prior arrangements.

At the very front was the vanguard group, made up of three scouts.

They would rush to the Southern Mine at top speed and penetrate the Corpse Demon's territory, providing intelligence support for the Subjugation Squad's main force.

Then came the Logistics Group.

This Logistics Group, composed of nineteen experienced adventurers, would follow in the scouts' footsteps and enter the Southern Mine's first major monster gathering area, Dwarf Demon Mountain, somewhat later.

They would clear out the Inferior Dwarf Demon settlement that had long occupied the area and establish the first logistics outpost.

When the main force reached the outpost, they would receive ample supplies and a good rest atop that raised hillock.

Only after that would it be time for the thirteen members of the main force to show their skills.

According to the plan, they would swiftly eliminate the "White Bone Sentry Post" the Corpse Demon had established south of Dwarf Demon Mountain, then wait for the scouts' intelligence.

In the end, they would choose favorable terrain and fight a decisive battle against the Corpse Demon and its Skeleton Soldiers!

Only Roger, Dorothy, and Terry were qualified to see this battle plan from the Lord's Manor in advance.

It had to be said that the Lord's Manor had prepared meticulously for this day for a long time.

"Hope everything goes smoothly."

Blending into the crowd, Roger did not walk quickly.

As the main force, they had to conserve their stamina.

About two hours later, they finally left Tongma Town's territory completely and stepped onto the edge of the Southern Mine.

At that moment, a vast mass of dark clouds spread over from the south in the distance.

The Qi Divination Technique showed nothing unusual.

Yet Roger vaguely felt an inexplicable unease in his heart.