Overall, he had a total of one hundred forty-three goblin riders, which cost him fifty soul coins.
"System, if I remember correctly from the information you gave me, I can upgrade the realm of any monsters in the dungeons, right?"
[Yes, the host can upgrade the monsters. However, I must remind the host that the monsters on the first floor can only be upgraded to the Qi Gathering Realm.]
"So, even if I buy a Golden Core monster, I won't be able to use it until I have a second floor?"
[That is correct.]
"Then, how much does the second floor cost?"
[Once the host accumulates 10,000 soul coins, a dungeon floor section will be unlocked in the shop system.]
"That much?!" Argon exclaimed.
[It may seem like a large sum, but now that the dungeon is gaining recognition, many people will come and contribute to the host's wealth. However, with the increased awareness, there is also a higher chance of stronger beings seeking the dungeon, so the host should exercise caution.]
"I understand," Argon replied, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Now, he needed to further enhance his defenses. Without wasting any time, he teleported to Ghorm.
"Stand up... I'm here to offer you an opportunity. I will upgrade your cultivation to the peak of the Building Base Realm."
"I will not disappoint, My Lord, and will strive to meet your expectations." Ghorm felt a surge of excitement within him, though he maintained a respectful expression.
Although he referred to Argon as "My Lord," in Ghorm's eyes, Argon was a deity he worshipped, his creator. It was not at Argon's behest that Ghorm called him "My Lord"; he would address Argon as Almighty God.
"Very well," Argon nodded in approval.
The cost of upgrading a peak Building Base monster was one hundred soul coins. Since goblin riders were priced at double the amount, he needed to pay two hundred soul coins.
"System, upgrade Ghorm to the peak of the Building Base Realm."
Shortly after, Ghorm's cultivation base began to soar. Eventually, it reached the peak of the Building Base Realm.
"From now on, I appoint you as the leader of the goblin riders."
"Thank you, My Lord."
"However, for now, remain here and refrain from attacking the humans. As much as I desire the demise of these people, we mustn't intimidate them too greatly, lest they summon a Qi Gathering cultivator. In the meantime, I will purchase a low-level Building Base monster that you can utilize as you see fit."
Argon was left with fifty soul coins, allowing him to purchase only two first-stage and second-stage Building Base hobgoblin riders. When a goblin becomes a Building Base monster, it evolves into a hobgoblin.
After acquiring the goblin riders, Argon left the cave.
"You two, I need you to gather the goblins and launch an attack on the human encampment. You don't have to eliminate all the humans; as long as you eliminate more than half their numbers, you can withdraw." Argon had previously instructed Ghorm not to wipe out the humans completely.
"Yes, Lord Ghorm."