The first sensation that roused Thorian from sleep wasn't the soft rays of dawn but rather a deep, insistent rumbling from his stomach. His immediate awareness was one of hunger. Since enjoying the piece of meat that Brix had roasted for him, he had gone without food. Even for a man of his considerable discipline, operating on an empty stomach was a growing challenge.

I need to have Brix roast some Thumpalopes soon. Our cooking logistics also require immediate attention, he mused.

Yet, pressing matters awaited him, ones that took precedence over immediate gratification. Slipping out of bed, Thorian donned his Verdant Robe and took up his Emberstrike cane. Exiting his bedroom, he noticed Harald still ensconced in peaceful slumber in the living room. Choosing not to disturb his newfound companion, Thorian decided to let him rest a while longer.

As he stepped out of his second-tier residence, the sky was just beginning to show the faintest light, a gentle crack in the dark tapestry of the night. To his surprise, a few industrious kobolds and kobloids were already making their way toward the forge and the lab. It heartened him to see that even at this early hour, there were those with the drive and self-discipline to commence their day's work.

You all have promising futures ahead, Thorian thought, silently observing the early risers. Maintain this level of discipline, and you're bound to make names for yourselves. Best of luck.

As much as part of him wanted to linger and watch the industrious few, Thorian knew he couldn't afford such indulgence. His own responsibilities beckoned, and they would brook no delay.

With that thought, he made his way to the Village Hall. There, he found Melina seated at her desk, gently sipping her morning tea.

"Good morning, Melina," Thorian announced, making his presence known. "I trust my projects haven’t worn you out?"

Upon hearing his voice, Melina set her tea down and began to respond, "Good morning to you, my lo—" She was interrupted by a sleepy yawn, and her face flushed with mild embarrassment.

"I apologize," Thorian said, walking toward the elven clerk with a regretful expression. "Last night was an anomaly. You shouldn't have had to register so many new citizens at such a late hour."

Melina shook her head, regaining her composure. "No need to apologize, my lord. The early stages of any territory are bound to be hectic. Truth be told, working under your leadership has mostly been a smooth experience."

Thorian chuckled, pleased. "I'm glad to hear you feel that way." No sooner had the words left his mouth than his stomach gave a loud, betraying rumble. His red-furred cheeks deepened a shade as he looked down, momentarily chagrined.

"Feeling hungry, my lord?" Melina asked, a light laugh in her voice. She gestured toward a nearby table. "Please, have a seat. Would you care for some tea and toast?"

The offer was simple, but in that moment, it felt like the most gracious invitation Thorian could have received.

"Thank you, Lady Melina," Thorian said, offering a courteous bow. "That sounds delightful."

Taking a seat at one of the tables scattered throughout the hall, he watched as Melina disappeared into a backroom. She returned moments later bearing a tray laden with tea and toasted bread. For Thorian, who had subsisted on far less since his reincarnation, it was a veritable feast.

Savoring the first sip of honey-infused tea, he turned to Melina, who had taken a seat beside him. "Now, shall we delve into the report?"

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"Certainly, my lord," Melina nodded, immediately launching into her briefing. "Firstly, according to the unit leaders' reports, all of the newly evolved kobloid fighters have completed their transitions. The magi have transformed into the elemental kobolds you're familiar with. Regarding the warriors, there are two primary evolutionary branches: Stoneshell and Ironclaw kobolds. The Stoneshells possess enhanced defensive capabilities, shown by rocky armor covering their upper bodies. The Ironclaws, on the other hand, are more agile, built for explosive movements."

"Intriguing," Thorian replied, his mind recalling the appearances of Lapis and Vivax’s units. "And what of the priests and the assassins?"

His interest piqued, Thorian took another bite of the toast, finding that even the most mundane matters seemed more palatable when his stomach wasn't dominating his thoughts.

"The priests have evolved into Earthwarden kobolds, distinguished by their slight frames and intricate tattoos," Melina began. "As for the assassins, their numbers are limited, but those that exist have become Dustblade Kobolds. I believe we have six at present."

Thorian set his tea cup down thoughtfully. "Our assassins are indeed few. I'll need to prioritize that class with the upcoming batch of goblins. It's only a matter of time before we require robust assassin units for reconnaissance and intelligence operations."

He took another bite of his toast and, after swallowing, prompted Melina to proceed. "And their class progression? I presume most haven’t maxed out?"

"Actually, a few have," Melina replied. "From Lapis and Vivax’s units, ten have advanced. Among them, five are magi, each specializing in earth magic."

Thorian rubbed his chin contemplatively. "While diversifying might have provided broader skills, specialization has its merits. It could potentially ease their advancement through the second, third, and even fourth tiers, allowing them to attain the rank of archmagi." He motioned for Melina to continue. "And the remaining five?"

"They are warriors," Melina explained. "Three have ascended to the rank of squire, while the other two have become guardians."

Nodding, Thorian remarked, "Guardians are invaluable on the battlefield. As for the squires, not so much. I'd prefer to steer the initiate warriors towards weapon specializations. Whether as swordsmen or spearmen, honing in on a specific weapon class offers more strategic value than becoming generic squires."

Continuing her briefing, Melina described the levels of Lapis and Vivax’s units, which averaged around level nine for their species. The newer kobolds were at an average of level two, a significant progress that Thorian couldn't help but feel proud of.

Switching her focus, Melina then detailed the structure of the goblin tribes as relayed to her by Brix. There were three main tribes, each led by an elder: Elder Omn with 170 members, Elder Jarv with 159, and Elder Yur overseeing 127. Each elder was served by two goblin champions.

Melina went on to say that the goblin population was divided into three-quarters combatants and one-quarter civilians, which included women, children, and the elderly. Among the combatants, units were generally structured with simple goblins numbering seven to twelve per group. Elite units, on the other hand, were led by a hobgoblin and usually consisted of five to eight members. Each tribe had between five and seven elite units, totaling eighteen hobgoblin chieftains across all tribes. The remaining units were of the standard variety.

By the time Melina concluded her report, Thorian was grinning with satisfaction, his mood further buoyed by the nourishing meal she had provided. "Thank you for your diligence, Melina. And special thanks for this delightful meal."

"You're most welcome, my lord," Melina replied, bowing gracefully. "Should you desire, I can arrange meals for you whenever you wish. The gods have been generous, providing me daily with more than enough to feed two."

Taking a moment to consider, Thorian finally acquiesced. "I find it a bit humbling, but I must accept your generous offer." He paused before adding, "Also, you should get some rest. There are still a few hours before you'll be needed to oversee quest sign-offs."

Caught off guard, Melina hesitated briefly before nodding. "Very well, I shall heed your advice, my lord."

As Thorian began to ascend the stairs, Melina called out, "If I may ask, my lord, how do you maintain such dignity? Whenever I speak with you, it feels as if I'm conversing with an elven noble."

Thorian raised an eyebrow at her query, then let out a soft chuckle. "You seek my secrets while keeping your own. Perhaps one day, we'll both be more forthcoming."

With that, Thorian continued upstairs to the council chamber. Taking his seat at the head of the table, he settled in to wait for the arrival of his trusted advisors, his thoughts filled with both the immediate tasks and the broader visions for his burgeoning realm.