71: Quest, Beast Tide

"This, this is simply a stroke of genius!"

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"How could the Lord think of such a unique production method? Why couldn't I and the other artisans think of it?"

"If it's truly built, it will definitely attract a large number of merchant caravans to pass through Ironthorn Territory."

"No, this alone isn't enough; it will also greatly assist in the speed of army mobilization."

The four of them exclaimed one after another, but only the sharp-minded Brutus discovered the deeper implications that Cement roads could bring.

With an appreciative look in his eyes towards Brutus, Lister said, "The production of Cement is very important. We need to build a specialized facility for it within Ironthorn Town. I'll name it the Cement Factory."

"The construction of the Cement Factory will be led by Malo and the artisans, with Hobbes responsible for supervision. Like the Level 3 Workshop, it needs to be kept strictly confidential, and I will entrust Red with the security work."

"Yes, Lord Lister (Lord)," Hobbes and Malo respectfully replied.

Nodding slightly, Lister took out another instruction manual made of Shuttle Grass Paper and said, "This contains a new brewing technique, 'Distillation.' Liquor made through distillation, like strong spirits, has a very potent kick."

"Moreover, it doesn't require high-quality raw materials. Any raw materials used for other liquors can be made into Distilled Liquor using this method."

"Besides drinking, it also has wound disinfection properties. As for some other uses, I won't go into detail one by one; they are all in the instructions."

"Like the Cement Factory, I also want to establish a Winery. Its level is temporarily set at Level 4, and Hobbes and Malo will still be responsible for its construction and management."

"However, there's no need to rush the factory's construction. Malo, you should first lead the artisans to produce Cement. Currently, road construction is the top priority."

After Malo's response, Lister looked at him and asked, "Malo, how many bathing products have been made so far?"

"Reporting to the Lord, as per your request, two products form a set. Currently, ten sets of high-grade products and twenty sets of regular-grade products have been made."

"Thirty sets in total, huh..." Lister pondered for a moment, then instructed, "Malo, go back and arrange for all bathware artisans to work at full capacity, with other artisans assisting. You can extend working hours today. By tomorrow morning, you must produce at least fifty sets of each."

"This one will complete it on time," Malo respectfully replied.

Then Lister gave a series of other tasks. Soon after the four bowed and left, Ironthorn Town, this 'machine' that had just taken shape, began to operate at full throttle... "Damn it!"

"Are these beasts crazy?!"

Viscount Connor Kimmler, standing on the castle roof, watched the demon beasts and wild beasts frantically attacking the defensive line below, feeling both rage and alarm.

Last night, while he was sound asleep, he was suddenly awakened by a piercing roar of beasts.

After receiving the report, he learned that his territory had been invaded by a beast tide from the Dolomite Mountains.

The Dolomite Mountains bordered the western side of his territory, so he was intimately familiar with them.

But what puzzled him was that although he sometimes hunted in the Dolomite Mountains, it wasn't enough to provoke such a fierce retaliation.

Moreover, this beast tide attack was orderly, completely unlike the usual behavior of wild beasts.

It wasn't until he saw the demon beasts occasionally appearing and disappearing within the beast tide that he realized these wild beasts were being directed and had come prepared.

At this moment, under his command, a 'solid' defensive line composed of knights and Soldiers had been established at the junction of the central Buta Town and the castle.

All the commoners in Buta Town who could retreat had done so behind the defensive line. As for those who couldn't escape in time, some were lucky enough to hide, while others could only fall victim to the slaughter of the beast tide.

Suppressing the alarm in his heart, he regained his usual lordly prestige and looked at Knight Captain Akman Woodlow next to him, instructing, "Akman, this won't do. Constant defense will only drag us down. We must counterattack."

"You will immediately lead the Knight Squad out of the defensive line, find the leader of this beast tide, and carry out a decapitation strike."

"Yes, Viscount."

With a solemn expression, the burly Akman turned and quickly departed.

Soon after, the castle manor gates opened, and a squad of twenty knights galloped out towards the defensive line.

As soon as they broke through the defensive line, Akman, leading the charge, took the lead and impaled a wild beast pouncing at him with his spear.

With a flick of his spear, the wild beast's corpse fell to the ground, and he then spurred his horse towards other wild beasts, slaughtering them.

The Knight Squad followed closely behind him, moving like a giant chariot. No wild beast could get close to them, and they barely even got any blood on themselves.

In just over ten minutes, dozens of wild beasts had fallen under their spears.

The commoners behind the defensive line, seeing this, couldn't help but get excited, and the fear that had gripped them since late last night lessened somewhat.

Viscount Connor, on the castle roof, watched this scene without any excitement. Instead, the worry on his face deepened.

Because the demon beasts he had seen in the beast tide earlier had not attacked at all; instead, they had vanished.

"Please, don't let anything happen!" Viscount Connor muttered to himself, his voice filled with tension.

Time passed, minute by minute, and the Knight Squad led by Akman delved deeper into the rear of the beast tide.

Suddenly, a terrifyingly oppressive wolf howl echoed through the sky.

The warhorses beneath Akman and the other knights immediately trembled uneasily, and their charging speed significantly slowed.

Fortunately, these warhorses were carefully bred, and Akman and the other knights were very experienced, quickly calming the horses' fear.

But it was at this moment that more than a dozen dark figures suddenly darted out from within the beast pack, pouncing fiercely towards Akman and his men.

"Pfft!"

A sharp edge sliced through the air. A knight on the right side of the squad didn't even let out a cry of agony, his neck instantly slashed open. As blood splattered, he fell heavily from his horse.

"Oh no, it's a pack of demon beasts!"

"Everyone maintain formation, counterattack immediately!"

Akman reacted the fastest, immediately shouting a warning.

Hearing this, relying on their excellent military discipline, the other knights quickly changed their formation and began a coordinated counterattack.

The clash and friction of long spears and sharp claws produced a metallic, harsh, and eerie sound.

Compared to the dozen or so demon beasts, the Knight Squad had more members, and with Akman, a Bronze Rank 9 Knight Captain, they quickly suppressed these demon beasts.

Just as victory seemed near, the wolf howl from before echoed again, and then another dozen demon beasts darted out from the beast tide.

However, they did not reinforce the demon beasts attacking Akman's Knight Squad; instead, they charged towards the defensive line.