Chapter 128 - Chapter 128: Blueprint, Kobolds (2)
Chapter 128: Blueprint, Kobolds (2)
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
In terms of assessing the situation, Raymond was fully aware of his own capabilities.
“No need for that. Currently, there’s no specific task for you. However, 1 called you here because 1 have some questions to ask,” Ji Chen said.
“My Lord, please go ahead. 1 assure you that 1 will reveal everything I know,” Raymond replied with loyalty.
Nodding, Ji Chen continued, “How powerful is the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce?”
Raymond pondered for a moment before responding, “The Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce is a loose commercial alliance along the western coast of the continent. While individual members may not possess significant strength, their collective force should not be underestimated. They can muster a fleet of at least fifty armed ships and have over three thousand elite guards.”
Upon hearing this, Ji Chen squinted his eyes. He had not expected a mere chamber of commerce to wield such power. It was comparable to the Bauhinia Alliance which controlled the Silver Islands.
Forty fully armed warships… He was currently unable to withstand such an assault.
“However, my Lord, there is no need to be overly concerned. The Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce is a loose commercial alliance. Unless they face a genuine external threat that jeopardizes the alliance, it is difficult for them to unite.”
“Even in this recent ambush operation, less than one-third of the members agreed to participate. Your swift dismantling of their attack has easily disintegrated their forces. If they were to launch another attack, they would undoubtedly need to deploy more warships and guards, which would require the approval of a larger number of members. But after suffering such heavy losses this time, it is uncertain whether other members would agree to another operation,” Raymond spoke optimistically.
In that case, there was no need to worry. With so many members involved, it was inevitable that there would be delays and disputes here and there, providing him with an extended period of time. However, he also needed to prepare himself properly, utilizing this time to develop his strength so that even in the worst-case scenario, he wouldn’t be caught in a passive position. “For the next few days, take some rest, and I will assign you tasks afterward,” Ji Chen instructed Raymond.
As he watched Raymond leave, Ji Chen fell into deep contemplation. Soon, he solidified his plan for the day.
Explore the Dragon’s Nest on the mountain peak.
That was the last uncharted territory, and he hoped to find something that would enhance his strength within the dragon’s nest.
After assembling his troops, he set out towards the mountain peak. On the way, he stopped by an underground cave to inspect the various resource points inside.
Even in the dark underground, the Kobolds toiled hard, dripping with sweat. Several Overseer Kobolds cracked their whips to motivate the other Kobolds, creating an atmosphere of mutual encouragement that brought tears to onlookers’ eyes.
When the Overseer Kobolds spotted Ji Chen’s arrival, their eyes lit up, and they hurriedly approached. However, they were intercepted by the Naga warriors.
“Supreme King, the esteemed presence of the Kobolds race, we express our utmost respect to you!” they exclaimed, kneeling before Ji Chen.
Upon hearing this, the other Kobolds, filled with zeal and admiration, also knelt down, bowing to him.
In no time, all the Kobolds in the cave were on their knees, heads deeply buried in the ground, motionless.
It seemed as if they had forgotten that not long ago, more than half of their kin had been slaughtered by Ji Chen.
Alice looked slightly perplexed, not quite understanding why the Kobolds had transformed into this state.
Ji Chen was momentarily taken aback but soon burst into laughter.
These Kobolds are quite interesting. Before conquering them, they appeared fierce and cannibalistic. But now, each of them shows immense reverence towards him, as though he had become the dragon with “great presence”.
It seemed that during that time, the various measures implemented on them had produced a strange chemical reaction. Fear, survival, death, and high pressure mixed and fused together, causing these Kobolds to have no hint of hatred towards him. Instead, they exhibited signs of Stockholm syndrome. Since that was the case, it was time to change the strategy in dealing with them.
Ji Chen waved his hand, signaling the Naga warriors to step aside, and approached the Kobolds with a gentle expression. “Please, all of you, rise.” Upon hearing his words, the Kobolds hesitated briefly but eventually stood up from the ground.
He scanned the area, his face serious, and spoke slowly.
“The Kobold race carries the bloodline of dragons within them, enabling them to see in darkness as if it were daylight. This is your ability, a race filled with honor. Even as the one who defeated you, 1 cannot help but admire your talent for excavating caves and mining ores. With just a few hundred Kobolds, you supply the entire territory with crude iron, clay, and mithril resources. Thank you for everything you have done for the territory. Without your hard work, the territory would not have acquired these resources and developed. Here, I, Ji Chen, express my gratitude to all of you.”
A murmur of astonishment and trembling spread among the Kobolds.
They did not expect that the new great presence would praise them and acknowledge their labor.
For them, it was a moment worth celebrating!
“Indeed, we have had conflicts in the past, causing casualties on both sides. However, 1 realize that this could have been avoided. On this small island, mutual slaughter leads to a dead end. Only through cooperation can we move forward. Therefore, I propose that we should put aside our hatred, eliminate our misunderstandings, and work together. Only in this way can we build the beautiful and prosperous New Moon Islands better in the future! And only in this way, the Kobold clan can live a better and more hopeful life, embracing a bright future,” Ji Chen said with conviction, his words echoing through the cave. Little did he know that they carried an invisible energy, injecting them with a surge of adrenaline-like effect, making the Kobolds overflow with reverence and fervor.
Under the impact of his words, many Kobolds burst into tears.
“Lord, we should never have resisted, and even had thoughts of harming you! We caused the death of your soldiers…”
“That’s right, we deserved to die. We now realize your greatness and admirable intentions. Please punish us and forgive our foolish actions!”
“Great presence, we are willing to work tirelessly to atone for our sins!”
With a crash, the Kobolds knelt down, weeping uncontrollably.
Newcomer Anina was clearly unable to comprehend the situation before her, staring in astonishment.
Her face was filled with confusion and disbelief.
Were these Kobolds out of their minds, worshipping their enemy even after half of their tribe was slaughtered?
And now they willingly toiled in this dark cave.
What kind of fantasy was this?
Witnessing this, Ji Chen couldn’t bear it and sighed, “Since you are willing to work here, then 1 shall fulfill your wishes.”
“However, you still have the right to procreate. As long as it doesn’t disrupt your work, you can boldly reproduce, and 1 will provide for all the food needs of your future generations, allowing the Kobold clan to thrive!”
The Kobold clan possessed the bloodline of dragons, which also transmitted their promiscuous nature, giving them a strong desire to procreate.
After these days of repression, hearing about the opportunity to reproduce instantly stirred their emotions.
Their eyes burned with desire as they looked at the opposite-sex Kobolds.
Observing this scene, Ji Chen smiled and quickly led his army away from there.
Soon, a strange barking sound echoed from behind them.
As they left the underground cave, Anina couldn’t help but ask, “How could those Kobolds be like that? You killed so many of their kind, and yet they still fanatically worship you. Are they crazy?”
Ji Chen only revealed a mysterious smile.
While Stockholm syndrome played a role, it was mainly thanks to a particular skill.
[Persuasion (red skill, capable of using language to persuade targets, significantly increasing the chances of surrender, allegiance, and subjugation [only effective on intelligent creatures])]
The persuasion skill made it easier for intelligent beings to believe in what he said, even if it didn’t align with logic. Under the influence of the skill, the targets’ perception would be distorted, allowing them to mentally justify his words.
He called it the Divine Art of Deception!