Current Development and Battle Plans

"No need to be so formal. Everyone, store away the prey, and then go about your business."

As Serea spoke, the Skeleton Warriors behind her laid the animal carcasses and skinned hides on the ground.

The elves then took away the animal bodies—deer, rabbits, and the like—while Dolusam the armorer took the hides.

Serea planned to leave some of these for "eating" and "crafting equipment," so she didn't extract materials from them.

Of course, that was just a portion; she had extracted materials from most of the prey.

After all, both humans and elves needed to eat, and since there wasn't enough farmland—and the undead often came and ruined the crops—they couldn't rely on grain. Hunting was the only way to sustain life for now.

Besides, winter was coming, so they still needed to stockpile food.

"Your Majesty, we had quite a fruitful harvest today."

"Mm, it's not bad, but prey is getting scarcer around here. If we want to keep hunting, we'll probably have to go farther afield."

"Then... what about the undead situation, Your Majesty? Did you encounter any danger?"

"We'll talk about that inside."

With that, Serea led the way into the Queen's wooden cabin. After so many days of Celia's loving healing, Serea's injuries had completely recovered.

As she walked, Serea also checked her stock of materials.

At present, the material counts were:Blood Crystal: 21Fear Crystal: 91Death Crystal: 125Soul Crystal: 90

Due to frequent undead appearances lately, Serea had managed to collect a load of Death Crystals, but as for Blood Crystals...

Between crafting, repairing equipment, and creating Blood Springs, she could hardly save up any Blood Crystals, and right now, she was sorely lacking in them. This left Serea troubled.

Wearing a troubled look, Serea sat down on the vine chair. Celia stood by the door, while Vina, Lola, and Doluka stood below.

"Recently, the undead have been increasing, and their strength has grown as well. To ensure the safety and development of our village, I'll be leading a group soon to eliminate the source of the 'power of death'."

"You've already found the 'source'?"

"Mm. It's just deeper in the forest, not far from us—in fact, it's quite close. Its presence threatens us, so if it can't be removed, we must deal with it immediately."

As Serea spoke, Doluka pursed her lips and replied.

"But, Your Majesty, aren't the undead your subordinates?"

"Ah, yes, that's true. But there can always be exceptions. It's just like how it's difficult for you and other elven tribes to get along, isn't it?"

"..."

Doluka remained silent, thinking for a moment before Lola expressed herself.

"I'll go have our clansfolk prepare for battle."

"No, have the Darkmoon Clan's warriors stay here to defend the village for now. I'll take a select few with me; the main force will still be my undead subordinates."

"I understand."

Lola agreed, but after that, she lowered her head further.

She understood Serea's reasoning, because even though Serea had given them power, only two blood elves had been born in five days.

With such combat power, it was "best" to have them stay here...

"Little Black will bring back more detailed intel later. Before that, is there anything else you want to say?"

Serea asked. Hearing this, Lola suddenly remembered something.

"Your Majesty, there's something I wish to discuss."

"Oh? Go on."

"It's about the Bloodfang Tribe."

Serea recalled that the so-called Bloodfang Tribe was the group of werewolves who had previously come to aid the Darkmoon Clan.

"They have also suffered at the hands of the undead. Many of their clansfolk have been injured. Even though I already gave them 'Life Spring' to purge plague and toxins, that's only a temporary fix."

Lola spoke, and Serea understood.

Even if Aruka's wolf cavalry were strong, faced with such disasters and no walls to defend them, they couldn't stand guard day and night; it was inevitable they'd run into trouble with the undead's relentless attacks.

"So, what do you want?"

"So, Aruka requests that the children and women of the Bloodfang Tribe be allowed to take shelter in our village."

"..."

At this, Lola hung her head even lower.

After all, Aruka was only on friendly terms with their tribe—Serea herself hadn't benefited from him.

To presumptuously ask Queen Serea to let outsiders seek refuge...

"It's fine, let them come. Isn't there still plenty of vacant land in the village? If we put up tents, we can house a lot of people."

"Ah? Your Majesty, you agree!"

"Mm. After all, they came to help us last time, didn't they? It's precisely in tough times that you need allies willing to lend a hand. If they're in trouble, of course we should do what we can to help. Tell them they can come, but as for food, have them prepare as much of their own as possible."

"Yes, I understand. I'll notify them shortly."

The worry on Lola's face disappeared, and upon hearing that Aruka's tribe would be coming, Vina and the others were actually delighted rather than opposed.

Because what the elven tribe lacked now was strength—if Aruka's wolf cavalry were here, the village would be all the safer.

Once that topic was settled, Little Black returned.

"Lord of the Undead!"

A female voice called from outside, and everyone looked toward the door.

Little Black, dressed in a black robe, entered and knelt on one knee before Serea.

After he came in, Dorulu lingered at the doorway, but seeing Serea and Lola discussing matters, she sensibly withdrew.

"Your Majesty, I found the 'source'. Many undead have entered an ancient tomb deep in the forest, with even more gathered outside. The tomb has only recently opened."

"Good, that's what we needed. Prepare for action. The Skeleton Warrior unit will act as the vanguard, while the Darkmoon Clan elves defend the rear. We'll go face that thing."

"Yes!" xN

Everyone answered at once, and then Serea looked pointedly at Lola and Vina.

"Lola, Vina, the two of you will come with me and the Skeleton Warriors, while Doluka is to stay behind and organize the defense. I'll leave two Skeleton Warriors in the village to assist you and keep in contact with me."

"No problem." x3

"Good, it's settled then."

Thus, Serea's "strategic meeting" concluded, and she planned to depart the next day, to eliminate that "threat" as soon as possible.

If that "threat" remained, the corpses beneath the Corrupted Forest would keep reviving endlessly—an outcome that would do Serea no good.

Either she slew it, or left herself, but after building the Blood Well, the latter was no longer an option. So, a fight was inevitable!

Before that, though, she had to make thorough preparations. While the undead themselves were weak, any entity capable of reviving so many undead was undoubtedly powerful.

But Serea didn't fear them, for her Skeleton Warrior unit could regenerate infinitely.

Unless she lost Little Black, Little White, or the spellcasting skeleton, she didn't mind losing the others.

And when facing such an enemy, what preparation did she need?

Of course—it was time to draw cards!

(To be continued...)

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