Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Pest Control Methods
Jeremy’s report made the color drain from everyone’s faces.
Most of them had heard that Black Forest Island was constantly plagued by Demon Beast attacks before they arrived.
But after living here for over a month, they had found life to be very peaceful, without a single trace of any Demon Beasts.
Everyone had finally let their guard down.
No one expected them to suddenly appear today.
As expected, the inevitable had finally arrived.
Raymond immediately demanded, "Jeremy, be more specific!"
Jeremy, the twenty-year-old leader of Squad Three’s Team One, was one of the youths from the last batch who had failed to achieve a breakthrough despite drinking thirty bowls of Fire Source Beast Bone Soup.
"While on patrol today, Captain Willie discovered a swarm of Frog Fish Monsters by a river in the forest, just beyond the southern edge of Lingang Village’s farmland!"
Jeremy reported in detail, "There are about a hundred of them. They’re gathering in groups and have built a nest by the river. It looks like they’re planning to stay!"
Frog Fish Monsters were a fairly common type of Demon Beast on Black Forest Island.
Duane had learned this from Monbodt some time ago.
In years past, whenever these creatures attacked, Gaius of the Broken Wave Gang would lead Hardy and the others to take care of them.
Now that Duane controlled Lingang Village, the Frog Fish Monster problem was naturally his to deal with.
"Monbodt, I recall you saying that in previous years, the Frog Fish Monster invasions only involved twenty or thirty of them, correct?"
"That’s right, my lord."
Monbodt said respectfully, "Usually, an invasion occurs every two years or so, with thirty-odd at most. A situation like this, with over a hundred appearing at once, has never happened before."
Duane nodded.
’Frog Fish Monsters... a crisis, but also a source of wealth.’
Most of them were at the level of ordinary beasts, with a few reaching Level 1. Their leader, however, would be a Level 2.
If they could all be taken down, their scales and meat would be excellent materials and a culinary delicacy.
"My lord, let me take some men and wipe out these Frog Fish Monsters!" Raymond volunteered.
On Duane’s side, Kaelon had yet to recover from his injuries. His condition had been extremely poor for the last few days, limiting his combat effectiveness.
That left Raymond as the only one who could lead a team.
With his skills, he could certainly defeat a Level 2 Demon Beast.
However, this swarm of Frog Fish Monsters was rather large. Duane worried that with his limited manpower, they might suffer heavy casualties.
The situation on Black Forest Island was not yet stable enough for him to relax. If his own forces were weakened, it could lead to other problems.
But his mind raced, and another idea took shape.
’Last night, I was worried that "inspecting the iron mine" wasn’t a good enough excuse. Now, to deal with these Frog Fish Monsters... asking the Holy Hand Association and the Broken Wave Gang to send men to help is a much better reason.’
’Besides, the location is still here in Lingang Village, so I don’t have to worry about venturing deep into their territory.’
"No rush. Let’s go take a look first. Jack, go and inform Michele and Evans. Have them bring Squad One and Squad Two."
He said, motioning for Jeremy to get up, "Lead the way."
Black Forest Island had a temperate climate with abundant rainfall, so ponds and streams dotted the landscape.
South of Lingang Village lay a large plain that had been developed into rice paddies.
As Duane and his entourage walked along the dirt paths between the paddies, the serfs toiling in the fields looked up. Some even came to the ridges of the fields, kneeling to greet him.
Duane returned their greetings while observing the growth of the rice seedlings.
Given Black Forest Island’s climate, the rice would be mature and ready for harvest by the end of June.
It was May twentieth. The rice seedlings had nearly reached their full height, creating a sea of lush green. It looked like they were on track for a good harvest.
However, the farther south he went, the worse the condition of the seedlings became.
He couldn’t help but stop to take a closer look. He noticed that the leaves of some rice plants showed clear signs of being gnawed on.
"A pest infestation?"
Haien stepped forward to explain, "Because we’re close to the forest up ahead, there tend to be more pests here. I’ve already had the farmers working this land make a batch of nets to catch them."
This manual method of catching insects was not very efficient or effective.
But in an age without pesticides, it was the most common method available.
Some farmers didn’t even have nets and had to catch the insects by hand, which was even less efficient.
When his Basic Planting skill reached the Skilled level, it had provided him with some fundamental pest control methods.
"Using nets to catch insects is one way, but there are other methods we can use in conjunction."
Haien was surprised. ’The Baron knows how to farm?’
He leaned in, listening intently.
"Prepare some wood ash and sprinkle it on the rice stalks. It can help prevent pests."
"Also, I’m not sure if there’s any limestone on Black Forest Island. If you can get lime powder, applying it to the soil will have a similar effect."
The wood ash prevents pests by forming a thin layer on the surface of the stalks, acting like a natural filter to block them from invading and feeding.
At the same time, wood ash is a natural organic fertilizer that promotes rice growth.
Haien made a note of it. "I’ll arrange for someone to prepare it right away."
Duane nodded. "Besides that, what other pest control methods do you use?"
Haien replied, "The other methods are used before planting. We improve the growing environment by sun-drying the fields, tilling the soil, and flooding."
Duane added, "Making use of the pests’ natural predators is another good method."
Haien scratched his head. "As you know, my lord, the serfs are short on food. They’ve even been catching and eating the frogs."
Duane frowned. "I’ve already lessened their tax burden. They should have more food now."
"Julian, issue a decree later prohibiting the hunting and eating of frogs. If they’re truly hungry, they can go to the shore to gather seafood, fish, or catch shrimp. That’s free as well."
Julian couldn’t help but admire the Baron. He always seemed to issue the most unexpected decrees.
The crucial part was that these decrees also sounded perfectly reasonable.
The group only lingered for a moment before continuing on.
Soon, the fields gave way to a mountain forest.
The highlands of Black Forest Island weren’t overgrown with weeds. Or, to be more precise, the grass here wasn’t very tall.
Even the most remote areas were still passable, if only just.
"This land to the south is perfect for cultivation!"
They had now arrived at Thorn Valley.
Though called a valley, the terrain here was actually quite flat. Only farther in did it give way to rolling, low hills.
In its deepest reaches, likely the very center of Black Forest Island, stood a tall peak.
The island’s inhabitants had named it "Heavenly Mountain," meaning a mountain as high as the heavens.
In reality, it wasn’t exaggeratedly high.
Duane looked out from his horse and could vaguely make out the peak of Heavenly Mountain.
He secretly guessed that Black Forest Island’s topography was high in the center and sloped down toward the coasts.
The mountain river that now appeared before them originated in the mountain range, winding its way south toward the sea.
"My lord, you’re here!"
Captain Willie of Squad Three came forward to greet them. He and his team were standing guard here.
"Good work."
Duane scanned the riverbank but saw no sign of the Demon Beasts.
"Where are the Demon Beasts?"
Willie explained, "They’re on the high ground upstream. We were worried they’d spot us, so we kept our distance."
"Good thinking. You handled it well."
Duane glanced at the men with him. It was a large group, and they made a lot of noise moving together.
"Raymond, pick a few men. We’ll sneak over and take a look. The rest of you, stay here and don’t move."
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