Chapter 394 Building the Fortress (2/2)

”If that's the case, do you need manpower for it? I'm not praising ourselves but our men do have strong physiques. If you need us to do anything, we will do our best. No matter if it's repairing the fortress or transporting materials, as long as you need manpower and if you are not disgusted by us crude villagers, then we swear in god's name that we will do our very best to fulfill your requests.”

This…

Rhode remained silent for a moment while he's facing the man before his eyes. These villagers had good intentions but frankly, he didn't need any manpower to repair the fortress… Hold up?

At this thought, Rhode's eyes brightened as if he recalled something. He gestured his hand and said.

”Mr Charlie, thank you for your kind intentions. But… I have something to ask you. What are your next plans?”

”Next plans?”

Charlie lowered his head and pondered.

”This… Sir. To be honest, we don't have much to do. We are just hunters that lived day by day in the mountains and forests. We are grateful for your help to remove so many Barbarians and Demons. Also, there won't be that many threats anymore when we go hunting in future…”

”If that's the case, Mr Charlie. How about you listen to my suggestion?”

Rhode suddenly asked.

”Eh?”

Charlie was taken aback but quickly nodded in acknowledgment. Under his gaze, Rhode pondered for a moment before giving an answer.

”It's like this, Mr Charlie. As you know, we are deciding to build a fortress here. So you are also clear that in future, this place will be Starlight Guild's territory.”

Charlie nodded in agreeance. In any case, he's also the village head who often go out and see the world. So, he had heard of guild matters and understood the purpose of this sudden booming guild coming to this area. However, to Charlie, this place indeed wasn't any good. If it wasn't for their ancestors who lived here for many years, they perhaps would've left this ghostly place. Although he didn't know why the mercenaries chose this place, it's still better to be protected under a powerful guild, wasn't it?

”It's like this.”

Rhode had some difficulties opening up but after letting out a cough, he continued to speak normally.

”I think you're also aware that before coming here, we had visited Deep Creek Village and fought against the Barbarians… Hmmm… How should I put it… Because we fought too aggressively which led to the surroundings of the village to be a little… troublesome or perhaps affected everyone. So, I have a suggestion… After Starlight Guild constructed the fortress, we will need some manpower and if all of you are willing… I can open up a district for everyone in the fortress to move over and live in. What do you think?”

”Oh?”

Charlie's expression changed.

Got to say, this suggestion indeed was a good choice for them. Although the location of Deep Creek Village was good, being alone within the mountains and forests would be too dangerous. Like previously when they were surrounded by the Barbarians, even the patrols couldn't locate them and they only relied on themselves. So if they could collaborate with such a powerful guild, his villagers wouldn't need to worry about their homes anymore even when they're out hunting.

However… although it may be convenient, they had lived in Deep Creek Village for a few hundred years. No matter how bad the environment got at times, they still had emotional bonds with this place. To mention about shifting locations, they would more or less hate to do so.

”For this, please allow me to discuss with everyone.”

Charlie revealed a hesitant look but eventually gave an answer. After hearing his reply, Rhode understandingly nodded.

”I understand, Mr Charlie. This is an important matter so you definitely can't make a decision on the spot. I can understand that.”

Rhode paused and nodded towards Marfa.

”Marfa, lead a team of men to protect Mr Charlie and the other villagers back to Deep Creek Village. Those escaped Barbarians may still be lingering nearby. I'm afraid those bastards would find trouble with the villagers.”

After this, Charlie once again thanked Rhode and under the protection of Marfa and the other mercenaries, they returned to their village. Rhode then returned to the ruins in the fortress and opened his mental channel. At this moment, Canary passed a message — After their 'unremitting' hard work and negotiations, they finally fixed on a decision.

”Finally decided?”

Hearing this piece of news, Rhode finally heaved a sigh of relief. He was originally mentally prepared to withstand the noise pollution of those three women which equaled to a 1500 ducks quacking. However, it seemed that the progression was much smoother than he expected.

”Yes, Leader. We exchanged many opinions with one another and finally adjusted to a decision agreeable for everyone. Right? Bubble? Miss Gillian?”

”… I definitely have to listen to Big Sister's words… rig-right? Miss Gillian?”

”Ah haha… ah hahaha… this, it's needless to say that Miss Canary had unique tastes, Master. I have nothing better to say…”

For unknown reasons, the answers from both Mini Bubble Gum and Gillian were sort of odd. But, no matter what, since the decision had been made, it would make things much easier.

Since Rhode was constructing the fortress, naturally he would need to consider the current geographical conditions. This fortress ruin was located under Misty Mountains and the Misty Mountains penetrated the entire region. If seen from the air, the entire mountains presented a '+' shape and separated four regions. One of the regions on the left was Paphield Region, whereas the right regions from top to bottom were the common border of the Land of Chaos and Country of Darkness respectively. The Misty Mountains was arduous and precipitous and normal humans couldn't possibly pass through — Even undead creatures were no different. Whereas, for this Fortress, it was located at a relatively gentle hillside at the junction of the '+' shaped mountain. The water sources would be from the deep underground and also the melted snow from Misty Mountains which would form into a river stream, so there weren't any concerns for water sources.

Of course, there were different kinds of fortresses. This fortress ruins used to be a pure military fortress that's not equipped with other functions. This definitely wasn't what Rhode wished for as the fortresses for player guilds were usually mixed with palaces, castles and the three architectural structures and functions. This way, not only the fortress could engage in defense, at the same time, they could engage in commercial development and trading businesses.

However, after analyzing the finalized blueprint by the three of them, Rhode was puzzled.