Chapter 82: Chapter 82: Taming the Kobolds
These kobolds’ weapons and armor are so rudimentary, they resemble the most destitute refugees in the wilderness.
With their diminutive size, frail build, and ugly appearance, they look rather amusing.
Their bodies are also dotted with fine scales, somewhat akin to those of lizardmen.
However, Zong Shen noticed something - almost every kobold had a 30-centimeter-long iron handpick hanging at their waist.
The kobolds were "waa waa" shouting in a peculiar tone, which was their unique language.
The sounds were remarkably similar to the barking of puppies.
These ugly little creatures seemed to possess a certain level of wisdom.
At that moment, an elderly kobold with peculiar paint on its face stepped forward.
It held a rough wooden short staff in its hand, glancing left and right as it approached the towering Zong Shen atop the grand Pigsy.
It shakily planted the short staff on the ground, placed a hand on its chest, and bowed.
In a hoarse, unpleasing voice, it slowly spoke.
"Cough, cough..."
"Respected lord, thank you for defeating those disgusting thread-spitting monsters..."
"You have saved our lives..."
The elderly kobold spoke haltingly, not particularly adept in the human language.
Zong Shen smiled slightly, assessing its attributes.
[Elderly Kobold Prophet lv23 (Gray)]
[Race: Burrow Creatures]
[Magic Damage: 37~40]
[Life Value: 233/350]
[Mana: 300]
[Armor Value: 10]
[Magic Resistance: 15]
[Skills: Flash Skill lv1 (Consumes 30 Mana, chants for 2 seconds, creates a light ball lasting 1 minute to illuminate surroundings, cooling time 5 minutes)
Continous Fireball lv5 (Consumes 60 Mana, chants for 2 seconds, shoots three Small Fireballs consecutively, each dealing 1.2x magic damage)
Dragon Language lv1 (Master simple Dragon Language)
Passive Skill Mining Mastery lv5 (Efficiency of gathering mineral resources increased by 20%)]
(These pitiful beings were enslaved by Giant Dragons millennia ago, now surviving in various burrows. They are highly sensitive to minerals and passionately keen on mining ores.)
(However, these creatures are very timid but intensely dislike dwarfs and pretentious casters.)
"Do you reside here?"
Zong Shen quickly skimmed the data, memorizing the crucial information before asking aloud.
The elderly kobold prophet visibly relaxed upon hearing Zong Shen’s question.
Being willing to communicate implied that this human harbored no hostility.
It bent over to bow once more.
"Yes, my lord..."
"My tribe... resides within this mine... these vile Web Weavers always treat us like food..."
Its words were fragmented, causing Zong Shen some discomfort.
Yet Zong Shen merely smiled.
"Good, soon you won’t have to worry about those Web Weavers anymore, as you shall become my spoils of war."
Upon hearing Zong Shen’s words.
The elderly kobold prophet became dumbfounded.
It neither retorted nor added anything more, only turned slowly, addressing the kobolds behind with "waa waa waa".
All the kobolds were left in shock...
"Respected lord... you cannot do this... we are weak and cannot alleviate your burdens..."
It knelt to the ground and earnestly pleaded.
Zong Shen ignored this, giving Korby a knowing glance.
Instantly, all the wolf cavalry simultaneously drew their two sabres, clanging them together.
A metallic "clang" echoed.
The Dragon-kin Rangers raised their longbows.
The implication of threat was unmistakable.
"Submission or death, there is only one choice."
"I need you to help me gather ores. Once I completely clear this mine, you’ll be responsible for mining. So long as you submit, not only will I not mistreat you, but I will treat you equally."
Zong Shen’s calming voice echoed.
Devoid of any personal emotions.
As if narrating a trivial story.
Upon hearing him speak, the kobold prophet fell silent again, turning back to translate "waa waa waa" to the other kobolds.
Among the kobolds, only those wise prophets mastered human language.
The rest of the kobolds seemed to grow excited after hearing the old prophet’s narration and began to argue.
A few minutes later, these kobolds seemed to reach a consensus.
They collectively approached and knelt before Zong Shen.
"Lord, we... we are willing to pledge loyalty to you!"
The kobold prophet respectfully declared.
Zong Shen nodded with satisfaction.
Sweeping his gaze, none of the kobolds possessed particularly high attributes.
They were even weaker than ordinary creatures of the same tier.
Every kobold now displayed the option for [Loyalty].
Though not high, they had only 50 points of loyalty, hovering between submission and neutrality.
They required nurturing.
"Stand up, henceforth you shall be part of the territory, and its glory will shine upon you."
"In the future, you will surely take pride in today’s decision!"
Zong Shen stated fervently.
He was very familiar with these motivational speeches.
As the saying goes, ’if you haven’t eaten pork, at least you’ve seen pigs run.’
From school to work, those leaders were the best teachers in motivational speaking.
The old kobold prophet quickly nodded eagerly.
The other kobolds didn’t understand, merely following suit with the old kobold prophet’s nodding...
Internally, Zong Shen chuckled.
This wave of persuasion was successful.
The territory was in need of manpower.
Although these kobolds lacked strong combat capabilities, they were perfect for mining mineral resources.
These creatures were born miners.
Zong Shen thought happily.
He then proceeded to examine the items acquired after defeating the Spider Web Monsters.
[Sharp Forelimbs of the Spider Monster ×6]
[Spider Monster’s Venom Sac ×7]
[Spider Monster’s Strong Spider Web ×3]
[Spider Monster’s Fine Meat ×28]
[Spider Web Monster’s Eye ×18]
These were materials obtained from deconstructing the Spider Web Monsters’ bodies.
Next, were the tools and equipment.
[Netted Spider Armor (Green) ×1]
[Tier Two Market Construction Blueprint ×1]
[Soldier Enhancement Pearl (Green) ×2]
[Basic Earth Rune ×1]
[Basic Elemental Crystal ×2]
[Avalon Reputation Book ×2]
Not bad, fitting the drop rate for elite level monsters, along with the [Blessing of the Elf Dead] buff on Zong Shen, which besides attack and defense boosts, also grants a 5% increased drop rate for rare items.
Overall, Zong Shen realized that the world’s drop rate for wild creatures was remarkably high.
Especially with Recruitment Scrolls, Zong Shen had noted during hunting that 100 wild beasts could yield 6 to 7 recruitment scrolls.
Though they were all Tier Two Soldiers.
But if this situation doesn’t change...
There might not be much time before foreign lords like Zong Shen possess the strength to challenge the indigenous people.
However, Zong Shen felt certain that matters would not be so straightforward!
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