Chapter 897 - 530: Challenge Begins, Heading to the Boss Site

This is equivalent to indirectly enhancing the strength of the territory.

Either don’t do it, or do it well; this is Zong Shen’s principle.

The previous test had the Eagle fly directly over the northern mountains, tens of kilometers away from the territory.

At its top speed, it flew more than ten kilometers per minute, which was a breeze.

Thus, on the return trip, it consumed roughly the same amount of time.

When the Eagle landed outside the Lord’s Courtyard, the warriors in the territory were already assembled!

Wenresa, Luna, and Doris stood in the front row.

Hoy, Marie, and the two newly joined refugee heroes stood in the second row.

The only ones absent were the Kobolds and those Rodok Crossbowmen and Avalon New Manor Crossbowmen stationed at the Griffin’s Nest by Zong Shen.

The former were diligently mining in the mine, and the latter were probably already on their way.

The Eagle’s landing was as smooth as ever.

The Magic Jet Propulsion Armor it carried did not significantly hinder its takeoff and landing.

Although the size of this equipment is considered large for humans, it’s negligible compared to the Eagle’s body, which is over ten meters long.

Zong Shen dismounted from the Eagle’s back. He was in a good mood, and the successful application of Magic Energy Armor further validated his previous ideas.

The plan for the Griffin Bomber is entirely feasible!

After all, the Griffins’ size and load capacity are the real foundations for transformation.

It’s like a large aircraft.

The aircraft body and engines are qualified.

The rest only requires suitable weapons to be added.

The simplest application is to carry Goblin Bombs or other explosives.

More advanced options could even equip it with things like giant crossbows and catapults.

With proper coordination, it can be easily deployed in actual combat scenarios.

This also applies to the Scorpion-tailed Tiger, though compared to Griffins, their flight speed and carrying capacity are somewhat weaker.

Zong Shen jumped from the Eagle’s back with a smile on his face.

The current temperature is already nearing 45 degrees Celsius.

Only a few minutes remain before the official start of the Heat Wave Challenge.

The warriors standing in place were drenched in sweat, yet no one made a sound. They were ready to be reviewed by Zong Shen with upright postures.

Each had a water pouch made from cowhide hanging from their waists.

These pouches were common and not difficult to make, easily purchased from nearby villages.

Besides, the quantity needed by Zong Sheng and the group wasn’t large. Marie had already procured a total of 300 water pouches, enough to meet the equipment needs for the territory warriors’ travels.

As for the water source, it was even simpler; Zong Shen had prepared well in advance.

The territory was stocked with clean water from three fully-filled water cellars.

If that’s not enough, they can head to Lake Heart Island in the south of the territory.

Though the lake there isn’t large, it’s more than sufficient for daily drinking needs.

Zong Shen, with his hands behind his back, reviewed his troops with a piercing gaze.

At this moment, a melodious cry echoed from the distant sky.

These cries were very harmonious, echoing from afar to near in the northern sky.

Several black dots rapidly approached from afar.

In less than a minute, they flew over the territory.

After pinpointing the location, they landed on the open field outside the Lord’s Courtyard.

These were the troops Zong Shen had previously stationed at the Griffin’s Nest.

There were twelve Rodok Crossbowmen and four Light Crossbowmen in total.

They were riding the sixteen Griffins Zong Shen had previously chosen.

Now, the warriors of the territory could be considered truly assembled.

Except for the squad of Wolf Cavalry stationed at the mine, tasked with protecting the mine carts.

These crossbowmen, after a period of contact, were completely accustomed to the Griffins.

They descended confidently from the Griffins, their crossbows strapped on their backs.

Once the Griffins landed, they gathered beside the Eagle.

They loudly emitted cries of varying tones, seemingly greeting and conversing with each other.

The Eagle extended its neck, touching each Griffin with its head.

It was the leader of the group, possessing great authority.

Especially for these Griffins.

Among all the Griffins, aside from the Eagle, the rest were indirectly under its command.

They complied with Zong Shen’s orders entirely due to the Eagle’s command.

Thus, Zong Shen did not prevent their gathering.

"Everyone, keep quiet!"

His voice was not loud, but it had a special penetrating power.

The scene immediately quieted down.

Even the Eagle and the Griffins ceased their cries and stayed on the nearby open field.

Intertwining their necks, they stirred up a gentle breeze.

"Leave two squads of Wolf Cavalry for territory patrols."

"The remaining warriors are all to depart."

"Korby, you’re in charge of this task."

Zong Shen said loudly, issuing the first instruction.

Korby stepped forward on his Giant Wolf, holding his chest with one hand and nodding slightly.

"Your command surpasses all else!"

He responded loudly, using the utmost solemnity to honor Zong Shen’s command.

Zong Shen nodded with satisfaction, then turned his gaze to the second row.

"Hoy, Marie, you two stay with the newcomers in the territory."

"Furthermore, I need you to closely monitor everyone else’s condition."

"Immediately address any cases of heat exertion or heatstroke."

"I don’t wish to see non-combat losses in the territory."