ATPnovel Chapter 23: For the sake of the beast-eared girls, for the sake of making the territory bigger and s
Chapter 23: For the sake of the beast-eared girls, for the sake of making the territory bigger and s
"Oh? Wolf riders, or a hidden branch?"
Shen Xing was somewhat surprised, then glanced at the dire wolf beneath Bloodhowl, and his mind immediately began to race.
It seems that the evolutionary path of each type of soldier in this world is not fixed.
Hellscream awakened as an agile orc warrior by using [Sacrifice Evolution].
By forming a pact with its mount, Bloodhowl activated a hidden evolution path: Wolf Rider.
In other words, each type of unit has countless evolutionary paths, which also represent countless possibilities.
It seems that I can use this characteristic to train specific types of soldiers.
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Xing pulled himself out of his thoughts and focused his gaze on the two evolutionary branches before him.
There's really no need to consider this. We already have Grom Hellscream on the front lines, so having another orc warrior wouldn't make much difference.
Therefore, he decisively chose the second option.
"Buzz~"
The red light surged instantly, completely enveloping the man and the wolf.
Within the light, Bloodhowl's form was rapidly changing.
His limbs became even thicker, as if all the power in his body was concentrated in his arms and legs.
The iron axe in his hand was also rapidly lengthening, with the handle reaching an astonishing 1.5 meters in length.
Even more amazingly, the dire wolf beneath him also acquired some additional equipment.
A leather saddle and stirrups appeared on its back, and a wolf-tooth collar hung around its neck.
[Evolution successful! 'Bloodhowl''s potential has been raised to Elite★, and its class has advanced to Wolf Rider!]
[This evolution grants an attribute boost: All attributes +10%]
[Weapon: Orc Iron Axe (Green) → Orc Polearm (Blue)]
[Awakening Skills: Riding Mastery, Wolf Charge!]
...
"Two skills were activated at once! No wonder it's a hidden branch!"
Shen Xing was in a great mood and couldn't wait to open his attribute panel to check the attributes of the two new skills.
【Mastery of Equestrian Skills】
[Skill Effect: While mounted, the wolf rider's movement speed increases by 25%, and their evasion increases by 25%.]
[Note: True cavalrymen are able to achieve a state of perfect harmony between themselves and their mounts.]
...
【Wolf Charge】
【Skill Effect: Locks onto the target, launches a high-speed charge, deals piercing damage to enemies along the way (Agility x2 meters), and knocks them back.
You can charge three times in a row, with no more than 5 seconds between each charge; otherwise, you will enter a cooldown period.
Cooldown time: 45 * 3 seconds.
[Note: Wolf riders are on the move! Taste my sharp blade!]
...
"Such powerful skills, especially the second one, [Wolf Charge], it's absolutely amazing!"
"Not only does it possess an extremely long-range dash ability, it can even charge three times in a row!"
"If I were to assemble an entire squadron of wolf riders, wouldn't it be like old ladies driving go-karts—crashing the whole track?"
As Shen Xing imagined these scenes, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.
Of course, training such a special type of soldier is not an easy task.
You need to find a dire wolf first, then cultivate enough rapport, and finally help it evolve. There are too many conditions to meet.
So for now, he can only think about it.
At the same time, the fully evolved Bloodhowl rode out riding a brand-new gray wolf.
He felt the surge of power within him, turned his gaze to Hellroar beside him, his fighting spirit soaring, eager to try his luck.
Shen Xing's expression was strange.
This guy just broke through to the elite level and he's already preparing to challenge the big brother's position?
That really suits the orc's character.
Orcs respect the strong, but they also enjoy challenging the strong.
Defeating a stronger orc will elevate one's status within the tribe and demonstrate one's strength.
This is not internal strife, but rather an inherent part of human nature.
Hellscream did not respond to Gorehowl's provocation, but merely snorted and then looked away.
Bloodhowl seemed somewhat resentful, but since the lord disagreed, he dared not overstep his bounds.
Shen Xing smiled and shook his head; the two orcs had completely different personalities.
However, if they were to actually fight, Gorehowl would most likely be utterly thrashed by Hellscream.
Let's not even mention that the two sides are one level apart in star rating.
After being enhanced twice by the [Sacrifice Evolution], Hellroar's agility attribute is now 20 points higher than other elites of the same rank.
Even the highly mobile wolf riders would probably be unable to even touch the agile Hellscream.
Furthermore, Shen Xing will continue to concentrate resources on training Hellroar.
After all, the difference between star ratings in this game is too great. Even the difference between Elite 1-star and Elite 2-star is equivalent to the difference between kindergarten seniors and third graders.
Therefore, focusing on upgrading one type of unit is the most cost-effective approach.
The nearby sick village remains a threat; we must quickly increase our fighting strength and then wipe it out!
Hmph, how can one tolerate another sleeping soundly beside one's own bed?
With my extraordinary wisdom and tireless efforts—I will sacrifice myself for evolution, and give me some points!
[Use Talent Ability: Sacrifice Evolution, raising 'Hellroar's' potential to Elite ★★★]
This requires sacrificing 20 'Agility'.
...
"Huh? 10 agility points have become 20. Does this mean that as a unit's potential increases, the attributes that need to be sacrificed also gradually increase?"
Shen Xing seemed to be deep in thought.
But this is not a bad thing; on the contrary, it is a great thing!
No matter how many attributes you need to sacrifice, what does that have to do with my 0 points of Agility?
Shen Xing even wished he could offer more sacrifices.
After all, these sacrificial attributes will be permanently added to the unit!
So, he clicked "OK" without hesitation.
This time, that force seemed too lazy to even search him.
It transformed directly into a ball of red light and landed on Hellscream.
"Buzz~"
A flash of red light enveloped Hellscream's towering figure.
Muscles swelled and compressed, and bones cracked and popped throughout the body.
Blue battle lines appeared on the muscles of his back, and a totem mark, like a wolf's claw, appeared in the area between his eyebrows.
A steady, profound, yet explosive aura surged forth!
[Evolution successful! 'Hellroar' has reached Elite ★★★]
【本次进化获得属性提升：力量+15、精神+11，敏捷+32（额外+20），体质+14】
[Awakening Skill: Execute]
[Awakened Talent: Tribal Soul]
...
Shen Xing: "!!!"
He stared at the prompt in front of him, feeling somewhat bewildered once again.
What happened today?
Bloodhowl had just broken through to the elite level and activated two major skills when Hellroar immediately activated two major abilities as well.
Moreover, the latter's awakened ability seems even more remarkable!
After all, there is also a rare talent involved.
This is the first unit with talent in Shen Xing's territory.
With a bit of anticipation, I quickly checked the attributes.
[Execute: Unleash a full-force attack, dealing massive single-target damage to the enemy.]
If the target is injured, there is a certain probability that the target will ignore the defense and be killed directly.
Cooldown time: 15 seconds
...
【Soul of the Tribe】
[Talent Effect: Increases own learning speed by 30%, Charisma +10]
When Hellscream is present, all orcs' morale increases, and their level temporarily increases by 1 (but cannot exceed the rank cap).
...
"A low-health kill, everyone's level increased, amazing!"
Shen Xing was surprised; these two abilities were indeed a pleasant surprise.
The former's "Execute" ability needs no further explanation; the mere fact that it has a chance to kill the enemy is enough to prove its power.
What's even more outrageous is this second talent ability.
He's practically a walking aura; whenever he's around, the strength and morale of all the orcs will be boosted!
"My lord."
Hellscream strode forward with steady steps, bowing respectfully: "Thank you for your guidance; I have become stronger."
"You're very good." Shen Xing nodded slightly, his eyes showing admiration.
Bloodhowl, standing to the side, stared intently at him, its fighting spirit gradually receding.
It seems he knows that the gap between him and his opponent is too large, and he is preparing to lie low for a while before challenging for the position of the eldest brother.
"Hellscream, lead the other orcs to prepare. We'll be going out to explore in a bit," Shen Xing instructed.
"Yes, great lord!" Hellscream replied respectfully and went to gather the orcs.
Then, he turned his head back to look at the campfire in the center of the territory.
[Campfire: Level 2]
[Campfire effect: Increases the temperature of an area with a diameter of 50 meters and dispels fog]
Upgrade materials required: Soul Stones*20, Vinar Silver Coins*20, Black Crystals*5
[Note: This is the survival fire of the territory; be careful not to let it go out.]
...
"To upgrade the campfire further, we'll need a material called [Black Crystal]."
"There are also defensive buildings like arrow towers, which require [Black Iron] + [Black Crystal] to upgrade to level 2."
Shen Xing pondered for a moment, then looked at the two green dots on the minimap, which were the [Crystal Tower] and [Black Iron Vein] that he had previously captured.
Fortunately, three days have passed since the Crystal Tower was occupied, and it hasn't been targeted by any monsters, allowing it to produce a full 12 units of Black Crystals.
More than enough to upgrade the campfire.
As for the [Black Iron Vein], there are currently no miners in the territory, so it has been left undeveloped.
"Next, we need to explore the wilderness, capture more crystal towers, and find a way to recruit a group of workers."
Shen Xing secretly made a plan in his mind, and then invested resources to upgrade the campfire.
[Upgrading in progress, estimated time: 13 hours 27 minutes...]
...
Then, he opened his right hand, and a floating sphere of light appeared, inside which was a pale, humanoid skeleton.
It was the two-star unit nest that Qin Lang had given him today: Skeleton Archers.
"It's amazing that things in the game can be brought into reality, and things in reality can be transferred into the game," Shen Xing thought in amazement.
But as mentioned before.
In the early stages of the game, you only have one chance per day to transfer items in both directions.
[Place a troop nest: Skeleton Archer Camp (Normal ★★)?]
(Note: At least 21 square meters of open space needs to be reserved for this placement.)
"Yes."
The ball of light in his hand spun again, landing next to the orc's wooden house, transforming into a mass grave scattered with bones and remains.
Skeleton Archer Camp
[Level: Common ★★]
[Recruitable Unit: Skeleton Archers (Normal ★★)]
[Recruitment Requirements: 10 Soul Stones, 10 Afterglow Flames]
[Upgrade Requirements: 180 Soul Stones, 150 Vinar Silver Coins, 20 Black Crystals]
...
"Since it's not the initial territory, there's no free initial recruitment benefit, which is understandable."
"But what exactly is this 'Afterglow's Flame'?"
Shen Xing stared at the last unfamiliar material, a sense of doubt creeping into his heart.
As usual, I opened the official forum, searched for relevant information, and then understood.
This [Afterglow Fire], like the [Black Crystal], comes from wild resource points.
You need to find the [Afterglow Sacrifice Tower] and light it to produce this material periodically.
"This material seems quite important. It can be used not only as the soul fire to recruit creatures, but also to replenish the lamp oil for the lantern in the wild, extending exploration time."
"In addition, during combat, you can crush it directly, ignite it, and remove abnormal statuses."
"Overall, it has many uses."
After analyzing the situation, Shen Xing formed a plan in his mind.
"It's time to start a new day of exploration, for the sake of the kemonomimi (animal-eared girls)—no, for the sake of making our territory bigger and stronger!"