10,000x Reward Multiplier: Hell-level Kingdom Building-Chapter 33: [0] Return To Ironside

[ Given host role as a lord, you cannot be tied down to a single path. ]

Out of nowhere, the system explained, giving Floki much-needed relief from his worries and easing the tension that had been quietly building within him.

Unfortunately, the system’s timing was poor. He was already in the middle of a conversation with the others, and they were all looking at him, leaving him with no room to respond without appearing foolish or distracted.

As a result, he ignored the system for the moment and turned his attention back to his people before the silence became awkward or noticeable.

Anton and Jabba still had more to say, and he could not deny that he was curious to hear them out.

After all, they were speaking about his father, who, as he already knew, was more of a legend among the people of Ironside.

The women were also intrigued by the stories of the great warrior, clearly impressed by both his intelligence and his remarkable feats.

Anton and Jabba grew emotional as they spoke, their voices gradually softening as they recounted all the training sessions they had shared with Ragnar and their brother Viktor, who were, unfortunately, no longer alive.

Angelina and the other women felt saddened on their behalf, especially after learning that their brother had only been killed the previous day, making the loss feel even more recent and heavy.

They were particularly impressed by the brothers’ ability to enter the forest and hunt despite the grief weighing heavily on their hearts, a sign of both strength and responsibility.

The story of Ragnar Ironside created a sense of harmony within the group. The women felt safer among the men, reassured that their intentions were sincere and that they were under capable leadership.

After the story came to an end, Floki suggested that they return to the village, as it was already getting late. He had yet to check what he obtained from the Wheel of Legacy and was eager to find out what rewards awaited him.

He quickly inquired of the brothers whether the demonic flame-wolves were edible, and fortunately, they were.

Evolved beasts such as wolves, boars, and others were edible. They provided more vitalizing nutrients and were considered an excellent source of protein, far better than ordinary animals.

On the other hand, monsters like goblins were not edible, as they contained cursed mana that made their flesh dangerous to consume.

However, in the presence of a purification spell or any item capable of purifying cursed mana, goblin corpses could also become edible, though such methods were not always easily available.

After hearing all this, Floki suggested that they take the finest demonic flame-wolf corpses back home to make proper use of them.

With Floki’s strength, he located and carried the fattest demonic flame-wolf, which was only slightly smaller than a fully matured cow, its weight hardly slowing him down.

Jabba and Anton were not as strong, but together they managed to carry one demonic flame-wolf, coordinating their movements carefully to maintain balance.

The women followed behind, holding the bags that contained the monster cores, keeping a steady pace despite their fatigue.

Floki also suggested that they gather edible vegetables along the way back, ensuring that their return would not be wasted and that the village would benefit from their trip.

With all preparations complete, they began heading back to the village, where shocking news awaited them, though none of them were aware of it yet.

====

Jabba and Anton’s pathfinding ability baffled Floki, as their skill appeared almost magical from his perspective, far beyond what he expected from ordinary hunters.

Despite how deep they had ventured into the dark forest, the two of them were still able to choose the fastest and safest route back to the village without hesitation.

At that moment, it was already the early hours of the night, a few hours later than Floki had initially planned for their return, making the surroundings quieter and more tense.

The moon hung quietly in the sky as the evening wind drifted gently through the trees, creating a calm yet slightly eerie atmosphere.

Carrying the heavy flame-wolf corpse, Floki was the first to step into his territory. His eyes were greeted by the familiar farms and huts that made up Ironside Village, bringing a brief sense of familiarity.

In the darkness, he noticed that he could see more clearly even without a torch, all thanks to his new power rank, which enhanced his perception.

After walking for a while, he also realized that he could now naturally perceive the mana drifting in the air, something that would have been impossible for him before.

However, contrary to the peaceful nostalgia that he expected upon arrival, what greeted him were red-hued warnings that clearly indicated danger.

[ Your territory is troubled ]

[ A large percentage of your villagers are terrified and wish for their chief to return ]

[ A quest is being generated. The host has to first learn about the reason from his people before the quest would be released. ]

’What?’

He had just arrived, hoping to relax peacefully, and instead of peace, he was greeted with more problems almost immediately.

’Does this Hell-level difficulty mean I can’t get a single rest? Dammit!’

"You look worried, Chief Floki."

Angelina strolled closer and halted beside Floki, who had subconsciously paused in his steps without realizing it.

"Something is not right," Floki responded naturally, his voice low but firm.

Then he stepped forward and rushed into the village with quick, determined steps.

Jabba and Anton rushed after him while carrying the game on their shoulders. It was their birthplace after all, so their concern was just as strong.

Floki crossed the deserted farmlands and moved into the main residence area, where, to his surprise, all the villagers were gathered outside their huts instead of resting.

They were so frightened when they saw a lone figure carrying a large wolf speeding toward them that their exclamations echoed loudly, even reaching the others who were still far behind Floki.

"It’s me, Floki."

Floki quickly realized his mistake and made his voice known to them at once, managing to calm their fright before it could escalate further.

The villagers who were already fleeing gradually slowed down and returned to the gathering, though their fear had not completely faded from their faces.

Floki carefully placed the flame-wolf on the ground before strolling forward to meet them, his expression gradually turning serious as he observed their condition.

"What happened? Why are you guys outside by this hour?" he asked, his tone firm, clearly concerned by their state.

It was at this moment that Jabba and the others arrived, slightly out of breath from their hurried pace.

The villagers did not mind the presence of the fourteen new women. Or more precisely, their hearts were too troubled and unsettled to actually notice or question the women at all.

Each of them, from the young children clinging tightly to the legs of their parents to the elderly supporting their weight with their walking sticks, faced Floki with visible fear in their eyes.

Some of the children buried their faces deeper into their parents, while a few adults instinctively stepped back, as if expecting something worse to follow.

None of them responded to his question, as if fear had sealed their voices and stolen their ability to speak.

Floki had to repeat it before one of them, an elderly woman whom he recognized as one of the women who wanted to cook for him on the night he transmigrated, finally spoke up.

She explained what had taken place the previous night, her voice trembling slightly and carrying the same fear shared by the other villagers, some of whom were even shivering as they listened to her words in complete silence.