Chapter 181: Returning to the Mine—Treasure Chest and Leather Backpack
The obstacles hindering Zong Shen's exploration of the mines are those Spider Web Monsters.
The path to the deeper parts of the mine is blocked on one side by a Rune Gate and occupied on the other by a swarm of Spider Web Monsters. To continue exploring, he must eliminate them.
Previously, Zong Shen's strength was not enough to wipe them out completely.
But now it's different; Zong Shen not only has a sufficient army but also acquired many specific weapons from the Goblin Merchant.
He has already prepared all usable items in the storage grid.
He began deploying troops, deciding the lineup for this expedition.
"Korby, you lead Wolf Rider Squad One with me, Squad Two patrols the territory, and the rest head to the front lines for reinforcement."
"The four Dragonized Spear and Shield Warriors and two Goblin Rippers will act with me, forming a close-combat team with the Wolf Cavalry."
"Luna, Milani, Tasuya, Aisha, Favide, Madeleine, Mapple, you are the mid-to-long-range firepower accompanying the team."
This time, Zong Shen brought along a total of twenty-five, making a formidable and well-rounded lineup.
"Carlos, Pierce, load the Tearer Mechas into the rear compartments of the Burden-Bearer units; we'll head over using them this time."
Zong Shen instructed the two Goblin Drivers, giving each dozens of Basic-level Magic Energy Crystals, then summoned two Burden-Bearer Mechas on the open ground.
The two Goblin Drivers accepted the orders, first maneuvering the towering Tearer Mecha onto the wide cargo bed of the Burden-Bearer, then skillfully jumping off the mecha into the driver's cab.
All soldiers except the Wolf Cavalry and Luna boarded the cargo bed of the Burden-Bearer Mechas.
Although the Burden-Bearer Mecha is classified as a Magic Energy Mecha, it essentially functions like a tracked armored truck.
Overall, it's more convenient than riding horses, but it's considerably slower compared to Grassland Horses.
However, the speed of 30 kilometers per hour is enough for them to avoid those Burrow Monster swarms.
The key is convenience; just two Burden-Bearers can accommodate everyone!
Zong Shen himself doesn't plan to ride Pigsy, as the mines aren't suitable for Pigsy's performance.
With such a well-rounded soldier combination plus the items, dealing with the Spider Web Monsters is more than sufficient.
Before departing, Zong Shen has one more task to complete.
That is to distribute his points!
He has reached Level 18 and has 3 attribute and skill points to allocate.
He spends all three attribute points on Strength, raising his Strength Value to 41.
Just one more point and he could wield the Dragon-Slaying Heavy Sword!
Skill points are also allocated straightforwardly, adding 3 points to [Strong Strike], raising it to Level 9!
If wielding the Royal Guard Battle Sword and Silver Battle Shield, Zong Shen's slashing damage can reach 92 points.
If he sets aside the sword and shield and uses the Broadsword with both hands, his slashing damage can reach 109 points.
This formidable attack power is on par with ordinary Commander Level monsters.
Setting aside the soldiers under his command, Zong Shen himself is a powerful force.
After allocating his points, he lightly jumps into the cargo bed of the rear Burden-Bearer Mecha.
Because Aisha and others are all in this vehicle...
"Korby, lead your Wolf Rider Squad to clear the way and direct the Burden-Bearer Mechas!"
"Let's set off now!"
"At their speed, the Burden-Bearer Mechas will likely take around two hours to arrive!"
Zong Shen issued the command to depart.
The two Burden-Bearer Mechas powered up, their Magic Energy Core transmitting powerful energy to the tracks, slowly moving forward.
Korby led Wolf Rider Squad One ahead, maintaining a steady pace to guide the rear.
The Dark Night Female Hunter King Luna followed on the Big Black Panther.
The two Burden-Bearer Mechas continued to accelerate, gradually reaching their maximum speed.
The wide tracks allowed them to traverse varied terrain smoothly, although the Burden-Bearer is essentially an auxiliary transport-type Magic Energy Mecha, not a passenger mecha, making the ride in the cargo bed not particularly comfortable.
On their way, whenever encountering swarms of fewer than a hundred creatures, they opted to simply charge through.
First, the Wolf Cavalry made a charge and strangulation, then Luna maneuvered and tossed the Moon Blade from the side.
Finally, the two Burden-Bearer Mechas would brazenly crush through, typically not needing to stop, but managing to strangle the swarm thoroughly.
The zombies and worms had no power to resist the charges and crushing of the Burden-Bearer Mechas.
It took them roughly two and a half hours to reach the outside of the mine ruins.
A few scattered Burrow Monsters roamed the perimeter; over the last two days, there seemed to be no significant changes.
The tracked chassis of the Burden-Bearer Mecha has excellent traversing capability; it can climb over ruins unsuitable for Grassland Horses and drive directly up to the mine entrance.
The Wolf Cavalry and Luna reached the entrance ahead of time.
There were no signs of battle nearby; apparently, the Goblin Tribe had not mobilized any forces to the mine for revenge. Previously, they had lost two squads in the mine. Considering their revengeful nature, it was unexpected they hadn't retaliated against the Spider Web Monsters.
Logically, they should have dispatched more Goblin Warriors to reclaim their pride, but the mine seemed tranquil, with no signs of fighting inside or outside.
Nonetheless, this suits Zong Shen, allowing him to concentrate on wiping out the Spider Web Monsters!
Revisiting the mine, Zong Shen's strength now vastly differs from before!
Everyone disembarked from the Burden-Bearer's cargo bed, Zong Shen issuing a summon to store both Burden-Bearer Mechas back into the storage grid.
He then retrieved three Magic Power Flashlights, each loaded with 3 Basic-level Magic Energy Crystals, charging them with 300 Magic Energy points.
The appearance of the magic power flashlight is similar to an ordinary handheld flashlight.
At the front is a circular piece of glass, with reflective crystal slices inside the lamp frame.
The light source is a magic energy crystal slice, which emits light when magic energy is infused.
Zong Shen turned on the first level of brightness, and a basin-sized halo shone into the pitch-black mine.
This brightness is comparable to that of a homemade torch.
He adjusted the brightness to the second level, doubling both brightness and range.
Now the brightness was just right, and Zong Shen handed the two magic power flashlights to the two Wolf Cavalry in the front row.
The remaining one was given to the Dragon-kin Ranger, Madeline; she and her sister were at the back of the team.
Three beams of light shone into the mine, providing a much clearer vision than the last time with torches.
Twelve Wolf Cavalry marched at the forefront of the mine, advancing slowly in a line towards the interior.
Behind them were four Dragonized Spear and Shield Warriors, gripping long spears in one hand and huge square shields in the other, advancing slowly like a shield wall.
Luna, riding on a Black Panther, stood beside Zong Shen, positioned at the middle of the team, which was the most central and safest command position!
Behind them were four Mages and the Ranger Sisters, situated at the rear of the team, with two Goblin Rippers guarding the back.
The mine was exceptionally quiet this time.
They reached the mine hall, passing the last time's burned-out area where most of the webs were burned away, only remains in the right-side passage.
No Spider Web Monsters or Kobolds were seen in the mine.
The ground and rock walls still had unburned webs, with black ashes everywhere, presenting a bleak and desolate scene.
In the corner on the right side of the mine lay a Black Iron Treasure Chest covered in residue from burned webs.
Nearby were two worn leather backpacks with burn marks from flames, just as described in the previous strategy.
"Enter the mine and start the alert."
At Zong Shen's command, the Wolf Cavalry and Gun and Shield Warriors entered the mine.
They divided into two groups, one guarding the left passage, the other guarding the right, as everyone entered the mine hall to stand guard.
Zong Shen walked straight to the Black Iron Treasure Chest and the two worn leather backpacks.
[Black Iron Treasure Chest]
[A mysterious Black Iron Treasure Chest; no one knows what it might contain]
(The chest is safe and can be opened without concern)
[Damaged Leather Backpack×2]
[Quality: Ordinary (Damaged)]
[Capacity: 4/12 grids]
[Capacity: 3/12 grids]
[Durability: 16]
[Severely damaged leather backpacks looking abandoned for years]
(The two backpacks hastily abandoned here by Baron Bezos years ago contain mostly decayed items, but a few are meaningful)
Zong Shen chose to open the treasure chest first.
After the regulation adjustment post-newbie stage, only treasure chests and relics have a significant chance to yield recruitment scrolls, with monster drops reduced by over 99%.
[Successfully opened Black Iron Treasure Chest]
[Tier One Training Ground Construction Blueprint×1]
[Tier Two Light Crossbowman Camp Construction Blueprint×1]
[Tier Two Crossbowman Training Manual×3]
[Avalon Light Crossbowman Recruitment Scroll×2]
[Basic Strength Book×1]
[Crafted Highland Wine×6]
There were six items in total, two construction blueprints and one essential training manual for recruitment.
Zong Shen kept only the recruitment scroll and strength book in hand, storing the rest in the storage grid.
He used the [Basic Strength Book] first.
His strength increased by 2 points, reaching 43 points, enough to wield the Dragon-Slaying Heavy Sword.
This significantly boosted Zong Shen's power, and then he activated both recruitment scrolls simultaneously with a wave of his hand.
Two magic arrays emerged, summoning two Avalon Light Crossbowmen.
Zong Shen now had four Light Crossbowmen.
Clad in the same standard equipment, they respectfully saluted Zong Shen.
"At your summons, I've arrived!"
"Avalon's warriors shall be invincible!"
"Avalon Light Crossbowman Jennings/Vivian reporting to you!"
"Great Lord, may you thrive!"
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