Chapter 495 - The First Batch of Residents

"Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have a say," Gaven began, his eyes falling on the Fearless Boulder Chieftain, who hadn’t given a final stance yet.He was deeply knowledgeable in administration, allowing those below him to argue without rashly expressing his own views, maintaining absolute neutrality—at least until a more appropriate solution was found, which was a good approach.

Chieftain Eglaras flashed a sincere smile at Gaven and said, "On this matter, the City Lord is not an outsider. If you have a good suggestion, feel free to share it. We are, after all, discussing the issue to find the most suitable path for us."

"Then I’ll get straight to the point," Gaven issued what was more of a challenge than a suggestion, "Since everyone has their own opinion on this matter, why not divide it into two parts? Those who insist can continue to live according to your original lifestyle, while those who want to change can adopt a new way of life.

I’m not suggesting that you split the tribe, but rather create two competing factions. We’ll set a deadline of six months, after which each side will select their representatives for a fair and reasonable competition to determine which lifestyle produces the more qualified Golia. Wouldn’t it then be more appropriate to discuss the current problem?"

Despite having spent only a short time with these Golia, their innate sense of competition was unexpectedly strong, evident in every word they spoke.

They couldn’t persuade each other, and as an outsider, it was even more fanciful for me to try. It would be better to issue a direct challenge, as that would more likely gain their agreement.

To add weight to his proposal, Gaven elaborated, "Your current pace is confined to the Marching Mountains. Beyond that, there are more vast mountain ranges waiting for you to take up the challenge. Resting and building strength is not a sign of timidity, but preparation to conquer the world’s highest peaks. You have only witnessed the sunrise over the Marching Mountains; have you ever experienced the thunder and lightning atop Komeer Thunder Peak? Have you ever witnessed the flow of magma on the Enser Burning Flame Mountain Range? Have you ever slid down the icy peaks of the highest glaciers? Have you ever tried to climb World’s Ridge, which no one can traverse on foot?"

With each location Gaven mentioned, his momentum soared, while the Golia’s shoulders would shrink, diminishing their presence.

By the end, he seemed no longer the shortest person in the Crystal Hall, but the tallest, with all the Golia looking at him with awe.

In this world, there is nothing more humiliating than being surpassed at what you excel.

Dwarfs will always give their highest respect to those with superior crafting skills.

Gnomes will bestow it on the most creative individuals.

And naturally, the Golia will offer it to the one who has scaled the highest peaks and traversed all mountains.

Kellysha couldn’t help but ask cautiously, "City Lord, have you really climbed all these mountains that you’ve spoken of?"

"No," Gaven declared proudly, "I’m not a Golia, what would I be doing climbing those peaks for fun? However, if you wish, I can arrange for you to go and challenge them. I can’t speak for far-off places, but I can assure you that the Stormhorn Mountains and Thunder Peak in Komeer are definitely feasible. You can go anytime, and I will ensure that you are well-supported so you can venture forth without any worries."

Upon hearing that Gaven had not climbed the mountains himself, the surrounding Golia let out a sigh of relief.

With a mix of disdain and relief, their feelings were complicated, as what was once steadfast now seemed like a joke.

They spent their lives going round and round on one mountain, never truly experiencing the essence of the mountains, unworthy of the name Mountain Tribe.

Kergai turned to Chieftain Eglaras and to several Golia battle commanders and said, "I think Mr. Gaven’s suggestion is very good. We can give it a try. If it doesn’t suit us, we can give it up at any time. I’m old-fashioned, so I’ll join the Red side, those who want to try change."

Sagras, without hesitation, said, "Then I’ll join the Blue side and maintain our mountain’s current way of life. I’ll prove with strength that the Golia’s traditional lifestyle is the best fit for us."

Chieftain Eglaras said firmly to Sagras, "It’s good to follow the original lifestyle, but we’ll stay in Mesnoel for a month to undergo treatment. Our plan will not change. We must completely rid ourselves of the Necrotic Plague, and we owe Gaven City Lord a debt, especially with the threat of the Dwarves Elves possibly attacking us again. We can’t expect the City Lord to face them alone."

"Facing them alone wouldn’t be the case, but with your help, things would be much simpler," Gaven replied with a smile.

Sagras didn’t insist on the issue, nodding and saying, "We follow the Chieftain’s commands. Shouldn’t we hurry to bring the women and children who are still on the mountain down? With the Dwarves Elves aware that we have vacated our homes, they might target them."

"Indeed, that’s of the utmost importance." Not only did the Fearless Boulder Chieftain agree, but so did Kellysha.

"Before that, why don’t you accompany me to meet a few friends?" Gaven beckoned the Golia.

"Sure, this matter isn’t urgent. Let’s go," replied Eglaras, striding out willingly. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by No(ᴠ)ᴇlFire.nᴇt

"No need for trouble, we have a shortcut." As Gaven emerged from the Crystal Spire, he waved his hand, and a beam of light shone down from the Crystal Ball at the spire’s top, forming a transparent, arched light bridge that led directly to the mountain’s base, with countless magic runes flickering on it, barely visible.

Gaven led the way across the bridge, with each step causing ripples, making it seem as if it would collapse, yet it was solid as rock.

He was going to look back and ask if anyone was afraid of heights and say if they were, it was fine to take the mountain path.

But he only felt a blur of motion beside him as the Golia rushed past him, eager to be first. It wasn’t Sagras, the tall and mighty Fearless One, who was in front, but the slightly shorter but long-limbed and agile Kellysha. As she ran, she couldn’t help but laugh with pride, "I’ll complete this challenge first."

Although she advocated for change, she wasn’t ready to completely abandon the Golia way of life. She wanted to create a way of living that balanced challenge with comfort, freeing herself from the trivialities of daily life to take on new peaks. At her core, she was a Golia who relished challenges.

This unique light bridge, appearing as though one could step into the void and plummet, was also a challenge for them.

If they climbed up following the spiraling mountain path, it would take at least twenty minutes, but if they walked down the light bridge that went straight through, it would only take a few minutes.

Through the re-erected Necrotic Maze Lock, one could clearly see outside a plethora of creatures had gathered, distinctly divided into two groups.

In the very center was a group of humans, five people with five mounts, including two Holy Warriors, two Priests, and a Bard, who seemed to be examining the Necrotic Maze Lock, trying to find a way in.

These were none other than Darnell, August, Regina, and the others.

After the other side’s situation had somewhat stabilized, they followed Mr. Gaven to Mesnoel. Even with Veranika’s Teleportation Spell to aid them, they couldn’t keep up with Gaven’s swift actions. By the time they arrived, the situation in Mesnoel had been completely resolved and the Mystlock Locks reactivated.

The other group consisted of creatures from Mir Forest that had contracted the Necrotic Plague. They gathered not far from the Necrotic Maze Lock, mostly lying quietly, allowing the Maze Lock to help absorb the Corruption Power from their bodies, easing their suffering.

The Necrotic Maze Lock currently lacked a large amount of Corruption Power, so instead of spreading the Necrotic Plague outward, it was absorbing the Corruption Power to replenish itself, and the plague sufferers had come uninvited.

After seeing the situation outside, Gaven did not immediately open the Necrotic Maze Lock to let them into Mesnoel but walked out with the Goliahs.

Seeing someone emerge, the plague-infested creatures stirred restlessly but kept their distance, choosing not to flee into the forest. For them, alleviating the symptoms of the Necrotic Plague was the most important matter at hand.

Upon seeing Gaven, Darnell and the others clearly breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly approached him, saying, "Duke Gaven, it’s good that you’re unharmed. It seems you’ve successfully restarted Mesnoel’s Mystlock Locks. And who might these be...?"

All eyes involuntarily fell upon the uniquely featured Goliahs.

Even among them, the tallest and most muscular, August, stood as an undeniable dwarf in their presence.

Being surpassed in height by the males was one thing, but to be overtaken by two females was somewhat hurtful.

Especially when their gaze fell upon the mare, Luna, the two Paladins could barely contain their surprise and immediately recognized her identity.

"They are new friends I’ve made, friends from the mountains..." After introducing everyone, Gaven continued, "There’s no time for formalities now. I need to recruit the first residents for Mesnoel."

Kellysha couldn’t help asking, "How will you do that?"

"It’s simple, let them into Mesnoel," Gaven explained as he focused his mind on the Insight Gemstone. Suddenly, he felt connected to the Tower of Dominion once again.

He gave a slight cough, and a grand voice immediately came forth from the Crystal Spire, spreading throughout the entirety of Mesnoel and even reaching the forest several kilometers outside the Mystlock Locks.

One couldn’t help but wonder if Gaven’s shout, amplified by the Crystal Spire, would carry across the entire Mir Forest.

Prepared as he was, Gaven himself was startled, let alone those who were unprepared.

Gaven couldn’t help but be amazed; not only could technology advance civilization, but magic could do the same.

The Elves had mastered this craft. The Tower of Dominion housed many functions that high technology could achieve, and some it could not, with this amplification being one of the most basic applications.

Once the test was complete, Gaven addressed the crowd, "In a moment, I will open the Mystlock Locks, allowing you inside. The purification power there is stronger and more conducive to healing your bodies.

After entering Mesnoel, there is only one rule: do not destroy any buildings. Violators will be permanently expelled.

Once inside Mesnoel, you will have the freedom to leave, but if you wish to return, you must wait for me to reopen the lock. The next opening is tentatively scheduled for before sunset tomorrow.

You may inform your friends and relatives as long as you harbor no ill intentions towards Mesnoel. Everyone is welcome here for purification and healing."

As soon as he finished speaking, dazzling light danced upon the Crystal Spire, and the Mystlock Locks of Mesnoel opened five large holes in the densest area of creature gathering.

Feeling the barrier of the locks disappear, the surrounding creatures turned into a torrent, eagerly rushing inside.

Most of them were simply creatures that couldn’t understand what Gaven was saying, nor comprehend it; they only instinctively felt it was better for them inside.

Gaven’s words weren’t really meant for them; it was challenging for them to cause any catastrophic damage, but rather for the intelligent beings.

"Aren’t you afraid that those with malicious intent will slip inside?" Kellysha couldn’t help asking, "Those Dwarves Elves still covet this city."