Chapter 12: Surprise Attack! Coarse Iron Mine

Ji Chen was dissatisfied as he reviewed their stats.

[Cave Miner]

[Level: 3]

[Tier: 1, 7 stars]

[Skills: Dark Vision (green skill, provides excellent night vision and clear surroundings in the dark), Ore Scent (green skill, can accurately detect the scent of various ores)]

[Troop Characteristics: Grass on the Wall (when the number of troops exceeds that of the enemy, morale increases greatly. When the numbers are fewer than the enemy's, morale decreases greatly)]

[I love mining!]

They were only Tier 1 soldiers with 7 stars, and their skills were all non-combat related.

Individually, they were no match for the Murlocs in terms of combat power.

However, their numbers were significant. With 39 soldiers, they outnumbered the Murlocs by almost twice the amount.

Coupled with their military characteristics, if they swarmed up to attack, they might cause a lot of damage to the Murlocs.

If it was possible, he wanted to get rid of them without any damage.

He looked at the cave miners who were brazenly bathing by the pool.

Ji Chen suddenly had an idea.

He turned around and spoke softly to the Murlocs.

"You guys quietly dive into the river and swim upstream. While the enemy is bathing, drag them into the pool and drown or stab them to death."

"Remember, attack at the same time and drag down as many enemies as possible at once."

"Use a stealthy approach, and don't make any loud sound."

After receiving the order, the Murlocs nodded and tiptoed underground, diving upstream.

In order to maximize their chances of success, he didn't leave even a single Murloc guard behind and sent all of them. 

The Murlocs' skill in Diving played a huge role. They swam from the river into the pool and approached their targets slowly and deliberately, without stirring up any water or making any movements that would alert the cave miners, who were happily rubbing themselves. 

They had no idea that danger was closing in on them.

"It's so happy to take a shower ... Ah-"

Splash~

Water splashed as the Murlocs broke through the surface of the water and dragged the cave miners into the pool. 

Some of the miners were caught off guard and pulled towards the center of the pool, sinking into the water. 

Others were dragged to the deeper part of the pool by the Murlocs and impaled by bone spears. Blood instantly dyed the pool red.

In total, 16 cave miners were killed or drowned in the ambush, but five Murlocs lost their grip, allowing their targets to climb ashore and escape.

The remaining cave miners who were not attacked were so frightened that they ran to the shore and picked up their pickaxes to rescue their companions. 

However, they encountered the Murlocs who had already come ashore and were covered in blood.

"Ding ~ You have entered combat mode. Morale assessment in progress…"

"The morale of our River Murlocs is at 68 points. We have entered an advantageous state."

Other than the slight loss of morale due to the slight suppression of numbers, the other aspects of the Murlocs increased morale.

At this moment, he was not afraid of the Cave Miners.

When the Cave Miners saw that there were fewer Murlocs than them, their morale was boosted. They rushed forward, cursing, wanting to avenge their dead companions.

They did not believe they would be defeated because they had more units on their side.

They had to kill these despicable Murlocs who were hiding in the water!

Two minutes later.

"Ding ~ The battle has ended. The enemy has surrendered. You have won a glorious victory."

"No deaths, +20% extra experience. Defeating a large number of opponents with fewer opponents +20% additional experience reward. Enemy surrenders +20% extra experience."

[You have received 120 EXP. You have leveled up (1→2). Current EXP is [20%/100%].]

[Your River Murloc has leveled up (1→2). Current EXP is [20%/100%]].]

The notification sounded, and a comfortable heat flowed through his body.

He felt like he was reborn. His vision appeared clearer, and his body had become lighter and stronger. It was as if the impurities in his body had been expelled.

Sensing the changes in his body, Ji Chen exhaled heavily.

With a relaxed look on his face, he walked towards the pool where the battle had ended.

...

"Please spare us, sir! We are willing to surrender to you!"

The remaining 18 miners knelt on the ground and begged for mercy.

Ji Chen was expressionless as he paced in front of them with his hands behind his back.

His tone was cold.

What use do you think I have for keeping you? Would it not be a waste of resources?

The Cave Miner immediately became anxious.

"We can find our own food. We don't need you to provide us with food! And we can mine!"

Ji Chen's heart skipped a beat, but his expression didn't change.

"Mining? Are there any mines nearby?"

"Of course! There is a mine not far from this waterfall. We are mining there!"

The Cave Miner's eyes darted around as he said flatteringly, "Of course, that mine now belongs to you, my lord!"

These cave miners were tactful.

He had no intention of killing them in the first place. Now, he could subdue them to mine for him.

Ji Chen's expression did not change. He replied in a nasal voice, "Then take me there now."

When the miners heard this, they immediately heaved a sigh of relief and began to lead the way.

As one of the miners led the way, he bowed and said, "Sir, this way please."

He was like a guide in a movie.

They followed the path that the miners had cleared through the jungle and soon arrived at the nearby mine, which was the first resource point.

The mine was situated at the base of a small mountain, and a dark mining cave was visible. Wooden supports were used to reinforce the rocky walls, and the interior was dimly lit.

A pile of rust-red ores was stored in a straw shed outside the mine, and several straw huts were built nearby to store the tools.

[Coagulate Iron Mine]

[Scale: Miniature]

[Level: 1]

[Main production resource: Heavy iron]

[By-product produced: Stone [Production is one-fifth of the main resources]

[Storage: 3200/3500 units]

[Maximum weekly production: 700 units]

[Weekly Personnel Production: 50 units/person]

The reserves of the crude iron mine were still small.

Ji Chen didn't feel disappointed despite the underwhelming resource point. 

He knew that resource points in close proximity or with low danger levels were typically low-level with limited reserves, as per the rules of "Lord of Glory." 

The high-level resource points, on the other hand, were guarded by stronger field troops and located in perilous areas, making it difficult to exploit them.

The mini crude iron mine they found was capable of producing 700 units of crude iron per week, with each person contributing 50 units. 

It could also generate a small amount of stone. This meant that only 14 people were required to maximize production, leaving four out of the 18 cave miners with no work. 

Unfortunately, Ji Chen didn't have any other mines to put them to work, so they would have to continue mining here.

Fortunately, the territory provided food, so they didn't have to search for it themselves. 

Ji Chen acknowledged his humanity and felt a responsibility to take care of the miners. Denying them food and making them perform laborious work would be nothing short of exploitative capitalist behavior.

After securing the mine, he proceeded to the straw shed and gestured for the cave miners to hand over the ores they had extracted.

" Ding! You have received 300 units of crude iron. "

After warning the cave miners not to bathe in the waterfall pool in the future.

Ji Chen led the Murlocs to the second resource point.

There were no shortcuts this time. The second resource point was situated deep within a dense forest, requiring them to hack their way through thistles, thorns, and shrubs that were half their height.

It took them half an hour of arduous trekking to finally reach the pale golden pillar of light that indicated the location of the second resource point.