Iron Harvest: When Farming Becomes Conquest

Chapter 42 - 42 11 Level 2 Collection

?42: Chapter 11: Level 2 Collection 42: Chapter 11: Level 2 Collection Today was Roman’s 16th day in Sige Town.

The farming plan was progressing smoothly.

According to Roman’s request, a hundred tons of compost had already been completed, but because more is always better with fertilizer, Roman had them pile an extra twenty to thirty tons, just in case.

Lax had all available iron forged into heavy plows, and a total of 40 heavy plows were crafted.

Compared to the two thousand acres, it was just barely enough.

Currently, at least five hundred laborers in Sige Town were occupied with clearing debris from the soil.

Stones, tree roots, stumps, shrub roots, and hard clumps of soil that would affect the yield were all removed, making the soil soft and flat, now looking fit for purpose.

It was estimated that in two more days, deep plowing would be fully completed and they could move on to the sowing stage.

They had no idle time.

Suppose they had to dig out tree roots, stumps, and stones from the center of the two thousand acres, they then had to load them on ox-carts, walk five hundred meters on foot to dispose of the debris outside the cultivated land.

What level of workload was this?

Everyone had to sweat profusely.

But turning virgin soil into fertile land was a necessary step.

This was also why Roman refused to divide the land under any circumstances.

They had to work more than ten hours a day to make this progress.

Giving them two hours of break to plant something else meant not meeting the target for the two thousand acres.

…

[Collection Experience +1]

[Collection Skill advanced to Level 2]

[Level 2 Collection: 1380]

[Milestone Unlock: Lumberjack]

[Lumberjack: Obtain 500 original stones]

…

After Roman cut down the 55th tree, his “Collection” Skill advanced.

Unlocked knowledge flowed into his mind.

Roman rubbed his temples, finding that this knowledge was about geology, which allowed him clearer insights into minerals and provided him with basic mining techniques.

Thankfully, it just about met his upcoming needs for “Collection.”

“Gwivelle, let’s go!” Roman said.

Cutting trees was on pause for now.

Since Gwivelle had nothing else to do, Roman had her find a small basket to spread pine soil from the forest to the vegetable field.

Each time she transported only about twenty to thirty kilograms, covering a distance of one to two hundred meters, but she did it tirelessly.

By now, the girl had almost covered half of the vegetable field with pine soil.

While walking, Roman was contemplating whether to continue drawing Angel Envoys.

Eight days of sign-ins plus a milestone gift, along with the 80 original stones left from the last draw, totaled 1380 original stones, enough for eight drawings.

Roman hoped to draw transcendent figures like Gwivelle, Dick, and Jet from the pool.

But the problem was, even if he drew them, he currently had no resources to cultivate them.

The extraordinary resources Roman had weren’t enough to cultivate even one Angel Envoy.

For example, Aaron’s Attack Attribute was E+, and to upgrade it to D, it required [50 grams of Fine Gold] + [100 grams of Magic Stone] + [500 pounds of Magic Steel] to craft an “Experience Book.”

Magic stone aside.

Just the 50 grams of Gold would need nearly twenty Gold Coins to melt down, and then converted into “Fine Gold” through magic.

By comparison, steel was somewhat cheaper—but even that required finding a Magic Stone for refinement.

Roman knew the road ahead was long and arduous, and this matter couldn’t be rushed.

He returned to Origin Manor and immediately saw Green practicing swordsmanship on the grass—his Greatsword had been stuck in a sloping position by Roman, and now he could only train with a spare sword.

This was terrible!

The spare sword was only two pounds, neither the weight nor the material matched his Two-Handed Greatsword mixed with mountain copper, the latter being the foundation of his livelihood.

So, Green was in a particularly bitter mood these past few days.

He had only seen Lords present equipment to their Conquest Knights, never taking from their own.

It was indeed an eye-opener.

This man truly did not fear him turning on the battlefield at a critical moment, to stab this lawless tyrant with a sword.

It was then, when the tyrant nonchalantly spoke to him,

“Green, would you like to join me for a picnic?”

Green glanced at Roman.

After being cold for several days, this guy still had the nerve to talk to him.

Green believed he had never seen such a shameless person.

“First, return my sword to me.”

There were many people before, so he gave Roman face and did not speak up.

Now that it was just them, did he still expect him to remain kneeling?

No way!

Roman wouldn’t admit his mistake; Green would never forgive this bastard.

Just because he killed a few old farmers, he had stuck his sword into the ground!

Ah yes, yes, you swore, you promised, you felt good about it.

But did you consider my feelings?

Today you tossed my weapon away, what next, melt down my full armor to forge a plow?

Roman said with a cheerful smile, “Green, my knight, you have lost your way.”

Green, with a stern face, looked quite dashing and unusually serious now, “If you’re going to talk to me about how a knight must have a spirit of dedication and sacrifice, then I must challenge you to a knight’s duel to show you my bravery and fearlessness!”

Damn it, I can’t take it anymore!

For a lord as detestable as him, a heavy hand was necessary!

Roman waved his hand, “No, no, no!

I mean you misused your talents; you should not be wielding that heavy greatsword nor wear such heavy armor, it’s a constraint on you.”

Green mocked sneeringly, “You freed me from my constraints; should I also thank you for that?”

Roman laughed, “Don’t you think a light sword would suit you better?”

Green expressionless, “Fine, I really thank you for letting me lightly adjoin the battle against a Conquest Knight in full Heavy Armor.”

A victorious Conquest Knight is founded on ample training and nourishment, excellent armor, and weapons.

And the latter factors are crucial in determining victory.

Green knew his talents weren’t suited for head-on battles but rather using speed and agility to exhaust the enemy.

But nothing could be done; it was the trend, without wielding a Two-handed Greatsword and wearing Heavy Armor, he could at most bully the ordinary Mortals.

If against a Transcendent of the same rank, his chances of victory were nonexistent.

Unless his combat skills reached an unbelievably high level.

Under these circumstances, the greatsword mixed with alloy and armor with a hint of Mithril were practically his life and fortune.

Roman’s maneuver had cost him half his life.

Roman patted Green on the shoulder, “Don’t be like that, how could I bear to see you die, you’re like my dear friend and brother.”

Green made no comment, dearly wishing he could punch him a couple of times.

Roman, still smiling, said, “I will forge better equipment for you, like a Fine Gold Short Sword and Secret Silver Armor, how about that?”

Green’s eyebrows twitched.

A Fine Gold Short Sword could slice through any steel armor, and Secret Silver Armor could withstand the full slashing and charging of a Conquest Knight.

Their value could only be imagined, either could bankrupt a hundred-year old baronetcy.

But Green knew Roman never shot without a target; at least he wouldn’t make up such an obvious lie.

“Really?” Green tilted his head, looking at Roman with clear suspicion in his eyes.

Roman snorted lightly, “Want it?

Then it depends on whether you can satisfy me.”

Any hesitation from Green even for a second would be a disrespect towards the Fine Gold Short Sword and Secret Silver Armor.

He shouted, “Lord Roman!

Let me be your sword, your shield, let me devote my life to you!”

Roman, proudly, “Hmph, then accompany me for a picnic!”