It took a while for Brian to figure out what a developing town would need in its earlier period. Food was the most obvious choice, but having to purchase it in bulk has its risk. Especially when it comes to transporting it miles away. His first thought was to ask Coeus about the non-perishable foods of this world. Turns out this world and his old one share similar foods and had some differences. The foods here were more exotic than that of Earth. Spirit beast meat contained magic poisonous to those who couldn't digest it properly. Getting sick or dying from eating magic meat made him chuckle.

Things like jerky, beans, dried fruits, and vegetables existed, but they were expensive. Hell, everything was expensive when came to the empire. But with his transmutation magic, money was the least of his concerns. After spending some time making his money double and triple, he was going to order every guard to go to the empire to buy food that could withstand travel without rotting.

Sending everyone away was dangerous, but this town has survived worse for a lot longer. He placed a major emphasis on seeds of all kinds. Specifically on oats and kernels. History courses taught him the importance of wheat.

Next was an order of dried meats and jerkies. These people needed mass if they were going to work. Hell, survive. Some looked like zombies. Brian thought of ordering cattle or poultry of some kind, but could he transport all of that without issue?

There were settlements scattered and bandit groups among them. He was sure Blondie and his group could handle them, but earning their ire so soon wasn’t something he needed. He would clear them in due time. Only if they bare their fangs at him. Murder hobo’s were fun to read about, but he wasn't sure if he had it in him.

With the food taken care of, his next request was for them to pass a message of the developing town to the poor of the empire. Even with the success of the empire, they have slums like any well-run city. More manpower is needed to get things rolling.

Now at his desk, he studied a map of Yellowstone town. The forest has a history. Those who pushed their luck tended to end up dead. He wondered why more people had started expeditions to search the forest, but Coeus answered his questions. The further you get in the forest, the more demonic and spirit beast you run into, and they get stronger the deeper you go. From the few stories he heard from the townspeople, adventures routinely come through it and their stories were horrid.

Hidden within the depths of his knowledge were secrets unknown to the masses. Among them was the existence of a mysterious dungeon nestled in the western reaches of the forest, its terrain rugged and unforgiving. That wasn’t the only secret the forest hid. Brian alone knew the truth behind the town's abnormal security—a safeguard bestowed by the very essence of demonic dragon blood coursing through its veins. The blood scared the beast away or at least made them think twice. He needed to fix the lands if he wanted the town to be independent, but the town's safety would be in limbo. Luckily the beast closest to the town would be the weakest, but for how long?

Brian pondered the daunting task ahead—how long would it take to mold a formidable fighting force? Moreover, he wrestled with the pressing issue of alleviating the town's hunger crisis. Sitting at his desk, his hands cradling his chin, he focused on deep, measured breaths, seeking solace amidst the turbulence of his thoughts.

As the central figure of this unfolding narrative, he couldn't escape the inevitable setbacks that accompanied every hero's journey. The weight of responsibility rested squarely on his shoulders, for his very presence in this world posed a threat to the lives of its inhabitants. The gravity of the situation churned unease within him, causing his stomach to twist.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Brians's thoughts were interrupted by John and the guards. He’d called for them minutes ago but they had things to tend to like their weapons and such. Finally, here, they took their seats and waited until Brian’s eyes raised from the map.

“ Here’s the deal. I have coins to bring the people immediate food and food that needs to be grown. I’m sending you all away to get all the items on this list. Everything is written down and if you have other ideas feel free to spend a bit more.”

The heavy pouch of coins emitted a melodious jingle, the metallic notes harmonizing in a rhythmic symphony as it landed with a thud upon the desk's surface. His eyes slowly scanned the guard's expressions, watching their eyes, cheeks, and lips. He didn't know much about currency in this world, but he was sure this was enough to retire someone. Yet, to his surprise, he detected no trace of greed within their expressions. Instead, a genuine sense of duty and loyalty prevailed, defying the common pitfalls of greed.

From what he remembers, his father was a respected man, a violent man, and one who punishes those who oppose him. Maybe it was fear or respect, but these men were loyal to a fault. Even to his son who did all he could to test his patience.

Blondie made his ruff voice known a few heartbeats later. “ It would take two weeks at most to purchase all of this a return. I suggest you keep a guard here. We still have a job to do, and if something were to happen to you during that time, our families will be removed from the land of the living.”

That answered the question about their loyalty. Duke Agnus was a murder hobo. A respected one, but still a murder hobo.

“ Fine.” Brian pointed at the brown-haired guard. “ He stays. The rest of you head out.”

“ He has a name brat.” The brown-haired man butted in.

“ And what is your name, Brownie.” Brian smiled. He knew Marcus’ name, but calling these hardened guards cute nicknames tickled his fancy.

“ Nope! You aren’t doing that to me! My Name is Marcus, and I’ll be addressed as such. Especially after all the punishments I received because of you. How could you forget the lashes received because you wanted alcohol? What about the fights I got into because of your big mouth!” Marcus' finger shook at Brian who couldn't help but chuckle at his outburst. These guards watched Ethan grow into the degenerate he was before his untimely death and even aided it against their will.

“ What about the time I had to clean the stables with my bare hands because of You? How could you forg-”

Two other guards covered his mouth and dragged out Marcus who continued to shout curses and kicks toward Brian who waved him off.

“ See you later Brownie!”

“ Let me at him! Let me go. Let me g-” The door finally shut and silence filled the room.

“ I’m sorry the young master had to see such an ugly side of Marcus,” Butty said finally breaking his silence. “ Young master, if you don't mind me asking. How are you going to fix this land? Is it the magic of the goddess Iris? Another gift bestowed to the young master?”

“ I’ve been wondering too,” Stephon chimed in with arms crossed. His eyes narrowed at Brian. “ I still can’t believe a god chose you of all people to bless. I’ve seen you slap children.”

Brian almost coughed up blood. Ethan was a dick, but he’s gone and Brian is here to stay.

“ While goddess Iris deserves her praise. Especially for reviving someone like me, I think the Agnus family's bloodline will be the key to fixing this problem.”

“ Y-young master you-”

“ What are you saying, boy? You’ve awakened the bloodline. No, I don't believe it,” He shook his head. “ I need to see this. You of all people? No.”

“ I there something special about awakening the family bloodline? What am I missing here?” Brian was confused by Stephon’s reaction.

“ The Agnus bloodline is that of dragons and it has been lost for thousands of years. For you to awaken it of all people? Not your brother’s or sister's

or father's. But you? The disgrace of the Agnus name? I need to see this with my own eyes.”

Stephon's interest in Brian's well-being struck a chord of curiosity within him. The intensity of his investment seemed a bit much to be the role of a mere guard. Brian contemplated various possibilities, wondering if anger or some other underlying factor might be at play. The enigmatic nature of Stephon's involvement hinted at a deeper connection, leaving Brian to ponder the true nature of their relationship and the implications it might hold for their shared journey.

“ Are you one of my brothers, Stephon?”