Monster Girl Development Master.

The one-eyed bear's ferocious smile turned to terror: "Your power... impossible! You've only just awakened for the second time, how could you possibly compete with my third-awakened [Digging Bear]!"

“Because…” Lydia began, but the one-eyed bear launched a flying kick towards her groin, a vital weak point for both men and women. However, his sneak attack failed to achieve its intended effect, as his foot struck a shield as hard and thick as steel—but ordinary steel couldn't withstand his full-force kick!

"Rock Shield".

Lydia's voice, as cold as death, rang out, explaining the reason and adding a counterattack, "Annihilation!"

The runic longsword glowed with a chaotic light, and the magic iron warhammer that had been able to hold its own against it was easily sliced ​​in half like a piece of broken wood. The one-eyed bear, which had disrupted its own balance, had no time to dodge and could only use its ability [Rock Shield] again.

A yellowish-brown stone shield blocked his path and the runic longsword. Although it was immediately cut through, the brief moment was enough for the one-eyed bear to regain his balance and unleash his next ability—[Digging]!

The one-eyed bear burrowed underground at an astonishing speed, avoiding Lydia's deadly attack, before emerging again from the other end of the circular area enclosed by the soldiers.

The soldiers made no attempt to hide their mockery of the dust-covered, one-eyed bear.

The one-eyed bear ignored them and, somewhat distraught, questioned Lydia: "Why? How could you use my abilities? And how could you be as strong as me!"

Lydia raised her sword again: "I can only say that this is the Earl's blessing."

The one-eyed bear gritted its teeth and let out a terrifying roar. Its already massive muscles swelled up again, and fangs even grew out of its mouth. Its eyes turned completely blood red—[Bear's Fury]!

This is the One-Eyed Bear's trump card. Once unleashed, his strength and physique triple, he becomes immune to pain and mental magic, and retains his sanity. The price is that he'll be weak for at least three days afterward, to the point of being bedridden. But since awakening this ability, he's never lost a battle using it!

This time will be no exception!!!

The one-eyed bear regained its confidence and glared fiercely at Lydia.

Lydia met the one-eyed bear's gaze directly and slowly said, "The power of giants, strides forward, rational rage, body of steel, fanatical revenge..."

With each word she uttered, the patterns on one piece of her armor lit up, eventually merging into a single light, while the gradually dimming runic sword seemed out of place.

So she said it again: Annihilation.

Chapter 206: Battle of Generals - Part 2

As the chaotic, profound light shone again, the one-eyed bear suddenly wished he hadn't retained his rationality, so he wouldn't be experiencing his current hesitation and confusion.

why?

How can someone use so many abilities at once? Does she have an inexhaustible supply of bloodline power? Oh, so those are abilities that come with the equipment, she doesn't need to use bloodline abilities, haha—damn it, why?!

In the one-eyed bear's understanding, only high-grade magic iron equipment can allow the wearer to unleash their abilities. Therefore, in his view, Lydia was wearing a full set of high-grade magic iron equipment, and they were all independent of each other. Even the effects of the two gauntlets were different, so they were not a set!

Even at the lowest price, that woman's outfit must cost over ten thousand gold coins! Over ten thousand gold coins!! He's spent his whole life killing, arson, robbery, and theft, and he's only managed to accumulate a level 2 magic iron warhammer and ten thousand gold coins! That woman isn't wearing armor, she's wearing gold coins!!

The one-eyed bear felt suffocated. He felt like he was fighting a mountain of gold, and he couldn't see the end of the mountain at all! Should he just surrender? Otherwise, if he accidentally damaged the opponent's armor, he probably wouldn't be able to afford the compensation.

No, even if he surrenders now, can he afford the ransom?

By sheer chance, the one-eyed bear suddenly saw through the illusions of life and death, discovering a far more important problem. If he lost, he would become a prisoner, and he wouldn't have the money to ransom himself, because everything he owned would become spoils of war, including his savings stored at the main camp. And the fate of nobles who couldn't afford the ransom... well, to put it another way, a large part of the reason he was able to make so much money was because some nobles couldn't afford the ransom and could only pay for their semen.

That stuff sells much better than any other commodity. High-ranking nobles are eager to buy it, and even low-ranking nobles have wealthy merchants and landlords vying to pay for it.

Thinking this, the one-eyed bear's initial hesitation and confusion vanished, leaving only a strong will to survive—No! He didn't want to become a bloodline breeding machine that only lasted ten seconds!!!

A deafening roar tore through the sky as the one-eyed bear resolutely charged towards Lydia. With each step it took, waves of energy surged up from the earth, crashing towards Lydia – [Earth Wave Technique].

At the same time, the one-eyed bear's hands were covered in rocks, transforming into [Rock Fists], and several [Rock Shields] appeared on his chest, defending against the vital points exposed by his tattered armor. He also used every other ability that could be of some use without hesitation, all for this final gamble!

Seeing the one-eyed bear's aggressive approach, Lydia became even more vigilant. She donned her Frost Spirit Armor, and amidst the annihilating chaotic light, a hint of green from Necromancer's Strike appeared. Her footing was unwavering; relying on the speed and effects granted by Stride and Freedom of Movement, she charged directly towards the one-eyed bear, riding the waves of earth.

The surrounding soldiers tensed up, many secretly raising their weapons, ready to charge in case of trouble. They deeply respected their new minister and marshal!

In this tense and anxious atmosphere, just as Lydia came within five meters of the one-eyed bear and the two were about to clash, the one-eyed bear suddenly disappeared and reappeared behind Lydia!

Dig!

Within five meters, the one-eyed bear can use it to achieve an effect similar to teleportation!

Using all his life's knowledge and unleashing his strongest fighting power ever, the one-eyed bear swung his fists powerfully: "You rich bastards, just give up!!!"

The rock fist slammed down, shattering the [Rock Shield] and [Frost Spirit Armor], and was about to strike the ornately patterned plate armor with deadly force. The one-eyed bear's lips curled into a maniacal grin. Such a blow would severely injure the female knight, no matter how fine her armor; and he had aimed for her head—that would be a fatal strike!

He won! He doesn't have to pay the ransom!

he--

The annihilating chaotic light shattered the one-eyed bear's illusions. Although caught off guard by the "basic version of Flash," Dulahan wouldn't let it affect her performance. She immediately turned and swung her sword, striking the one-eyed bear with the upright blade. With the added power, she successfully blocked the one-eyed bear's attack at the last moment.

She didn't use her sword to strike directly, just so as not to break her promise; otherwise, it would have been over.

"Admit defeat, you are no match for me."

Lydia said matter-of-factly that after two rounds of fighting, she had completely figured out the difference in strength between herself and the one-eyed bear. If she didn't use her rune equipment, she would probably be slightly inferior, but if she was in full armor mode, the one-eyed bear would only be able to struggle for survival.

Just like right now.

Upon hearing Lydia's words, the one-eyed bear felt a surge of resentment, fear, and rage. He absolutely refused to become a plaything only good for paying for his semen; he had to win! Even if it meant breaking his promise and risking his life!

Ultimately, he was never a good person! A dark light suddenly flashed in the empty eye socket of the one-eyed bear, striking Lydia's helmet unexpectedly!

Then, with a bang, the helmet, which contained nothing, flew out, and the surroundings fell into dead silence.

The one-eyed bear hadn't expected his [Gravity Ray] to be so effective; it was clearly just his last struggle! But after a moment of surprise, he burst into unrestrained laughter: "Ha, ha, ha ha ha ha! I won! I! Won!!!"

His laughter awakened the soldiers, who roared and shouted in protest. The knights reined in their horses and turned back, not to flee, but to create space for a charge—they were going to crush this bastard!

However, it's no longer needed.

Lydia punched the one-eyed bear in the face, denting his right cheek and leaving a distinct red mark from her iron gauntlet. Then she pierced his shoulder blade with her sword, pinning him to the ground. She then walked to her helmet and picked it up.

The one-eyed bear, lying on the ground, watched as a pair of iron boots entered his field of vision and picked up the empty helmet—devoid of blood and head. He angrily rebuked, "You liar! You clearly said you'd use human form!"

Lydia, holding the helmet, stared blankly at the one-eyed bear: "Even in human form, my head isn't a vital organ. Besides, you were the one who struck first, weren't you?"

The one-eyed bear couldn't argue, and could only plead, "Then kill me! Kill me!!"

Lydia put on her helmet and shook her head: "If you had said that before, I would have granted your request, but now... the Digging Bear is a rare bloodline here, and I think many people would be willing to pay a high price for you."

After saying that, Lydia kicked the one-eyed bear in the head, knocking him unconscious, and then looked at the chaotic group: "Everyone! Line up! Head to Shattered Stone Castle!"

At this moment, a group of people gathered in Shattered Stone Fortress.

The author says:

Author's Note: A new month, a new day. Last month I updated a total of 19 words, and my right hand even developed tendonitis from overwork—it's so tough! Also, please note that the monthly tickets I personally voted for donate donate to the bounty, so my update progress is: Monthly tickets 49/50, urging tickets 40/50, and bounties 800/5000.

Chapter 207: Stealing the City

"Is everything ready?"

Jack glanced at his companions, his rough face displaying a contradictory mix of apprehension and excitement.

"All the brothers are here, Jack. Those bastards Farrar brought are all gone. Only seven or eight gatekeepers are left!"

"Let's do it, Jack! Maybe we can even get a reward when the adults come after us!"

"That's right, Lord Zhuang Sen is a level three bloodline user. Dealing with these guys who aren't even fully armored should be a piece of cake."

"No matter what, it's better than continuing to be bullied by those bastards! As long as we take out those soldiers who stayed behind, the castle will be ours!"

Amidst the chatter, the group's identities were naturally revealed: they were the inhabitants of the area surrounding Shattered Stone Fortress. As "advanced villagers" who could live next to the castle, their knowledge and abilities were slightly higher. For example, most of them had participated in peasant-soldier training and even possessed weapons other than hoes and pitchforks. They knew how to operate the hinge mechanism of the city gate and were familiar with the layout of the castle's outer walls.

However, being relatively wealthy, they also suffered the greatest losses during the invasion. Many went from being "rich peasants" to "vagrants" overnight. Therefore, they deeply resented the One-Eyed Bear's mercenaries and even more so the Faroese who supported him. Now, seeing both groups mobilized in full force, they couldn't help but feel the urge to resist.

Just as they said, there are now no more than ten soldiers left in the entire Shattered Stone Fortress, and they are all mercenaries. As long as they can enter the castle, they will win by sheer numbers!

With that in mind, Jack no longer hesitated: "Then let's proceed according to plan. John, Hans, you two go push the cart. The rest of you, put on your face wash! Follow me!"

Soon, a dusty caravan appeared before the gates of Shattered Stone Fortress. The soldiers guarding the outer wall, not seeing the familiar eagle banner, were puzzled and, wary, did not open the gate. Instead, they shouted down from the city wall, "Stop! Who are you!"

Jack swallowed hard and replied in a Farau accent, "We are a caravan from the Golden Flower Territory! We're here to do business!"

Jack's accent was very authentic, because he was a businessman who traded in Falaine. The soldiers on the wall relaxed their guard a bit after hearing him, but before they opened the gate, they asked, "Where's your flag?!"

“Didn’t they say there was an attack by the Leonians? We’re afraid something might happen…” Jack said timidly, pretending to rummage through the truck for flags, but what was revealed first was the honey they had painstakingly collected, several jars of strong liquor that had been buried in the ground to avoid being stolen, and the white breasts of the “prostitutes” in the group. The soldiers on the wall couldn’t resist Jack’s leisurely movements.

"Alright, alright, stop wasting time, open the door!"

The drawbridge was lowered and the gate was raised. Only four guards rushed down the wall, even helping Jack and his men drive the truck through the gate. During this time, they did not completely relax their vigilance. After the truck entered, they had the two soldiers in the hinged room lower the gate again to prevent any enemies from suddenly rushing in.

Then, with lewd grins, they reached out to grab the prostitutes. The better ones only went to grab the wine jars first, completely ignoring the cowardly merchants dressed in simple clothes, whose only weapons were large wooden clubs.

Jack subtly gave his companions a few meaningful glances, and they tacitly formed a circle, blocking the four soldiers from all sides. Then...

"Be careful!!"

Suddenly, a loud shout came from the stairwell on one side of the wall opening. It was the guard from the hinged room who had rushed down after closing the door. From his angle, he could clearly see the daggers that Jack and his men had pulled out of their crotches.

However, his warning came too late and instead became the order to begin the operation.

Jack and his group consisted of twenty-two men. Each of the four guards was stabbed an average of more than a dozen times, all in vital areas, their necks were ripped open like showerheads—ordinary soldiers like these did not have such excellent equipment as plate armor to protect their necks.

That's all there is to say.

Twenty-two men grabbed what was hidden in the truck, and some even took the soldiers' weapons and swarmed at them. The few remaining soldiers were powerless to fight back and died on the spot.

"John, Hans, go open the door. Mary, Anne, you and Henry go and call the rest of you in! Just in case!" Jack wiped the blood from his axe. "The rest of you, don't just stand around either. Go and arm yourselves. If any spineless cowards try to cause trouble, don't hold back!"

After successfully completing the plan, Jack's reputation was greatly enhanced, and everyone subconsciously obeyed his orders and began to act. Jack himself did not slack off. Although this was the first time the businessman had killed someone, and such a thrilling one at that, his heart and stomach were churning, but he still suppressed the urge to vomit and began to rummage through the weapons and armor he could wear.

Soon, news of the castle's fall spread, and at the urging of Mary, Anne, and Henry, most of the Stonehenge people rushed into the castle. But Jack's mood did not improve; in fact, it worsened.

Because Mary and Anne brought back bad news: "Jack, we saw an army coming down the road in Farau, carrying a flag that looked like a golden poppy!"

Mary's flustered words caused a huge uproar. The "refugees" who had just been jubilant suddenly became tense again, remembering their miserable past few days. Fear gripped their throats once more. Meanwhile, the "Leon traitor," who had been frightened by Jack's fully armed gang, immediately jumped up and advocated abandoning the city and fleeing, saying they could cover their retreat...

puff.

Jack pulled his longsword from the heart of one of his distant cousins, his expression icy: "Don't you know what those Farau people are? Do you still want to live the same life you've had for the past few days? To let those Farau people steal your last bit of food and treat your mothers, wives, and daughters like prostitutes and livestock?"

No one answered. Jack's face was contorted with rage, and his longsword was dripping with blood. He was no longer the gentle and composed man he once was. No one, whether they knew him or not, dared to meet his gaze, let alone refute him.

"John, Hans, you two take men and guard the section of the wall near the hinged house. The rest of you, go light a fire and boil all the dung in the outhouse! Hmm, Hank, you take the ones who know how to use a bow and go guard the outer wall too. Shoot anyone who comes!"

Jack's speech wasn't very effective, but the Fara people's performance over the past few days greatly enhanced his persuasiveness, so the crowd stirred up again. When the golden poppy banner arrived at the castle, the first thing they smelled was boiling excrement.

"Damn it, those fishmongers from Jinhe were always unreliable!"

Baron Jin Hualing stared at the sharp, broken stone banners that had been raised again on the city wall and cursed his allies!

Chapter 208: Defending the City and Breaking the Siege

Baron Golden Flower never imagined that his good neighbor would be so stupid as to allow a bunch of lowly people to seize an intact castle! Now, he has to figure out how to take down this damned castle without causing too much damage—otherwise, it won't have the effect of threatening Leon's territory!

Of course, he couldn't damage the castle now, because as reinforcements arriving later, he hadn't brought any siege equipment. Building it on the spot would be neither time-consuming nor costly, not to mention he hadn't brought any engineers with him. So, after much deliberation, he felt there was only one option to take the castle.