Green Monster Epic

Chapter 197 Stinginess

Saru returned with serious injuries, startling the Green Field Tribe. They couldn't understand how such a robust fellow could be so fragile, returning in such a sorry state after a single trip. Their gazes toward him were filled with disdain and contempt.

Of course, only Allen and Phillip knew who Saru's opponent was. Therefore, seeing Saru in this state, Allen was surprised, but also found it reasonable.

"How was it? Did you kill the Bonecrusher?"

Based on Saru's return time, Allen roughly understood that the ambush must have occurred after the Bonecrusher left the village, at the boundary between their territories.

"I'm sorry, I failed to assassinate the Bonecrusher, but I did kill the four kobolds accompanying him."

Saru shook his head, somewhat guiltily avoiding Allen's eyes.

"Oh, well, that's fine. It counts as fulfilling one of your promises to me."

Allen was somewhat disappointed, but not entirely surprised. After all, the Bonecrusher was the strongest being in the Green Field Plains. It would seem as though the Green Field had no strong individuals if he were so easily killed.

"How about I try another assassination after I recover? I believe I can take his life next time."

As he said this, Saru's face flushed slightly. Without knowing how the opponent detected his approach, succeeding after the first failed attempt would be much more difficult, as the opponent would be more vigilant.

"Let's stop for now. He came to me today to discuss renewing our contract. I politely declined. However, he proposed peaceful development between our Green Field Tribe, which I think is a good idea, and I agreed."

"Your failed assassination attempt likely made our Green Field Tribe the prime suspect in his mind. One assassination serves as a warning. If we try again, I fear he might resort to underhanded tactics."

Compared to Allen's clumsy methods, the Bonecrusher had been operating in the Green Field for many years, giving him an advantage in every aspect. If he were to resort to tricks, Allen wasn't confident he could outmaneuver him. The Bonecrusher's seemingly reconciliatory visit was also a display of power. Allen knew Golem's strength, and now that he was dead at the Bonecrusher's hands, Allen wasn't confident he could withstand the Bonecrusher's all-out attacks.

However, in terms of tribal management, Allen believed that given time, he could surpass the Bonecrusher Tribe's strength. Once he could stall until the Bonecrusher died of old age, the Bonecrusher Tribe would naturally become their tribe's prey.

"Rest and recover first. Once you're healed, I'll have another task for you."

"Ah? So soon?"

Saru was a little surprised but didn't refuse.

"Don't worry, this task won't be too difficult, just a bit troublesome and time-consuming. You'll be staying in our village for a long time anyway, so there should be enough time."

Allen nodded, smiling, and extended his hand towards Saru.

"What does this mean?"

Saru was puzzled.

"I assume you didn't use too many resources during the assassination. Return the items I gave you for the mission. We paid for those, and we can't let outsiders benefit from them for nothing."

Allen spoke matter-of-factly, leaving Saru speechless. His eyes, fixed on Allen, were filled with various emotions, mostly contempt. A dignified leader, so stingy as to take back gifts, was truly shameless.

However, Allen completely ignored Saru's gaze. He wouldn't retract his outstretched hand until he received the items. Finally, in Saru's indignation and frustration, he handed over several scrolls and two remaining bottles of healing potion. However, just as the potion was about to be handed over, Saru suddenly took one bottle back and, in front of Allen, gulped it down, his final act of defiance.

Had he known the items would be returned, Saru might have been more generous during the ambush, perhaps avoiding such severe injuries.

After the Bonecrusher's visit, Green Lake Village finally returned to peaceful life. Not long after, the Bonecrusher sent someone to inform Allen to bring people to the border between their tribes to divide the land and set up clear markers, marking a long pause in the feud between the two tribes for more than a year.

However, both Allen and the Bonecrusher knew that the relationship between their tribes wouldn't change because of the current peace. The next time the two tribes faced each other with weapons, it would be a war with only one victor.

As for Saru, after recovering from his injuries in Green Lake Village, Allen entrusted him with another task: to scout all the surrounding tribal camps and terrain within a 150-mile radius.

Now that there was a ready-made shadow warrior to use, Allen could learn about the surrounding situation sooner without waiting for Eileen to grow up. Anyway, it was free labor. Saru seemingly agreed to three tasks for Allen, but in reality, he would only stay in Green Lake until the next Moonrise Festival, which was only 8-9 months away. Allen had to use these three tasks while he was in the village, or he might not be able to find him in the future.

Of course, Allen didn't forget Jack, whom he had tricked into bringing Mauro and the others back. This guy had been avoiding Allen, fearing he would be roped into unreliable tasks. He only completed the task of teaching Eileen. It wasn't until the Bonecrusher visited their village that Jack approached Allen to demand his reward for leading the team and then prepared to return to the Thunder Tribe.

"If you don't feel comfortable in the Thunder Tribe, you can come and live in our village. I sincerely invite you this time."

Before leaving, Allen once again extended an invitation to Jack. Although his combat power wasn't great, he was good at teaching skills. In a short time, Eileen had reached level 4 rogue and learned Jack's Swift skill.

"Okay, I'll consider it."

Jack had stayed in Green Lake Village for some time and was indeed somewhat tempted. At least those living in Green Lake Village were goblins. Although everyone still treated each other based on strength, at least there wasn't the same level of abuse and killing of vassal races as in the Thunder Tribe.

"I look forward to your return. Of course, we also warmly welcome any other goblins who wish to come."

Allen watched Jack leave, shouting loudly behind him.