Attack

Chapter 35: Attack

Although Merine is very discontented with the Aksu Empire, she dreams of the day when Zhao Hai can return to the imperial capital and become a Great Noble who commands respect and wields power. This would signify that the Buda Family has truly gained recognition from the established Nobles and has become formidable.

However, Merine doesn't know that Zhao Hai has no plans to return to the imperial capital. He has never considered the need for recognition from established Nobles. In Zhao Hai's perspective, their recognition has no bearing on his way of life. Whether they recognize him or not, as long as he is capable and successful, their recognition holds no significance.

These differing concepts are not surprising. Merine has lived her entire life on the Ark Continent, where Nobility is revered. Obtaining recognition from established Nobles is an aspiration for emerging Nobles. Being recognized signifies true Nobility, while those without recognition are considered to be merely wealthy individuals, commonly known as the nouveau riche.

But in Zhao Hai's life on Earth, there was simply no concept of Nobility. His belief was that as long as he had wealth, he was noble, and as long as he was capable, he didn't care whether others recognized him as noble or not. Therefore, Zhao Hai had no interest in Noble recognition.

However, he was earnestly studying to better understand this world. His main focus was to develop the Buda Family as quickly as possible, so that they could become stronger.

Upon returning to the study room, Zhao Hai didn't immediately dive into reading those miscellaneous books anxiously. He carefully examined the study room and discovered that there were indeed no books on basic subjects. The simplest ones were probably just about the foundations of Battle Qi and Magic. Zhao Hai picked up these materials and found them to be quite obscure. Without proper guidance, it would be difficult to learn anything from just reading them. Additionally, due to his consumption of the Water of Nothingness, he couldn't study Magic or Battle Qi, so he didn't pay much attention to them and set them aside.

Finally, Zhao Hai's attention turned to the miscellaneous books, and as he flipped through them, he actually found something valuable—a book about calligraphy.

Regarding the book on calligraphy, the introduction provides a detailed explanation of the various types of pens found on the desk. Zhao Hai comes to understand that these pens are not merely decorative items; each one serves a specific purpose.

The writing brush is used for writing and drawing, particularly favored by those who have a passion for calligraphy. It is also utilized by magicians when creating large-scale magic scrolls, as the brush allows them to depict intricate magic formations on the scroll.

The feather pen, on the other hand, is primarily made for writing and is commonly used for producing medium-sized to small scrolls. Its thin stroke is well-suited for such tasks.

As for the pen resembling a fountain pen, it is typically employed for writing and note-taking. Its ink reservoir enables the user to write many characters without needing constant ink refills, making it quite convenient. However, this type of pen is unsuitable for crafting magic scrolls due to the negative influence of metal on magic. Most magicians avoid using metal objects as they can interfere with the proper functioning of magic. Of course, there are certain special metals with good magical conductivity, but they are rare and expensive, making them impractical for manufacturing fountain pens.

However, the charcoal pencils have a specific purpose in alchemy techniques. They are mainly used to draft blueprints and create initial sketches for various illustrations.

Zhao Hai comes to understand that the pens displayed on the table serve practical purposes rather than being mere decorations. Each pen has its own designated use and serves a specific function.

Zhao Hai also learns from the miscellany that high-ranking nobles on the continent often use a writing brush to sign important documents, as it has become a symbol of their status.

This discovery pleasantly surprises Zhao Hai. Back on Earth, he had wanted to learn calligraphy and write with a brush, but he lacked the resources and a teacher. Now, in this world, where calligraphy holds significance, it seems that his long-desired wish might unexpectedly come true.

However, Zhao Hai realizes that delving into calligraphy at the moment is not realistic. The Black Wasteland has numerous pressing matters that demand his attention, leaving him with little time to pursue calligraphy.

One afternoon, Zhao Hai spent his time in the study room. Around 2:00 PM, there was a sudden knock on the door. Zhao Hai asked, "Who is it?"

A voice from outside, presumably Stonehead, replied, "Young Master, we have collected several Stoneheads. Please help us transport them."

Zhao Hai placed his book down and walked to the door to open it, saying, "Let's go." As he stepped outside, Stonehead hurriedly followed behind.

While walking, Zhao Hai asked, "Did you quarry in that cavern?"

Stonehead nodded and said, "Yes, Young Master. I inspected several caverns, and it was said that the easiest place to mine is the one with Stoneheads. Moreover, the Stoneheads produced there are not ordinary iron ore. They are best suited for making grinding tools and edge runners. Perhaps because there is no iron ore available, the Dwarves haven't mined in that area."

Zhao Hai nodded and said, "Pay attention to safety. Currently, our Buda Family has only a limited number of people, so we can't afford any losses. Each time we lose someone, our strength diminishes. I want you to accompany them to ensure they don't act recklessly."

Stonehead nodded, indicating that he understood Zhao Hai's intention. With the encouragement of their newfound freedom, the enthusiasm of these former slaves was high, but they needed to be cautious and patient.

As the two walked towards the outwork, they noticed that the women were still weaving straw mats, but they couldn't find Chrysanthemum or Meg.

Without stopping, Zhao Hai continued walking with Stonehead towards the mountain. Zhao Hai pointed to a thatched shed at the summit and asked Stonehead, "Is that shed the sentry post I mentioned?"

Stonehead nodded and said, "Yes, Grandma Merine had us help build a small shed. There are two people inside taking turns keeping watch. They change shifts every two hours."

Zhao Hai nodded in approval. Merine truly lived up to her reputation as a member of the Buda Family. The Buda Family's history was built on military exploits, and Merine had accompanied the armed forces in battles when she was younger. Naturally, she was well-versed in setting up sentry posts and other security measures.

At that moment, a figure suddenly dashed down the mountain, shouting loudly as they approached. Although Zhao Hai couldn't make out what the person was saying, his heart sank. He immediately turned to Stonehead and said, "Stonehead, quickly go to the cavern and tell everyone to return to the castle. Then find Blockhead and the others and have them return immediately. I'll go look for Meg."

As he was about to leave, Stonehead grabbed Zhao Hai's arm and said, "Young Master, let me handle it. You should immediately return to the castle. Buda Family can't function without you. If there's any danger, enter the Space right away."

Zhao Hai was taken aback and then his expression turned serious. He said, "Don't talk nonsense. I am the Patriarch of the Buda Family. I can't retreat at a time like this. You go quickly." With that, he took a step forward.

However, Stonehead quickly rushed in front of him and knelt down, grasping Zhao Hai's leg. He pleaded, "Young Master, please return to the castle. Buda Family can't survive without you. We need you, Young Master."

Zhao Hai looked at Stonehead's determined expression and knew that if he didn't agree, Stonehead wouldn't budge. He remembered clearly the scene where Stonehead and his two brothers had risked their lives to protect him. Zhao Hai nodded and said, "Well said. Go quickly, and I'll return to the castle and have everyone gather at the fortress." Stonehead acknowledged his orders and stood up.

At that moment, the person who had rushed over knelt down and said, "Master, there are many Magic Beasts and Undead Creatures crawling towards the mountain from the other side."

Zhao Hai immediately asked, "Are there still people in that shed?"

The person quickly replied, "Yes, there are. They are still on the mountain."

Angry, Zhao Hai said, "Idiot! Why haven't they come down? Stonehead, go to the mountain and quickly call that person down." Stonehead acknowledged the command and immediately turned around to run back to the mountain.

Zhao Hai turned his head and looked at the slave kneeling on the ground. "What is your name?" he asked.

The slave quickly replied, "Master, my name is Forest."

Zhao Hai nodded and said, "You immediately return to the castle and find Merine Grandma. Inform her about the situation and tell everyone to gather at the fort. This is my order. Go quickly."

Forest acknowledged the command and swiftly ran towards the communication castle. Zhao Hai knew he couldn't run as fast as Forest, so he sent him to deliver the message.

Exhausted from running, Zhao Hai started making his way back to the castle. When he arrived, he saw that the people who had been arranging the grass had already entered the fort. Merine was standing there, and everyone had an anxious look on their faces as they waited for Zhao Hai.

Merine looked at Zhao Hai as he returned and immediately walked up to his side. "Young Master, what should we do now?" she asked.

Zhao Hai took a few deep breaths and said, "Merine Grandma, please quickly take a count of the population in the courtyard. See how many people are currently here. I will go to the castle, and once everyone has returned, immediately have them close the castle gates."

Merine swiftly responded, "Young Master, you stay here with the population. I will go to the city gate." Without giving Zhao Hai a chance to object, she quickly walked out.

Zhao Hai didn't oppose Merine's decision. She and the others had always taken good care of him, always ensuring his safety. But he also knew that he had no means of protecting himself now and could only rely on their help.

He turned to the slaves and said, "Everyone, please line up and stand."

Upon hearing Zhao Hai's words, the slaves quickly formed a line, surprising Zhao Hai with their speed and efficiency.