Chapter 35: The Onslaught

Although Merlin was deeply dissatisfied with the AKS Empire, she still hoped that one day Zhao Hai could return to the Imperial Capital to become a great noble who could command respect and influence, for only then would it represent the true recognition of the old aristocracy by the Buda family and their true rise to power.

Merlin did not know that Zhao Hai had no intention of returning to the Imperial Capital, let alone seeking the recognition of any old aristocracy. In Zhao Hai's view, their recognition had nothing to do with him. Whether they recognized him or not, he would continue to live his life as he saw fit; as long as he possessed strength, their recognition was irrelevant.

It was no wonder their perspectives differed so greatly. Merlin had lived on the Ark Continent since childhood, a world where nobility reigned supreme. Gaining the recognition of the old aristocracy was the ultimate goal for emerging nobles; only with that recognition could they be considered true nobles, rather than mere nouveau riche.

In the Earth where Zhao Hai had lived, however, the concept of nobility did not exist. So what if you were a noble? As long as I had money, I was the noble; as long as I had strength, you had no choice but to recognize me. Thus, Zhao Hai cared nothing for aristocratic recognition.

Nevertheless, he still studied diligently to better understand this world. Only by doing so could he accelerate the development of the Buda family and build greater strength.

After returning to the study, Zhao Hai was in no hurry to look through the miscellaneous notes. He searched carefully and found that there were indeed very few introductory books; the simplest ones were merely basic primers on Battle Qi and Magic. Zhao Hai picked them up and glanced through, finding the descriptions extremely esoteric. Without guidance, it would be nearly impossible to learn anything significant just by reading. Furthermore, since he had consumed the Water of Void and could not learn magic or Battle Qi, he paid them little mind and tossed them aside after a quick look.

Ultimately, Zhao Hai focused his attention on the miscellaneous notes. While browsing through the various books, he actually stumbled upon something useful: a book on calligraphy.

This book on calligraphy provided detailed descriptions of the uses of the various pens found on a desk. Zhao Hai finally understood that the different pens were not merely for decoration; each had its own specific purpose.

The brush was used for writing and painting, typically used by those with a deep passion for calligraphy. Mages also used brushes when creating large-scale magic scrolls, as the magic circles drawn on them were quite large.

The quill was the primary tool for making magic scrolls. Because the strokes were fine, it was suitable for creating small to medium-sized scrolls.

The pen that resembled a fountain pen was used for daily writing and recording. Because its reservoir could hold ink, it allowed for extensive writing and was very convenient. However, such pens could not be used to make magic scrolls because metal has poor magic conductivity. Generally, mages avoided carrying metal objects to prevent interference with their magic. Of course, certain special metals possessed excellent conductivity, but they were so expensive that no one would think to use them to make a fountain pen.

Charcoal pencils were specialized for alchemy. Alchemists generally used them to draw blueprints or to create preliminary sketches for paintings.

Only then did Zhao Hai realize that the pens on the desk were not there for aesthetics, but each served a distinct purpose.

In the miscellaneous notes, Zhao Hai also read that among the great nobles of the continent, brushes were still used when signing particularly important documents as a symbol of status.

This gave Zhao Hai a small pleasant surprise. Back on Earth, he had always wanted to learn calligraphy and write with a brush, but unfortunately, he had neither the money nor a teacher at the time, so the wish had been left unfulfilled. He hadn't expected that calligraphy would exist in this world as well; it seemed his wish might finally come true.

However, Zhao Hai only memorized the uses of the pens for now. It was clearly unrealistic to start learning calligraphy immediately. There were too many matters to attend to here in the Black Soil Wasteland to find time for such a pursuit.

Zhao Hai spent the entire afternoon in the study. Around two in the afternoon, a sudden knock came at the door. Startled, Zhao Hai asked, "Who is it?"

Shitou's voice came from outside: "Young Master, we have collected several more stones. Please come help us transport them back."

Zhao Hai put down his book, walked to the door, and opened it. "Let's go," he said, stepping outside, with Shitou quickly following behind.

As they walked, Zhao Hai asked, "Are you still mining in that same cave?"

Shitou nodded. "Yes, Young Master. An checked several caves and said that the stones in that particular cave are the easiest to mine. Furthermore, the stones produced there are not iron ore, making them perfect for making millstones and grinders. Perhaps because it isn't iron ore, the dwarves haven't mined there."

Zhao Hai nodded. "Make sure to stay safe. The Buda family only has this many people right now; we cannot afford any more losses. Every person lost makes us weaker. The reason I told you to follow them is because I fear they might be too reckless."

Shitou nodded, understanding Zhao Hai's meaning. Following Zhao Hai's encouragement by lifting their slave status, the slaves were working with great enthusiasm, but they were indeed becoming a bit too impatient and needed to be cautious.

The two walked toward the outer fort. The women were still weaving straw mats, but Ju and Meg were nowhere to be seen.

Zhao Hai didn't look further and followed Shitou out of the castle. As they climbed the mountain, Zhao Hai noticed a small thatched hut had been added to the summit. Pointing at it, Zhao Hai asked Shitou, "Is that hut on the summit the sentry post I mentioned?"

Shitou nodded. "Yes. Grandma Merlin had us help build a small hut. There are two people stationed there, and they rotate shifts every two hours or so."

Zhao Hai nodded. Merlin truly lived up to her origins in the Buda family. The family had risen through military merit, and in her youth, Merlin had accompanied the army on many expeditions. Naturally, she was well-versed in setting up sentry posts.

Just then, a figure came sprinting down from the mountain, shouting loudly as he ran. Although Zhao Hai couldn't make out the words, his heart sank. He immediately turned to Shitou and said, "Shitou, go to the cave immediately and tell everyone to return to the castle. Then find Mutou and the others and tell them to return to the castle as well. I'm going to find Meg and the others."

As he turned to leave, Shitou grabbed him. "Young Master, I'll go. You return to the castle immediately. The Buda family cannot be without you. If anything happens, get into the Space right away."

Zhao Hai froze, then his expression darkened. "Don't talk nonsense. I am the head of the Buda family. How can I retreat in a moment like this? Go, quickly!" He tried to push past.

But Shitou rushed in front of him, dropped to his knees with a thud, and grabbed Zhao Hai's legs. "Young Master, please go back to the castle! The Buda family cannot be without you. If you are gone, we are all finished, Young Master!"

Seeing Shitou's state, Zhao Hai knew that if he didn't agree, Shitou wouldn't budge. He knew how stubborn the man was; he still clearly remembered the last time the two of them had held swords to their own necks together.

Zhao Hai had no choice but to nod. "Fine. Go immediately. I will return to the castle and tell everyone to head to the inner fort first." Shitou responded and stood up.

At that moment, the running figure reached Zhao Hai and knelt. "Master, many magical beasts and undead are coming from the other side of the mountain. They are climbing up!"

Zhao Hai immediately asked, "Is anyone still in that hut?"

The man replied, "Yes, they are still on the mountain."

Zhao Hai roared in anger, "Fool! Why haven't they come down? Shitou, go up the mountain and call that fellow down immediately!" Shitou responded and turned to run.

Zhao Hai turned to the kneeling slave. "What is your name?"

"In response to Master, my name is Lin," the man replied.

Zhao Hai nodded. "Return to the castle immediately and find Grandma Merlin to see if she is there. If she isn't, tell the women weaving the straw that everyone must go to the inner fort. That is my order. Go!"

Lin responded, leaped up, and ran toward the castle. Zhao Hai knew his own physical limitations; he couldn't run as fast as Lin, so he sent Lin to deliver the message.

Zhao Hai started running toward the castle, but his body was truly inadequate; after only a few steps, he was already panting heavily from exhaustion.

By the time Zhao Hai reached the castle, he found that the women weaving straw had already entered the inner fort. Upon entering the inner fort, he saw Merlin standing there, and everyone was looking at him with unease.

Seeing Zhao Hai return, Merlin immediately walked to his side. "Young Master, what should we do now?"

Zhao Hai caught his breath and said, "Grandma Merlin, count the people immediately. See how many are in the courtyard. I am going to the castle now. Once everyone has returned, tell them to close the castle gates immediately."

Merlin said hurriedly, "Young Master, you stay here and count the people. I will go to the gate." Without giving Zhao Hai a chance to object, she hurried outside.

Zhao Hai watched her retreating figure helplessly. Merlin and the others took too much care of him, always placing him in the safest spot. However, Zhao Hai knew that since he currently had no means of self-defense, he had no choice but to comply.

He turned to look at the people standing in the inner fort. Aside from Lin, everyone present was a woman—over thirty of them. Zhao Hai commanded, "Everyone, line up!"

Upon hearing Zhao Hai's command, the slaves immediately formed lines with a speed that greatly exceeded his expectations.