"We've finally arrived..."
"I can sense the swamp calling me!"
"Is this where we will live from now on?"
"This place seems bigger than the swamp we lived in before!"
"Praise the goddess!"
"..."
Everyone was excited, the Mud Swamp People were dancing, and the Wetland Lizard-men were barely able to contain their excitement.
After a long journey of more than half a month, spanning over a thousand miles across the Wilderness, overcoming numerous hardships, they finally arrived safely at their destination.
The excitement in their hearts was unparalleled, all their emotions were released.
Lear was also in high spirits at this moment.
We've finally made it.
His territory, the place where everything begins!
At that moment, the Swamp Divine Format within the Seed of Magic floating in his mind suddenly emitted a faint glow...
Lear instinctively looked towards the swamp obscured by the grass, feeling a faint presence of something he desperately longed for in the land—
Authority!
Like a traveler in a desert yearning for fresh water.
"Sir..."
Bain's excited tone interrupted his thoughts.
This Mud Swamp People hero exclaimed excitedly.
"The air is full of moisture, there must be a giant water vein within the swamp."
For the Mud Swamp People, the swamp is truly home.
The swamp they previously inhabited had died due to the drying up of the water vein, and they were forced to leave, leading to their capture by a slaver squad.
A giant water vein is the guarantee of the swamp's existence!
There is great potential for the future.
Lear regained his composure and said in a light tone.
"Let's hope so... Everyone rest for the night, we'll explore the swamp tomorrow."
He needed to carefully consider the exact location for establishing the territory and how to develop it next.
The most crucial thing was that today was August 4th, and at midnight, the intelligence would refresh once more.
During the journey over the past few days—on the 20th, 25th, and 30th—the intelligence was refreshed three times, but without exception, the intelligence was warnings, foretelling the threats ahead.
Thanks to this intelligence, he avoided several waves of monsters that could have wiped out the convoy.
He eventually reached this Mire Swamp, which is over a thousand kilometers from Lorand City.
It seemed like a peaceful journey, but only he knew how much risk had been involved in the past half month!
Set up camp, start a fire, and cook dinner.
After dinner, Lear walked out of the tent, the sky's crescent moon like a hook, emitting a white glow.
The hot air gradually dissipated, and a refreshing breeze came in.
Lear's mood also relaxed, enjoying the night breeze comfortably.
He caught sight of Haggs, who had just arranged the night watch.
Seeing his hero, whom he personally nurtured, he waved him over to sit on the grass beside him.
An excited Haggs carefully sat down.
"Sovereign..."
Lear looked at his expression and softly asked.
"Haggs, I've never asked you, where was your home before?"
Haggs paused, a somber look in his eyes.
"Sovereign, the swamp where we lived was taken over by a group of Beastmen long ago. I led my tribe to wander the Wilderness... In a conflict with the Snake-men, we were captured by passing humans."
The word 'home' was foreign in his eyes.
This is also the fate of most Wilderness life; the strong occupy a territory, even build cities.
The weaker races can only wander the Wilderness.
After saying this, Haggs hesitated a bit before saying.
"But after meeting you, I found the true meaning of existence..."
His eyes lit up.
"It is our life's honor to follow you!"
Lear gave them a sense of purpose, letting them know whom and what they fight for!
These things seemed worthless, but to him, they were of great significance.
After hearing the heartfelt words of this Lizard-man hero, Lear was also somewhat moved.
He suddenly felt a little less estranged from this world.
Reaching out, he patted the other's shoulder.
"From now on, this will be our home..."
Haggs paused, wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say.
He finally just nodded and mumbled a response.
He inexplicably felt a sense of warmth he hadn't felt in a long time.
It seemed that everything was said without words.
They stayed on the grass until midnight, when time ticked from August 4th to 5th, and the intelligence system interface in Lear's mind changed once again.
"[The Intelligence System has cooled down, intelligence can be refreshed, would you like to refresh?]"
His spirit lifted, showing a hint of excitement and anticipation in his eyes.
Refresh!
In a second, five pieces of intelligence were refreshed in succession.
"[1. In the center of the swamp, there's a flat area with a diameter of two kilometers, the best place to establish a territory. To the right, there's a winding path leading directly to the central flat area. At any fork, simply go left. (2 Stars)]"
[2. Once the Authority of the Swamp is activated, it will cause a massive magic power fluctuation. Do not leave the swamp during the complete control of the authority. (2 Stars)]
[3. After reaching the center of the Mire Swamp, walk 10 kilometers southeast, and you'll encounter a patch of Starry Sky Vine. These vines are more resilient than steel ropes, yet light in texture, making them ideal for constructing houses in the swamp. (2 Stars)]
[4. In the central region, 30 kilometers north, there lives a group of Rotting Centaurs, with an average level of 8, the highest level reaching 10, amounting to over 500 in number. (3 Stars)]
[5. Underground in the territory occupied by the Rotting Centaurs, there grows a 1 Star magic plant, the Blue Heart Mud Fruit. (3 Stars)]
Lear's mood soared instantly.
This time, the refreshed intelligence turned out to be all starting at 2 Stars, and there were two pieces of 3 Star intelligence!
This was the most valuable occurrence in so many days!
He took a deep breath, calmed his mind, and started reading from the first piece.
The first piece was about the territory construction site — there was a two-kilometer diameter clearing at the center of the swamp, suitable for constructing territory.
It even provided a path to the swamp center.
With this intelligence, many troubles could be saved.
Very good indeed.
The second piece was about activating the Authority of the Swamp.
But where the authority is located and in what form it exists is still a problem.
He could only note this down first and operate after acquiring the authority.
The third piece of intelligence was intriguing — the Starry Sky Vine.
It was the first time he had heard of such a plant.
The terrain of the swamp is special, and building houses and structures like on ordinary land can easily result in problems.
The moist vapor and the easily sinking terrain are significant obstacles.
Now the materials for constructing the territory are available!
Good stuff, must get hold of it.
The fourth piece of intelligence — valued at 3 Stars!
In the central region, 30 kilometers north, there lives a group of over 500 Rotting Centaurs.
Average level 8, the highest level reaching 10!
All are middle-tier Knights!
Lear immediately felt the pressure.
At present, the most powerful existence he had — Haggs, was only level 7.
Although he is a hero unit, it is unrealistic to rely on one person to handle 500 Rotting Centaurs.
Unless it were someone like Firina, a top-level power at level 17.
Its 3 Star value explains a lot of problems.
The last piece of intelligence is rather suggestive... Underground beneath the Rotting Centaurs, hidden is the magic plant — Blue Heart Mud Fruit.
This magic plant has memory from its original form, it is a rare one that can directly serve as staple food.
Though it doesn't compare with Noah's Rice, just half a pound can satisfy a strong Beastman Warrior for an entire day.
Additionally, it has a high yield, maturing in just two months.
However, this magic plant grows only in humid areas, making its cultivation difficult, preventing large-scale farming.
It has always been monopolized by the great nobles.
If he could obtain it, the food problem would be resolved!
This is a strategic treasure concerning the territory's survival and future development!
The growing conditions required by the Blue Heart Mud Fruit are not a problem for the swamp at all.
A plant chosen by heaven!
The 3 Star value indeed bears significant weight.
However... wanting to obtain this high-potential magic plant, first, the threat of the Rotting Centaurs must be resolved.
Lear fell asleep in deep thought...
August 5th, early morning.
Lear rose early, checked the quantity of dragon dung, and gazed ahead at the swamp.
Mud, murky water, decaying corpses, weeds, moss, solitary trees... all fit the minstrel's impression of a swamp.
Short grasses grow in the muddy waters, and a few murky stagnant pools occasionally bubble, revealing half-concealed bones of unknown life-forms in the water's surface.
The air is filled with the stench of rotting sludge, with moss wrapping around dried rotten wood, bestowing it a thick layer of green garb.
A faint mist hovers in the air, obscuring clear vision.
Through the mist, a few sparse giant trees can be vaguely seen, but they don't form a forest.
The Mire Swamp stretches over hundreds of kilometers, teeming with countless swamp life.
It is also a terrifying place where danger and death coexist.
The most memorable aspect is the mire that can swallow anything; it's a natural trap, with one misstep leading to being swallowed by the muddy waters.
Additionally, the humid environment nurtures countless highly poisonous mosquitoes and snakes.
Ordinary people find it extremely hard to make any progress upon entering it.
Above the mire, a crooked path stretches into the mist.
Lear took a deep breath and commanded Haggs to lead 5 squads of Wetland Lizard-men to scout and maintain vigilance ahead.
Strive to eliminate all dangers.
Then he ordered the convoy onto the narrow path.
The road was narrow, inevitably stretching out the convoy.
The Mud Swamp People and Wetland Lizard-men are swamp life forms; upon entering the swamp, their vitality saw a noticeable improvement.
The damp air, murky stagnant ponds, and clusters of grass, trees, and vines made the unique swamp environment imbue them with a sense of security.
Lear was no different... Upon entering the swamp, he could feel the entire swamp rejoicing.
Welcoming his arrival...
Gazing deeply at this wetland, his eyes sparkled like a starry river.
Your god... has returned!