Chapter 64

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Chapter 64: Mercy

The Druid Sacred Tree grew to the height of a building on the second day of sprouting. In its first October, bunches of acorns hung from its branches. The green fruits turned into a warm reddish-brown color as the autumn wind blew.

It wasn’t the only oak tree in Angaso Forest. Oak trees planted years ago were now bearing fruit as well. Seeds grew from planting, branches flourished under the care of Druids. These nature believers carefully balanced the land’s strength with plant growth. Normally, these late-maturing oak trees would flower and bear fruit after ten years. But now, only three to four years later, they were already producing acorns.

Oak trees reaching over ten meters could be seen everywhere, yet at this height, the oak trees were still young. Aside from the Sacred Tree and the embodiment of the Great Druid, ordinary oak trees were also long-lived. They would reach heights of twenty meters in their prime and stay at that height for hundreds of years. These tall, strong, and beautiful trees exuded a serene and long-lasting charm, bringing a sense of zen beauty appreciated by all races.

Tasha also liked oak trees as they were quite practical.

Twist off the "hat" on top of the acorn, pry open the shell, dig out the seeds to grind, cook them to make a good food. Cooking for a long time can remove the bitterness from the acorn, and Mavis experimented with many acorn delicacies. The ground acorn powder mixed with boiling water can be made into dough, kneaded into acorn desserts that taste like candied chestnuts. Another cooking method can make acorn pudding, the finished product crystal clear and lovely, looking like a piece of jade and tasting sweet and smooth.

Druid loves oak trees, seeing the fruits of the sacred tree as sacred, but does not oppose the use of oak trees. In their eyes, moderate harvesting of the forest is also part of the natural cycle, and human logging trees is not fundamentally different from deer grazing.

Some oak trees have hard and heavy wood, with beautiful wavy textures, can be turned into fine furniture after drying, oak furniture is very popular in the market of Ribe Lake. Others are a bit loose, but with excellent elasticity, their wear-resistant properties are suitable for use in many factories, as cushioning or sealing material.

A yellow-brown oak subspecies with a cross-section is most welcomed by Craftsman Dwarfs, who use this wood to make oak barrels larger than themselves, used to store the fruit wine brewed by quarter elves. These wine barrels made of this material are not only moisture and moth resistant but also have a unique fragrance, enabling the wine to become more mellow as the years go by – perhaps the biggest issue is that these impatient little dwarfs often can’t wait too long, their homemade wine is often consumed freshly brewed into their own stomachs, aged wine is just a legend.

No way! Craftsman Dwarfs justify, when faced with work bottlenecks, one should have a drink to relax their mind, and achieving results should be celebrated with a drink; bidding farewell to old friends can be done with alcohol to drown sorrows, welcoming new friends should naturally end with a toast. They have ten thousand reasons to have a drink, and it was then that Tasha realized that most Craftsman Dwarfs were alcoholics. If left unchecked in the wine cellar, they could always end up drinking, singing, dancing, and finally lying down.

"What are you still hoping for?" Victor chuckled, with a rather racially discriminatory tone, saying, "a mix of dwarf and Hobbit."

Even the unsuitable oak branches and leaves have their uses, oak branches can be burned into very durable charcoal, and can also be used as a medium for cultivating some fungi. Druid is always trying, Arborist listens to the guidance of the forest, Beast Speaker converses with spirits, to judge whether the mushrooms grown can be eaten. Tasha saw something similar to wood ear fungus among them, while other species were difficult to identify, perhaps a unique species from this different realm.

The mushrooms named Butter Mushroom by them have a bright orange color like butter, with large and soft caps that look and smell like flowers. Druid apprentices carefully peel the Butter Mushroom off the mycelium. Their teacher sees this process as a way to train the apprentices’ patience and observation skills. Every spring and summer, you can always see someone walking around with the flower-like Butter Mushroom. When eaten fresh, Butter Mushroom has a sweet tea fragrance, and the apprentices enjoy it as a snack. When cooked, Butter Mushroom becomes very delicious and adds a special touch to ordinary dishes. This abundant mushroom quickly became popular in Ribe Lake and is considered an essential ingredient by the citizens.

Another type of mushroom called "Black Rock Mushroom" is difficult to cultivate but grows under oak trees. They appear quietly after heavy rain and decay within a week. Unlike Butter Mushroom, they are not cute-looking. Initially shiny, they turn black and curl up like burnt charcoal a day later, resembling growths on trees or misplaced pieces of volcanic rock. However, this is when they taste the best. After picking them (interestingly, they can be stored for a month after picking), they can be sliced and stir-fried or used to make soup, bringing the fresh forest aroma, with a flavor that can make your taste buds dance.

The black rock fungus is a native of Angaso Forest. Before Tasha settled here, this precious and rare mountain delicacy was already popular among the wealthy. Many people outside of Tasmania may not know what’s happening here, but there are complaints about the significant decrease in the production of the mountain delicacies. When Angaso Forest recovers, the Druids easily find these hidden delicacies in the woods, the market for black rock fungus starts again, prices soar, making it as precious as gold.

Oak trees are just one type of tree in Angaso Forest. Pine trees produce resin from which pine resin and turpentine can be extracted, both very useful in the industrial world; maple sap can be boiled into thick golden syrup, poured on pastries making it delicious, its mild sweetness is popular with older people, and it can also be used for medicinal purposes. The forest is a treasure trove, in the past, the locals survived by using the resources of the forest, but in Tasha’s hands, she could develop a large forest product industry.

The southeast corner is quietly emerging, now almost as ordinary as it used to be, becoming a normal area in Tasmania. People forced onto pirate ships to secure their future and safety tried to downplay the existence of this place, but products coming from the southeast corner are becoming more noticeable. Hybrid and Amazon, such independent tribes, are still not recognized, but as long as there is no violent action against this place, many things will naturally happen.

Over the years, mayors have put a lot of effort into eradicating the persistent Lame Leg Street, so it lost its vitality. The resilient remnants of the street diminished greatly, causing this tumor to shrink rapidly due to lack of nourishment. They did not come to a bad end, they just became something else, like merchants, workers, brokers, carters, spies, security guards, and so on. Those who once gave up their pass to the southeast corner for a small gain regretted their decision, and the pass further transformed into an "identity card" has become essential for those seeking fortune in the southeast corner.

A relatively complete social system has been established in the southeast corner, where Dwarf Money circulates in the banking and social welfare systems. From living expenses to social benefits like pensions, medical insurance, everything is linked to the identity card. Tasha herself was like a supercomputer, cheating by backing up and recording all the information in her mind.

A large number of migrant workers have flocked to the southeast corner, where the emerging magic industry can fully absorb these workers. Population movement and interaction are unstoppable, students are sent from the southeast corner to advanced academies for further study, while special schools here (such as Druid specialty, etc.) recruit students from Ribe Lake and other parts of Tasmania. The expansion of the military is more cautious, requiring layers of scrutiny and training, which actually make the military here appear more advanced than elsewhere, attracting those who have a sense of pride in their identity.

By the way, Captain Halite – in terms of jurisdictional hierarchy, he is at least a colonel – successfully managed to bring back his wife and son. A cause for celebration.

There are also troublemakers, some of whom are criminals looking for trouble, like those who missed opportunities in Lame Leg Street, and others are fanatical exclusivists who cannot tolerate the presence of other ethnic groups. Tasha deals with both types of people in the same way: punishing them according to the law, the police and the military are not mere spectators.

She has developed several policies for the latter, such as how to deal with wealthy and influential fanatics, and how to eliminate the negative effects they bring to the dungeon. However, when communication really started to flourish, Tasha found that there were hardly any such people. Wealthy businessmen are good at making money with their eyes closed, as long as the value of Dwarf Money does not drop, they will continue trading indefinitely. Families with great influence are good at assessing situations, observing, and controlling their offspring. While there are unfriendly comments towards other ethnic groups circulating at all levels, under the current circumstances, the ability to coexist peacefully is already a victory, just a few non-committal words.

When people from the Tasmanian military and dungeon started to interact more frequently without causing any disturbance, those who emerged to attack other tribes had some common traits. They often thought highly of themselves, had limited knowledge and economic status, and lacked their own accomplishments. In short, they were some losers in life, not worthy of concern, just like insignificant clowns.

They were incapable themselves, so they tried to associate themselves with the vast human race, taking credit for human achievements as their own. They believed that being human meant being a hero, even though in reality they were worthless. They lacked critical thinking skills, being successfully brainwashed, and convinced themselves that they were part of the human race despite their actions. How could these supposed great individuals watch as the so-called inferior tribes lived happily around them, even better than themselves?

These angry individuals secretly plotted to ambush the neighboring tribes and attacked factories where members of the other tribes worked. Despite the protection of a patrol team, their attacks initially injured several orcs. After detaining these individuals, human authorities awkwardly approached Tasha for negotiations, requesting their extradition back.

"They simply lost their way momentarily, driven by temporary anger. There must be some internal reason behind this. And you know, attitudes towards hybrids have been deeply ingrained for centuries, not something that can change overnight. Human matters should be handled by humans to prevent escalating conflicts for the peace and friendship of Tasmania. How about quietly resolving this matter? All radical elements will be criticized and educated. During this period, it’s best for those obvious hybrids to focus on self-protection, wear disguises when going out, and stay in the southeast corner." the negotiator said.

"Since they attacked our residents, it is my responsibility now," Tasha said. "Please remind those radicals who have not yet committed any crimes. If they feel the urge to commit crimes, they should surrender early. There are enough cells here for people to learn to calm their minds."

If she couldn’t even protect her residents from harm and had to ask them to endure and learn to protect themselves, Tasha thought, then what’s the point of this dungeon?

She might be kind, she might be harsh, but she was definitely not incompetent.

"Actually, in this incident, a member of a certain family was involved," the negotiator confessed, mentioning a significant surname. "That family is willing to pay a large sum for this. What do you think?"

"Please pass on a message to the people there," Tasha said as the negotiator nodded eagerly. "Next time, be sure to watch over your children at home."

Otherwise, someone else will come to discipline you.

Tasha treats everyone equally, whether they are poor and deserving of pity or rich and powerful. When some angry Orcs wanted revenge, Marion intervened and said, "Do you really want to be imprisoned with those people?"

So they settled down.

Over the years, Tasha has sent many troublemaking Orcs to labor camps. Those stubborn troublemakers, like Zachary whose sentence was extended, are too busy in those places to cause trouble outside.

Strong or weak, in Tasha’s eyes, no matter your background, age, or race, when you commit a crime, your identity is simply a criminal. A wealthy human, you can’t be spared for the sake of peace? A pitiful Orc, you should be forgiven out of sympathy and pity? Well, think again.

All criminals are dealt with according to the law. They shouldn’t expect to live peacefully in their cells for many years. The dungeons are always short of manpower, so labor reform serves two purposes. Tasha looks forward to new criminals joining in because, in the process of development, some strenuous tasks are not very humane for ordinary workers.

She didn’t hide this news at all; instead, she made it public. The crowd stirred, with some shouting, "Hybrids are showing their fangs," fearing a crisis was looming; others condemned these punishments as inhumane, questioning how people could be made to do such heavy and cruel labor. The situation seemed really tense for a while. Many eagerly awaited the reaction from the southeast corner, but Tasha showed no reaction. Ribe Lake had their newspapers, and so did the southeast corner; verbal conflicts were common, nothing more.

Many talented individuals stood out here.

Druid Alfrey’s father, the former tree-seeker Colin, although average in Druid abilities, had been writing observations of the forest and educational materials for years. His editorials were well-founded. Orc Phoenix, one of the former prostitutes bought back, had a special interest and talent in writing that could stir emotions. People argued in the newspapers, agreeing one day and disagreeing the next. As time went on, they all became passive onlookers, just watching the show.

Another outcome was very clear. Those passionate young/ middle-aged men who had bravely vowed to destroy the despicable Hybrid nest under inhumane threats suddenly fell silent. This awkward silence lasted for days, and they finally decided to strategize differently.

In other words, instead of confronting head-on in the southeast corner, they chose to start from nearby.

For example, they went to the agents who sold goods from the southeast corner and resorted to vandalism and threats to persuade those who dared to use these goods. It was a mystery why these enraged individuals, unable to control themselves, targeted vulnerable civilians instead of strong men, wealthy individuals, or military personnel.

When a mushroom from the southeast corner appeared on every household’s table, the impact was perhaps too broad.

Despite the newspapers, sponsored by some influential individuals, trying to defend the righteous cause, they soon fell silent as the situation escalated. This time, when the human authorities arrested these heroes, public opinion shifted, and they were praised.

This round of verbal battles inadvertently gave more publicity to the southeast corner.

Many people were surprised to see so many products from the southeast corner around them. While some began to spread unfounded rumors about the southeast corner, most realized it wasn’t a big deal. They had used products from Hybrid for so long without any issues. The citizens of Ribe Lake shifted their focus to their changing city and became curious about their neighbors.

The dungeon was portrayed as an autonomous organization, resembling a merchant’s guild, and Tasha was referred to as "commander." These were informal titles used to conceal the more controversial aspects and lull the residents of Ribe Lake and Tasmania into complacency. For humans with a lifespan of only a century, the two-century reign of the dominant power felt eternal. They were born to be unchallenged rulers, and as militarism came into question, many parts of their textbooks were considered outdated, leading to a relaxed vigilance among most citizens.

People associated with the southeast corner gained a deeper understanding of the dungeon. Distant relations realized how intertwined their lives were with the southeast corner, and the radicals’ actions made them recognize the importance of the dungeon in their lives. Those with closer relationships learned about Tasha’s existence, providing them with a clearer understanding of their superiors and giving concrete form to the dungeon and Tasha.

"You don’t want to do that kind of dungeon, but you’ve done the same thing," Victor suddenly said.

"Hmm?"

"In a regular dungeon, if the core is destroyed, all creatures in the dungeon will disappear. Those creatures, out of instinct, will also fight to the death to protect the core," Victor said. "You, on the other hand, don’t have most people’s souls, but you still hold their lives – whether it’s the properties or the information stored in your database. Without you, everything they have is worthless. They become nothing."

Tasha smiled.

This is what she is doing, this is why she chose to be in this kind of dungeon now. Being bound by tangible contracts will only lead to exhaustion, even becoming enemies who control puppets. Intangible benefits can make people willingly serve her.

Tasha needs the residents of the dungeon, but those residents need her more.

"You’ve tied these people to your battleship, and killing you won’t make them disappear, instead, they will face the final counterattack of these desperate people who have lost their way," Victor smiled. "You once said you wanted others to consider the cost before preparing to decapitate, making them hesitate, or having them bury you after success. Now you’ve done it."

The laughter of the Book of Dungeons seldom carried malice, instead, it seemed to be filled with appreciation – or maybe the malice in the laughter was directed elsewhere. Tasha felt like she was in a classic cartoon scene, with two villains discussing evil plans in a dark cave, smiling slyly at each other… Come to think of it, that statement was not wrong at all.

As one of the villains in the scene, well, with not-so-kind plans that were appreciated by a like-minded companion, it felt particularly satisfying, like gossiping about the same person behind their back.

"Children can be taught," said Tasha.

As expected, when Victor realized the words were about him, he immediately switched from a smirk to a defensive posture.

The binding of common interests goes beyond just this level.

When the Oak Elder passed away, some of the orcs had already made up their minds to leave. It was not just the initial excitement upon arriving here, but a carefully considered decision. More than half of the people chose to stay in the southeast corner, while a small group had already decided to set out to find their compatriots around Aryan, unite them, save them, and even if the restoration of the country was just a dream, they did not want the orc civilization to die out.

"Are they leaving this year?" Tasha asked.

"Yes, they plan to depart before the heavy snowfall," Marion said.

The she-wolf appeared quite hesitant, and Tasha could see her struggling with something.

Tasha didn’t say anything about it but suggested, "However, before that, let’s have all Orc Warriors participate in a drill."

It was a drill on what to do when the human army launched a full-scale attack, held annually, and this year’s exercise had been prepared for a long time. Marion nodded without much thought and walked out with a heavy heart.

"Don’t tell her?" Victor asked. "Maybe no one can escape."

Common interests tied the residents of the dungeon. Not long ago, news came from the human side: General Shirel’s army might have started to mobilize.

"It’s not certain, let’s see how it goes," Tasha said.

The dungeon had been prepared for a long time, even if the news was true… it would just turn the exercise into a real war.

Far away, a massive fleet of airships was flying towards the sky of Tasmanian.