208: There's another child

Chapter 205: An Extra Child

Godwin approved of Bruce's judgment.

This was also why he treated the Garbage Army with such kindness.

Bruce seemed to have more to say, then continued, "Sir, didn't you prepare a backup plan long ago?"

"I have already selected a few useful people from the Lookout Fort's cells, as you instructed."

Godwin always prepared two plans for himself, it was his habit.

Even before the Pioneer Group prepared to go to Qingfeng Valley to support Arthur, he had already begun to scout for usable talents in Lookout Fort.

It was just that the fort itself was a military stronghold, unlike other towns, most of the people living there were soldiers.

He couldn't directly poach people from under the Commander's nose, but he could "fish" some people out of the local cells. Most of those imprisoned in Lookout Fort's prison were soldiers who had violated military discipline.

There was also a portion of bandits who had been committing crimes in nearby villages and towns.

Normally, these people should have been escorted to the nearest city for a formal trial.

But ever since the Night Mist appeared, this matter had been delayed.

It was precisely because of this opportunity that Godwin reached an agreement with the Commander of Lookout Fort.

He only needed to spend a sum of money to select and take away some of these guilty individuals.

For both parties, this was undoubtedly a win-win deal.

The Commander could save the cost and time of escorting prisoners.

The Pioneer Group could gain available manpower. However, this "sifting for gold in shit" kind of work was not easy.

Godwin entrusted this matter to Bruce.

After careful screening during this period, Bruce did indeed find four good talents.

Coupled with some relatively healthy Refugees, they could roughly organize a guard team of about twenty people.

Although the combat effectiveness of this team was almost zero.

It was, however, sufficient for putting on a show and intimidating people.

Everything had to start from scratch, but Bruce was not discouraged by this.

On the contrary, he was enthusiastic and devoted almost all his energy to this matter.

Because he knew his lord's generosity and compassion.

With this assurance, he was full of confidence.

"Make sure those people can be controlled," Godwin emphasized.

Bruce smiled, "Don't worry, sir. Looking around, you won't find a second lord like Arthur.

"Give me some time, and I guarantee these people won't want to leave even if you try to drive them away."

"Then how much time do you think you'll need to train this team into a reliable force?" Godwin asked Bruce.

After a moment of thought, Bruce replied, "Two months, sir.

"As long as you give me two months, and ensure the food supply remains the same, these people will soon be able to engage in real combat."

Two months. Godwin calculated silently in his mind.

Although two months was indeed a bit long.

But he then thought, they should still be able to get through it.

Now that the border war was getting worse, the Little Finger Merchant Guild's strategic focus would definitely shift.

If his prediction was correct, then next, the Merchant Guild would most likely shift all its strength to the civil war in the East.

By then, they would have enough time to develop and breathe.

"Tonight, have those people come to see me," Godwin said.

Bruce nodded in response.

From the expression and tone of this seasoned warrior, Godwin couldn't guess his current mood.

But no matter what, he always maintained a skeptical attitude towards everyone and everything.

He didn't trust the people Bruce had chosen.

He also worried that this former leader would take this opportunity to secretly cultivate his own small faction.

So unless he personally confirmed the situation of those people, he would probably be sleepless all night.

Sometimes, Godwin also worried that his almost pathological paranoia would sooner or later kill him.

But the lessons and experiences of the past always reminded him: never fully trust a person.

Arthur sat cross-legged on the ground, the seed placed between his palms.

The seed was about the size of a thumb, completely translucent, looking like a crystal-clear red crystal.

If placed under light, one could clearly see a tiny infant curled up inside the seed.

At this moment, Arthur was trying to communicate with this seed.

In his spiritual consciousness, he saw the infant the Goddess had entrusted to him.

Although the other party still appeared to be just an infant, he was already able to communicate with him telepathically.

"So, do you have a way to remove the yellow mark on me?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, Master."

The infant's voice resounded directly in Arthur's mind, respectfully.

Being called Master by an infant made Arthur feel a bit awkward.

He replied, "I am not your Master, your Master—has passed away."

"I don't quite understand." The infant's voice carried a hint of confusion, "You have the same power as him.

"My Master once injected a part of his power into my body.

"To allow me to establish a connection with this land, and thus better serve the great Shanteya."

"In short, you don't need to call me Master anymore." Arthur patiently explained, "You can just call me by my name—Arthur.

"Oh, do you have your own name?"

"No," the infant replied, "My Master never bestowed upon me this honor."

"In that case, how about I call you Merlo?" Arthur asked.

The infant was silent for a moment, then replied with a hint of joy, "I like this name, kind Arthur."

"Very good. So Merlo, tell me, how do I remove the yellow mark on me?"

"You only need to plant me in the basement of that townhouse.

"Once planted, I will become your guardian and help you ward off prying eyes from other worlds."

"Is it really that simple?"

"Yes, it's that simple," Merlo replied with certainty.

Arthur pondered for a moment, then asked, "Do I need to fertilize and water it regularly?"

"No, there's no need. The great Shanteya has preserved a part of her divine power for me.

"As long as you can ensure I receive enough water, I will continue to grow.

"Oh, by the way, kind Arthur, I must remind you,

"Once planted, I will completely merge with that house.

"And this process will probably take some time."

"So, that house can't be lived in temporarily, right?"

Arthur understood what the other party meant.

"Yes."

"Okay, I understand." Arthur nodded, then asked, "Tell me more about Isgrasa.

"That Lich who corrupted you. I need all his information."

"His phylactery has been destroyed by you, and his soul has suffered severe damage as a result." Merlo's voice carried a hint of disgust, "Before I died, I sensed him.

"That ugly monster has become very weak, almost without any combat ability."

Hearing this news, Arthur couldn't help but exclaim, "That's great!

"As the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot.

"Since he is so weak now, it's a good opportunity to get rid of him.

"Do you know where he is specifically hiding?"

"I'm sorry, although I can sense his presence, I cannot accurately pinpoint his location."

Arthur nodded.

Just as he was about to end the conversation, Merlo suddenly asked, "Kind Arthur.

"I want to ask, did my original Master leave this world peacefully?"

"As far as I know, Saint John died of old age and his soul returned to Mother Earth."

"That's truly wonderful—" Merlo's voice carried a sense of relief.