"Before embarking on his journey, Avi unearthed a newfound ability within himself: Orc Slayer. Much akin to Rhesarit's renowned 'Green Skin Slayer,' this skill wielded the power to subdue the morale of orcs. However, it possessed an additional facet: when an individual bearing this trait assumed a leadership role on the battlefield, all allies under their command could resist the intimidating and fear-inducing effects wrought by orcs.

"What exactly constitutes this trait?" Avi pondered inwardly. "Its effects are promising, yet the specifics remain elusive. It appears akin to an achievement, wherein completing tasks bestows unique buffs."

Despite the plethora of undiscovered capabilities and effects inherent within the Mount & Blade system, exploration unfolded more as a journey of blind discovery rather than one guided by predefined plans.

For Avi, this was reality—an existence devoid of walkthroughs or guides to consult for direction.

Following a period of reorganization and upgrading, the mercenary band experienced a substantial surge in strength. Armed not only with dependable infantry and formidable ranged units but also boasting their cavalry division, they emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

If compared to provincial armies, their prowess would rival that of elite detachments. However, their distinction lay in their lack of stringent discipline, resulting in relatively lower morale.

This discrepancy primarily arose from Avi's minimal investment in leadership attributes and skills. Nonetheless, it became apparent that with sufficient resource allocation, the system could empower all troops to fight relentlessly to the bitter end.

Such was the influence wielded by the Mount & Blade system in this Warhammer world—it circumvented conventional rules, compelling entities to serve its purposes rather than directly altering the fabric of reality.

Despite occasional deviations from the intended course, the overarching trend remained positive.

Upon reclaiming the encampment, Avi leveraged his 'Lore 3' proficiency to delve into detailed research and investigation concerning the greenskins, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of knowledge.

Greenskins proliferated akin to fungi, dispersing spores upon maturation, during their breeding seasons, and upon death. Once these spores contacted the soil, they would germinate and spread underground, mirroring the growth of plant structures.

Unlike conventional plants, these spores gave rise to snotlings—a species often mistaken for goblins by the uninitiated—and squigs. Squigs, incredible creatures unbeknownst to the system until Avi's firsthand encounter, served as sustenance for newly birthed greenskins when born through this incubation method.

Snotlings, energetic and diminutive, tended to fungal structures produced by spores, ensuring their continued incubation.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Subsequent incubation cycles saw fungal plants yielding goblins in the second batch and greenskins in the third.

In essence, greenskins epitomized the rampant proliferation akin to moss and cancer within this world. However, unlike other sentient beings, they lacked aspirations or concerns, their sole pursuit being the thrill of battle.

In the absence of suitable adversaries, greenskins resorted to internecine conflicts, oblivious to concepts such as dreams, duties, or obligations. Their battles were fueled solely by the euphoria experienced during combat—a hormone secretion inducing unparalleled pleasure and joy in greenskins."

"So, letting the greenskins breed here is a dangerous act, tantamount to allowing the enemy to flourish in our rear," Avi said to the three companions inside the tent. "We must establish a comprehensive patrol system in the vicinity to ensure that those slain greenskins leave no offspring behind."

"Boss, you sure know a hell lot!" Rafe exclaimed, genuinely impressed, giving Avi a thumbs-up. "Why ain't I as good as you?"

"Boss, I agree with you, but we're surrounded by the Black Forest. If the patrol doesn't ensure a certain number..." Rhesarit interjected, "It's like a caravan without enough guards, always being attacked by greenskins or orcs, leading to complete losses."

"You're right, so I plan to expand our influence now. Firstly, for a long-term stay here, self-sufficiency is a must. I've already sent Airen to lead the cavalry to search for surviving villagers; it'll take some time," Avi stated.

"Training is indispensable too. Having soldiers is good, but if they can't fight well, it's as good as having none," Rhesarit chimed in, hand propping up his chin. "Moreover, in such terrain, our greatest advantage should lie in defensive fortifications, not battling in the enemy's advantageous environment."

"Rhesarit, any ideas?" Avi inquired.

"It's simple: expand our sphere of influence by establishing one watchtower or temporary camp after another to lay the groundwork. Then gradually, we can annex larger territories under our control. But this Black Forest is vast. The prerequisite for this approach is an efficient and unobstructed communication network, so..."

"Get more horses, cut more trees, and use the smoke generated from burning as an emergency signal, right?" Avi interjected.

"Exactly. I'm familiar with the design of watchtowers and fortifications; I can handle that aspect. But logging—" Rafe offered.

"I'll do it, I'll do it!" Rafe exclaimed. "When there's nothing to do, chopping some trees will let me exert some strength and feel good. I'll take some men to handle it!"

"Remember to bring back the chopped wood; it's valuable building material," Avi reminded. "Also, Manid, I need you to take some men to Midenshtang. Buy some lumber there. After purchasing, inquire about the whereabouts of Kys. You know what to do, right?"

"I understand, boss," Manid nodded. "And it's also appropriate to make that merchant pay some price, right?"

"Yeah," Avi nodded. "Just don't let them know it's us. Occasionally, we need to show some sincerity in cooperating with Durinba. Free top-quality lumber is indispensable for blacksmiths."

"Alright! That guy is always so stingy; he never wants to hire more guards. Dealing with him will be a piece of cake!" Manid grinned.

"Rhesarit, I'm leaving the governance and expansion of the camp to you for this period. Except for major matters, there's no need to report to me. You can judge how to handle things on your own," Avi instructed.

"Understood, Captain."

"And what about you, boss?" Rafe asked. "What do you plan to do?"

"I'm going to Midenheim to gather some useful intelligence," Avi said. "Additionally, as a mercenary group, we should return to our original trade. I'm going there to see if there are any suitable bounties."