Everything is ready, only the east wind is missing; now we just need to assemble the people.

Zong Shen plopped himself down on the doorstep of the small courtyard.

The first to gather was San Pang, who led thirty-three farmers out of the training ground to assemble at the entrance of the courtyard.

Marie was nearby, using a communication crystal to notify everyone.

The second wave to assemble was the twelve wolf cavalry from Wolf Rider Squad Two and the eleven wolf cavalry from Wolf Rider Squad Three.

Following them were two goblin rippers, one Avalon Light Infantry, Water Mage Lai Pei, and another Sharp Claw Druid, who were originally part of the territory's reinforcement troops.

Finally, it was Dogman Chief Dutra, who returned with 258 kobolds and slave Quete, leading them from outside the city, having all the kobolds line up at the back.

Over two hundred kobolds formed a large group, but because of their short stature, from a distance, they looked somewhat like a kindergarten assembly.

Marie completed her task and came to the front of the assembled line, awaiting Zong Shen's instructions, even Dwarf Uncle and Alanna heard the commotion and came out from the blacksmith shop.

Zong Shen glanced at Dwarf Uncle and gave him a slight smile as a greeting; he rarely sees a fatigued expression on Dwarf Uncle's face, along with the dark circles from staying up late.

Despite the fatigue, Dwarf Uncle's face beamed with a smile as he winked at Zong Shen.

"Sir, after working overtime these past few days, the Heavy Combat Puppet is finally repaired!"

"I have successfully integrated the communication crystal into the transmission line of the puppet's magic energy core, fixing the damaged parts."

"As long as you dial the corresponding communication crystal, you can activate the Heavy Combat Puppet for combat."

"Of course, if you want it to stop, you have to wait until its magic energy is depleted."

"The Heavy Combat Puppet post-repair is as I previously described to you."

Dwarf Uncle bowed slightly, reporting the good news.

Speaking of the [Heavy Combat Puppet], it has been with Dwarf Uncle for several days now.

It was finally repaired in time for the final challenge.

Though due to damage, it cannot receive commands or be directed precisely.

However, according to previous plans, it can still be very useful.

The [Heavy Combat Puppet] has substantial durability and armor value; as long as it is pre-charged with magic energy and placed at a suitable location outside the territory, when the monster horde appears and covers the inactive puppet, Zong Shen can directly connect the communication crystal to activate the puppet.

With the power of the [Heavy Combat Puppet], it's enough to stir chaos within the monster horde.

No need to kill thousands, causing chaos within the horde is already sufficient.

"Thank you, Dwarf Uncle."

"After some time, I'll take you to Boss Bang's tavern for a good drink."

Zong Shen, in good spirits, smiled and affirmed Dwarf Uncle's hard work.

But Dwarf Uncle waved his hand.

"Let's skip the drinking; it's all part of my duty."

"I've already decided to quit drinking."

Dwarf Uncle said firmly; since the last heart-to-heart talk with Zong Shen, his fighting spirit has been rekindled, bringing new hope for the future, no longer passive and despondent, even deciding to quit alcohol.

Zong Shen nodded without responding, his gaze scanned everyone present.

Not all of Zong Shen's main forces are gathered here,

Wolf Rider Squad One, the Exploration Squad, the Combat Squad led by Wenresa on the Burrow Frontline, and the Scout Squad sent to Dinan Village for layout and development were not present.

Yet, this gathering was the largest in number.

After sweeping his gaze around, Zong Shen placed his hands behind his back, adopting a serious expression, and began announcing the matters of the final challenge to the crowd, preparing their minds.

Zong Shen thought this news would stir unrest among them, but unexpectedly, everyone remained calm, including the miners among the kobolds.

"Rest assured, Sir! We vow to defend the territory with our lives!"

"Not allowing those disgusting burrow monsters to set foot within the territory!"

The first to declare was Avid, captain of Wolf Rider Squad Two, also an early follower of Zong Shen, only one day junior to Korby.

Once he made his declaration, everyone began waving their arms, shouting out loud.

"Vow to defend the territory with our lives!"

"Vow to defend the territory…"

...

Even the kobolds, who couldn't speak human words, raised their hands, following Dutra the Dogman Chief's lead, mimicking everyone's tone and began shouting.

Hundreds shouted simultaneously, creating an impressive momentum.

"Clap, clap, clap!"

Zong Shen clapped his hands and then opened both hands to signal for silence.

Once the shouting ceased, Zong Shen slowly spoke.

"Very good, with everyone's fighting spirit, we'll surely complete the final challenge smoothly."

"Now, leave a few people to reload the crossbow arrows into the empty Storm Crossbows and cock them."

"The rest, follow me."

Zong Shen waved, and several members of the defense squad volunteered to stay behind, to load the Storm Crossbows, while the others followed Zong Shen outside the North Gate.

He walked directly two hundred meters outside the North Gate, opened [Construction], and started placing [Tier One Road Barrier], putting ten barriers along the outer walls, spaced casually at two hundred meters out from the walls, creating a very perfunctory barrier defense line.

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