Chapter 317: Border Fortress

"There are lettuce and garlic shoots for sale in the commercial district. They’re both vegetables that can be grown indoors, so perhaps you could give them a try."

"Definitely." Abum nodded repeatedly.

These crops had been brought back by Phield during his last trip to diversify the territory’s food options.

Phield then took a look at Abum’s chicken coop in the backyard. The wooden structure was lined with straw and looked more comfortable than Abum’s own bedding on the floor.

After returning to the town hall, Phield gave another order.

"Kaor, release more chickens and ducks onto the market. Keep the prices the same as before."

"Yes, my lord."

During the early stages of Nightfall Domain’s development, small-scale family farming could still help increase productivity.

It might eventually become obsolete, but that time had not come yet.

After making a few adjustments to Nightfall Domain’s economic model, Phield rubbed his chin and muttered to himself.

"Growing stronger through slow accumulation is far too inefficient. Raiding is still the fastest path forward. The real question is how to seize Bull Territory’s supplies at the lowest possible cost."

The thought of the mountains of military supplies, food stockpiles, and magical equipment stored within the border fortress nearly made him drool.

Back then, he had only looted a single military camp, yet it had been enough to equip the backbone of the First Army.

"I’ll start with a proper reconnaissance mission. Territorial development can’t stop either."

Having made up his mind, Phield tapped the desk.

"Guard, bring Alexia and the others here. I have assignments for them."

Before long, everyone he had summoned arrived.

"My lord, what are your orders?"

"Go explore the surrounding resource sites."

A smile appeared on Phield’s face.

"I finally get to go adventuring? Your insight truly knows no bounds!"

Alexia spun around excitedly.

"I’m the captain of the exploration team. At last I can put my talents to use!"

Looking at the girl who was only slightly younger than himself yet acted like an excited child, Phield merely smiled warmly.

"This isn’t an adventure. It’s an opportunity to prove yourself. Weren’t you always complaining that no one gave you a chance?"

He then turned toward Yago, the young man who had helped him locate limestone.

"And Mr. Yago, I believe your knowledge will help us discover valuable resources. There’s no need to pressure yourself, though."

"I’ll leave it to me, my lord. Thank you for all your care these past days."

Yago answered seriously.

"I need you to find the source of Star Stone."

The Star Stone discovered in the Turtle School carried traces of Holy Light power.

Ever since magic cores had become the territory’s most sought-after resource, Phield had begun paying increasing attention to these unusual minerals.

"Alexia, I’m assigning ten slaves to your team, along with two free recruitment slots. You’re allowed to bring your own companions."

Phield held a favorable impression of the clever and courageous girl.

"You’ll work alongside soldiers from the First Army to locate a Star Stone deposit."

"No problem!"

Alexia agreed without a second thought.

"Newte, you’ll take fifty veteran soldiers and ten recruits from the First Army. Your responsibility is to protect Mr. Yago, Alexia, and the slaves. When corpse activity is light, let the recruits gain some combat experience."

Since Starnight City had been reclaimed, the number of wandering corpses around the city had dropped dramatically.

Most of the recruits could shoot bows but lacked the courage for close combat. It was time for them to toughen up.

"Yes, sir!"

Newte gave a firm military salute.

"This is a mission. I won’t be participating personally, but I will be evaluating every one of you. Discuss your decisions among yourselves. I won’t interfere."

A mysterious smile crossed Phield’s face.

"Of course, don’t disappoint my expectations."

He also intended to dispatch a Corrupted Greatsword Warrior to secretly observe and evaluate them throughout the mission.

After finalizing the arrangements, Phield left Tisiana behind at the Grand Manor. Taking Rosalia with him, he later met up with Ashina and Ophelia before heading toward the path used by the infiltrating corpse forces.

"My lord, we’re not bringing the army this time?"

Ashina wiped down the black lance in her hands. Though it wasn’t a divine artifact, its Tier Three quality was sufficient for most situations.

"If we’re planning to raid, we won’t be able to carry much loot."

Whenever the topic of plunder arose, Ashina’s crimson eyes sparkled with excitement. Her gaze was filled with an almost obsessive desire for resources.

"For now, we’re only gathering intelligence. Besides, we’ll be relying on Ophelia’s corpse legion this time."

"Heh. Pathetic little insect. In the end, you’ve come begging me for help."

Ophelia smugly licked her claw.

"Kneel at my feet and submit."

Rosalia snorted.

"Sorry, but I must remind you that Phield is my..."

"Enough."

Phield cut them off.

"You can continue this once we’ve reached Bull Territory’s walls."

With Ashina clearing the path, the group easily approached the outer perimeter of Bull Territory’s fortress.

When Phield had previously departed from the fortress, he hadn’t truly appreciated its scale.

Now, standing outside it, he finally understood its terrifying grandeur.

Layer upon layer of walls, gates, barbicans, checkpoints, and reinforced entrances stretched before him. The walls were packed with ballistae and flame towers, making any would-be attacker seem laughably insignificant.

"Phield, look! The corpses are patrolling for the humans!"

Ophelia pointed toward the fortress gate, her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Your eyesight really is incredible."

From this distance, Phield could only make out blurry moving shapes.

After searching for a better vantage point, he climbed onto the roof of a ruined relay station. Pulling the divine artifact telescope from his coat, he aimed it toward the fortress entrance.

The view instantly magnified.

Everything at the gate became crystal clear.

Corpses from every direction converged upon the fortress walls, growling as they approached.

The moment they spotted the soldiers standing guard atop the walls, they became visibly excited. Their pale gray eyes gleamed with bloodthirsty anticipation, as if they wanted to roar their own organs out of their bodies.

Yet the instant they crossed an invisible boundary, they stopped.

Most of them twisted around and retreated in the opposite direction.

Only a small number slowed their pace and calmly walked through the open gates.

"They’re being screened."

Ophelia closed her eyes. Her plump dragon tail swayed gently as faint light emanated from the orb in her hands.

"The Corrupted Divine Chosen on the other side possesses abilities similar to mine. Not identical, but close enough."

"They’re filtering out wild corpses and driving them away. Only their own corpses are allowed inside. It’s a very clever form of control."

"I can see that."

Phield nodded and continued observing.

Standing at the gate was a woman dressed in green-gray hunter’s clothing. Her bronze skin carried a wild and untamed beauty.

"Damn... I thought she was alive. It would’ve been better if she actually had a lower jaw."

The moment Phield got a clear look at her face, a chill ran down his spine.

He silently swallowed.

At the fortress gate.

Jamie hummed a cheerful tune as she arrived at the exit with two men dressed in black robes.

"May I confirm that you’re guests sent by the Ross family?"

"Let’s verify the contract one more time. Your mission is to kill Phield, correct?"