Global Lords: I Have Information System

Zong Shen was constantly focused on these issues, even while resting, he kept pondering.

The first round of the battle ended with Zong Shen’s side killing over a thousand Burrow Monsters, two Burrow Heroes, and capturing alive two Wailing Liches. Now a large horde of Burrow Monsters, numbering over ten thousand, had formed around the perimeter of the territory. The vanguard had already begun to engage with the territory.

But all of them were swiftly strangled by Wolf Cavalry Squad One and the warriors of the Exploration Squad.

Zhang Zihao’s crisis was not yet over. Even if Zong Shen wanted to completely clear out the over ten thousand Burrow Monsters, it would take a lot of effort and time, and personnel casualties might occur.

There was too much of a quantity difference. Even though the warriors under Zong Shen were individually strong, they still struggled against such a large number of Burrow Monsters.

After all, the warriors were made of flesh and blood, capable of fatigue and mistakes, not Magic Energy Puppets that only needed charging to keep fighting.

The most crucial point was that this was not Zong Shen’s own safe and strong territory but Zhang Zihao’s weakly defended one, with only three Elemental Arrow Towers. The only terrain advantage to rely on was the trenches that had collapsed significantly and the heavily damaged road barriers.

Of course, Zong Shen could choose to flee with Zhang Zihao. Even if those Burrow Monsters destroyed Zhang Zihao’s territory, turning him into a Free Person who lost the privileges of a Lord, it would be better than stubbornly enduring and losing their lives.

However, after a brief consideration, Zong Shen decided to see the battle through to the end. If they went all out, it might still be possible to eliminate these over ten thousand Burrow Monsters and the few hidden Burrow Heroes among them.

The most important point was that Zong Shen himself needed to hunt Burrow Monsters actively today; it was one of his core task objectives for the day.

Since they needed to hunt, they might as well engage in a proper battle here. If things truly became overwhelming, they could consider retreating, as possessing the Burden-Bearer Mecha gave them the capability to break through the blockade, not to mention Zong Shen also had Demon Deterrence and the Time Stop Treasure Pearl.

Zhang Zihao saw that Zong Shen was deep in thought and didn’t dare to disturb him. He was puzzled why Zong Shen could still find the mood to think in such a tense situation. Perhaps that’s what made him a big shot!

He was always watching and waiting, until Zong Shen finished his thought and raised his head, then he approached.

”Legion Commander! Thank you for your support!”

”If it weren’t for you, I would probably be dead at the hands of those monsters by now.”

Zhang Zihao sincerely bowed to Zong Shen. Zong Shen’s arrival was like a timely rain, and saying it was a life-saving grace would not be an exaggeration.

Zong Shen glanced at him, nodded with a smile.

”Since you’ve joined my legion, we’re on the same side from now on.”

”I definitely wouldn’t just watch you get killed by those monsters.”

”What just happened doesn’t really count as anything, the real trouble is only just beginning.”

Zong Shen said calmly, pointing his hand outside the territory, at the large horde numbering over ten thousand.

Zhang Zihao followed his direction and looked, but he had already noticed without Zong Shen pointing it out.

His expression shifted constantly, as if making a difficult decision.

A few seconds later, Zhang Zihao gritted his teeth and looked up at Zong Shen.

”Legion Commander... I might as well give up the territory.”

”With such a massive horde, I have no reason to ask you to continue staying here.”

”At worst, I’ll lose the territory and become a Free Person, hoping to enter your territory to serve you.”

Zhang Zihao had already considered the worst outcome and spoke earnestly.

Becoming a Free Person would mean losing many of a Lord’s privileges, unable to enjoy the convenience of data facilitation, and unable to utilize Command Value and Loyalty to easily command subordinates. Privileges like [Building] and [Manufacturing] would all be lost, with only [Channel] being retained.

He would become more akin to the Indigenous People, unable to rapidly develop like Lords do.

However, after becoming a Free Person, one wouldn’t have to accept challenges, nor would there be any mandatory development targets, at least ensuring the safety of one’s life.

It’s a way out for those facing crises or those Lords with slow development.

When Zong Shen first learned that losing a territory would result in becoming a Free Person, he thought it was the Lord System’s mercy, as the hidden overseer still followed the principles of natural development and elimination, without leaving a hopeless situation.

However, Zong Shen understood well that with every gain comes a loss. Becoming a Free Person meant relative safety and no need to face the Lord System’s challenges.

But the Lords who constantly rose from various crises and challenges should ultimately gain rewards unimaginable to Free People.

Of course, Free People still have a path, as they could continue to develop their influence among the Indigenous People, though the process is destined to be slow. At least it proves that in this world, every person still has some rights to choose their own path.

The future might very well present a truly vibrant scene.

Zong Shen couldn’t help but laugh a little upon hearing Zhang Zihao’s honest words.

He lightly patted Zhang Zihao’s arm.

”Don’t be so pessimistic, things are far from reaching that stage.”

”This horde of Burrow Monsters, I’m going to annihilate them.”

Zong Shen’s tone was relaxed, yet it was a shock to Zhang Zihao.

He widened his eyes, as if glimpsing a world he had never encountered from those words.

By the time he came to his senses, Zong Shen had already turned and walked towards the edge of the territory.

Zhang Zihao’s gaze became much more determined as he shouted loudly at Zong Shen’s back.

”Sir, I want to fight alongside you!”

His voice echoed throughout the territory, carrying a sense of hopeful power.

From Zong Shen, he found a true way of living in this world.

This was probably the power of example.

Zong Shen did not stop his steps, raised his right hand, and gave a thumbs up as a response to Zhang Zihao’s words.

Outside the territory, the large-scale monster horde was about to arrive. The scattered vanguard continuously assaulted the front line, which was entirely composed of Wolf Rider Squad One and the Exploration Squad.

Wolf Cavalry and Dragonized Spear and Shield Warrior stood at the front line, Luna and three Female Hunters stood on the second line, the Mages stood on the third line, and the Dragon-kin Ranger Sisters occupied the high ground of the territory as the fourth line.

In terms of numbers, this was an extremely unequal battle. Coupled with Zhang Zihao and his six surviving soldiers, the total combat strength was only 36.

36 people vs over ten thousand Burrow Monsters, relying solely on this small territory.

The numerical disparity was truly overwhelming.

Yet, the warriors under Zong Shen faced this without fear. They had accompanied Zong Shen through many similar unequal battles and always returned victorious, so they already had a sense of worship and trust in Zong Shen.

The Wolf Cavalryman gripped his saber tightly, glaring at the Burrow Monsters, while the giant wolf under him bared its sharp teeth, breathing heavily.

Luna continuously tossed and caught the Moon Blade in her hand, her and the surrounding Female Hunters infected by this war intent. Even a team of a few dozen exuded the momentum of a legion of thousands.

Even though the Burrow Monsters had the advantage in quantity, they still scorned the enemy.

Zhang Zihao bandaged the wound on his arm, carried his Refined-Level longsword, and led six warriors to the front line.

All his soldiers were melee types, with three Tier Two Wolf Riders, two Tier Three Nordic Mad Axe Warriors, and one Level Two Avalon Light Armor Swordsman remaining.

Their equipment was already battered from previous battles, but due to the [Blessing of the Moon] effect, their injuries had healed, making them ready to fight another battle.

For every additional force, Zong Shen’s side faced one less pressure.