After rallying his troops, Phield wasted no time and left the Mountain Ape territory.
He then notified the nearby lords.
They would handle the gray fog. A phenomenon of this scale wouldn't lead to catastrophic consequences. Of course, Phield made it clear that he had merely passed through the Mountain Ape territory.
As for claiming the land—without a formal declaration, he had no right to occupy it.
Neither the local governor, the great nobles, nor the Empress would allow such unchecked annexation. Otherwise, the Empire would have long since become centralized.
Besides, the Shadow World Sect would certainly investigate Hannah's death. The Mountain Ape territory itself wasn't particularly valuable.
Passing through Maple Leaf City, Phield restocked supplies. After securing the giant wolf, he gritted his teeth and purchased two hundred slaves—one hundred and fifty of them women.
"Didn't you say food is scarce in the territory? Why buy more slaves?"
