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Chapter 347: Incitement
The Night Sky enveloped the entire Forest. The daytime clamor seemed to quiet down with the descent of night, yet the fact was not so. A pair of Eyes hidden in the Darkness opened punctually as the Blood Moon rose into the Mid-air, emitting cold, eerie Gazes. Their active Time had just begun.
In a corner of the Forest, a faint Light shone through. Getting closer, one could vaguely see countless Figures moving back and forth in the Fire Magic Light. The chaotic noise was particularly clear in the quiet Forest. This was a Dwarf Tribe, with approximately a thousand Little People members. For the Little People, who had a strong Tribe Viewpoint, this Quantity was already considerable.
The Little People were not good at dealing with Darkness, so dozens of Little People lit Torches they had picked up from somewhere and stuck them around the Tribe, using the Fire Magic Light to Exorcism the Darkness.
Even though they were one of the two major forces in the Forest, they did not dare to venture out at night. Having lived in the Forest for tens of thousands of years, the Little People understood better than anyone that the night Forest was far more terrifying than the daytime. The most ferocious and cunning Wild Beasts often came out at night. However, they didn't need to worry about any Wild Beasts foolishly attacking them. After all, their Tribe had over a thousand Companions, plus dozens of Dwarf Shamans, six Chieftains, and one Elite.
Therefore, after eating their fill, the remaining Little People simply lay beside the Large Pot, Contentedly patting their bulging bellies. Their simple Brains probably only thought about what they would eat for their next meal – bitter, tasteless Tree Bark, or sweet Meat Soup?
As the Leader of the entire Tribe, the Elite Level Dwarf Shaman had its own Room. Calling it a Room was merely an imitation of Humans, a crude Residence built from Wood and Tree Bark that was not much better than a cowshed or pigsty. However, it seemed quite Satisfied with it. At this moment, it was dozing on a bed made of Dry Grass. Just then, the Little Dwarf Gatekeeper responsible for Guarding burst in, giving the Dwarf Shaman a big start – could it be that some Powerful Demon Beast was attacking?
Amidst the Little Dwarf Gatekeeper's chirping explanation, the Dwarf Shaman finally understood that it wasn't an Enemy, but a seemingly important Great Lord who had come to visit. Who could make its Gatekeeper so flustered? The Dwarf Shaman hurriedly put on its Rooster Hat, summoned its Mount Little Dwarf, and rushed towards the Tribe Entrance.
Not far from the Entrance, the Dwarf Shaman could already see the visitor clearly by the Fire Magic Light. Like all Dwarf Shamans, its first reaction was: Wow, why is this guy so tall?
"Brother. It's so late, is something the Matter?"
If it weren't for the scent of Little People emanating from me, the Elite Dwarf Shaman would truly suspect I was a fake. Good heavens, I was nearly twice its Height. Were there such tall Little People in this Forest?
This Elite Dwarf Shaman spoke much more fluently than the one I Deceived/Bluffed yesterday. It seems its Strength/Power is probably a bit stronger. Muttering this inwardly, I smiled faintly. I raised the Javelin I had obtained from the Dark Wanderer In Front of the Dwarf Shaman, my expression full of solemnity, yet my Inner Heart was a little uneasy. Could this really work?
The Atmosphere solidified at this moment. The Dwarf Shaman stared Dumbfounded at the Javelin in my hand, as if it had seen something incredible, or perhaps it completely failed to understand what I was trying to express, which intensified my inner tension. However, in the next moment, the Dwarf Shaman's Action made me breathe a sigh of relief.
It jumped down from the Little People's shoulder and bowed respectfully to me: "So it is the Emissary sent by the Ancestor Lord. I... I, I..."
It racked its Brains trying to think of what words of praise to use, but a Level 3 simpleton was a Level 3 simpleton after all. Even if it spoke more fluently, it didn't mean its Intelligence was much higher. Those flowery words were completely incomprehensible to it. Fortunately, its Brain turned quickly. Although it couldn't speak the words, it could express itself with actions. So, it beckoned with its hand and shouted loudly. Soon, it had gathered its thousand-plus subordinates, who uniformly bowed down to me.
Watching from the side, I couldn't help but grin inwardly while also feeling quite speechless. Nearly a thousand Little People kneeling together was indeed a spectacular sight.
The Dwarf Shaman led the way, respectfully welcoming me into the Tribe. Although it wanted to invite me to its beautiful Home, seeing my Height, the Dwarf Shaman could only Helplessly choose the largest Campfire in the center of the Tribe.
"I heard that a nearby Tribe stole many things from the Big Monkey's Gathering Place, proving with their actions that our Little People race is no worse than those Big Monkeys. Do you know which Tribe that is?"
I refused the Dwarf Shaman's invitation to eat with a face full of sweat, then asked casually.
Hearing my question, the Dwarf Shaman immediately became spirited. So that was it! The glorious Deeds of its Tribe had already reached the Emissary Lord's Ears. The Little People had a common flaw: they loved to Show Off. Otherwise, it wouldn't have spread the word about stealing things in Kurast everywhere.
"Em-Em-Em... Emissary Lord, that Tribe is... is our... our Tribe," the Dwarf Shaman said, almost impatiently interjecting. Its Voice even became a little stuttered from Excitement and eagerness.
"Oh, but I heard from others that it was some other nearby Tribe. They said they could even show me Proof," I said, pretending to look at the Dwarf Shaman with suspicion.
"Who... who said that? Which... which damned Tribe dares... dares to impersonate... impersonate us..."
The Dwarf Shaman's dark face immediately turned red, red with anger. Damn it, which shameless Tribe dared to impersonate them? If it found out, it would definitely capture everyone from that Tribe and skin them alive.
"Is that so? But they said they have Proof." I continued to stare at the Little People with a suspicious Gaze.
"Non... Nonsense! Emissary Lord, don't believe them. We are the ones, and we have Proof too."
It said this, almost jumping up in exasperation. The Dwarf Shaman, dizzy with anger, didn't even bother to say hello before rushing into its small house at the fastest Speed of its Life. Then, swaying from side to side, it lifted a pile of Items like a small mountain, dozens of times larger than itself, and dropped it onto the Ground In Front of me with a clang.
"..."
I stared Dumbfounded at the pile of things. What was all this? Iron Pots, shovels, Nails, brooms, Hoes, bricks, jars... and even a jar of Bone Ash?!! I examined this pile of seemingly broken things up and down. Finally, I confirmed that the most valuable Item inside was a single Gold Coin.
I said, did you guys go stealing things, or helping clean up junk?
"Look, these are the things we stole. If Lord sees anything you like, feel free to take it," the Dwarf Shaman said proudly, puffing out its chest. It didn't forget to "express" itself.
"Is there, perhaps, another Item like this, like this thing..."
I didn't find Gheed among this pile of junk, so I asked, gesturing the Appearance of Gheed. The Dwarf Shaman's Memory wasn't good. It thought for a while before its Eyes suddenly lit up, revealing a look of worship.
"As expected of the Em... Emissary Lord, you even know exactly what we stole. There is indeed such an Item. I saw that this thing was useless, so I took it to wipe my Buttocks..."
Damn it, what nerve did this guy have a problem with? Why did it treat a pile of broken copper and scrap iron like treasure, but the exquisite Gheed was "useless"? What nebula's aesthetic Viewpoint was this?
At this moment, a Little Person standing beside the Dwarf Shaman whispered something in its ear. The Dwarf Shaman's face suddenly became difficult to look at.
"This... this, Emissary Lord, do you want that Item?"
I immediately nodded. Wasn't the purpose of this trip precisely for Gheed? I didn't care if it had been wiped on a Buttocks, it wasn't like I was going to use it.
"Emissary Lord, it's... it's gone... That thing... was taken by one of our brothers to use, and was eaten by the Big Spider in the Cave."
Looking at the Dwarf Shaman's dejected Appearance, I almost fell to the Ground. Trouble never comes singly. Was this the Protagonist's Destiny?
After its gesticulating explanation, I finally understood what had happened. One day, a certain unlucky Little Person who had diarrhea, probably to cope with the imminent big business, took the neglected Gheed with him when he went hunting. As a Result, after leaving the Team to go alone for his big business, he never returned. His Companions, who had waited for him for a long Time, followed him and only found a pile of poop, a Grass Skirt, and a few scattered Spider Silks at the place where he had done his business.
"It must be those Bastards from the Spider Cavern who did it!" The Dwarf Shaman fiercely swung its Fist, shouting hoarsely. But I saw a hint of Fear in its Eyes.
So that's how it is. My Eyes rolled. Don't I have the Proof of Strength? I might as well use it. So I raised the Javelin and shouted spiritedly.
"Since that's the case, let us avenge our dead brother and eliminate those Spiders together!"
The effect... seemed a bit awkward.
I glanced at the surrounding Little People, including the Dwarf Shaman. They looked at each other, their faces full of timidity.
"Emissary Lord, it's not that we don't obey your Command, but that group of Spiders is truly not something we can deal with," the Dwarf Shaman finally explained with a miserable face.
It turned out that the Cave the Dwarf Shaman was referring to was one of the two major Caves in the Spider Forest - the Spider Cavern. Uh, Spider Lair, Spider Cavern, Spider Lair, Spider Cavern... I was going crazy. Was there no better way to distinguish the names of these two places?
If the Spider Cave... no, the Spider Lair was the Spider's Paradise, then the Spider Cavern was the Spider's Palace. It was filled with Powerful Spiders, especially inside the Cave. Not only were there over ten thousand huge Spiders, but in the deepest part, the Minor Boss Level Strongest Expert, Burner - Webb, was the King of the entire Cave.
No wonder the Dwarf Shaman was unwilling to go. With its thousand Little People, they wouldn't even be enough to fill the Spiders' teeth. From this, I also saw a small clue - this so-called Proof of Strength was not omnipotent. For example, ordering the Little People to go to their deaths just now didn't work. Another point was the effectiveness of the Proof of Strength. It seemed the Little People were quite stubborn. Every Time they looked at me, their Gaze was actually on the Javelin in my hand. Therefore, rather than saying I was the Emissary, in their hearts, this Javelin was the true Emissary. And I was just a spokesperson. So once I put away this Javelin, ninety-nine percent of them would completely ignore me.
But, unfortunately, the Durability of this Javelin had dropped from the )-30 it was when I picked it up to 9-30. I could easily guess what would happen once the Durability of this Javelin dropped to zero and it broke. They might even consider it Blasphemy against the Emissary and Pursue me. So, how to make good use of this last Single Point of Time was indeed a problem.
Gheed's whereabouts became elusive again. With over ten thousand Spiders in the Spider Cavern, who knows whose hands it's in? Of course, the greatest possibility is that it's in the hands of the Minor Boss Burner - Webb. I only Hope this is the case, otherwise, if I have to kill over ten thousand Spiders, I'll go Mad.
After realizing that hoping to get Gheed from the Little People was futile, I coughed a few times and announced loudly, putting on an act.
"Very well. Since you have presented sufficient Proof to demonstrate the Tribe's Strength/Power and have passed the Trial, I shall entrust this great Quest conveyed from above to your Tribe. This Quest can only be completed by a Powerful Tribe like yours..."
Having been lavished with considerable praise by me, the Dwarf Shaman immediately became extremely excited. Looking at the Javelin held high in my hand, it even showed a look of Fanaticism. I wondered if, at this moment, if I ordered it to go to the Spider Cavern to retrieve Gheed, it would agree in a moment of Hot Blood. I secretly chuckled.
"This Time, the Quest entrusted to me from above is to gather all Little People of noble Bloodline and launch a general Attack against the wicked Long Ears. I presume you know a thing or two about this." With such a large Movement, it would be strange if the Dwarf Shaman knew nothing.
"Yes, Emissary Lord. I heard from other Tribes that several nearby Tribes have already joined the action. Our Tribe is also willing to join, swearing to obey the Emissary's Command unto death and capture all those damned Long Ears to skin them alive. Ooh—"
As it finished speaking, the Dwarf Shaman shook the Rooster Hat on its Head high. The surrounding Little People immediately cheered loudly. Although each person's Voice was not loud, with a Quantity of over a thousand, it created a spectacular momentum that seemed to shake the heavens.
I raised the Javelin high, allowing the Little People to vent for a while, then pressed it down virtually, signaling for quiet.
"I am very Satisfied with your resolve. But just as I said, this is a Quest that can only be entrusted to a Tribe as Powerful as yours. Therefore, this Quest is not as simple as you imagine..." I said loudly, my expression stern as I scanned the surrounding Little People.
"Emissary Lord, please give your Command."
Having been utterly bewildered by my flattery, calling them a Powerful Tribe repeatedly, the Dwarf Shaman knelt solemnly before the Javelin in my hand. At this moment, even if I told it to cut off its own Head, it would probably execute the Command without hesitation.
Of course, I wouldn't do that, nor would I give the Command to attack the Spider Cavern while they were in a moment of Hot Blood. The Little People were a group of cowardly fellows. They would probably sober up halfway and then Refuse to execute the Command.
So, I was planning another fun Matter in my Brain. I would make good use of their humble, cowardly, yet rigid and stubborn mindset to hold a lively Game.
I did not respond to the Dwarf Shaman's request for a military order, but instead stared intently at it, as if trying to see through its Inner Heart with my Gaze.
"We are the most noble Little People with pure Bloodline, correct?"
"Correct." Although the Dwarf Shaman didn't understand why I was asking this, it responded forcefully.
"Those Corrupted, and those who can't even be considered Life, whose Brains are only left with Slaughter, are Existences that defile our noble Little People race, correct?"
"Correct!!"
As soon as I mentioned the Projection and the Corrupted Little Dwarf, the Dwarf Shaman immediately became energetic. The concept of Tribe and Bloodline ingrained in their bones made the pure Little People extremely disgusted with the other two types of Existence. And their humble mindset of fearing Strong Enemies but showing no mercy to their own kind made them the most aggressive among the three types of Little People. If the other two types of Little People would only fight to the death when encountering Other Species, the pure Little People would even actively hunt them down, vowing to completely erase these two types of Other Species that stained their Name from this world.
"Well said! For us noble Little People with pure Bloodline, this general Attack against the Long Ears is sacred and great. It can be called a Crusade. And our noble Little People race will be renowned through the ages, becoming the rulers feared and worshipped by the entire Forest. However, I heard that in this action, many Other Species are mixed in. Tell me, can our Crusade, our Glory, be shared by these filthy things? Can we allow this Junk to stand on the same high position as us?"
I stood up from the Ground, raised the Javelin, and roared loudly.
"Chirp!!"
In an instant, the entire Little People race boiled over like never before. Over a thousand various Weapons were raised high, and over a thousand faces, flickering in the Fire Magic Light, revealed fanatical and ferocious expressions. Yes, our sacred Battle, our Glory, belonging to us noble Little People with pure Bloodline, how could it be tainted by those filthy Other Species?
"What should we do?"
How embarrassing, influenced by this fanatical Atmosphere, even I couldn't help but feel Hot Blood surging.
"Chirp—!!"
The Little People screamed in unison again. Although I couldn't understand the Little People's unique language, at this moment, even a fool could probably guess what they were saying.
"Not far ahead, there is such a group of Traitors. They were originally the noble Little People with pure Bloodline that I gathered, but they were afraid, afraid of the Long Ears, thinking that our noble Little People race's Strength/Power was inferior to the Long Ears. They have Fallen, betrayed me, betrayed the Ancestor Lord's Expectation. They even colluded with Other Species, attempting to mess up our Crusade. Tell me, can we allow this?"
"Chirp—" The crowd was agitated, and all the Little People's faces were filled with Madness.
"Therefore, the Quest I am giving you this Time, a Quest that only a Tribe as Powerful as yours can complete, is to completely eliminate these Other Species, including those who colluded with Other Species and the Fallen Ones who brought shame upon our noble Bloodline!!"
Under my incitement, over a thousand Little People, disregarding the Danger of the night Forest, began to prepare to set out, while I was also planning the action on the other side.
"Emissary Lord, are you not coming with us?"
The Dwarf Shaman, successfully brainwashed by me, like fanatical devotees, was solemnly shouting Commands to its troops. Seeing that I intended to leave, it couldn't help but ask.
"As an Emissary bearing the heavy responsibility from the Ancestor Lord, how can I allow those Other Species and rebellious elements to live for another second? I couldn't wait another moment." I solemnly saluted the Dwarf Shaman, like a Warrior about to sacrifice himself for the revolution.
"I shall go ahead! The heavy responsibility of protecting our noble Little People race is entrusted to you!!"
"Emissary Lord, please rest assured, we will definitely not fail your Expectation." The Dwarf Shaman cried. That straight posture and fearless face were infinitely magnified in its heart. This was truly our Little People's most brave and proud Warrior!
Emissary Lord, have a safe journey. Your Dying Wish, even if it costs all the Life of our Tribe, will surely be achieved, the Dwarf Shaman silently vowed in its Inner Heart, and also solemnly bowed in return.
"Ah, right, I've actually always been curious about that thing." After the salute, I immediately pointed to an Item reflecting Light on their Stone Pillar Totem and asked.
"That? That's something we got from a Thornwood Fiend a few months ago. Some naughty Little Guy put it up there..." The Dwarf Shaman seemed unable to adapt immediately to my expression suddenly changing from brave and fearless to curious. It was stunned for a while before responding.
"Does Emissary Lord like it? Then take it." It beckoned with its hand, and immediately a Little Person ran forward, climbed the Totem as nimbly as a Mouse, took down the item, and handed it to me.
It was a Jade, or more accurately, a Statue carved from Jade. I figured it should fetch a good price, so I unceremoniously put it away. Oh, and the only Gold Coin in that pile of junk was also asked for by me. Of course, I wasn't being greedy. I've always looked down on taking advantage of every opportunity. I asked for it to return it to its rightful owner, understand? Understand?
I am a good person...
Watched by the Little Dwarf Priest, I hurriedly left the Tribe. The 4-30 displayed on the Javelin forced me to quicken my pace, preparing to stage another act. Although the Strength/Power of the thousand-plus Little People just now was generally a bit stronger, dealing with several thousand mixed-type Dwarf Army was a bit of a stretch. I had to do something else to even things out a bit between the two sides, preferably creating a massive free-for-all. Ahh! I haven't seen a Battle between Monsters and Monsters in a long Time, and it's a scene of several thousand Monsters of the same kind fighting chaotically. I'm really looking forward to it.
The Night Sky enveloped the entire Forest. The daytime clamor seemed to quiet down with the descent of night, yet the fact was not so. A pair of Eyes hidden in the Darkness opened punctually as the Blood Moon rose into the Mid-air, emitting cold, eerie Gazes. Their active Time had just begun.
In a corner of the Forest, a faint Light shone through. Getting closer, one could vaguely see countless Figures moving back and forth in the Fire Magic Light. The chaotic noise was particularly clear in the quiet Forest. This was a Dwarf Tribe, with approximately a thousand Little People members. For the Little People, who had a strong Tribe Viewpoint, this Quantity was already considerable.
The Little People were not good at dealing with Darkness, so dozens of Little People lit Torches they had picked up from somewhere and stuck them around the Tribe, using the Fire Magic Light to Exorcism the Darkness.
Even though they were one of the two major forces in the Forest, they did not dare to venture out at night. Having lived in the Forest for tens of thousands of years, the Little People understood better than anyone that the night Forest was far more terrifying than the daytime. The most ferocious and cunning Wild Beasts often came out at night. However, they didn't need to worry about any Wild Beasts foolishly attacking them. After all, their Tribe had over a thousand Companions, plus dozens of Dwarf Shamans, six Chieftains, and one Elite.
Therefore, after eating their fill, the remaining Little People simply lay beside the Large Pot, Contentedly patting their bulging bellies. Their simple Brains probably only thought about what they would eat for their next meal – bitter, tasteless Tree Bark, or sweet Meat Soup?
As the Leader of the entire Tribe, the Elite Level Dwarf Shaman had its own Room. Calling it a Room was merely an imitation of Humans, a crude Residence built from Wood and Tree Bark that was not much better than a cowshed or pigsty. However, it seemed quite Satisfied with it. At this moment, it was dozing on a bed made of Dry Grass. Just then, the Little Dwarf Gatekeeper responsible for Guarding burst in, giving the Dwarf Shaman a big start – could it be that some Powerful Demon Beast was attacking?
Amidst the Little Dwarf Gatekeeper's chirping explanation, the Dwarf Shaman finally understood that it wasn't an Enemy, but a seemingly important Great Lord who had come to visit. Who could make its Gatekeeper so flustered? The Dwarf Shaman hurriedly put on its Rooster Hat, summoned its Mount Little Dwarf, and rushed towards the Tribe Entrance.
Not far from the Entrance, the Dwarf Shaman could already see the visitor clearly by the Fire Magic Light. Like all Dwarf Shamans, its first reaction was: Wow, why is this guy so tall?
"Brother. It's so late, is something the Matter?"
If it weren't for the scent of Little People emanating from me, the Elite Dwarf Shaman would truly suspect I was a fake. Good heavens, I was nearly twice its Height. Were there such tall Little People in this Forest?
This Elite Dwarf Shaman spoke much more fluently than the one I Deceived/Bluffed yesterday. It seems its Strength/Power is probably a bit stronger. Muttering this inwardly, I smiled faintly. I raised the Javelin I had obtained from the Dark Wanderer In Front of the Dwarf Shaman, my expression full of solemnity, yet my Inner Heart was a little uneasy. Could this really work?
The Atmosphere solidified at this moment. The Dwarf Shaman stared Dumbfounded at the Javelin in my hand, as if it had seen something incredible, or perhaps it completely failed to understand what I was trying to express, which intensified my inner tension. However, in the next moment, the Dwarf Shaman's Action made me breathe a sigh of relief.
It jumped down from the Little People's shoulder and bowed respectfully to me: "So it is the Emissary sent by the Ancestor Lord. I... I, I..."
It racked its Brains trying to think of what words of praise to use, but a Level 3 simpleton was a Level 3 simpleton after all. Even if it spoke more fluently, it didn't mean its Intelligence was much higher. Those flowery words were completely incomprehensible to it. Fortunately, its Brain turned quickly. Although it couldn't speak the words, it could express itself with actions. So, it beckoned with its hand and shouted loudly. Soon, it had gathered its thousand-plus subordinates, who uniformly bowed down to me.
Watching from the side, I couldn't help but grin inwardly while also feeling quite speechless. Nearly a thousand Little People kneeling together was indeed a spectacular sight.
The Dwarf Shaman led the way, respectfully welcoming me into the Tribe. Although it wanted to invite me to its beautiful Home, seeing my Height, the Dwarf Shaman could only Helplessly choose the largest Campfire in the center of the Tribe.
"I heard that a nearby Tribe stole many things from the Big Monkey's Gathering Place, proving with their actions that our Little People race is no worse than those Big Monkeys. Do you know which Tribe that is?"
I refused the Dwarf Shaman's invitation to eat with a face full of sweat, then asked casually.
Hearing my question, the Dwarf Shaman immediately became spirited. So that was it! The glorious Deeds of its Tribe had already reached the Emissary Lord's Ears. The Little People had a common flaw: they loved to Show Off. Otherwise, it wouldn't have spread the word about stealing things in Kurast everywhere.
"Em-Em-Em... Emissary Lord, that Tribe is... is our... our Tribe," the Dwarf Shaman said, almost impatiently interjecting. Its Voice even became a little stuttered from Excitement and eagerness.
"Oh, but I heard from others that it was some other nearby Tribe. They said they could even show me Proof," I said, pretending to look at the Dwarf Shaman with suspicion.
"Who... who said that? Which... which damned Tribe dares... dares to impersonate... impersonate us..."
The Dwarf Shaman's dark face immediately turned red, red with anger. Damn it, which shameless Tribe dared to impersonate them? If it found out, it would definitely capture everyone from that Tribe and skin them alive.
"Is that so? But they said they have Proof." I continued to stare at the Little People with a suspicious Gaze.
"Non... Nonsense! Emissary Lord, don't believe them. We are the ones, and we have Proof too."
It said this, almost jumping up in exasperation. The Dwarf Shaman, dizzy with anger, didn't even bother to say hello before rushing into its small house at the fastest Speed of its Life. Then, swaying from side to side, it lifted a pile of Items like a small mountain, dozens of times larger than itself, and dropped it onto the Ground In Front of me with a clang.
"..."
I stared Dumbfounded at the pile of things. What was all this? Iron Pots, shovels, Nails, brooms, Hoes, bricks, jars... and even a jar of Bone Ash?!! I examined this pile of seemingly broken things up and down. Finally, I confirmed that the most valuable Item inside was a single Gold Coin.
I said, did you guys go stealing things, or helping clean up junk?
"Look, these are the things we stole. If Lord sees anything you like, feel free to take it," the Dwarf Shaman said proudly, puffing out its chest. It didn't forget to "express" itself.
"Is there, perhaps, another Item like this, like this thing..."
I didn't find Gheed among this pile of junk, so I asked, gesturing the Appearance of Gheed. The Dwarf Shaman's Memory wasn't good. It thought for a while before its Eyes suddenly lit up, revealing a look of worship.
"As expected of the Em... Emissary Lord, you even know exactly what we stole. There is indeed such an Item. I saw that this thing was useless, so I took it to wipe my Buttocks..."
Damn it, what nerve did this guy have a problem with? Why did it treat a pile of broken copper and scrap iron like treasure, but the exquisite Gheed was "useless"? What nebula's aesthetic Viewpoint was this?
At this moment, a Little Person standing beside the Dwarf Shaman whispered something in its ear. The Dwarf Shaman's face suddenly became difficult to look at.
"This... this, Emissary Lord, do you want that Item?"
I immediately nodded. Wasn't the purpose of this trip precisely for Gheed? I didn't care if it had been wiped on a Buttocks, it wasn't like I was going to use it.
"Emissary Lord, it's... it's gone... That thing... was taken by one of our brothers to use, and was eaten by the Big Spider in the Cave."
Looking at the Dwarf Shaman's dejected Appearance, I almost fell to the Ground. Trouble never comes singly. Was this the Protagonist's Destiny?
After its gesticulating explanation, I finally understood what had happened. One day, a certain unlucky Little Person who had diarrhea, probably to cope with the imminent big business, took the neglected Gheed with him when he went hunting. As a Result, after leaving the Team to go alone for his big business, he never returned. His Companions, who had waited for him for a long Time, followed him and only found a pile of poop, a Grass Skirt, and a few scattered Spider Silks at the place where he had done his business.
"It must be those Bastards from the Spider Cavern who did it!" The Dwarf Shaman fiercely swung its Fist, shouting hoarsely. But I saw a hint of Fear in its Eyes.
So that's how it is. My Eyes rolled. Don't I have the Proof of Strength? I might as well use it. So I raised the Javelin and shouted spiritedly.
"Since that's the case, let us avenge our dead brother and eliminate those Spiders together!"
The effect... seemed a bit awkward.
I glanced at the surrounding Little People, including the Dwarf Shaman. They looked at each other, their faces full of timidity.
"Emissary Lord, it's not that we don't obey your Command, but that group of Spiders is truly not something we can deal with," the Dwarf Shaman finally explained with a miserable face.
It turned out that the Cave the Dwarf Shaman was referring to was one of the two major Caves in the Spider Forest - the Spider Cavern. Uh, Spider Lair, Spider Cavern, Spider Lair, Spider Cavern... I was going crazy. Was there no better way to distinguish the names of these two places?
If the Spider Cave... no, the Spider Lair was the Spider's Paradise, then the Spider Cavern was the Spider's Palace. It was filled with Powerful Spiders, especially inside the Cave. Not only were there over ten thousand huge Spiders, but in the deepest part, the Minor Boss Level Strongest Expert, Burner - Webb, was the King of the entire Cave.
No wonder the Dwarf Shaman was unwilling to go. With its thousand Little People, they wouldn't even be enough to fill the Spiders' teeth. From this, I also saw a small clue - this so-called Proof of Strength was not omnipotent. For example, ordering the Little People to go to their deaths just now didn't work. Another point was the effectiveness of the Proof of Strength. It seemed the Little People were quite stubborn. Every Time they looked at me, their Gaze was actually on the Javelin in my hand. Therefore, rather than saying I was the Emissary, in their hearts, this Javelin was the true Emissary. And I was just a spokesperson. So once I put away this Javelin, ninety-nine percent of them would completely ignore me.
But, unfortunately, the Durability of this Javelin had dropped from the )-30 it was when I picked it up to 9-30. I could easily guess what would happen once the Durability of this Javelin dropped to zero and it broke. They might even consider it Blasphemy against the Emissary and Pursue me. So, how to make good use of this last Single Point of Time was indeed a problem.
Gheed's whereabouts became elusive again. With over ten thousand Spiders in the Spider Cavern, who knows whose hands it's in? Of course, the greatest possibility is that it's in the hands of the Minor Boss Burner - Webb. I only Hope this is the case, otherwise, if I have to kill over ten thousand Spiders, I'll go Mad.
After realizing that hoping to get Gheed from the Little People was futile, I coughed a few times and announced loudly, putting on an act.
"Very well. Since you have presented sufficient Proof to demonstrate the Tribe's Strength/Power and have passed the Trial, I shall entrust this great Quest conveyed from above to your Tribe. This Quest can only be completed by a Powerful Tribe like yours..."
Having been lavished with considerable praise by me, the Dwarf Shaman immediately became extremely excited. Looking at the Javelin held high in my hand, it even showed a look of Fanaticism. I wondered if, at this moment, if I ordered it to go to the Spider Cavern to retrieve Gheed, it would agree in a moment of Hot Blood. I secretly chuckled.
"This Time, the Quest entrusted to me from above is to gather all Little People of noble Bloodline and launch a general Attack against the wicked Long Ears. I presume you know a thing or two about this." With such a large Movement, it would be strange if the Dwarf Shaman knew nothing.
"Yes, Emissary Lord. I heard from other Tribes that several nearby Tribes have already joined the action. Our Tribe is also willing to join, swearing to obey the Emissary's Command unto death and capture all those damned Long Ears to skin them alive. Ooh—"
As it finished speaking, the Dwarf Shaman shook the Rooster Hat on its Head high. The surrounding Little People immediately cheered loudly. Although each person's Voice was not loud, with a Quantity of over a thousand, it created a spectacular momentum that seemed to shake the heavens.
I raised the Javelin high, allowing the Little People to vent for a while, then pressed it down virtually, signaling for quiet.
"I am very Satisfied with your resolve. But just as I said, this is a Quest that can only be entrusted to a Tribe as Powerful as yours. Therefore, this Quest is not as simple as you imagine..." I said loudly, my expression stern as I scanned the surrounding Little People.
"Emissary Lord, please give your Command."
Having been utterly bewildered by my flattery, calling them a Powerful Tribe repeatedly, the Dwarf Shaman knelt solemnly before the Javelin in my hand. At this moment, even if I told it to cut off its own Head, it would probably execute the Command without hesitation.
Of course, I wouldn't do that, nor would I give the Command to attack the Spider Cavern while they were in a moment of Hot Blood. The Little People were a group of cowardly fellows. They would probably sober up halfway and then Refuse to execute the Command.
So, I was planning another fun Matter in my Brain. I would make good use of their humble, cowardly, yet rigid and stubborn mindset to hold a lively Game.
I did not respond to the Dwarf Shaman's request for a military order, but instead stared intently at it, as if trying to see through its Inner Heart with my Gaze.
"We are the most noble Little People with pure Bloodline, correct?"
"Correct." Although the Dwarf Shaman didn't understand why I was asking this, it responded forcefully.
"Those Corrupted, and those who can't even be considered Life, whose Brains are only left with Slaughter, are Existences that defile our noble Little People race, correct?"
"Correct!!"
As soon as I mentioned the Projection and the Corrupted Little Dwarf, the Dwarf Shaman immediately became energetic. The concept of Tribe and Bloodline ingrained in their bones made the pure Little People extremely disgusted with the other two types of Existence. And their humble mindset of fearing Strong Enemies but showing no mercy to their own kind made them the most aggressive among the three types of Little People. If the other two types of Little People would only fight to the death when encountering Other Species, the pure Little People would even actively hunt them down, vowing to completely erase these two types of Other Species that stained their Name from this world.
"Well said! For us noble Little People with pure Bloodline, this general Attack against the Long Ears is sacred and great. It can be called a Crusade. And our noble Little People race will be renowned through the ages, becoming the rulers feared and worshipped by the entire Forest. However, I heard that in this action, many Other Species are mixed in. Tell me, can our Crusade, our Glory, be shared by these filthy things? Can we allow this Junk to stand on the same high position as us?"
I stood up from the Ground, raised the Javelin, and roared loudly.
"Chirp!!"
In an instant, the entire Little People race boiled over like never before. Over a thousand various Weapons were raised high, and over a thousand faces, flickering in the Fire Magic Light, revealed fanatical and ferocious expressions. Yes, our sacred Battle, our Glory, belonging to us noble Little People with pure Bloodline, how could it be tainted by those filthy Other Species?
"What should we do?"
How embarrassing, influenced by this fanatical Atmosphere, even I couldn't help but feel Hot Blood surging.
"Chirp—!!"
The Little People screamed in unison again. Although I couldn't understand the Little People's unique language, at this moment, even a fool could probably guess what they were saying.
"Not far ahead, there is such a group of Traitors. They were originally the noble Little People with pure Bloodline that I gathered, but they were afraid, afraid of the Long Ears, thinking that our noble Little People race's Strength/Power was inferior to the Long Ears. They have Fallen, betrayed me, betrayed the Ancestor Lord's Expectation. They even colluded with Other Species, attempting to mess up our Crusade. Tell me, can we allow this?"
"Chirp—" The crowd was agitated, and all the Little People's faces were filled with Madness.
"Therefore, the Quest I am giving you this Time, a Quest that only a Tribe as Powerful as yours can complete, is to completely eliminate these Other Species, including those who colluded with Other Species and the Fallen Ones who brought shame upon our noble Bloodline!!"
Under my incitement, over a thousand Little People, disregarding the Danger of the night Forest, began to prepare to set out, while I was also planning the action on the other side.
"Emissary Lord, are you not coming with us?"
The Dwarf Shaman, successfully brainwashed by me, like fanatical devotees, was solemnly shouting Commands to its troops. Seeing that I intended to leave, it couldn't help but ask.
"As an Emissary bearing the heavy responsibility from the Ancestor Lord, how can I allow those Other Species and rebellious elements to live for another second? I couldn't wait another moment." I solemnly saluted the Dwarf Shaman, like a Warrior about to sacrifice himself for the revolution.
"I shall go ahead! The heavy responsibility of protecting our noble Little People race is entrusted to you!!"
"Emissary Lord, please rest assured, we will definitely not fail your Expectation." The Dwarf Shaman cried. That straight posture and fearless face were infinitely magnified in its heart. This was truly our Little People's most brave and proud Warrior!
Emissary Lord, have a safe journey. Your Dying Wish, even if it costs all the Life of our Tribe, will surely be achieved, the Dwarf Shaman silently vowed in its Inner Heart, and also solemnly bowed in return.
"Ah, right, I've actually always been curious about that thing." After the salute, I immediately pointed to an Item reflecting Light on their Stone Pillar Totem and asked.
"That? That's something we got from a Thornwood Fiend a few months ago. Some naughty Little Guy put it up there..." The Dwarf Shaman seemed unable to adapt immediately to my expression suddenly changing from brave and fearless to curious. It was stunned for a while before responding.
"Does Emissary Lord like it? Then take it." It beckoned with its hand, and immediately a Little Person ran forward, climbed the Totem as nimbly as a Mouse, took down the item, and handed it to me.
It was a Jade, or more accurately, a Statue carved from Jade. I figured it should fetch a good price, so I unceremoniously put it away. Oh, and the only Gold Coin in that pile of junk was also asked for by me. Of course, I wasn't being greedy. I've always looked down on taking advantage of every opportunity. I asked for it to return it to its rightful owner, understand? Understand?
I am a good person...
Watched by the Little Dwarf Priest, I hurriedly left the Tribe. The 4-30 displayed on the Javelin forced me to quicken my pace, preparing to stage another act. Although the Strength/Power of the thousand-plus Little People just now was generally a bit stronger, dealing with several thousand mixed-type Dwarf Army was a bit of a stretch. I had to do something else to even things out a bit between the two sides, preferably creating a massive free-for-all. Ahh! I haven't seen a Battle between Monsters and Monsters in a long Time, and it's a scene of several thousand Monsters of the same kind fighting chaotically. I'm really looking forward to it.
