Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Beast Invasion
"The Lord and Lady, we have arrived at Blackstone Town," announced the coachman in a respectful tone, his voice reaching the carriage's interior.
There was a rustling sound of clothes being adjusted inside.
The carriage door opened, and Lin En stepped out first. He was dressed in a snow-white robe with a wide belt adorned with cloud patterns in pale blue, holding a piece of fine ink jade, exuding nobility and grandeur.
"Be careful, the ground is a bit slippery," he cautioned, looking down to test the soil with his foot. Turning back, he reached out to assist his wife, helping her adjust her dress as she gracefully descended from the carriage.
Selena wore a light coffee-colored dress with a cream silk scarf under an open neckline, adorned with a large ruby brooch and draped in a deep purple cloak with black checkered fur trim. She looked slender and dignified, perfectly embodying the presence of a Viscountess.
"Greetings to the Viscount and Viscountess!" Many townspeople were waiting to welcome them, their expressions a mix of restraint and awe.
Since last year, a herd of Ironclad Boars had come down from the deep forests, signaling the start of a disaster.
The administrative official spoke cautiously.
The newly acquired territory included fertile black soil, a precious agricultural resource vital for tax revenue. Lin En couldn't afford to neglect this. If left unchecked, in a year or so, when the boar population explodes, it would become a real catastrophe.
The administrative official spoke with caution.
The newly incorporated territory included several fertile black soil lands, a valuable agricultural resource crucial for tax revenue. The official couldn't ignore this, as unchecked, the piglets would overrun the area in a year or so, turning it into a real disaster.
Surrounding the Viscount on his inspection tour, the townspeople observed that Lin En showed no signs of exploiting the land for personal gain. Their initial concerns were assuaged, knowing that the valuable lands were in good hands.
Lin En rubbed his temples and sighed inwardly, quickly regaining his composure. He looked at the townspeople, their eyes filled with tension and expectation, and offered them a calm and reassuring smile.
"Don't worry. These are just magical beasts below level 6. With some time and effort, I can take care of them."
The previous baron, a level 5 Earth mage who relied on family favor, had underestimated the beasts and was killed in the first extermination campaign. His guards barely managed to retrieve his disfigured corpse.
Upon hearing this, both Lin En and Selena frowned involuntarily.
After understanding the details and assessing recent losses.
The most troublesome aspect was the Ironclad Boars' tendency to dig holes and nest quickly. Once they found a suitable environment, they would breed rapidly. If not eradicated early, dealing with them later would become exceedingly difficult.
Though it wasn't as simple as it seemed, the townspeople cheered for their lord and returned home contentedly.
In the temporary residence where they were staying.
Nobles hold financial and military authority within their territories, almost akin to ruling a private mini-country. As long as they pay regular taxes to the empire and provide armed forces during wartime, they are relatively autonomous.
During the inspection, they came across a fertile black soil area, where the soil was in disarray from heavy disturbance, and some dark red bloodstains hadn't been fully washed away by the rain.
Ironclad Boars, especially those below level 7, were among the most troublesome magical beasts – they moved in groups, were vindictive, and despite their clumsy appearance, were actually quite intelligent and had good memory.
Lin En's expression turned grave as he listened to the situation, and Selena's beautiful brows also showed concern.
Both were high-achieving graduates from the magic academy, familiar with practical combat and the nature and challenges of magical beasts.
They had not imposed heavy taxes or levied various fees on the townspeople.
In this world, nobility symbolizes martial power.
The Ironclad Boars numbered in the dozens, averaging between levels four and five, with the leading Boar King at the peak of level six. They rampaged through fields and forests, arrogantly devouring crops and even preying on livestock.
Selena loosened her white silk scarf, her beautiful face showing concern as she warned Lin En, "This won't be easy to handle."
Lin En, listening to reports from the administrative officials, nodded in satisfaction.
As the group walked and inspected, Lin En occasionally asked questions about basic public welfare. There were staff on hand to provide answers, all part of a well-prepared workflow, much like inspection visits in his previous life.
"Magical beast invasion!"
Conflicts between humans and magical beasts over territory were not uncommon, especially in border areas like Blackstone Town.
The townspeople were familiar with their noble lord, as Blackstone Town bordered and was now part of Black Soil Town. They felt no resentment, only joy and anticipation for his arrival.
"There's something we need to report to the Viscount..."
Once the door was closed, they could speak freely among themselves.
Though more prosperous than neighboring Blackstone Town, Black Soil Town was still a rural area of the Empire, with few strong fighters among the populace. The strongest were only level six warriors, and they were few in number.
Ironclad Boars, with their thick skin and love for rolling in the mud, had accumulated thick natural armor over time. They also possessed basic Earth magic skills like Earth Spike and Rockfall, were adept at burrowing for hiding, and had keen senses of smell and hearing. Once their numbers increased, they became extremely difficult to deal with.
"You've done well; I have no additional commands."
The first extermination attempt underestimated the threat of the magical beasts, both in number and strength, leading to heavy losses and further enraging the Boar King. Repeated night attacks caused deaths and injuries among the townsfolk, leading to widespread panic and abandonment of frequently raided farmlands.
"This is indeed troublesome."
The surrounding houses were damaged and many had collapsed.
The people of Black Soil Town, not ones to sit idly by, quickly organized a hunting party to deal with the horde of magical beasts. Unfortunately, their efforts had little effect.
Lin En nodded, his face calm and untroubled. No matter what, these beasts were only below level 6; they posed no real threat to him in direct combat. The key was to clear them out thoroughly.
"How is the harvest in Black Soil Town..."
"I understand, which is why we mustn't rush."
Lin En was accustomed to such responsibilities and procedures. While he might not manage everything perfectly, he was certainly more competent than those nobles who relied on their family's favor to inherit their titles. For matters he was unfamiliar with, he would delegate to specialists and simply review the outcomes.
It was a common understanding that magical beasts of the same level were stronger than humans.
Facing such a situation so soon after taking office could tarnish his reputation if word spread.
In some sense, Lin En had to thank the Ironclad Boars. If the previous unfortunate baron hadn't met his end, this land wouldn't have fallen into his hands.
He was fortunate to have encountered this opportunity, even though the actual acquisition process was somewhat troublesome. Ultimately, the issues weren't significant.
Lin En believed he could handle it. If things got too challenging, he could always write to Regulos for assistance. Pride and face didn't matter much between good brothers; what was more important were tangible benefits and interests.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone