A Realistic Mount & Blade Game

The evening banquet was very lavish, as it celebrated victory and welcomed the new immigrants, so everyone had their fill of food.

Moreover, the kitchen, having just harvested those desert antelopes for meat, was not stingy with the meat rations.

In addition, a large amount of flour was produced with the help of the windmill from the many unhusked wheat grains. Even the boiled porridge and vegetable soup seemed extraordinarily thick, allowing the new immigrants to eat to their heart's content.

Of course, those soldiers who had performed meritorious service on the battlefield and achieved victory were additionally given two extra white bread pies, baked until golden brown and filled with pumpkin and honey, smelling incredibly sweet.

These soldiers ate with great pleasure, temporarily forgetting the tragic battle of the day.

Good food is always the best comfort on the battlefield.

A good food supply allows soldiers to maintain high morale and escape the cruel reality of the battlefield, and in the next battle, they can maintain courage and launch a more fierce attack on the enemy.

Shen Mu strongly agreed with this logistical supply concept.

So he moved it here.

In the noble's residence, at the long table in the reception hall, Fatis, Bunduk, and Alayen sat on the right side.

Marnid and Jeremus sat on the left side.

A candlestick was placed in the middle.

Each person's plate had delicacies carefully prepared by the halfling chef, as well as a mug of ale specially allocated to each person.

These were gifts from merchants who had come before, and there were not many, only 10 barrels.

Now they were just used to celebrate victory and welcome everyone.

It was considered quite lavish.

Moreover, among the five generals present, except for Alayen, who, due to his background, felt a bit distant from Marnid, the merchant, the others were already familiar with each other and chatted happily.

In fact, even if there was distance, it didn't mean that they couldn't communicate and cooperate, etc.

Being able to sit here basically meant that it was a gathering of the good-aligned generals in the Mount \u0026 Blade Warband world.

Everyone at least had common topics.

If an evil-aligned general were to be inserted, that would be truly awkward, with verbal opposition, and even the possibility of physical conflict.

But Shen Mu didn't care that the good-aligned generals who had appeared were getting along harmoniously.

"You guys continue, I'm going back to my room to rest." After Shen Mu finished his share of the delicacies, he excused himself from the banquet.

Because for him, there were more important things to deal with.

Upgrades from the soldiers.

Shen Mu returned to his bedroom on the second floor.

"Lord, we will stand guard here tonight." Two Holy Tree Knights and two Swadian Knights also walked out of the adjacent secondary bedroom, respectfully saluted Shen Mu, and stood at the door of the master bedroom.

"Okay, thank you for your hard work." Shen Mu nodded, expressing his gratitude to them.

Currently, the 10 Holy Tree Knights and 10 Swadian Knights that he possessed usually resided in the noble residence, on the second floor.

This was considered close protection for Shen Mu.

In case of any situation, they could protect Shen Mu and rush back to the safe Rhodok castle.

As for the separate administrative residence next door, there were, of course, rooms prepared for the five generals to rest in.

In addition, there were Swadian light infantry standing guard at the door, and patrol teams that would pass by the main and side gates of the noble residence every so often, making it extremely well-protected, and any abnormal situation would be immediately known.

Shen Mu was also very relieved by their dedication and responsibility.

Returning to the bedroom.

Sitting on the chair, he glanced at the dark night outside, feeling the slight chill from the soul level.

Shen Mu didn't have much fear.

In the room, a straight white candle was burning, bringing bright light.

It seemed that the light dispelled the darkness.

But now Shen Mu was very clear that the castle and town area covered by the Mount \u0026 Blade rules, and the land extending outwards, approaching thousands of acres, would no longer be invaded by the undead rules.

Those complete darkness and the gray fog that permeated, although they would still form an erosion effect on this area.

However, it was no longer possible, as before, to fall into a terrifying place where darkness and gray fog lingered, and undead monsters haunted, making anyone shudder!

Moreover, on the surrounding walls, the soldiers on guard lit braziers at intervals.

The patrol team also constantly patrolled with torches.

It was just that after experiencing a tragic battle during the day, Shen Mu wanted these soldiers to rest well for a few nights, and was not in a hurry to obtain upgrade experience.

Otherwise, Shen Mu would have sent a group of newly joined Swadian militiamen to sweep the undead monsters outside to earn upgrade experience.

After all, it was just a group of ordinary undead monsters that could no longer pose any danger.

They were just some skeleton frames or moving ghouls and zombies.

Even if there were some skeleton warriors, skeleton spearmen, and skeleton archers who could condense into formations based on their instincts before death, looking quite decent, in reality, based on the strength of these skeletons, they would hardly pose much of a threat to the Swadian militiamen!

Shen Mu was about to lose his awe of those undead monsters!

"Open the troop upgrade interface." Shen Mu shook his head and didn't continue to think wildly. Instead, he communicated with the system and brought up the troop upgrade interface.

[You have soldiers who can be upgraded...]

[Swadian Light Infantry × 120, costing 100 denars each, can be upgraded to '"Tier 4" Swadian Infantry (Heavy Spear Infantry)' or '"Tier 4" Swadian Heavy Cavalry (Heavy Lance Cavalry)'.]

[Rhodok Sharpshooter × 50, costing 100 denars each, can be upgraded to '"Tier 4" Rhodok Veteran Sharpshooter (Ranged Heavy Crossbowman)'.]

[Vaegir Skirmisher × 50, costing 100 denars each, can be upgraded to '"Tier 4" Vaegir Archer (Ranged Archer)'.]

[Lake Rat Senior Thug × 75, costing 100 denars each, can be upgraded to '"Tier 4" Lake Rat Destroyer (Heavy Throwing Infantry)'.]

Then, in front of Shen Mu, the dialog box quickly popped up with the number of soldiers that could be upgraded this time.

And the denars required for the upgrade.

"..." Shen Mu pursed his lips.

Even though he had just received the reward of 10,000 denars, which was considered wealthy, seeing the upgrade costs of these troops still left him speechless.

Because there were too many soldiers to upgrade.

Almost 300 people.

And they were all Tier 3 or Tier 4 upgrades.

It would cost 50 denars per person or even 100 denars per person.

Adding up this amount, the 10,000 denars that Shen Mu currently possessed seemed pitiful, and there was no way to upgrade all the soldiers!

Just to upgrade the 120 Swadian Light Infantry to Tier 4 infantry or heavy cavalry.

That would require a full 12,000 denars.

Now, it seemed.

That Shen Mu was still short 2,000 denars!

"This is a bit worrying." Shen Mu leaned back in his chair, looking at the dark night sky outside, his mood extremely melancholy.

Now upgrading troops required money, and building towns required money.

It should be known that the newly established Vaegir village, "New Rivacheg," also needed money, requiring a large amount of capital investment to improve the village.

It was all money, money, money!

"I'm going crazy." Shen Mu's originally good mood became a bit depressed again.

After a little pondering and analyzing the current situation.

Shen Mu made arrangements:

"The Swadian troops don't need to be upgraded for the time being, and the Rhodok Sharpshooters also don't need to be upgraded for the time being, so let's upgrade all 75 Lake Rat Senior Thugs to Lake Rat Destroyers first."

Then, in front of Shen Mu, the dialog box popped up.

[Ding! You have chosen to upgrade 75 Lake Rat Senior Thugs, costing 100 denars each, which can be upgraded to '"Tier 4" Lake Rat Destroyer (Heavy Throwing Infantry)', requiring a total of: 7,500 denars.]

This was an inquiry.

"Confirm upgrade." Shen Mu also made a decision.

'Buzz!'

A white light flashed in the center of his brow.

A stream of data rushed directly out of the window, came to the Lake Rat training camp, and landed on the Lake Rat Senior Thugs who were resting after a day of fighting.

Before long, the figures of these Lake Rat Senior Thugs walked out of the white light again.

As the white light was absorbed by the Lake Rat Senior Thugs.

What appeared now.

Was wearing more refined northern leather chainmail, wearing a nasal infantry helmet, and the javelins on their bodies had changed from 10 harpoons to 10 barbed javelins, and the kite shield had also become a heavy round shield that was easier to use with a long-handled serrated spear, plus the armor-piercing axe issued on the waist, it was indeed majestic!

As the peak Tier 4 existence in Mount \u0026 Blade, the Lake Rat Destroyers, at the level of foot combat, were already comparable to noble Tier 5 infantry.

Especially because they had barbed javelins, a powerful killing weapon that could destroy shields and armor.

Even more, it demonstrated unparalleled destructive power!

The reason why they were not selected as Tier 5 troops was not because the Lake Rat Destroyers themselves were weak.

But because the armor on their bodies was only chainmail. Compared to the heavy chainmail or heavy lamellar armor, heavy scale armor-level Tier 5 infantry generally equipped armor, most of which were chainmail equipped by Tier 3 troops, which was indeed not enough.

This represented poor defense.

When it came to a real fight.

They would suffer a big loss!

However, the reason why Shen Mu would mainly upgrade these Lake Rat Senior Thugs was because the killing power of these peak Tier 4 troops was indeed amazing.

Although the close combat defense was relatively weak.

However, close combat defense and tanking were all done by the Swadian infantry.

After all, there were now 150 more Swadian infantry, also Tier 4 troops, as well as 300 Swadian light infantry and 500 Swadian militiamen.

Enough to hold up the defense line.

At this time, Shen Mu needed these Lake Rat Destroyers, who could also tank while using barbed javelins to throw and kill others, causing huge losses to the enemy, the number of assault infantry was increasing.

Moreover, Shen Mu also found in today's battle that these infantry who could throw javelins performed quite well on the city wall.

Many enemies had not rushed up yet.

They were taken away by several waves of fierce and accurate javelin rain.

Even against heavily armored enemies, both the slender, hooked javelins and the equally slender harpoons were highly effective at armor penetration.

Even the fish darts used by the lowest-ranking Lake Rat Gang recruits possessed armor-piercing capabilities.

Shen Mu would, of course, choose to upgrade the trump units within these secondary factions.

“Of the remaining 2500 denars, allocate 2000 to upgrade 20 Swadian Light Infantry into 20 Swadian Heavy Cavalry.”

At this moment, Shen Mu once again communicated with the system through his thoughts.

Looking at the meager denars remaining, he still made the decision: “Increase the current number of Swadian Heavy Cavalry to 150!”

Almost instantly after Shen Mu made his decision, a dialog box appeared before his eyes.

[Ding! You have chosen to upgrade 20 Swadian Light Infantry, consuming 100 denars per person, to upgrade them into ‘Fourth-Order’ Swadian Heavy Cavalry (Heavy Armored Cavalry), requiring a total of: 2000 denars.]

“Confirm!” Shen Mu once again chose to confirm.

‘Buzz!’

Then, streams of data surged forth again.

In a tent on the edge of the Lake Rat Gang training camp, amidst a flash of white light, 20 Swadian Heavy Cavalry soldiers, leading their equally fully armed Swadian warhorses, appeared there.

Signifying the end of the upgrade.

“That’s it.” Looking at the remaining 500 denars, Shen Mu no longer had the desire to continue upgrading.

He slowly closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

His mood was somewhat low.

Until the next morning.

“Ugh.” Shen Mu slowly opened his eyes, seeing the bright daylight outside the window, and rubbed his slightly numb face, sitting up from the bed, his mood somewhat improved after a whole night of rest.

As for the problem of denars, Shen Mu decided not to think about it anymore.

… …

Meanwhile, at the Diesel Company.

When news of the defeat reached the main tent of the Orc tribe, almost everyone was stunned.

“The General Manager requests all senior executives! Immediate meeting!”

“Attention! General Manager’s orders!”

“All senior executives!”

“Proceed immediately to the Chieftain’s Great Tent for a meeting!”

Throughout the Diesel Group's interior, atop the earthen mounds, the burly, robust Pig-Headed Elite Leaders were shouting loudly.

Their powerful voices echoed throughout the entire Orc camp.

Even though it was already dark outside.

Many senior executives, who were leading their personal guard teams patrolling the rammed-earth walls,

Upon hearing these shouts, all wore tense expressions and quickly gathered at the Chieftain's Great Tent.

From the Human Resources Department and Quality Control Department to the Sales Department, all three department heads had arrived this time.

Including the head of the Transportation Department.

However, the other three department heads, looking at the head of the Transportation Department, wore expressionless faces, but their eyes flickered slightly.

They exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of schadenfreude in each other's eyes.

Because the Transportation Department suffered too great a loss this time!

To the extent that they all knew that this loss could be said to be the Diesel Company's greatest loss in a single operation, directly causing the Diesel Company's strength to be severely weakened!

After all, the Diesel Company only possessed a military force of just over 2500 Pig-Headed Orcs.

Now, half of them had been written off.

Adding the 500-plus Pig-Headed Orcs that Wu Hu had previously written off.

It could be said that the Diesel Company's current armed forces were even worse than they had been two years ago, almost the same as when the Orc tribe was first established!

However, due to internal strife, the heads of the Human Resources Department, Quality Control Department, and Sales Department did not say much.

In the past, the Transportation Department liked to make extra money on the transportation routes.

It was considered a lucrative position.

Causing envy among other departments.

With the arrival of the Necromantic Rules, the Transportation Department, relying on its large number of permanent employees, had become the number one armed force of the Orc camp, now the Diesel Company.

They were usually arrogant and domineering, not taking others seriously, which had long aroused public anger.

Now, seeing him suffer a setback, they naturally felt relieved.

“Report the situation.” At this moment, as a voice suppressing anger appeared inside the great tent, everyone present dared not speak, all lowering their heads, looking very respectful.

Because it was Xue Zhigang, the General Manager of the entire Diesel Company, the Chieftain of the Orc tribe, who spoke!

He was not questioning the other three department heads.

But rather,

The current head of the Transportation Department, Qian Duojun.

“General Manager, this matter was handled personally by Deputy Minister Fu Jian, so I am not very clear about it.” Qian Duojun wiped the cold sweat from his face, stammering, “However, I hope to be given some time to investigate and see where the problem lies.”

Qian Duojun could only say this at this time.

He was already an old-timer in the Diesel Company, and also an old man preparing to retire at any time. Although he was called a department head, he had not participated in major decision-making for a long time.

Moreover, this reason was also the arrangement of Xue Zhigang, the General Manager.

Since he took office, he had supported Wu Hu, this young man, and then Fu Jian, this middle-aged man.

Basically, he wanted to control the absolute power of the Transportation Department in his own hands.

Everyone understood.

Qian Duojun also understood.

Xue Zhigang, the General Manager, who personally arranged all of this under the great tent, understood even more.

“I’m not talking about you, I’m talking about the Human Resources Department.” Therefore, Xue Zhigang forcibly suppressed his anger at this time, instead pointing to the head of the Human Resources Department, and said in a deep voice: “Report the losses.”

“Yes, General Manager, the losses in this battle were relatively heavy…”

The head of the Human Resources Department immediately took a step forward, stood out, tremblingly took out his notebook, looked at the records on it, and quickly said, “This time, we lost 122 permanent employees, 54 contract workers, and 157 temporary workers, which can be said to be an extremely heavy loss.”

While speaking, his tone paused slightly, and he still reported tremblingly:

“As for the Pig-Headed Orcs we possessed, we lost a total of 1086 heads, basically completely annihilated. Not a single Pig-Headed Orc escaped back, all of them died on the battlefield.”

After he finished speaking, the entire great tent fell into a strange silence.

After a long while.

Xue Zhigang’s weary voice slowly appeared: “Since that’s the case, then it is indeed a heavy loss.”

The four department heads present lowered their heads, and cold sweat began to drip down their temples.

“Pay attention to vigilance. During this period, strictly prevent that human new lord from coming to attack or investigate the situation. For those Blue Star humans in the tribe, persuasion should be the main focus, and they should all be kept in the tribe and not allowed to go out.”

“Also, send a batch of food to those Wood Elves of the Green Leaf Group, and say that we agree to the previous cooperation intention.”

“Finally… start selecting some people from those trustworthy outsiders to supplement the permanent employees, and at the same time select some ordinary humans with good qualifications and cleverness, let them learn how to sense the Astral Realm, sign contracts with them and the Pig-Headed Orcs, be able to summon some Pig-Headed Orcs as followers, cultivate them, and become the new force of our Diesel Company in the future.”

Xue Zhigang began to speak, arranging each sentence.

Below, the four department heads kept recording.

In the entire Chieftain's Great Tent, at this time, besides Xue Zhigang's voice, there was only the sound of writing.

And soon Xue Zhigang finished arranging this time's work, and said in a deep voice: “Let’s do it like this.”

But the four department heads still didn't dare to say anything more at this time.

Because they noticed that Xue Zhigang, who had always been irritable, didn't say anything harsh, or even get angry.

This was undoubtedly a terrifying sign of a volcano on the verge of eruption but not erupting, making them feel timid.

“The matter has already been done, and in a situation where it can’t be reversed, what we have to do is to adjust to the new goal as soon as possible and prevent ourselves from falling into an even worse situation.”

Xue Zhigang slowly opened his mouth at this time, seemingly explaining to these people: “You can go and sit according to what I said. Remember, before the next Black Tide arrives, you must keep those Blue Star humans here with us, and absolutely must not let that Human Race New Lord obtain enough Blue Star humans to replenish energy to his Lord Core.”

“Understood, General Manager.” These department heads nodded.

Then, watching Xue Zhigang wave his hand at them, letting them leave, they also saluted and left.

However, after walking out of the great tent, they all looked at each other at this time.

This was simply not the style of Xue Zhigang, the General Manager.

In the past, if there was a small mistake, he couldn't wait to directly kill them and throw them into the pig trough to feed those Pig-Headed Elite Leaders.

Now that such a big problem had occurred.

This General Manager was so calm, it really surprised them.

But after they left.

Xue Zhigang's fat body sitting on the chair slowly moved, countless fat trembling, it seemed that his mood was not as calm as he showed.

“Damn it.” Xue Zhigang sighed wearily: “Wu Hu is a waste, I didn’t expect Fu Jian to be a waste too. I am now at the final stage of refining that thing. If I can possess that power, what Human Race New Lord is destined to be crushed by me.”

Xue Zhigang slightly clenched his fist, looking at the lifted tent curtain in front, looking at the azure blue sky outside.

A trace of anger appeared in his eyes:

“The next Black Tide is coming soon. According to that Pig-Headed Orc Shaman, after the next Black Tide, more transcendent power will be able to descend on Blue Star… Damn it! If Wu Hu and Fu Jian were more competitive and snatched the Lord Crystal Core of that Human Race New Lord for me, then I would definitely become stronger! So as to successfully refine the artifact fragment of that Gnoll God Yeenoghu! What a couple of wastes!”