C7 Exploring the Fog Zone

Zhou Yan quickly turned his attention to another structure.

A short distance from the fence stood a tower ablaze with fire. It was the rare Element Tower, known for its formidable attack power.

"Building: Raging Flame Tower"

"Level: 1"

"Upgrade Requirement: 100 spirit coins"

"Defense: 500/500"

"Special: Fire Attack"

"Attack Range: 20 meters"

"Description: Capable of unleashing a devastating flame attack, it brings nightmares to any enemy in its path."

"Incredible!"

Securing such a potent Elemental Defense Tower at the start was a game-changer for Zhou Yan.

The might of an Elemental Defense Tower was astonishing, far surpassing that of an Arrow Tower.

Crucially, it was designed for area attacks. Such a tower would act as a bastion on the battlefield, an essential structure for safeguarding the entire territory.

At present, Zhou Yan's reserves of Soul Coins and Spirit Coins were low. Upgrading buildings and heroes was out of the question.

Thus, Zhou Yan contemplated venturing beyond the bounds of his territory.

For a novice, this was hardly a prudent move.

But with Diaochan's formidable attributes, Zhou Yan felt emboldened.

Moreover, his own attributes significantly exceeded those of an average person. They should be able to handle external threats.

"Chan, it's overwhelming to defend such a vast territory with just our strength. I'm thinking of scouting beyond our borders for resources."

"Absolutely," Diaochan agreed.

Eager to see the territory thrive, she grabbed the Beginner Sword and joined Zhou Yan at the territory's entrance. The fence there formed a gate, wide enough for them to pass.

Just 50 meters from the territory lay a grassy field.

Beyond that, a fog stretched out, beckoning the territory's inhabitants to explore.

Exploration of the Fog Zone was typically reserved for novices who had completed their Trial and possessed adequate strength.

Zhou Yan, however, was not one to idle away precious time.

He was relieved this place wasn't a barren desert.

During the novice trial, participants were randomly dispatched to various locales, the destinations unknown.

Few dared to probe the unknown during their Trial, a venture often equated with a death wish.

The dangers lurking within the fog were unpredictable, but the monsters encountered during the trial period were not overwhelmingly powerful.

With Diaochan's exceptional attributes and his own enhanced ones, Zhou Yan boldly stepped into the Fog Zone.

To grow stronger, he couldn't afford to stand still. He needed to seize the initiative, maximizing the trial month to amass additional resources.

Diaochan's perception was notably keen.

Zhou Yan had inquired how she detected monsters, but Diaochan couldn't pinpoint the cause. She simply sensed a hostile presence drawing near.

Zhou Yan suspected it was tied to Diaochan's innate talent, as she was a Hero of the highest caliber, RRR.

Back in S City, he had never heard of anyone acquiring a Hero of such quality.

However, Diaochan mentioned that upon leaving the territory, her perceptiveness had dulled. Now, she could only detect movements within a few meters, necessitating extra caution.

"Your senses are diminished?"

"It seems to be linked to the territory, which seems to amplify a Hero's perception and strength."

Zhou Yan made a mental note of this insight, absent from any textbook.

The pair kept a watchful eye as they delved deeper into the Fog Zone.

Several hundred meters in, they stumbled upon a forest encircling their territory.

This discovery was a mixed blessing for Zhou Yan.

The downside: if forests surrounded the entire territory, he'd need to be vigilant against monsters attacking from all quarters.

The upside: he now had the upgraded Thorny Vine Fence, significantly bolstering the territory's defenses.

Yet the Level 1 Thorny Vine Fence wasn't the sturdiest. And without the resources for an upgrade, it remained a vulnerability.

During the Beginner Trials, monster incursions were gradual, a protective measure for new territories.

He was fortunate to have the Thorny Vine Fence, which didn't require lumber for enhancement. With enough spirit coins, an upgrade was possible—a welcome piece of news.

Spirit coins were valuable, imbued with Spiritual Energy. They served not only for upgrades and trade but also for cultivation, assuming one acquired the necessary techniques.

The silver lining: the forest was rich in lumber, ripe for harvesting.

But lumbering demanded tools and labor, luxuries Zhou Yan couldn't afford to squander.

Venturing into the forest, they began their reconnaissance. Danger had yet to reveal itself, but the forest undoubtedly harbored perils.

Suddenly, Diaochan halted, gripping Zhou Yan's hand.

"Be cautious! Monsters are lurking close by," she warned, her senses alerting her to a presence to their left.

A shadowy figure darted toward them.

With a swift motion, Diaochan drew her sword and dispatched the creature with ease.

A snake as thick as an arm tumbled to the ground, cleanly bisected by Diaochan's blade.

In its place, a wooden chest materialized.

By slaying a Level 1 Black Scaled Snake, Diaochan had earned an extra reward: two Soul Coins.

A Level 1 Black Scaled Snake!

Zhou Yan peered at the ground, recognizing the creature from his readings.

He hadn't anticipated their lightning speed, though.

Most would be caught off guard by such an abrupt assault. It was a stroke of luck that Diaochan was at his side.

"Just as I thought, taking down monsters outside of our territory as a novice yields additional loot," he mused, his eyes sparkling with the realization. This was undoubtedly a major boon for a newcomer. Yet, such rewards demanded strength.

Other Lords wouldn't dream of venturing into the forest without absolute certainty of their prowess.

Even during the trial period for newbies, a fatal encounter with monsters beyond their territory meant actual death—no laughing matter.

Thus, aside from Zhou Yan, no Lord would gamble with their life so frivolously.

"Chan, you're incredible!" Zhou Yan exclaimed, full of admiration.

A blush tinged Diaochan's cheeks as she smiled shyly.

"Congratulations on acquiring two more Soul Coins."

Diaochan had once again earned two Soul Coins. Zhou Yan now possessed a total of 55. But to Zhou Yan's astonishment, Diaochan required 100 Soul Coins to ascend to Level 1.

Soul Coins, brimming with potent soul power, were vital for the advancement of all heroes and Lords.

Typically, a mere 10 Soul Coins would suffice for one to advance from Level 0 to Level 1.

Yet Zhou Yan found himself dumbfounded to learn that both Diaochan and he himself each needed 100 Soul Coins to reach Level 1.

The scarcity of Soul Coins was a bitter reality. Should his heroes require tenfold the Soul Coins for each level up compared to the average person, the future consumption of Soul Coins for his champions would be immense.