While Galen was deep in thought, a commotion arose at the city gate, likely signaling the return of the scout squad sent out for reconnaissance.
This group of scouts, wielding the power of shadow, was jointly assembled by three noble families; some were family retainers, while several Stalkers were hired from Ravenholdt Manor with funds from the families, specifically to investigate the movements of the trolls in Witherbark Village.
Ravenholdt Manor, who call themselves the Assassin's League, is a force composed of assassins and thieves. Despite the name 'Assassin's League,' it is a mercenary organization that accepts not only assassination missions but also various task requests, as long as you offer the corresponding gold coins.
The leader is Duke Jorach Ravenholdt, a legendary Grand Thief, and also the future spokesperson for the Rogue class hall in the anti-demon coalition.
As far as Galen knew, this organization not only had human members but also High Elves, Night Elves, Trolls, and other powerful individuals from various races. They welcomed anyone with strength to join them, perhaps making it the earliest pan-racial organization in Azeroth.
This time, the three families spent a large sum to hire five Stalkers from Ravenholdt Manor, led by a bald man named Karl Aurelius, rumored to be a high-ranking peak assassin. When Galen first saw Karl, he was reminded of a saying: 'I've gone bald, and I've become stronger.' That's probably it.
Galen instructed Amor, who was behind him: "Teacher Amor, please help me inquire whether the Stalkers from Ravenholdt Manor have brought back any news."
Amor glanced at Galen, a hint of suspicion in his eyes.
Since Galen returned to the Northern Mining Area, Amor, as the captain of the guard, has been constantly by Galen's side. It has become difficult for Galen to fool him like last time and sneak away alone.
"Don't worry, Teacher, I'll stay here this time and wait for news from Witherbark Village."
Galen helplessly made a promise. Alas, why didn't he have the eloquence of Uncle Benshan to trick Amor into being crippled, saving him from following him around like a tagalong every day.
After Amor left, Galen turned around and looked at the Grand Magister Gandalf behind him, saying: "Gandalf, how is your strength recovering?"
Gandalf was a powerful soul from the void, strictly speaking, an alien. He was reshaped into a human form by the Altar of Kings and possessed the strength of an Astral Mage in his lifetime, far surpassing the hero rank.
After rebirth, Galen's basic strength limited him to only the seventh rank. He has spent the past month familiarizing himself with his body and improving his strength.
"Your Highness, I have stabilized at the intermediate master rank."
Looking at Gandalf's casual expression, Galen felt a little uneasy. Intermediate rank this month, wouldn't it be fully realized master rank next month?
"Can you reach the master rank next month?" Galen couldn't help but ask.
"Your Highness, the master rank isn't like cabbage in the field; it doesn't grow in a month." Gandalf's eyes were a little strange, as if looking at someone with a mental disability. Did he really think his strength could increase just by eating, drinking, and sleeping every day?
However, Galen was, after all, his My Lord, and he still had to explain clearly: "Your Highness, when I was cleaning the mines, my water elemental and I killed many giant Highland Tarantulas. I found that every time I killed a tarantula, my strength increased slightly. The larger the tarantula, the more my strength increased."
With this explanation, Galen understood. This should be the experience system that the Heart of Origin base grants to base units. After building the base, he and Omar cleaned up a troll camp, but he didn't feel any increase in power. This base's experience system should be unique to Gandalf.
He didn't have this treatment. If he wanted to improve his strength, he could only rely on his own training or the Altar of Kings' amplification.
The basic strength of the Footmen and Riflemen was the adept rank. This experience system should also exist on them, and killing enemies could enhance their strength.
After Galen recharged 100,000 units of gold, he had researched all four technologies of the Blacksmith Shop. To increase the building's defense, he even researched all the current technologies in the Lumber Mill.
Iron Sword Art: Increases the attack power of Militiamen, Footmen, Knights, Spellbreakers, Dragonhawk Riders, and Gryphon Riders.
Iron Armor: Increases the armor strength of Militiamen, Footmen, Knights, Flying Machines, and Steam Tanks.
Black Powder: Increases the range and attack power of Riflemen, Mortar Teams, Steam Tanks, and Flying Machines.
Leather Armor: Increases the armor of Riflemen, Mortar Teams, Dragonhawk Riders, and Gryphon Riders.
The research of these four technologies cost Galen a lot of money, and before the technology research, all the units needed to go to the Blacksmith Shop to replace their equipment, which was another expense. Galen's teeth were grinding in pain.
Fortunately, the Footmen and Riflemen trained after the technology research were automatically equipped with the researched equipment, all becoming units with both offense and defense, and their overall strength increased greatly.
Moreover, the thousands of sets of equipment that were replaced could be sold when he had the opportunity, earning him a small fortune.
Galen's mentality was expanding. He had been farming for almost two months, and he had to test the results of his troop production.
After a while, Amor quickly walked back and reported to Galen: "Prince, Viscount Carson requests your presence for a meeting."
Galen had a premonition that something big must have happened. It had been a month, and the higher-ups of Witherbark Village should have returned from Shadra'Alor. After discovering that multiple scouting teams had disappeared, and that they had lost their eyes and ears on the human border, they should take action.
Galen brought Gandalf and Amor to the newly renovated council hall, where Viscount Carson and Viscount Newol were already inside.
After exchanging greetings, Earl Dabyrie, who arrived last after receiving a magical message, was clearly still unclear about the situation and directly asked the mine's Person in charge: "Carson, what happened that required an urgent message to me?"
Viscount Carson handed the report at hand to Earl Dabyrie: "According to the scouts' investigation, the trolls in Witherbark Village are showing unusual movements, suspected of gathering troops."
Earl Dabyrie looked at the report while discussing the situation with Viscounts Carson and Newol.
"All the scouts they sent out have been cleared by us. They should be no different from the blind now."
"Their priests have already finished their ceremonies. The high-end combat power should have returned to Witherbark Village from Shadra'Alor. Perhaps our deployment here has been discovered by their master level rogues?"
"That possibility cannot be ruled out. There is another doubt. We have cleared their scouts, and their master level rogues should theoretically retaliate against our actions, and the manpower we sent out should suffer heavy losses."
"According to the consistent style of the Witherbark tribe, retaliation is inevitable. Their high-end combat power will not let go of the opportunity to cause casualties to the Stromgarde people."
"But we have not received any casualty reports. Today, our scouts have even reached the hinterland of Witherbark Village and brought back the news that they are gathering."
Hearing this, Galen thought of the many suspicious points when the kingdom abandoned this land before, and he suddenly thought of a possibility: "What if there is a problem within us?"