Chapter 792: Testing The New Recruits On Spot - 1

Chapter 792: Testing The New Recruits On Spot - 1

"Alena... it doesn’t seem bad," Jialou muttered.

All day, the group moved around the territory, observing the various activities throughout the area.

Obviously, they got to see the Gnomes, other territory members, elves, and even the patrolling golems and resting beasts.

They didn’t dare approach the areas the beasts occupied, especially since they couldn’t sense their strengths at all. In particular, the wolf- and panther- beasts caught their attention. Though they were no bigger than 2 to 3 meters, the inexplicable auras they gave off made the hair on their bodies stand on end.

Then came the farms, most notably the crops, herbs, vegetables, and other plants the Gnomes tended. After that came the Bison ranch, where some elves were busy milking the mother bisons.

Then the mana density. Their eyes widened when they realised that even the outermost areas of the territory seemed to have a uniformly 50% greater mana density than the natural environment.

Finally, maids and a few commoner-looking people busy with their daily tasks, all assigned by a commanding Elf.

There were even kids—a Lizardman child, a human teenage girl, and a Kobold—fighting with modified, training wooden swords and spears.

Then there was the defence system. In addition to the 10 watchtowers around the commercial area, 4 more cardinal towers made entirely of stone kept watch at a distance.

Jialou’s eyes quivered in astonishment at seeing so many people in the 3-star realm, and others whose strength was so high he simply couldn’t perceive it.

After seeing the refined weapons they carried, he didn’t dare think they were normal people.

At a glance, it was clear everyone was happy and had work to do.

In fact, many areas, such as construction, farming, and even some smaller defence roles, lacked personnel.

Meaning, if they joined, they were bound to find work.

All in all, Leo’s territory was even better than the established territories of Term 2 and Term 3 students.

"But the High-Level Mana Contract..." Alena bit her lip as she thought about the contract.

"I think it’s fine. Seeing how happy the territory members are, I feel like Count and Countess aren’t bad people," Jialou said.

They wouldn’t have been dwelling on it this much if the contract didn’t bind them for 34 years. They already knew this clause existed because Leo and Lily had no plans to abandon the territory after completing their academy curriculum like others. And who would even abandon a moving territory? They could simply make it walk wherever they wanted.

"I will talk to the Countess and see if things can be negotiated. If not, we can only gamble." Alena made up her mind.

In the other rooms, the 28 other people were equally restless.

All their hopes rested on Alena and Jialou.

The next day...

"Sir, Madam, Lady Lily has arrived. Please enter," the maid announced as she came out of the room.

Everybody’s eyes twitched. How had she arrived without entering through the door?

They guessed she had used the same method as yesterday.

Leaving that aside, Alena and Jialou took a deep breath and walked in.

"Good morning, Countess Lily," they both said before sitting down.

"Good morning," Lily responded.

"So, what have you decided?" Lily got straight to the point.

"Countess, we want to join... but..." Alena began hesitantly.

"But?" Lily asked, her expression unchanged.

Alena took a breath and mustered the courage to speak, choosing her words carefully.

"It’s the extended allegiance clause. We are fine with every other clause, but without a proper understanding of where our future is headed, 34 years is simply too long a time to gamble away."

Lily raised her brow in amusement.

Alena was pretty courageous to say that directly to her face.

If Alena’s words were interpreted more crudely, it meant Leo and Lily hadn’t guaranteed the territory would proactively help them, even if they worked their asses off.

Lily tapped the table, continuing to observe the duo with calm eyes. This only made them more nervous, but they managed to keep their faces straight.

Lily’s lips curved into a faint smile.

If she had the power to back up her words, I wonder how much bolder she would become.

Lily was impressed, at least.

"I won’t decrease the extended allegiance clause. In fact, I barely held myself back from extending it even further."

Lily’s words struck like a hammer, stiffening Alena and Jialou’s expressions.

"But," Lily continued, "if you are looking for a guarantee, I can provide that."

With that, Lily flicked her fingers and summoned a sheet of paper, then passed it to Alena.

"Read it. If you find it acceptable, I will update the Mana Contract. Otherwise, you can leave."

With that, Lily leaned back in her chair and waited for their response.

As Alena read through the paper, her eyes grew wider and wider.

"Permanent residence in an area with 80% mana density... A 2-hour training pass in a training ground with 200% mana density every day!"

Just the first two benefits were enough to make Alena clutch the sheet of paper tightly. The following lines even stated the benefits for their subordinates.

Even though those subordinates would no longer be under their command after joining, and would instead fall under the territory’s control, they would be provided residences in areas with a minimum mana density of 40% and access to training grounds with 100% mana density for 2 hours.

It had to be known that the best mana-enriching natural treasure they had in Jialou’s territory provided 40% mana density, and its effective range was limited to just 20 meters.

"20% discount on the purchase of every item produced inside the territory for individuals with the rank of Company Captain, 25% for Battalion Commanders, 30% for Regiment Commanders, 35% for Brigadiers..."

Alena’s mind naturally wandered to Bison milk, potions, fruits, crops, and other items. She couldn’t help but feel her heart race as she realised just how much they could save.

Plus, the added fact that water was available 24/7 right inside their houses was the cherry on top.

This was possible because Leo could easily construct rust-free metal pipes through the ground to every house, connecting them to the freshwater pool at the top of the plateau.

Alena had already agreed to sign the contract, but the list of benefits wasn’t finished yet.

The contract also promised spirit equipment and tools from the territory to its defensive forces once production began. Although the specific level wasn’t mentioned, even the lowest-grade spirit tool could be of tremendous help.

Alena didn’t even let Jialou read the sheet—leaving his hand hanging in midair—and looked at Lily seriously.

"Countess, we are ready to join."

"Good. From now on, you can call me Lady Lily and Leo, Lord Leo."