I Became the Progenitor Vampire Chapter 345

Chapter 345: Chapter 347: Great Harvest After the Battle, Level 18 Full Experience (10,000-Word Mega Chapter) Chapter 345: Chapter 347: Great Harvest After the Battle, Level 18 Full Experience (10,000-Word Mega Chapter) After that godlike scene had occurred moments ago.

This vast swamp land had fallen into an odd mood.

Because the situation had drastically changed from before, the recent war had been between the One-eyed Giants and the Double-headed Ogres,
but now the warring parties had become captives of Lide, and they were even going to become his subordinates, possibly fighting side by side as rival tribes in future.

So whether it was the One-eyed Giants or the Double-headed Ogres, they all felt awkward about each other.

Just moments before, they had wanted nothing more than to kill everyone on the opposing side, but now they had become teammates in the same trench; truly, the turns of the world were unpredictable.

The One-eyed Giants belonged to a race with some level of intelligence, and an adult One-eyed Giant's IQ was only equivalent to a human child of around eleven or twelve years old. In contrast, the Double-headed Ogres, with their two heads, had one head that was very smart, capable of casting spells, and possessed the wisdom of an adult.

The other head was responsible for fighting and would take over the body during combat, its IQ not much different from that of a One-eyed Giant.

However, there was a very interesting aspect; the Double-headed Ogre's less intelligent head was extremely easy to anger, and once agitated, the smarter, magic-wielding head could not control the body.

In other words, the less intelligent head was the primary head, while the smarter, magic-wielding head was secondary.

At key moments, the less intelligent head made the decisions, a truly miraculous form of life.

“Lord, there are a total of 637 surviving One-eyed Giants, including one at Level 18, two at Level 16, and four at Level 15.

Exactly one hundred are between Levels 10 and 14, and the rest are below Level 10.

All these One-eyed Giants are severely injured.”

Dylan approached Lide with the compiled data, reporting to him with a solemn expression.

The main purpose was not the war itself; it was the gains that followed the war.

“There are 1219 surviving Double-headed Ogres, including one at Level 18, four at Level 15, and one hundred sixty between Levels 10 and 14; the remainder are all below Level 10, and like the One-eyed Giants, they too have been severely damaged.”

Oh?

That's quite a number.

After hearing this, a hint of joy appeared in Lide's eyes. He had originally estimated there would only be about 1500 survivors, but it had exceeded 1800.

And among them, the top combat forces above Level 15 added up to twelve, not a small number. That was about as much as the top combat forces in Dawn City now.

This influx of reinforcements went directly to boosting his main forces.

He was so overjoyed he could barely contain his excitement.

“Immediately arrange for the Blood Mages to treat those who are severely injured. As long as we can bring them from near-death to severely or lightly wounded, their robust physiques should be enough for them to heal on their own.”

After slightly regaining his composure, Lide immediately issued orders. These robust beings were now his private property; losing one meant a loss for him.

The Blood Mage, one of the three professions activated by the Bloodline when Lide reached Level 15.

The twenty Bloodline members who had followed were all Blood Mages, a powerful profession in the Bloodline that wielded a skill Lide consistently used–Blood Control.

However, the Blood Mages referred to it slightly differently–Blood Mastery, capable of directly manipulating the blood within living bodies and tapping into the power of blood for healing themselves or their comrades.

A very formidable skill, any lifeforms with flowing blood were at risk from their power.

In the muddy swamps, not much blood could be found, but the Bloodline had brought sufficient Magic Blood.

The energetically richer Magic Blood could completely meet the demands of Blood Mastery.

This was another use of the Blood Mage; useable as a quasi-priest when there was blood, capable of fighting and healing.

Although the role of the Blood Mages was significant in the healing process, it also had to be said that the bodies of both the One-eyed Giants and Double-headed Ogres were indeed formidable.

Even if impaled by spikes, as long as the heart was not hit, they could still be saved.

The most typical example was the brother of Koso, the current legitimate Chieftain of the Thunder Tribe–Kosi Thunder.

This Level 18 One-eyed Giant Chieftain had his spine broken by Asreaga and was sent soaring by the ground spikes, yet after Lide deactivated the magic of the spikes, he still struggled to stand, proving to be as tough as a cockroach.

Moreover, after the Blood Mage had healed his fractured spine, he actually stood up and walked, his abdominal hole beginning to heal, no more blood pouring out.

This life coursing with the bloodline of ancient giants was incredibly enduring.

Though Double-headed Ogres were somewhat inferior to One-eyed Giants, they weren't far behind, and most crucially, they could use magic to heal their injuries, which was an excellent maneuver.

After a round of treatment, most of those who had been severely injured had stabilized.

Seeing this, Lide didn't waste any more words and turned to look at Dylan who was beside him, getting straight to the point.

“Bring over all the One-eyed Giants and Double-headed Ogres above level 15…”

“Yes, my Lord.”

Soon, all the Double-headed Ogres and One-eyed Giants above level 15 arrived before Lide.

These towering figures stood before him like mountains, their sizes radiating a sense of oppression.

A grown Double-headed Ogre stood 5 'blades' tall, growing to 6 'blades' after reaching level 15, while a normal One-eyed Giant stood 6 'blades' tall with an average height of 7 'blades' at level 15, slightly stronger than the Double-headed Ogres.

However, whether 6 'blades' or 7 'blades', standing in front of Lide, their thighs were still taller than him.

When twelve giants of level 15 and above surrounded Lide, the scene was quite striking.

From Lide's perspective, rows of thighs, each thrice thicker than battering rams, swayed before his eyes, each emanating a fierce and brutal aura.

He looked very much like a lamb surrounded by hunters.

But in terms of aura, all twelve giants combined trembled before Lide, even the two top beings at level 18 were filled with fear in their eyes.

Just now, this seemingly unimpressive figure had single-handedly suppressed them all, the destructive world power still made their legs go weak at the thought.

Lide's gaze first landed on the Double-headed Ogre Lord, his eyes sharp and cold.

“Kneel,”
A calm word, yet it pressed on the Double-headed Ogre Lord's head like Mount Tai, causing both heads of this level 18 being to show expressions of horror, and in an instant, their knees buckled and they fell to the ground.

Not even half a word of protest.

Lide's face was calm, and after taking a few steps forward, he stretched out his right hand steadily.

“Bow your head.”

This…

Seeing Lide's odd action, the towering figures around him felt their fear mount, even though he hadn't actually done anything, and even his aura was as calm as that of an ordinary person, he continued to instill genuine terror in these One-eyed Giants.

He was very frightening.

At this moment, Lide's comparatively small stature seemed to invert in their eyes, Lide instead appearing as a giant tens of 'blades' tall, and them shrinking to the size of dwarves.

But they dared not disobey; the Double-headed Ogre Lord, whose soul had been conquered, trembled timidly and lowered its heads towards Lide.

It seemed to be waiting for the judgement of fate.

Seeing this, Lide nodded with satisfaction, a thought crossing his mind; a radiant holy light burst forth from the palm of his right hand over a distance of half a 'blade'.

At that moment, everyone around could seem to hear angels chanting hymns and sunshine spreading across the land.

Normally, this should be a delightful sight, but emanating from the hands of a vampire, this power carried an indescribable eeriness and oddity.

However, no one dared to question it anymore, their fear only deepening for this powerful being with boundless methods.

“Open your heart and mind, do not resist this force. I will not harm you; this holy power is cleansing your soul.”

After the words fell, the power surged out, the Power of Faith flooded into the Double-headed Ogre Lord's body like a tidal wave.

Feeling the gentle, holy power that was transforming his body and even healing his injuries, the Double-headed Ogre Lord's inner fear significantly diminished, and his resistance weakened greatly.

The output of the Power of Faith lasted for 5 minutes, and as Lide watched the Power of Faith drop from 60,000 to 40,000 on the attribute panel, he could clearly sense the transformation of the opponent's soul.

Pulling back his hand, his expression subtly changed; the Double-headed Ogre Lord had consumed 20,000 of his Power of Faith.

Saying it was little seemed incorrect, yet saying it was a lot… compared to a Divine Monster, it was hardly noteworthy.

Withdrawing his hand and paying no attention to the Double-headed Ogre undergoing transformation, he shifted his gaze to Kosi's brother, the 18-level One-eyed Giant Chieftain who still possessed the intelligence of an eleven or twelve-year-old.

“Kosi, lower your head.”

Kosi Thunder looked at the Double-headed Ogre Lord unharmed, which bolstered his courage a bit, but he still feared Lide and carefully stepped forward a few paces before obediently kneeling on one knee and lowering his head.

Lide smiled faintly and, following the same procedure, spent another 20,000 Power of Faith to turn this 18th-level One-eyed Giant into his subordinate.

By then, only 40,000 Power of Faith remained on his attribute panel, but there were still 10 unconverted beings in front of him.

He shook his head and selected one Double-headed Ogre and one 16th-level One-eyed Giant from these big fellows.

After this conversion, he had less than 10,000 Power of Faith left.

It was quite a step back to the starting point.

For those he couldn't convert, Lide wouldn't easily let them go; he made them all sign Soul Contracts with him.

Though Soul Contracts weren't as secure as the Power of Faith, they were sufficient for him to control these creatures.

The conversion process of the Power of Faith went on for half a Sunshine Hour.

When the conversion of the two 18th-level beings was finally complete, a series of system prompts astonished Lide.

He had anticipated a big harvest, but he didn't expect it to be this huge.

” Ding~ You have subdued the Thunder Tribe (One-eyed Giants), including 637 adult One-eyed Giants and 120 young ones, totaling 757 members. The strength of Dawn City has increased, and you have gained mission experience–75,700.”

“Ding~ You have subdued the Black-backed Orc Tribe (Double-headed Ogres), including 1,219 adult Ogres and 351 young ones, totaling 1,567 members. The strength of Dawn City has increased, and you have gained mission experience–156,700.”

“Ding~ Your current experience is 574,638/500,000, fulfilling the requirements for a level-up. Would you like to level up now? Note: Overflow experience can be up to 50% of the current experience; any excess will be void.”

“Ding~ You have subdued the Black-backed Orc Tribe, the Thunder Tribe, and with 12 Half-Elves from the Underground City witnessing it, ensuring that at least 5 Half-Elves survive and return to the Underground City, you will gain 10 Legend Level points in the Underworld. They will spread the story of your might and greatness throughout the Underworld.”

“Ding, by defeating and subjugating over 1,000 giant beings, you have gained the title of Giant Conqueror–when facing beings more than 300% larger than your size, your intimidation level increases by one rank, and you gain a 20% agility boost, with a 50% increase in damage to giant beings.”

A grin, hard to suppress, spread over Lide's face.

What a massive haul this was.

He hadn't expected the system to give such generous rewards.

First of all, the experience–in subduing the two tribes, whether adults or younglings, each had given him 1,000 experience points.

Now, the experience from both tribes combined directly met the requirements for a level-up, and he could immediately ascend to Level 19 if he chose.

Level 19, just one step away from Transcendence.

But Lide glanced around and chose not to level up immediately. The system provided him with additional information, indicating that this level-up would be a slow transformation process that could last a week or even several weeks.

This was clearly not the right place for such an undertaking.

Since his experience was maxed and still accumulative, there was no rush to level up. He'd handle his affairs first and then find a quiet place to level up.

“Postpone the level-up.”

After confirming this, the system prompts subsided, but he felt that he could level up at any time if he wished.

Having achieved one of his ambitions, the next step was to break through to Transcendence and step into the true wonders of this world.

Satisfied, he nodded and turned his attention to the next item.

Ensuring that more than 5 Half-Elves survive and return to the Underground City would increase his Legend Level in the Underworld by 10 points.

This task-like reward drew Lide's interest for further study.

Legend Level didn't need much explanation; several of his powerful skills depended on it. The higher the Legend Level, the stronger his skills.

As for what exactly Legend Level was, Lide had thought it through–it was akin to renown. The more impressive the deeds, the higher the renown, and the greater the psychological pressure inflicted on opponents during battle.

Which would one fear more, a warrior titled Dragon Slayer or an ordinary one?

That was essentially the principle, and he hadn't delved much further.

“This task-like reward from the system is quite intriguing.

If I can't ensure the survival of those Half-Elves, today's event won't spread, outsiders won't know of it, and naturally, there'd be no mention of a Legend Level.”

“But what if I only sent 2 or 3 Half-Elves away? What consequences would that produce? Insufficient persuasion? Would it cause a decrease in the Legend Level rewards?”

Lide couldn't help but fall into deep thought, and after a moment, a bright idea struck him.

“Then could I not send my own people to spread the news instead? Bypass the Half-Elves and have my own personnel do the promotion.

Even not just conquering the One-eyed Giant, titles like Dragon Slayer, Demon Hunter could also be propagated…”

This idea seemed a bit audacious, Lide thought to himself, deciding to find an opportunity to test it out upon his return.

Lide stroked his chin thoughtfully.

The most crucial part about obtaining Legend Level was making people believe in the story, just as he had done with the 19th Level Heart-eating Demon, Wales, from the Demon Heart Leader.

He wasn't truly a Legendary figure, but the other believed in his secondary identity as Ilo and was firmly convinced that Lord Ilo was a being above the Transcendent, ready to confront anyone who opposed this belief.

Having such a powerful figure constantly affirming his identity meant that his Legend Level was ridiculously high in the Underground World of Green City.

So, in other words, as long as there was a way to make people believe in his strength, then his Legend Level would be acknowledged similarly?

The more Lide thought about it, the more he saw massive potential in this idea.

Glory was a real world; many things here couldn't be described simply by an attribute panel.

Since he could control the narrative in Dawn City, why not extend that influence and deceive everyone?

In terms of media campaigns, he was unparalleled.

Moreover, Glory didn't have a concept of media campaigns–Legend Level was often real, and a higher level indicated more people recognized the spectacular records left behind.

But if he could promote even non-existent records until people believed them, wouldn't that achieve the same effect?

“This matter needs to be noted down, I must experiment with it when I return, if my hypothesis is correct, it definitely contains huge opportunities.

Controlling public opinion means holding the power to define the truth.”

The more he thought about it, the more excited Lide became. After etching this idea deep into his memory, he then turned his attention to the final reward.

Giant Slayer, causing additional damage and deterrence to giant life forms that were 300% his size.

This title was quite decent, a very practical feature.

Since in Glory, giant life forms like giant dragons, Bimongs, Giants, and the like, weren't rare, each with heights and wingspans spanning dozens of blades.

It would be much easier now to slaughter these behemoths in the future.

Upon this realization, the surrounding One-eyed Giants and Double-headed Ogres inexplicably felt a chill down their spines…

After confirming the gains given by the system, Lide felt pleased.

But what made him even happier weren't just the benefits seen on the attribute panel.

The most important were the Double-headed Ogre Tribe and Thunder Tribe.

These were his primary targets for this expedition to the Underground, and the key highlights of what he acquired.

Together, the One-eyed Giants and Double-headed Ogres numbered over 1800, and with the young, the total exceeded 2000.

These giant life forms joining Dawn City meant a qualitative improvement in the city's productivity.

Indeed, in Lide's eyes, these imposing creatures were never just about combat power but walking excavators.

Carving mountains, laying bridges, building roads, a single One-eyed Giant's labor efficiency could indeed match 50 ordinary people, as this batch of giants were all Level 8 or 9 Professionals with explosively strong attributes.

The name “human excavators” was truly well-deserved.

Lide made a rough estimate; aside from the young, the labor force of over 1800 One-eyed Giants and Double-headed Ogres could match the current entire human workforce of Dawn City.

It was simply that unreasonable.

His actions this time were essentially adding the equivalent of 100,000 people's labor force to Dawn City out of thin air.

These massive life forms were like large excavators, and in some cases, even more formidable than the machines.

One could imagine the scene–nearly two thousand giants working simultaneously, supplemented by Spellcasters, even a mountain could be moved in no time.

Lide could already sense that Dawn City was about to embark on a new phase of vast development.

A broad smile couldn't help but spread across his lips as he looked around at the few Level 15 beings, feeling increasingly delighted.

It was as if sleep had come with a pillow, for Dawn City was in dire need of such labor.

With these One-eyed Giants, there would no longer be a need to pull too many humans to the construction sites to haul bricks.

He could completely focus on developing more industries, building more factories, and further unlocking the potential of the population.

Humans themselves are a priceless treasure, and using them merely for brick hauling was a dead-end; the development of Magic Industry was indeed the future path for Dawn City.

“Lord, Seimier Blackback offers you his highest respect…”

After Lide had finished reviewing the attribute panel, the Double-headed Ogre Lord, Seimier Blackback, finally came around.

Seeing him, he immediately came forward, knelt on one knee, and bowed in the most respectful greeting.

“Blackback??? What a poor choice of name, he had to be called Blackback…”

Lide twitched his lips.

Seimier had been transformed without receiving a system experience prompt, which must have been directly counted as part of the overall gain of taming the tribe.

Looking at his two heads, Lide's curiosity made him open the attribute panel again.

Seimier Blackback
Title: Devout (The most devout believer of the Dawn God, steadfast in will, immune to any soul or mind Magic, strength +30%)
Ogre Lord (Possesses strong Ogre power, Lord of the Blackback Tribe, strength and constitution increased by 300%, has a 10% chance of obtaining the passive skills of devoured human or humanoid corpses, and the stronger the devoured corpse, the higher the chance of obtaining skills)
Double-headed (Constitution increased by 500%, will not die unless one head is shattered, destroyed heads can regrow)
Age: 23
Level: 18
Profession: Ogre Warrior, Ogre Shaman
Divine Gifted Talent: Prayer, immune to three negative effects, current bound Talent–Mad Fury (Mad Fury: activates the power of Bloodline, all attributes increase by 300%, sanity continually decreases with rising anger, strength continually increases, duration: 30 minutes, after usage enters a weakened state, all attributes decreased by -50% for 12 Sunshine Hours)
Bloodline: Ogre Blood (Automatically obtains Spellcaster Talent, with each year's increase in age there's a chance to comprehend a Spell from the Bloodline, can comprehend up to 5 Spells at once, currently knows 33 Spells)
Description: A devout believer of the Dawn God, an Ogre with a strong life force.

After reading, Lide nodded slightly; Seimier's attributes weren't bad, but they also weren't outstanding, just mediocre at best.

However, the data in his age column made the corners of Lide's lips twitch slightly.

23 years old, Level 18, seemed very powerful.

But this Double-headed Ogre Lord was close to death.

Indeed, at 23 years old he was nearing his end because a normal Ogre's lifespan is 30 years.

Meaning, this Ogre had already entered his old age and was only 7 years away from natural death.

Ogres, unlike One-eyed Giants whose lifespan stretches up to four to five hundred years as a Longevity Species, have a lifespan much shorter than humans.

A 5-year-old Ogre is already considered an adult, a 10-year-old Ogre is in his prime, 15 years old marks the peak period, and after 20 they enter old age.

Their lives are incredibly brief.

However, corresponding to this, the strength of Ogres rises very swiftly; while a 5-year-old human child is still babbling, an Ogre is already grown.

Upon reaching adulthood, an Ogre's level will inevitably reach Level 5, likely breaking through Level 10 by age 15, and having a small chance of surpassing Level 15 after age 20.

As for becoming Transcendent, they have one chance at age 25. If they can break through, their lifespan extends to 40 years.

Yes, reality is just that harsh; the lifespan of a Transcendent Double-headed Ogre is merely 40 years, and what's even more brutal is that even if they break through to Legendary, their lifespan only extends to 100 years, barely more than that of a long-lived human.

This world is one where for every take, there is a give.

Although their lifespan is short, the advantages of Double-headed Ogres are quite apparent. With their rapid growth and strength increase, they have firmly survived in this world.

And Ogres are one of the few races that can reproduce almost as much as Half-rat men.

Ogres can birth two litters a year, with each litter consisting of 4 to 6 offspring, meaning an Ogre can reproduce 10 cubs a year. These cubs reach adulthood in 5 years and can continue to produce 10 more each year.

Given enough time, they could easily build a vast army.

In fact, some powerful races prefer to keep Double-headed Ogres as slaves and cannon fodder.

Of course, wild Double-headed Ogres, due to their rapid growth, require almost double the food of other creatures their size. Even if they are born, not many survive each year due to lack of food.

However, Lide isn't concerned with that; the characteristics of Ogres perfectly match the current state of Dawn City.

He needed a large amount of labor in a short period, and by raising Double-headed Ogres, he could have over ten thousand in 5 years, and the number would increase significantly each year thereafter.

If this could truly be implemented, Dawn City would never lack labor force.

It's even more efficient than raising pigs.

Although they are ugly, when the lights are off, it doesn't matter.

“Lord Ilo, Kosi Thunder, welcomes your arrival….”

While he was studying the Double-headed Ogre Seimier, the One-eyed Giant also woke up and solemnly saluted Lide.

Lide glanced at the attributes of this One-eyed Giant–rather unremarkable, inferior to Seimier. He waved his hand dismissively.

“No harm, go organize your tribesmen and restrain them from fighting each other.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Both giants replied in unison and then exchanged glances, sparks flying, but they dared not overstep their bounds and obediently went to restrain their followers.

Here, everyone held great fear towards Lide. Learning that their tribes were now under his rule and that he would protect everyone, these giants were not only compliant but even enthusiastic, their expressions filled with adoration and acceptance.

This left Lide speechless from the sideline. Was the process really this smooth? Not even a single complaint?

He could hardly imagine the kind of shadow he had cast in these behemoths' minds–an existence akin to a Demon God.

Rebel? Such a will was impossible for those who had kneeled in submission.

Moreover, in the Underworld, survival of the fittest ruled, and the powerful possessed everything.

Allying with the powerful was a better chance to survive, a common understanding among all living beings.

This was entirely different from those above ground who would rather die than surrender for their beliefs. Although the survival pressure was high above ground, it paled in comparison to the Underworld.

Every day here was a brush with Death, and having the protection of the powerful greatly increased the chances of survival.

Since no one resisted, the idea to “kill the chicken to scare the monkeys” fell through, but Lide was happy to have an easier time, allowing Dylan and Kosi to manage the coordination.

After all, Kosi Thunder, Kosi's brother, was of questionable intelligence–comparable to an eleven or twelve-year-old who had not completed sixth grade. Managing hundreds of people would just result in mindless shouting and using fists to maintain order.

Luckily, the Double-headed Ogres were less troublesome, at least able to understand commands.

Although it took a relatively long time, the two divisions were eventually organized.

By then, aside from a small number who were fatally injured, all the giants had recovered enough to walk normally, even those severely injured were no longer life-threatening.

After the troops were fully assembled, Lide suddenly remembered something and turned to the two tribal leaders who had approached him.

“Kosi, Seimier, what caused the fight between you?”

This question made the two giants glare at each other.

Then Kosi replied reluctantly.

“My lord, this damned Ogre wanted to steal the treasure we discovered! No one can snatch anything from the Thunder Tribe, no one!”

Oh? Lide's interest was piqued.

“What did you discover?”

Seimier hastened to reply, “My lord, it's a Magic Plant that unlocks potential… After eating it, one becomes much stronger!”

Seimier looked at Kosi with an envious, jealous, and resentful gaze, clearly annoyed that the latter had obtained something so coveted.

Lide watched the two squabbling individuals with interest.

It appeared the situation was almost exactly as he had anticipated; the Thunder Tribe's power had increased significantly, surely due to some object that could enhance strength.

“Where can I find that magic plant?”

Kosi turned his head, pointing beyond the marshy expanse, “Your Highness, it's located within the Thunder Tribe's encampment…”

“You kept those things hidden in your encampment?”

Seimier, now fuming with indignation, glared at Kosi and complained to Lide, “Those were treasures we discovered together, but in the end, these dumb creatures managed to dig up the skull and take it away!”

What the hell?

Lide, dizzied by their argument, couldn't grasp it. They dug up a skull? Was this thing really growing on someone's head?

It took him a while to finally understand the full story.

The two tribes had always kept to themselves, and since they frequently relocated, encounters were rare. However, three months ago, an incident caused the once cautious tribes to go to war.

The conflict ignited when both tribe's hunting parties discovered magic plants that could boost potential, growing on a Demon Beast's skull. The One-eyed Giants, having greater numbers, immediately expelled the Double-headed Orcs.

Though expelled, the Double-headed Orcs managed to snatch some magic plants. Upon returning, Seimier recognized the potential of the plants and immediately brought his people to reclaim them.

What surprised him was that upon returning to the land, the carcass had been dismembered, and the skull along with the plants was gone.

Seimier, irate, followed the trace left by the One-eyed Giants that took the magic plants. The One-eyed Giants, already possessing the plants, were not about to hand them over to the Double-headed Orcs, entangling both sides in conflict, inevitably leading to war.

After hearing the story, Lide found the situation quite magical–a plant that lived in a corpse's skull and could enhance potential?

However, by that time, the One-eyed Giants had already exhausted the plant, and there was none left.

“Seimier, bring all your tribe here; we are preparing to leave the muddy marsh.”

“Kosi, take me to your encampment, and have the rest of the Thunder Tribe gathered here too.

Koso, you and Dylan manage them and prevent any fighting!”

“Yes, Your Highness…”

Everyone responded in unison.

Seimier, still somewhat reluctant, cast one last glance at Kosi before turning to leave, clearly realizing he had no chance of acquiring the precious treasure he deemed invaluable.

Kosi didn't bother with Seimier's annoyance, strutting back to the Thunder Tribe like a victorious king, with Lide in tow.

The area was left under the watch of others.

Koso, originally from the Thunder Tribe, quickly melded into the group after removing his helmet and soon took charge of the tribe's discourse.

Meanwhile, the Ogres, possessing adult intelligence and restrained by the Double-headed Orc Lord, dared not act recklessly, each looking towards the floating, chilling presence of the Divine Monster Asreaga with curiosity and awe.

This was partly what kept them in check–the aura was terrifying.

Lide traveled with Castro, following Kosi on the ground, winding across half a Sunshine Hour, finally arriving at a roughly 500-blade diameter irregular hard surface that served as the Thunder Tribe's temporary den.

Here was nothing but a barren grassland, with a large tent at the center and no other structures.

Outside, there were only juvenile One-eyed Giants, managed by a dozen or so nearly mature giants.

They were entirely free-range, seemingly unworried about these juveniles wandering off to the muddy marsh.

Lide found this surprising as well.

“Kosi, won't your juveniles wander off? What if they encounter danger in the marsh?”

“Your Highness, the young of the One-eyed Giants never fear the marsh!” Kosi proclaimed, head held high.

Lide couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth–mmp, their intelligence was seriously concerning.

He shook his head and ignored the guy. After all, once he returned, he definitely wouldn't let him manage the One-eyed Giant Tribe anymore. He just had to dress in armor like Kosi and serve as a ground tank.

After Kosi returned to the Thunder Tribe, a bunch of cubs immediately surrounded him, asking for food. This Level 18 chieftain scowled and scared away these “little guys,” who were three to four blades tall.

Lide looked at these young One-eyed Giants, who were either clad in short beast skins or completely naked, and felt a bit frustrated.

But this was the way of life for a tribe, and unless he could bring everyone under his control, it was impossible to completely eliminate.

Soon, Kosi emerged from the central tent made of beast skin, carrying a huge skull that was upside down, with the cranial cap facing down and the neck end up.

The skull was filled with soil, and on the pale red soil grew a plant with palm-sized leaves, sharp serrations, and about a blade tall, its name unknown.

The skull was oblate, with a diameter of about three blades, and Kosi held it effortlessly.

As he approached, Lide immediately opened the attribute panel of the plant out of curiosity, his expression becoming a bit subtle.

Cursed Grass
Quality: Transcendent
Description: Consumption can greatly enhance strength but will bring about the misfortune of life force being drained.

Is this the treasure that two tribes are competing for?

Isn't this just like the Berserk Skill of the Beastmen? And the consequences are even more exaggerated. The former only causes weakness, but this directly consumes life.

“Do you enhance your strength by eating these things?”

Hearing Lide's question, Kosi nodded proudly.

“Yes, Your Highness, we used it to cultivate many strong warriors… The Thunder Tribe has become much stronger.”

I…

Lide didn't know whether to laugh or cry upon hearing this. You consume your own life to enhance your strength?

Then, somewhat curiously, he used his spiritual power to perceive Kosi. After a moment, he shook his head helplessly. Although Kosi had advanced to Level 18, his life's essence had become extraordinarily weak, like a flickering candle in the wind that could go out at any moment.

Compared to Koso, whose soul was like a fiercely burning torch, Kosi seemed like an old man on the verge of death, about to step into the grave.

No wonder this guy had advanced from Level 15 to 18 in three years. This method of burning life to increase levels, how could it not be fast?

Intelligence really was a fatal flaw…

It was also a good thing he arrived quickly. If he had been any later, perhaps the One-eyed Giant Tribe would have exterminated itself.

It truly was beyond words.

Lide's expression was very vivid.

Pop~
After a snap of his fingers, two Mages appeared in the air, taking the white skull from Kosi. It was better for him to keep this thing… He had lost trust in the One-eyed Giants; these guys were too risky.

“Kosi, take all your tribesmen to gather at the open space we just passed. From now on, I'll take care of this,” he declared, his command turning into truth after his soul was altered by the Power of Faith. Naturally, Kosi could not refuse.

Lide took the Cursed Grass immediately, while Kosi happily spoke to a group of cubs.

Holding the Cursed Grass and reviewing its attributes a few times, Lide couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

He really thought the two tribes had obtained something valuable. It turns out it was just a lack of intelligence that caused this.

If the One-eyed Giants were foolish, that was still bearable, but why would the Double-headed Ogres chase after such a deadly item?

With a mix of confusion, he returned to the expansive swamp, where at that moment, the Level 18 Double-headed Ogre Lord Seimier arrived with a bunch of cubs.

Upon seeing him, Lide asked about his confusion.

“Your Highness, there are too many dangers in the Mud Swamp. This Magic Plant can save lives at critical moments. The sacrifice of some life force does not negate its value.”

Level 18 Seimier clearly had a deeper understanding of the Underworld than Lide.

Chapter end