The lieutenant colonel nodded and then picked up a large and a small backpack, placing them on the worktable. He said, “Since you have chosen to be a free hunter, according to the arrangements of the Imperial Military, these are the supplies provided for you, and they have been adjusted as per your requirements. Apart from the necessary food, water, and standard ammunition, there are also two baselines of twenty sniper rounds and fifty general-purpose rounds for sidearms. By the way, these rounds contain mithril, but in limited quantities. So, don’t expect too much from their effects when dealing with the big figures from Eternaria.”
Qian Ye nodded in understanding.
The lieutenant colonel pointed at the smaller pack and continued, “Here are the medicines, maps, and stimulants, all part of the standard issue and provided free of charge. If you need better quality or larger quantities, you can apply for them. We still have sufficient supplies, but, of course, at an additional cost. You can pay with imperial coins or by exchanging military merits.”
Next, the lieutenant colonel informed Qian Ye about some basic information.
After the Empire destroyed the void channel leading to the Continent of Eternaria where the Great Beasts lay dormant, the advance troops that had long been concealed in the surrounding void made a direct landing, catching the Eternaria Council off guard. The bases they had originally established suffered nearly catastrophic damage.
In a short time, the Empire had seized the initiative and established bases in six out of seven major war zones. The dark races, hurriedly mobilizing ducal-level combat forces, managed to preserve the remnants of their base and took control of that war zone, but its location was truly undesirable, surrounded by three of the Empire’s war zones.
During his free hunts, it would be best for Qian Ye to leave proof of his kills, though if the battle was too intense and he couldn’t manage, it was fine. The Empire would verify military achievements through the casualty numbers reported by spies among the Eternaria. These were well-known rules among the veterans, and Qian Ye was fully aware of them.
Furthermore, as a powerful free hunter, Qian Ye could move freely between the various war zones and return to the forward base at any time for rest and resupply. However, all replenishments would be charged, though they could also be exchanged for military merits.
Qian Ye listened patiently, about to take his leave, when the lieutenant colonel suddenly lowered his voice and whispered, “General Qian Ye, I wonder if you would be interested in participating in the battles in a specific war zone?”
Sensing there was more to his words, Qian Ye kept a calm expression and asked, “I’m not quite sure, apart from the terrain, are there differences between the war zones?”
The lieutenant colonel smiled and said, “Of course, and the differences are significant. You know, those who choose free hunting are true powerhouses. Many families now responsible for individual war zones have offered special terms to attract powerful individuals to their areas, including the Imperial Family.”
This was essentially an extra bounty, and Qian Ye was hearing about such opportunities in formal warfare for the first time, piquing his interest slightly. “Which families, and what conditions have they offered?”
Seeing his interest, the lieutenant colonel perked up and said, “It’s not convenient to discuss here. General Qian Ye, please follow me; let’s go somewhere else and talk in detail.”
Qian Ye nodded and followed the lieutenant colonel out of the tent to a secluded, independent small tent nearby. The lieutenant colonel took out a notebook, flipped to a page, and said, “Currently, the Imperial Family, the Bai clan, the Song clan, and the Li family have offered terms involving five war zones.”
“The Li family?”
The lieutenant colonel pointed upward, lowering his voice even further, “It’s the Li family of Jing Tang, the current Empress’ family. They’ve really put a lot into this.”
Qian Ye raised his eyebrows and said, “Really? Tell me more.”
The lieutenant colonel said, “This time, the Li family has joined forces with several other families to take the most dangerous Misty Forest. Their offer is the best. In the Li family’s war zone, confirmed military merits will come with additional supplies equivalent to the same amount of merits. Additionally, if the confirmed merits reach the rank of count, the Li family will provide an extra supply package worth a count’s worth.”
Hearing this, Qian Ye couldn’t help but be moved. It meant that hunting a count in the Misty Forest would yield rewards equivalent to three counts. This was indeed a generous offer, likely tempting many. But the risk was high, and the Misty Forest was a place every powerhouse despised, with the perception-obscuring fog being truly vile.
Qian Ye remained composed, asking, “What about the others?”
The lieutenant colonel had been secretly observing Qian Ye, and seeing his calm expression, felt a bit disappointed. Nonetheless, he gathered his spirits and said, “Actually, the other families’ terms are quite good too. For example, the Song clan offers double military merit rewards, plus a fixed monthly subsidy based on one’s original force level.”
The Song clan’s war zone was the Moonlit Plains, half plain and half highland, a fairly balanced environment, much better than the Misty Forest. The most attractive feature of the Song clan was the monthly subsidy, allowing one to earn money even by just staying on the battlefield. This was very appealing to many cautious powerhouses.
At first, Qian Ye thought the Song clan’s decision-makers were unambitious, but upon reflection, attracting enough powerhouses would be a deterrent even if they did nothing. Moreover, once the dark races entered the Moonlit Plains, these powerhouses would have to fight, otherwise, why would they be on the floating continent battlefield?
Thus, if the Moonlit Plains could be defended, the Song clan could carve out a sizable territory there. Though the plains were difficult to defend, the flat terrain would make future development easier.
Thinking this, Qian Ye shook his head inwardly, marveling at the Song clan’s wealth. Relying on money to attract powerhouses, however, wasn’t a long-term solution. It would suppress their own powerhouses, and the younger generation would lose their bloodthirst.
The lieutenant colonel continued, explaining that the terms offered by the other families were similar. The Bai clan also matched military merits, but additionally offered a range of armor choices. Known for producing premium armor, the Bai clan controlled two of the three main mithral silk sites. Thus, their armor, made from mithral silk, was always in high demand, not just for money.
The Imperial Family’s terms were straightforward: double military merits. This was the most straightforward yet most complex offer, as these were real military merits, directly exchangeable for imperial treasury supplies. Only the Imperial Family could offer this, while the others provided equivalent goods.
Of course, unless someone was after unique equipment only available in the treasury, there wasn’t much difference. Those choosing to serve the Imperial Family valued connections over resources. The current Emperor, influenced by Lin Xitang, promoted talent without much regard for background. Even the Imperial Guard included minor branches and even low-ranking scholar families. Outstanding performance and significant contributions might catch the eye of a noble, which was far more valuable than seeking them out directly.
With all the terms laid out, Qian Ye pondered silently, weighing his options.
The lieutenant colonel, still observing Qian Ye, coughed and said, “General Qian Ye, if you don’t mind, would you like to hear my suggestion?”
Qian Ye looked up at the lieutenant colonel and smiled, “That would be great, please go ahead.” This person must have been a seasoned diplomat, though for whom remained unclear.
The lieutenant colonel chose his words carefully before saying, “General Qian Ye, I’ve heard of many of your feats, truly admirable. However, since we’re fighting for the country, does it matter where? Why not choose a place with more resources? With more resources, you get better equipment, and can last longer in this war. For no other reason than to survive.”
“True. Which one do you recommend?”
The lieutenant colonel seemed confident, “The Misty Forest is the best battlefield!”
A sharp light flashed in Qian Ye’s eyes. His advantage in the Misty Forest was almost unknown, known perhaps only to Nighteye. How did this lieutenant colonel know?
Sensing Qian Ye’s fleeting intent, the lieutenant colonel shivered and hastily said, “General Qian Ye! I mean no harm!”
Qian Ye looked at him calmly, waiting for an explanation.
Within moments, the lieutenant colonel was drenched in sweat. He said bitterly, “Sir, yes, I am inclined towards the Li family and have received their benefits. But because of our close ties and my position, I know the Li family is the most sincere. At least they’ve placed the highest stakes and will give their all.”
Qian Ye nodded inwardly. The Misty Forest was indeed not for everyone. In fact, if the Imperial Family or the Zhang and Zhao clans had taken this zone, it would have been more expected.
Feeling the pressure ease, the lieutenant colonel wiped his sweat and cautiously said, “General Qian Ye, the Misty Forest is perilous, but it’s also the safest place. I’ve heard that you excel with the Dongyue, making you invincible in close combat. Isn’t that ideal for the Misty Forest?”
Qian Ye chuckled, “Invincible in close combat? That’s quite a claim. I’d rather not hear that again. But it seems you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”
The lieutenant colonel hurriedly smiled, “It’s just part of my job, gathering intelligence and organizing data.”
His tone was now even more humble, and he even changed his self-reference, showing how intimidated he was by Qian Ye. This lieutenant colonel was no ordinary man, having sensed Qian Ye’s faint killing intent.
Qian Ye, unperturbed, said, “The idea that the most perilous place is the safest is just a trick for newbies. Sincerity is a decent reason, but what else do you have?”
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