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But Hog Gnawbone never had any illusions about Kenport, so he wasn’t disappointed by the current situation.

This wasn’t the only “secret mission” Hog Gnawbone was shouldering.

Now, the skinny gnoll was riding a dirty, scruffy earth wolf, leading his elite clansmen as they galloped through the vast gnoll camp.

Nominally, he was looking for a place for his “Blood Claw Clan” to set up camp, but in reality, he was using this opportunity to record the general layout of the entire gnoll camp with the Computation Bead hidden in his chest armor.

This was a matter that had to be taken seriously!

Because Kenport’s forces had now swelled to over 30,000 gnolls, it was no longer feasible to stay in their previous border mountain valley. So Kenport chose a new location for his lair.

This place wasn’t far from where the Kadman River flowed through the Anderma Hills, it was close to the forest for easy logging, and there was a trade route leading to the East Prussia region, convenient for the supplies arranged by the Wolfsbane Clan to be continuously sent over.

It sounded perfect, but the atmosphere in the entire camp at this time could not be described as “harmonious, all clans as one family”, but rather as a scene of “vibrant life, all things thriving”.

What would it look like when over 30,000 gnolls and their kobold vassals gathered together?

The answer was simple.

Chaos! Chaos! And more f***ing chaos!

Although Kenport had arranged his camp quite distinctly according to a four-layer structure of “core-elite-main force-cannon fodder”, even in the second circle where the elite barbarian soldiers were located, Hog Gnawbone could always see gnolls fighting each other, sometimes even brawls involving dozens or hundreds of individuals.

And the reasons for their fights were merely because someone took an extra piece of meat, or someone glared at others.

This could hardly be called any symbol of a clear ruling system, and warlord Kenport only symbolically sent his guards to patrol this area.

His only requirement for these Transia low-borns under his command was that there should be no large-scale deaths. Other than that, they could do whatever they wanted.

If even the elite barbarian soldiers were like this, the chaos in the outer circle of cannon fodder was even more indescribable. If one had to describe it, perhaps even migrating herds of beasts would be more orderly than them.

“Black Disaster.”

Hog Gnawbone, riding his earth wolf, ran up to a hill outside the camp.

He brought his most trusted guard Nash and three kobold geomancers. From here, they could vaguely see the entire layout of the large camp.

As far as the eye could see, it was a “sea” of bobbing heads, a dark mass accompanied by clamorous noise, truly like a disaster about to engulf everything, more like a hungry savage beast waiting to prey.

Hog Gnawbone had never seen the Black Disaster.

But from this camp of 30,000 gnolls before him, he seemed to have already seen the scene when the Black Disaster would occur. That wouldn’t be 30,000 people, nor 300,000 people, but quite possibly 3 million.

This had already exceeded the limits of Hog Gnawbone’s imagination, even making him feel fearful.

In contrast, Nash beside him was feeling honored to be part of such a vast and powerful super clan.

His shoe-horn face with missing teeth was full of desire, seemingly already imagining the scene when this great army would attack Crimson Citadel.

After all, who could resist such an army?

Hog Gnawbone had a different view on this, but he wasn’t stupid enough to discuss this matter with Nash, whose brain wasn’t as big as a walnut. That would be less pleasant than talking to a random stone by the roadside, at least the stone wouldn’t ask him some stupid questions in return.

“Let’s pack up, Nash,” Hog Gnawbone said, riding on the earth wolf to make his “height” exceed that of his guard. He said to Nash:

“Go find our companions and tell them to set up camp on the outskirts.”

“Why?” Nash asked in confusion:

“We are the elites personally appointed by King Kenport, Hog Gnawbone! We can stay in the better conditions of the inner layer, the King has specifically given us enough supplies.”

“Because it’s not easy to escape when chaos breaks out, you idiot! You’ve only met him once and you’re already going on about ‘King this, King that’. I saved you from death’s door and I don’t see you respecting me like that.

Still can’t see clearly who the boss is, worshipping fists over trusting brains, really can’t keep such a bastard around.” Hog Gnawbone shouted in his heart, but when the words reached his mouth, they became:

“Because we still have a mission, don’t forget the King requires us to go back again with those vampires.

Alright, I know none of you want to, so I’ll go myself.

While I’m gone, you and the others should recruit more leaders from other clans, but remember, not too many people, and we don’t want idiots who only know how to eat meat, mate, and fight. At least not dumber than you!”

“By gnoll standards, I’m not considered stupid! Besides, Hog Gnawbone, this isn’t our usual way,” Nash called out, craning his neck. He bared his teeth and said:

“We have plenty of strength now, Hog Gnawbone, we’re even more elite than King Kenport’s elites, we can recruit hundreds or even thousands of people overnight, there are plenty of pups who want to eat meat and will obey us.”

“But I don’t need so many idiots who only know how to eat meat and only think about eating meat!” Hog Gnawbone lost patience with Nash’s stubbornness and said in a harsh tone:

“You can recruit those stupid cannon fodder anytime, this land is never short of thugs, but hasn’t the humiliation in the arena taught you a lesson yet? Often the best fighters are also the ones who die the fastest!

Only the combination of strength and brains can make our clan last long. You don’t want to finally grab a good territory only to lose it because our clansmen die too fast to defend it, do you?

Anyway, I might need two days to come back.

When I return, our clan should not exceed 200 people! I will personally inspect them, and if they’re all idiots, you won’t get to eat meat for a month.

Think about yourself, Nash.

Even among our current clansmen, you’re not considered a good fighter. If more brutal bastards come, can you still protect your mate, your servants, and the meat in your pot?”

Nash was unwilling to listen to everything Hog Gnawbone had said before.

But the last sentence struck right at his heart, making this fellow who actually had some brains but just didn’t like to use them, suddenly alarmed.

“Now you understand? You’re my deputy, you’re the second-in-command of the clan, you need to maintain your power and authority, just like I did before,” Hog Gnawbone said persuasively:

“Before you can fully control those idiots whose brains aren’t as big as walnuts, don’t recruit them in, just like how I recruited you. You should learn from me, as I learn from greater wisdom. Ha, you wouldn’t understand more than this.

Go do your job.”

He waved his paw, sending the nodding Nash to find their clansmen with the three loyal kobolds.

He stayed on the hillside, looked around to make sure no one was approaching, then quietly took out his Computation Bead. He clumsily edited a “report” with his paw, which was actually not suitable for gnoll writing, and sent it to his superior along with the map of the gnoll camp.

Of course, the signature was still that weird “Pangolin”.

“I completely cannot understand how this thing works, it’s said to be made by halflings,” Hog Gnawbone carefully examined the Computation Bead in his hand, which had countless wonderful uses. His green eyes were full of a strange light. He thought:

“Perhaps when I have my own territory later, I should capture, uh, invite some halflings to teach me. Master Murphy uses this thing to manage and command his warriors, I should learn from him. Maybe I will also have my own Crimson Citadel, perhaps not as big as this messy camp before me, but definitely more loyal and united.

Then I’ll call it ‘Hog Castle’ or ‘Wolf Castle’!”

As he was drawing such big plans for himself, the gnoll leaned against his earth wolf, opened another interface of the Computation Bead, and began to laboriously read 《Continental History》, which had been greatly simplified by Professor Malcolm.

This wasn’t because he loved learning.

This was one of his “tasks”!

Lady Adele, who was his direct superior, had said that there would be a test every five days, a total of ten tests, and he needed to pass at least seven to fully gain control of Smuggler’s Woods.

Hog Gnawbone didn’t dare to be negligent.

Even though he knew that Kenport’s power was now far stronger than Crimson Citadel, and he seemed to have chosen to join a less advantageous force.

However, while it seemed he had a choice, in reality, he had no choice at all.

Because that arrogant idiot Kenport didn’t even give him a chance to cling to his thigh!

——

“Our high-level agent ‘Pangolin’ has already sent over the map of the gnoll camp in Anderma Hills. Now you two calculate the most perfect position to open the Astral Realm rift,” Murphy said in the Blood Vulture Halls, while sending the map from the Computation Bead to Tris and Femis:

“Evaluate it based on maximum damage, while also considering the psychological deterrence on the enemy, and leave a safe enough route for our army to attack and retreat. Is the construction of this spirit magic formation finished?”

He asked.

Tris poured herself a glass of wine, and while drinking, she said:

“It’s almost finished. It’ll be done in a few days, but this spell requires coordinate guidance when activated. Are you sure that ‘Pangolin’ can handle such a task? It’s almost like sending it to its death.

With the slightest mistake, it could be consumed by the Astral Realm spirit energy. A gnoll shouldn’t be loyal to you to the point of death, right?”

“I never use ‘loyalty’ to describe Pangolin. That would be an insult to truly loyal ones, but I’m absolutely confident because it has no choice,” Murphy poured himself a glass of wine too and explained:

“Hog Gnawbone’s innate conditions destine it to not make much of a splash in gnoll society, and we have leverage over it. Even if it’s just a fictitious identity, I think King Kenport wouldn’t let a bold gnoll claiming to be ‘Gnawbone’s grandson’ live carefree.

Moreover, if it wants to integrate into this land, it has to contribute!

That’s how it is for me, for the Witch Hunters, for my warriors, and it and its Blood Claw Clan can’t be an exception. How could it be possible to gain control over such a large area as Smuggler’s Woods without paying some price?”

“Are you really going to bestow the title of ‘baron’ on it? Knighting a gnoll? I can hardly imagine,” Femis exclaimed:

“Others will think you’ve gone mad.”

“When I wanted to ally with the Witch Hunters to counter-attack Salrokdar, you also thought I was crazy, but look who’s Sovereign over this land now?

Facts speak louder than words, but I don’t plan to give Pangolin any positive rewards. In others’ eyes, it’s just a dangerous gnoll. If its identity as a ‘double agent’ is used well, it will bring us unimaginable benefits in the future.

However, I do need to delegate some power to it. That’s part of the agreement.”

Murphy rubbed his chin and said:

“Anyway, our chosen Black Disaster resistance front line is between the Baroness of Shadows’ domain and Foul Swamp. Once that defense line is established, the Smuggler’s Woods area will be actively abandoned, so there’s no problem handing it over to gnoll management.

If Pangolin is smart enough, it can even interact with our warriors like we do.

In any case, the spirit energy decapitation part is up to you two.

I’m not professional in this.

So, I won’t comment on it.”

“You can be professional! You’re also a Spirit Mage, although leaning towards summoning.”

Tris was quite dissatisfied with Murphy’s lack of interest in spirit energy matters. She said in a drawn-out voice:

“Little Murphy, I know you prefer swordsmanship, but this won’t do. If you can’t pass the test I’ll give you in a few days…”

“Ah, I’m already reviewing, Tris. You know I’m very busy, so give me some time, please.”

Murphy didn’t even drink his wine anymore and turned around quite awkwardly, leaving the clan leader’s office amidst Tris and Femis’s strange laughter. He planned to find a place to carefully read through the notes Tris gave him, but after walking not far, he saw the Count of White Mountain ahead.

This wasn’t a chance encounter.

Andrei was specifically waiting for him.

“Is there something?”

Murphy asked politely yet with a sense of distance. Andrei didn’t exchange pleasantries either. He blinked his grayish-blue eyes with a tinge of crimson and said to Murphy:

“I don’t know what you’re planning, but I saw Lady Lainnia earlier training her knights and attendants, seemingly preparing to participate in the crusade against the gnolls. However, when the Blood Pact Knights came, they clearly stated they wouldn’t participate in similar actions.

The situation has obviously changed. I guess this must be related to the Wolfsbane Clan’s activities in Transia?”

“You’re very perceptive,” Murphy nodded, not denying it.

The Count of White Mountain immediately said:

“Then, please entrust this part of the responsibility to me and my followers!”

“Hmm?”

Murphy looked at the very formal and serious foreign vampire in front of him with surprise. After a few seconds, he asked:

“Why? You have no reason to help us, and this doesn’t align with your personal interests. Given the current situation, shouldn’t you be more looking forward to seeing me embarrassed by the gnolls, and eventually taking over?”

“If I were a fool or a short-sighted person craving authority, I would indeed think that way. But unfortunately or fortunately, I’m not,” Andrei shrugged. This not-yet-mature but constantly striving vampire faction leader said:

“We do have conflicts of interest in this regard, but I want to take this opportunity to reiterate my philosophy to you.

The White Mountain faction I established doesn’t exist for the interests of the Thorn Clan. This might sound a bit arrogant and not in line with the ancient traditions and virtues of the vampire race, but the fact is, the members of my faction, like me, are mostly vampires with close ties to the Nordtov royal family.

Our goal is to help the country become better, far from being stuck in internal power struggles within the clan.

We disdain immersing ourselves in such pitiful ideals, and won’t be satisfied with just a taste of leftovers.

In the face of the Black Disaster threat, whether I can get the position of Transia governor is actually not important. Getting through this Black Disaster safely, ensuring that we who are trapped in Transia can survive and have a ‘future’ to speak of is the top priority.

And to be honest.

I’ve been with you for almost a month now, and I have to admit, you’re superior to me in various aspects.

In this situation, lying low and learning from you is the right thing to do.

Moreover, Lady Shani and Tris have already formed a blood pact, which means we have common interests in fighting against the Wolfsbane Clan.

I hope to shoulder this task!”

The Count of White Mountain emphasized:

“This is not just for my personal honor, but also for my country and my clan.”

“A righteous reason, very good,” Murphy nodded, seeming to accept this explanation. However, he then changed his tone, staring at Andrei, and said:

“But I don’t believe a word of it! You need to give me more convincing reasons.

We are vampires, Andrei. We don’t do things that don’t benefit us. This selfish nature isn’t even from our own will, but a rule binding us under midnight.

Unless you’re truly a rare vampire saint like Lord Kudel, who enjoys helping others the most.

But based on my observation, you’re not.

So, please honestly tell me, what benefits can you get from this that makes you so eager to help your competitor?”

Andrei hesitated for a moment.

After a few seconds, he lowered his voice and said:

“The remaining members of my faction will arrive at Crimson Citadel tomorrow. The White Mountain faction has been disbanded, which has greatly impacted the morale within my faction and the unity I’ve been struggling to maintain. I urgently need a victory to inspire people.

Most importantly, I must prove to those watching me that I still have the ability to be a leader.

To my followers.

To my clan leader.

Finally, to my sister sitting high on the ice palace throne!

I want to prove my growth and my abilities. I want to prove that I can become the Count of White Mountain and faction leader not just because of my bloodline, but also because of my abilities!

Most importantly…”

He looked up at Murphy, with an undisguised sense of frustration, displeasure, and stubbornness, and said in a deep voice:

“You and I were turned at the same time, Murphy! If you can do it, why can’t I?”

The last reason was like child’s play.

This was definitely not something a mature and aloof vampire count should say.

But Murphy chose to believe it.

“Ah, the unique competitiveness and desire to prove oneself among young people, truly a terrifying thing.”

Murphy sighed.

The voice of the heart he heard through the Power of Desire was the same, proving that Andrei wasn’t lying.

Although he and Andrei were turned around the same time, and even their actual ages were similar, compared to himself, Andrei was indeed a bit impulsive and childish.

This was unavoidable.

After all, he only looked young, but inside this vampire body was the soul of a cunning socialite. He had long passed the stage of trying to brute force things because of unwillingness to admit defeat, while Andrei… he was truly still very young.

“Alright then, I’ll leave it to you!”

Murphy waved his hand and said:

“My descendant Adele will cooperate with you to complete this ‘dancing with wolves’ operation. You want to prove yourself, so I’ll give you this chance. But please be more careful this time, don’t mess up again.

Face is often given by others, but it’s also often lost by forcing oneself into situations.

I’ve given you face, Andrei.

So, you now have one more person to prove your abilities to!

Don’t disappoint me!”