novelraw Chapter 652 - 435: Return to the Territory, Doris’s Change
Chapter 652 - 435: Return to the Territory, Doris’s Change
Ordinary Lords find it difficult to kill Yetis without getting injured, even relying on their Territory comes at a certain cost.
By the time Zong Shen and his group arrived, the battle was already nearing its end.
To avoid the suspicion of being opportunistic, Zong Shen only allowed the Shooters to provide a bit of assistance.
Aside from these minor interludes, everything else was very calm.
Due to Zong Shen’s clearing efforts, the density of Frosty Snow Beasts around the Territory has significantly decreased.
This is a good thing for the nearby Legion members.
Without sufficient Strength, killing Frosty Snow Beasts now isn’t very cost-effective for them.
The 1000 Points reward is not much after deducting losses.
Such a situation will have to wait until the temporary exchange ends tomorrow.
Only when ordinary Lords have absorbed the Survival Points gained over these two days, further strengthening their Territory and their Strength, can they eliminate Yetis at a lower cost.
These Yetis have a certain randomness as they spread out through the snow and ice.
Considering this, Zong Shen plans to go further afield tomorrow to clear out Yetis.
He shouldn’t monopolize the area alone and should leave some for Legion members to practice with.
After trekking through the snowstorm for over twenty minutes, they finally returned to the Territory.
Doris had returned to the Territory with them earlier.
She had sent everyone back to the Living Area and the Magic Hall.
She chose to wait alone for Zong Shen’s return in the Lord’s Small Tower.
When the Burden-Bearer Mecha drove into the Central District from the dark night, braving the wind and snow, Doris almost immediately left the warm Lord’s Small Tower.
During the time that Zong Shen and the others hadn’t returned, at Marie’s request,
Doris had proactively visited the Blacksmith Shop and Tailor Shop.
She brought back nearly forty sets of Anti-Slip Chain Spikes and 212 sets of Sewn Sheepskin Coats.
She set aside a few sets to bring to Hoy and gave the remainder to Marie.
These were actions that had Zong Shen’s permission and endorsement.
In fact, Zong Shen is very lenient with his Heroes, to gradually cultivate their autonomy.
And the Loyalty ensures that they won’t think of embezzling resources when managing the Territory’s goods.
Doris could be seen running wildly in the snow, wearing boots equipped with chain spikes.
By the time Zong Shen stabilized the Burden-Bearer Mecha, Doris was already by his side.
"Luna, Wenresa, sorry to trouble you both to make another trip."
"Please take the Warriors back to the Living Area."
"Everyone, rest early tonight, and gather at 5 AM sharp tomorrow morning."
Zong Shen stood on the driver’s seat, took off his Battle Helmet, and shouted loudly.
He assigned Luna and Wenresa the task of escorting the Warriors back to the Living Area.
All the Warriors bowed to Zong Shen.
After the brief ceremony, Wenresa and Luna each drove a Burden-Bearer Mecha towards the southeast Living Area of the Territory.
After handling these matters, Doris finally had a chance to report to Zong Shen.
Zong Shen stomped the ground twice, shaking off the snow on his body, then patted her on the back as they headed towards the Lord’s Small Tower, saying.
"Come on, let’s talk inside the tower."
"It’s too cold outside."
Doris nodded obediently upon hearing this and followed Zong Shen.
Besides her, Madeleine and Mapple also accompanied them.
Everyone entered the Small Tower together.
Marie understood that Zong Shen and the others had returned when she saw Doris dash out.
She had already gone to the kitchen to boil water in advance.
There was only one piece of Fire Ginger Candy left, and Marie hesitated to use it.
However, steaming hot water would also dispel the cold.
Zong Shen brought Doris to sit by the long table.
He removed the thick and heavy Benedict’s Charging Cloak from his back, hanging it on the chair back.
This cloak was also Rare-level Equipment, sourced from the goblin merchant Boswell.
Due to its cumbersome weight, Zong Shen rarely wore it.
However, during the Frosty Winter Period, it was quite fitting, providing much-needed warmth besides its inherent Attributes.
He placed the Battle Helmet on the table, stretched his weary body, and finally cast his gaze on Doris.
"My lord, today my squad successfully killed five Frosty Snow Beasts."
"To expedite matters, the Magic Springs you gave us have all been used up."
"All the Warriors have safely returned to the Territory."
"Only one Wolf Cavalry was injured slightly due to the Warg slipping, taking a punch from a Yeti."
Doris reported in an expectant tone.
It seemed more like she was asking for credit than reporting.
Zong Shen grinned at Doris’ demeanor.
"Well done, Doris!"
"You’ve defended your promise with actions."
"You’ve started to understand the importance and power of the team."
"That’s exactly what I wished to see."
He spoke without sparing praise, knowing that appropriate encouragement can greatly motivate a person.
Especially for girls like Doris, who deeply crave recognition.
She used to lack a sense of teamwork, always acting independently.
Now she’s considering the team and aware of others.
That marks significant progress, largely influenced by her life in the Territory.
Zong Shen also played a leading role in this change.
He was thrilled to see this development because it reflects a form of spiritual recognition.
Hearing Zong Shen’s words, Doris’ eyes lit up with brilliance.
The sense of achievement and satisfaction she felt was indescribable.
This moment of realization felt more exhilarating than her past battle frenzy.
Everyone needs goals and a sense of fulfillment to sustain themselves.
Doris, too, found a meaningful aim to strive for.
Her hands on the table slightly trembled.
"My Lord..."
"Thank you."
She didn’t use an abundance of feel-good talk or big declarations.
After long brewing, Doris managed to transform her excitement into gratitude.
As a Sealed Warrior, having experienced events from the previous Era,
she is particularly thankful for everything encountered in this Era.
Whether it’s Zong Shen or this simple Territory built bit by bit,
or those Warriors with different personalities.
All of it together forms a vivid picture.
Here, Doris sees hope for the future.
Zong Shen didn’t say much, keeping his gentle smile while noticing Doris’s expressions.
Recalling how rebellious she was when first recruited, like a female demon king save-the-day character.
During battle against the Evil God’s Forgetter, she directly summoned Fire Spirit Swordsmen.
She even initiated close combat herself, bypassing frontline Wolf Cavalry, launching into attack herself.
The difference between her then and now was like night and day.
After completing these thoughts, Doris had the chance to report the situation to Zong Shen.
Upon receiving the report, Zong Shen smiled warmly at her.
"Well done, Doris!"
"We’ve reduced the number of Frosty Snow Beasts significantly around the Territory."
"Remember that we’re in the Frosty Winter Period; every action should be strategic now."
"We need to manage our resources wisely to face unforeseen challenges."
See, just imagine when we totally take control of this territory."
With the current seamless teamwork and his leadership, the challenges could be conquered.
Doris nodded in agreement, feeling a strong sense of unity and prosperity.
𝑷erhaps for the first Time, she felt a deep connection with her fellow entities.
Hope for a better future for the Territory gleamed in her eyes, stronger now than ever before.
They all knew the impending danger from the Frosty Winter Period required unwavering Loyalty.
Together, they shared a common vision, driven by Zong Shen’s unwavering determination.
As everyone settled in and the warmth of the room enveloped them, Doris couldn’t help but feel an immense gratitude for the family they’d become.
As the night wore on, the room filled up with soft laughter, discussions, and the cozy aroma of freshly brewed fire ginger candy tea.
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