Chapter 71
Panic erupted as a sudden swarm of locusts descended without warning. Farmers scattered in all directions, like chicks separated from their mother.
Amidst the chaos, Clayton remained calm, not the least bit flustered. He had been preparing for this day for a long time.
The locusts spread rapidly across the farmland, including Clayton’s fields. Without delay, he deployed an old technique: unleashing waves of high-viscosity fluid—thick enough to slow and weaken the insects mid-flight.
As the locusts flew through his land, the sticky liquid clung to their wings, weighing them down until they dropped from the sky, one by one. Some pushed through, but were soon caught in the nets Clayton had installed earlier.
At first glance, it seemed only a few had been caught. But upon closer inspection, the sheer number trapped in the nets was staggering—a clear sign that the attack had been far more intense than it appeared. Seeing this, Clayton felt reassured. Buying those nets had definitely been the right call.
His smooth, methodical movements shocked a few distant observers. Some even felt envious. They longed to be as composed as him, but the truth was—they were still in disarray. None dared disturb him.
The contrast was stark. Clayton’s farm stood firm amid the chaos, while the surrounding fields were in ruins. With two alert skeleton assistants by his side, he had every reason to stay relaxed.
With things under control, he scanned the area. Not far off, he saw a group of struggling farmers. They looked overwhelmed, their faces twisted with frustration and despair—as if the locusts had personally destroyed their lives.
Among them were familiar faces: Arthur, Equus, Liora, and her father. Though clearly panicked, they still fought back with discipline and teamwork. In contrast, others like Bravus and Rodent were flailing in blind panic—missing their targets and even damaging their own crops.
Clayton sighed. He chose not to judge and turned his attention back to exterminating the pests with his skeletons.
Meanwhile, Rodent was in full-blown panic.