Chương 72: Expanding the Party

[Material Details] Name: Faunite. Rarity: S. Description: A rare crystal used for biological transformation, high-level alchemy, and forbidden experiments. It possesses powerful transmutation properties capable of altering living organisms, making it an exceptionally valuable and highly sought-after material. Arthur read the message. Zero found another spot where the Faunite Crystal was mined. Currently, a total of three mining chambers were found.

He hoped Zero would have distributed the miners equally among the three places. Currently, they just barely collected 250 monster corpses. There was a long way to reach the 2, 500 corpses to hire ' Ava the Alchemist'. While thinking about this route to turn his body parts into crystal, a question arose. Wouldn't he fully turn into crystal like the Ant King, or could he change back to normal as a human being? If he were to turn to crystal permanently, then it was an issue. He did not want to become a crystal man.

It would be embarrassing.

"Slick!" While Arthur's thoughts wandered on things about future problems, Dolph's spear pierced the monster's tough hide. They left the lake and started to walk towards the mountain after Rouka healed everyone. Though there was not much difference in Dolph's combat when he looked with naked eyes, the numbers on its skeleton body were at peak level. So, it would definitely help him when they face strong monsters like Lizards.

"Guys, let's move further to the mountain," Arthur declared. The sun fully set, and the dark would engulf them. If he were to reach the mountain and find some rock crack similar to yesterday night, he would feel safe. The party walked towards the mountain. Arthur, however, was currently checking the marketplace. His current plan for tonight was to farm as many monsters as possible. However, currently, there were only two combat skeletons.

Coburn became handicapped since its sword was broken in half; it became a dagger. Only Dolph and Maan were working together right now. Arthur held some materials and cores, around 1000. He could hire some Swordsman Skeletons, so he could accelerate the hunt at night. [Worker Status] Name: Modoc. Designation: Swordsman. Specialist: Katana. Professional Status: Beginner. Monthly Maintenance Cost (MMC): 1500 Contract Payment: 150 Alpha Standard Core. [Worker Status] Name: Boni. Designation: Swordsman.

Specialist: Sword (single). Professional Status: Beginner. Monthly Maintenance Cost (MMC): 1500 Contract Payment: 150 Alpha Standard Core. The number of Beginner Status Skeleton workers available for an Alpha Standard Core as a Contract Payment was mind-boggling. If he were to hunt every monster on this territory, and with the cores he collected, he could form an army of Skeleton Swordsmen.

However, once the Professional Status increased to Intermediate, the Core count also increased, and more Contract materials were required for hiring. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. [Worker Status] Name: Senta. Designation: Swordsman. Specialist: Sword (Dual). Professional Status: Beginner. Monthly Maintenance Cost (MMC): 1800 Contract Payment: 175 Alpha Standard Core. [Worker Status] Name: Kemp. Designation: Swordsman. Specialist: Great Sword.

Professional Status: Beginner. Monthly Maintenance Cost (MMC): 2000 Contract Payment: 200 Alpha Standard Core. Arthur chose to hire these four Skeletons to form a party with Dolph and Maan. These Skeletons would greatly help if they were to get overwhelmed. Since they were in Alpha Standard Territory, as far as he could think, they would be fine if they did not go and attack monsters that had territories, like the Ant King and the Lake Lizard.

These Skeletons were strong enough to hunt normal Alpha Standard monsters. Without hesitation, he willed the four of them for a contract. Seventy-five percent of the cores vanished; only around 400 or so cores remained. Four Skeletons stood in front of Arthur. They all looked similar to Dolph and Coburn, but they lacked the imposing demeanor. Their skeleton bodies also looked a little weak. However, Arthur guessed that if they were to evolve into Intermediate Status, their bodies and demeanor would change.

For that, they had to hunt a total of 2, 500 to 3, 000 Alpha Standard monsters to move to Intermediate Profession Status. Modoc, Boni, and Senta required 2, 500 monster kills. Kemp required 3, 000 monster kills to move to the next status. Arthur felt they might very well move to the next status within a few days of hunting. Just thinking about having four Intermediate Skeletons with him made his body shiver. Modoc possessed three abilities: [Quick Draw], [Horizontal Slash], and [Vertical Slash].

All three seemed like very basic moves, but the more he moved his Professional Status, the more violent the effects. Boni possessed [Slash], [Vertical Cleave], and a movement ability, [Side Step]. It was very basic, but its effects would grow exponentially. Senta, who wielded twin swords, possessed [Twin Slash], [Double Thrust], and a defensive ability, [Cross Parry]. Of the four Skeletons, only Kemp looked tall and big, though missing that imposing stature. It wielded a great-sword that was strapped on its back.

If it were to evolve into Expert Profession Status, it would be a great asset to the team. It also possessed three abilities: [Heavy Slash], [Whirlwind Cleave], and [Guillotine Strike]. The last ability sounded very powerful and ominous. Arthur was satisfied after checking the abilities of the Skeletons. Though most of them were basic abilities, it was enough to kill Alpha Standard monsters. With the frontal battle ready, he might now have to hire a few long-range combat Workers that could help them in battle.

Currently, he had absorbed a total of 130 cores. … Standard: Alpha Core Layer: 0 (130/500) … He could either keep the rest of the cores for himself to absorb and successfully evolve into Alpha Standard, or he could hire long-range skeleton to hunt for the night. He weighed the reasons. Both seemed important. He also needed to quickly evolve his Core Layer; he lacked his own strength. Finally, he came to a conclusion. He would hire one long-range combat skeleton, and the rest he could keep to absorb for the night.

[Worker Status] Name: Rolfe. Designation: Archer. Specialist: Longbow. Professional Status: Beginner. Monthly Maintenance Cost (MMC): 1500 Contract Payment: 175 Alpha Standard Core. This skeleton looked perfect for long-range combat. There were plenty of archers, hunters, and scouts. Arthur felt that with a Longbow, there would be a lot of advantages if the swordsmen were to hunt spread out. With a Longbow, it could cover a long range.

It had three abilities: [Power Shot], [Precise Shot], and finally, a crafting ability, [Arrow Crafting]. Arthur was satisfied with this skeleton as well. The Rolfe skeleton looked tall with a slim skeleton body and long bony limbs. A longbow hung crossly on its chest, and a quiver of arrows was tied to its back.

"Let's move, everyone. Coburn, you will lead these guys." Arthur gave the party leader job to Coburn since it did not have a weapon. He could not find any weapon anytime soon in this place. Even if he were to hire a blacksmith, it would not be of any help without any crafting tools. With all the cores spent, he could no longer afford hiring. So, the party walked fast while hunting the monsters along the way. As the rumors were to be true, the more they moved towards the mountain, the more monsters they encountered.

But, that was what Arthur expected. The more monsters, the more corpses.