Chapter 68: Territory |
Baruk’s second match ended in an almost theatrical fashion.
Likewise, this battle swept through every corner of Coral Thorn City like a tidal wave.
Major casinos and betting houses descended into chaos, conflicts and shouting rising and falling without end.
This fight helped quite a few people cure their gambling addiction. It thoroughly reminded everyone that gambling led to no good outcome.
And until other competitors demonstrated the ability to rival or surpass Baruk, he would firmly sit as the number one favorite of this tournament.
After this battle, Baruk had at least five days of rest. He could recuperate properly and study intelligence on the other contestants.
Mick brought Baruk a large quantity of top-grade supplements, as well as letters of goodwill from various races.
Before the tournament concluded, Mick would absolutely not allow anyone to disturb Baruk.
See him? See the bear? No way!
“And this Rainbow Plantain enhances recovery.”
“These Star Grapes are also good—they have miraculous effects on digestion and absorption…”
Baruk accepted everything without hesitation. Whatever Mick fed him, he ate. He trusted Mick, as a druid, completely.
If it had been someone of another profession, he might have worried about mixing too many things and upsetting his stomach.
But fruit personally appraised by a druid? Absolutely no problem.
Seeing that Baruk had eaten his fill,
Mick cleared his throat and took out a map of Coral Thorn City, spreading it across the table. He pointed at several specially marked plots and spoke slowly:
“For this auction, the various races have already negotiated the allocation of several large parcels of land. The plot you originally had your eye on was taken by an elven elder. However, through negotiations with the Haines family and the Adventurers’ Guild, she secured another piece of land, which can be transferred to your tribe at base price.”
“Though the area is a bit smaller, at least it’s permanent property, and the location isn’t bad. Can you accept that?”
Baruk’s spirits lifted. His large head eagerly scanned the map.
Finally, his gaze settled on a rectangular block in the western part of the city.
“This area was originally territory controlled by gangs and several adventurer groups. It’s densely populated, commercially active, and the forces there were rather mixed. The land ownership was split between the Haines family and the Adventurers’ Guild. The gangs were controlled by the Shadow Guild, with adventurer teams interspersed among them.”
“In short, it’s prime land—just a bit chaotic. But now that the gangs connected to the Shadow Guild have mostly been purged, the situation there has improved significantly.”
“I personally went to scout the area. At present, aside from a few small adventurer teams, there are no other forces—just civilians and merchants.”
“If you agree, I can secure this plot for you right now. Your cubs will immediately have a proper place to settle!”
Baruk stared at the land again and again, then nodded fiercely.
“Fine. This land—this old bear wants it!”
***
Rumble… Rumble…
Zack, still playing the role of a “full-time dad” at the orphanage, heard thunderous footsteps from the street.
But the sound was far too loud.
And the tremor—it made him recall the terrifying beast tide.
Along with the footsteps came startled cries from civilians.
Curious, he leapt onto the orphanage wall and looked toward the source of the noise.
He nearly fell off the wall.
More than a hundred enormous bearfolk, each around four meters tall, were driving teams of pack beasts pulling cart after cart of goods and building materials, heading toward the direction of the orphanage.
What was going on?!
Zack stared blankly as the bearfolk procession rumbled past the orphanage gate.
The children inside the orphanage also crowded along the wall to watch, excitedly pointing at the towering bearfolk—taller than the wall itself—chattering, shouting, and jumping up and down.
The children’s noisy excitement only made Zack more restless.
He jumped down from the wall and headed straight for the Adventurers’ Guild to find out what was happening.
Such a massive display—and this was Adventurers’ Guild territory. There had to be news.
***
“This is the place.”
Mick, riding atop his ostrich, pointed toward a somewhat aged yet still bustling commercial district.
“This used to be the territory of a gang called the Noose Gang. Later, most of its members mysteriously disappeared, and then it went through a major purge. Now only some civilians and merchants remain operating here.”
“From this moment on, the ownership here belongs entirely to you. The tenants have all been notified and are required to vacate within three days.”
“You may begin renovations and construction immediately.”
Looking at the vast stretch of land before them, the bearfolk’s eyes shone brightly. From now on, this would be their second “home.”
“Get to work!”
At the command of the leading bear warrior, a deep chorus of bear roars resounded across several blocks, announcing their arrival.
Originally, Baruk had wanted to come personally, but Mick had stopped him. Right now, he needed to focus on the competition. The higher his ranking, the better the treatment his tribe would receive.
After Mick’s round of “strategic analysis” and “fiery mobilization,” Baruk suppressed his impulse and instead threw himself into training like he had been injected with stimulants.
At that moment, several merchants and a person dressed like an adventurer gathered their courage and approached, trembling.
“M-My lords! W-We are representatives of the merchants and tenants here…”
As they spoke, they dropped to their knees with a thud.
The one in front swallowed hard, forcing his weak body to remain upright as he spoke through clenched teeth:
“C-Could you grant us a few more days? We’re willing to pay double the rent. Th-Three days is really too rushed.”
Mick’s brow lifted slightly as he looked toward the leading bear warrior.
“The matters here are for you to decide. I have other affairs to handle. If it proves truly difficult, contact me.”
“Yes, Elder Mick!”
The leading bearfolk bowed solemnly, then turned to the anxious “representatives” to understand their specific situation.
Mick did not linger. He rode off leisurely on his ostrich.
Recently, good news had come one after another for him. He had even secured a highly promising ally like Baruk.
In response, his tribe had directly dispatched a large number of outstanding younger members and mobilized abundant supplies, all hurrying nonstop toward Coral Thorn City.
Moreover, the Great Elder and Second Elder were personally leading the team—aside from the Clan Elder, the sole Intent-level powerhouse, they were the strongest in the tribe.
He needed to prepare reception arrangements and accommodations in advance.
Fortunately, their fox clan was not as delicate and particular as the elves, nor as cumbersome as the bearfolk. As long as they had a few spacious estates and enough storefronts, they could establish their foothold in Coral Thorn City.
Once they secured their position, why worry about lacking further opportunities?