Meke and Shela spend much time together over the next few weeks letting Meke not only rest but get all caught up on paperwork and plans. He is a flurry of emotions, the loss of his father, his sister’s pregnancy, Shela’s dedication and hardwork. He is a mess but is slowly coming to terms with it all and is able to become better than he once was. He is different. 5 years have passed. He is smaller and slimmer, yet still looks like a young child although he did age his looks and appearance remain unchanged. His mind matured for he had so much time to think and to plan his mind aged greatly and now he is even more refined for a young child. His power has grown as it was able to fully absorb the magic crystal changing the nature of his magics slightly giving him more power and options in combat with complete control over nature. He begins drawing out various plans from his mind, things Shela doesn’t understand in the slightest but she can make out they are some kind of blueprints and drawings. Days passed and a mountain of paperwork was completed, entire files of plans were drawn out, and cuddles were had before finally Meke took to the streets. Many flocked and gathered to greet him. Praise him for all he has done and for his gallant return. He tours the unfamiliar yet eerie familiar city with Shela on a wondrous date taking her by the hand and exploring. They visit the markets, the schools and academies, the guard barracks and finally the knights garrison. Many knights meet with Meke and some wish to test their leader’s skills and abilities for this is who they serve? A child? Meke obliges and apologizes for his long slumber and rusty skills as he then proceeds to match the knight's flurry of blows with well trimmed parries. After a long bout back and forth Meke finally decides to go full strength and dashes instantly in front of the knight and with a single strike as the knight blocks the attack so fast he could barely see, he is flung backwards into the wall knocking him into the dirt in a mere moment. This impresses the knights for Meke has always been praised for his combat skills even though he never fights yet they do not know of his true strength and wanted to test him. This allows for them to meet and get to know Meke as he gives them much work to do going forward. They number 5 leaders and 9 knights each and request they double that to have a powerful, potent small army which can hold its own. He begins to train with the knights each and every morning from this point onwards when he can. They continue their tour around the city before turning in for the night. The next day the knights training was much more intense. They pause for a break to have lunch.
“So Shela, what news has transpired over the last 5 years?”
“There isn’t too much that has happened with our city. The merchant states to the east began to rise to power quickly but were stopped in their tracks due to the rise of a powerful monster leading its own army against the city.”
“Oh really? That's interesting.”
“Yeah it was kind of a shock to everyone. It has been so quiet across the land with no wars or conflict then all of a sudden they are under attack.”
“Did it get put down?”
“To our knowledge it has been but the damage was devastating. Gargantuan The Swamp Lord is what it was called. The entire area became thick swamps which slows or even stops movement and travel. The entire land changed so now they have to go around the long way to travel about their lands so it does act as a buffer to us.”
“Well that's kind of nice.”
“It has been a slight boon to us and with the rise of the demons in the south east and north west other nations have left us alone so we have just been strengthening our internal defenses.”
“Come on, let's get back to training. We need to get all the basics down and begin to strengthen our knights.”
They get back to fighting and training, Meke is besting his powerful knights one after another with basic skills and magic use. Slowly gearing up to fight against the commanders.
“I wish to do battle with you young lord.”
“Captain?”
“Stafkol. Captain and commander of the 2nd company.”
“Pleasure to meet you, I can't promise anything but I will fight with you.”
“Good, let's do it then. Ready yourself young lord.”
After a moment the captain begins to charge with his hammer, every step taken to close the distance is like a powerful stomp crushing the ground as he charges in. He raises his hammer high as Meke slides under him to guard against his downward slam, reinforcing his body with earth magic and bracing his arms with earth arms. It slams hard into his blocking sword, breaking Meke’s defenses and crumbling his earthen arms with a single shockwave. Stunned for a moment he dodged the next strike upwards, sending him flying backwards into a nearby wall. He recovered quickly and rolled under the dashing slam which crushed the wall as he uppercuted him, sending him back a bit ready for the next strike. Meke took the initiative and dashed at him with vigor, sliding under his spinning strike as he thrusted at his armored chest before being swatted away. Meke’s speed and unarmored yet smaller lighter build allows him to hit the captain often but the low damage doesn’t do anything to the armor. A swing of the hammer splits the earth and breaks all that lie in its path, but eventually they slow down while Meke is running out of magic power to defend against the immense powerful swings. As the captain tires, Meke is able to reach and begins to take more decisive blows to the captain calling all the others in the villa to watch the sight unfold. Right as Meke begins to fully take his victory the air changes.
“You are good, young lord. So good I need to take this seriously.”
“What do you mean you need to take this seriously? You haven’t been taking this seriously?”
“No its just I didn’t want to go full powered against an injured man.”
“Oh how kind of you captain. I just thought you didn’t really like me, that's all.”
“I didn’t at first. I don’t serve the weak. However, you have met my expectations.”
“Thanks, I do my best. Now come at thee!”
The captain begins to use enhancement magic and powers up. The magic surrounding his body is so dense it is felt by those around him. Meke readied himself to intercept his slow powerful enhanced charge. But the knight began to charge and dashed much faster than expected, Meke slid forward using the rest of his magic to brace and take the impact which cratered the ground. His arms are numb and sting from the intense block which shattered his defense once more.
“That is enough young lord. That was an excellent defense.”
“Thanks I guess. I didn’t win but I also inflicted like no damage to you.”
“It is what it is. I wanted to test the strength and resolve of the young lord I heard about over the last 5 years.”
“Did I live up to your great expectations?”
“You did. We all heard of your immense powers from Shela and the others leading the city over the last 5 years and I wanted to see if it was just the voice of a love blind mother and lover or if it was true.”
“Melee combat isn’t my forte but magic combat is.”
“That may be true, however being able to use magic in unique ways is what is important. It means nothing if you can cast every spell in the world if your base knowledge of them is a single use. Using your earth magic for strengthening yourself is impressive.”
“Coming from you, that means a lot. Your power is something I’ve never come across before. You must be the strongest captain we have!”
“Ha your funny young lord. I am the weakest of the captains. I’ve only ever won a duel once before and that was against you.”
Meke glanced at Shela who has been watching in awe the entire time cheering him on and she nods in agreement.
“Well that's a rough pill to swallow!”
“Don’t worry young lord, we all plan to train you with the greatest vigor in mind.”
“I don't like that evil looking smile. Hey stop that smile!”
“Meke-sama! Meke-sama! That was such a great fight! Sucks you didn’t win but you're still so strong!”
“Thanks. I’m glad our knights are so powerful.”
“Yeah, the selection process and training regiment you had in place really helped us out. Also how are you so powerful even after sleeping for so long?”
“Oh yes do tell. You're almost as strong as me with hardly any training after recovering.”
“Meke-sama has always been super strong but this is an even higher level!”
“There must be a secret to your skills and abilities. Even I want to know since you can go toe to toe with a Knight Captain like me.”
“The answer is a simple one. I seek peace not war. Think about it and you're sure to find the answer.”
“You seek peace not war. What does that mean?”
“In order to fully seek the peace of the world, you must become strong enough to thwart all who stand against you.Train like crazy and use all of your skills to the fullest to preach peace with the power to back it up.”
“Meke-sama, why do you preach peace yet train to kill? Isn’t that a little excessive?.”
“It is a simple matter but I would rather be a powerful warrior in a beautiful garden than a weak gardener in a war.”
“Shocking but insightful young lord.”
“Wow, I didn't think about it like that Meke-sama!”
“Good. I do not seek evil or corruption, I seek power and peace. This will be our nation's goal and desire. Our people will be prosperous and our enemies will be fearful of us. Let all of our enemies know of our power and fear us!”
“Thank you for your insightful words young lord. We carry them in high regards as your faithful knights.”
They did extra combat exercises to make sure they were at a very high and capable level. The chief knight assigns a few knights who can learn much to Meke as guards while Meke spends his mornings each day training with the different captains learning the true arts of warfare from many capable warriors.. They are there to protect and watch over him while training him to be much stronger than he currently is. Meke and Shela begin to wander the fields with a flick of his wrist, he easily sends out shock waves of magic power to till the fields. He no longer requires an incantation to control, summon, and manipulate the earth while his magic power steadily increases due to his magical skills. He began to plateau in his power but then he started rolling the earth in his shockwave and using different mini magical spells causing it to shift and sway which fully mixes and revitalizes the earth.They head back after a long day of traveling the fields during the frost season with Meke training with the knights in the morning and running between fields to cast his magic fully training himself. Shela has developed great stamina as she has kept pace the entire time.
Meke spent some time looking at the new plans he had devised before writing out a list of materials and resources to acquire. Walking the city each day to see all the people who love and support him is a level of comfort he never knew he needed. Meke began to look at his people and remember. Where did they all come from, who are they, are they happy, do they have the abilities to do stuff they want and desire. He remembers all the things He and Shela did for their city and people. They set up the city to make education mandatory for all children and teens, they created a small yet professional military who serves purposes of public works and environmental works outside of war. They made the various kinds of educational buildings and the training the people undergo in their various training institutes for skills and professions of skilled workers. Their city guard is quite capable and enact a tax for entering and exiting the city as well as a monthly tax to people and businesses which is so low people flock to them, in times of peace they are responsible for the upkeep of the city they serve in and act as a police force of sorts. Seeing his people changed so much over the last 5 years is crazy yet expected. He stands in the center of town after a long walk to see all things he has done, what he created and Shela brought from paper to reality. He stops to admire all that is before him, his people, his city, his Shela. He gazes at her with such passionate and sincere eyes.
“What is it, Meke-sama?”
“Nothing.”
“But you're looking at me like you do when we sleep together.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Are you sure, Meke-sama?”
“Yes. Anyways, Shela.”
“Yes Meke-sama?”
“What is our current literacy and mathematical rates?”
“Our current literacy rate from the last census was 76%. An increase of 14% over the last year. Our education has made everyone capable of basic mathematics like addition and subtraction with some multiplication for everyday life.”
“Good. Good. I’m glad. How about the tax, it’s not too bad I hope?”
“The tax is low and is paid in full by everyone. Many travel to do business with us due to the low tax rates. The addition of black markets and slave trading have had increased taxes but has made them into a reputable and viable business.”
“Good. That is really good income for us so if we can keep them taxed higher but allow their operation then we will make more profits overall.”
“I was opposed to it at first but your points on how if we ban them then they will operate in the shadows have made some interesting facts come to light. Even the owners of the brothels meet with the slave masters and black marketers during townhall meetings and discussions. It is really crazy to see all the people come to those events.”
“Since most people are learning to read, it has been easier to pass laws.”
“Yeah it has. It was pushed back hard at first due to the nobles wanting to keep people stupid and poor as you put it.”
“Yes, a smart and working population is better overall since they have a say and can spend their time and wealth for the betterment of us.”
“Many new shops and goods have sprung up from the people so it has been a blessing and no one is pushing back anymore.”
“How are the new citizens? Are lots of people joining us?”
“We have had an influx of people wanting to join the city and with keeping a written exam and a fee it has ensured that people want to join due to hard work and not just buying their way in. The worker visa program you started has worked out well with 63% of them staying and becoming citizens after working for the year and taking the exam free of charge.”
“Oh is that so, it’s higher than I expected. How about the homeless rates? I haven’t seen any beggars, freeloaders, and homeless people in the last year or so.”
“Well over the last 5 years we have spread out our lands covering even more farmlands, forestry operations, fisheries, and ranching. The mines are prosperous and dungeoneering has become a big thing in our territory.”
“Dungeoneering? What’s that?”
“It is those who explore dungeons and collect their resources and materials. The people who serve as adventurers can also become Dungeoneers.”
“Do we have a lot of dungeons? I knew of a small one many years ago but to have an entire field dedicated to exploration seems like we must have a large dungeon.”
”We have had 2 large dungeons open up in our territory with one to the south in the mountains and one to the east on the border. We voted to make sure we would take them under our control and have fought against the empire to keep it secret so they wont take or tax it.”
“Ah yes voting. The best way to get things done in a diplomatic way.”
“Yeah it is and has proved to be very good. We have a town hall meeting where we collect ballots from people voting on the next thing to be done.
“Who is currently making up the town hall members you have set up Shela?”
“The town hall members are the chiefs and leaders of the various groups as well as some from each of the classes of people.”
“If it is made up of leaders then if I could guess I would say they would be too busy to attend small meetings.”
“Most of the time many of the leaders don’t show up so it really has been left up to the people on which thing gets priority. Obviously we prioritize major things as they are non negotiable but when it comes to public works like a new school or medicine facility people tend to get really excited during the vote. Even if they lost their vote this time, the next time it usually gets voted in over something else. The exception to that has been the new brothels. Apparently no matter how hard the men push for it, there are more women who vote and it has been blocked hard. This has had more men going to the current 4 major brothels constantly as a miff against the vote yet the women like those 4 brothels the most over the other ones in the kingdom so it has seemed to work out in their favor.”
“What do you mean the women like those 4 brothels over the rest?”
“Well those 4 brothels tend to focus on keeping the company of beast folk as those who serve and since they don’t tend to get pregnant from humans laying with them, the wives are never worried that their children will be surprised by extra siblings.”
“Beast folk you say? Like wolves, foxes, and goblins?”
“One tends to focus on just goblins and acts as a pub of sorts. You can get drinks at a happy time and a room for an affordable rate. Since goblins are usually just bred they have a huge desire for seed and work so they are excellent workers and can relieve all they work with. They roam around safe zones in the dungeon and during wars as relief units.”
“Oh is that so.”
“The next 2 make up just primarily beast folk with a focus on either wolves or foxes. They do have a feud going on and have some bad blood from way back in the day but have used their new profession to wage a war unlike any other. They are aggressive but do have a large stream of clientele.”
“I take it that means the last one must have all the other races?”
“Yes. It has lizardmen, orcs, trolls, rabbit people, boar people, and other less furry beastmen.”
“Interesting. I will have to visit them myself and see what has changed.”
“Meke-sama please don’t look too closely at them.”
“Let’s go get some light food and check out what cool stuff we have from the dungeons.”
”Okay Meke-sama!”
After a nice long chat they got some lunch from the markets before they continued looking into the storerooms and other storage buildings to truly see the inventory of the materials collected from the dungeon. After they review all the materials Shela takes Meke to her favorite spot atop the massive bell tower which overlooks the city. The massive increases in the city size with more chunks of the city spread around the main city like ovals added onto a circle making sure to touch. This has made sure to keep the same set up and building layouts to ensure no segregation and has made traveling the city even easier which is an impressive logistical feat by Shela. The large central roads branch out from the central hub keeping a distinctive layout which is easy to learn for the various mail and package couriers. Like many leaves placed around a circle, many big roads split off the main road and smaller roads hold all the various buildings and homes. The sun begins it’s slow descent filling the sky with wondrous hues of red and orange.
“Now this is a breathtaking view. A view unlike anything else in the entire world. This is a beautiful sight I wish to cherish forever. Thank you for showing something like this to me Shela.”
“Your welcome Meke-sama.”
“The colorful sunset is nice too.”
“Yeah. This is the best place to find a view like this. Wait what?”
“You said it Shela. This is the best view in the entire world.”
She turns to Meke and sees him down on one knee with a ring crafted by the best jewelers and crafters.
“Meke-sama!”
“What do you say Shela? Will you marry me and become my wife?”
Tears fill her eyes and stream down her face in happiness.
“Yes Meke-sama! Yes I do!”
“Good. I'm glad you said yes. Now come here Shela Von Caslon.”
He pulled her into his arms and embraced her passionately as they spent some time watching the sunset. They spent the rest of the day walking the massive city and the increased sections and checked over the various store houses before returning for a long night's rest. As the morning light breaks they begin working on their next set of plans in full swing. He left her with a list of public works while he began talking to the blacksmith and merchant guild that set up in the city due to its less taxes then other nations to begin acquiring things. After he gave the plans and lists of materials with the two guild masters he possessed a question to the knights that were accompanying them.
“Are these the plans we were informed about?”
“Yes. Make these top priority if possible.”
“We will do what we can, master Meke.”
“Thanks. I will leave you to it.”
They begin walking the streets as Meke turns to his guards.
“I want to inquire about something from you both.”
“What is it, Meke-sama?”
”Where could I find talented individuals?”
“Well the adventuring guilds will have talented people but what exactly are you looking for?”
“I need someone who can serve me in a higher capacity second to Shela herself to lessen her burden. If I can get a powerful mage as well, I will.”
“Then we shall go there.”
They enter into the large adventuring hall, it is a large multi-story building near the front gate of the city. It is eerie and all too quiet being almost empty with half a large board full of quests. They approach the receptionist at the counter.
“Hello there! I am the adventurers guild receptionist Livell. What can I do for you all today?”
“We are looking for some talented people. Do you have anyone who is free or not bound by adventuring?”
“Everyone who works as adventurers are contract bound so we don’t have anyone who is free. If you want to head to the slums there may be a slave dealer who has what you are looking for.”
“Thanks for the advice, we will head there now.”
“I hope you find what you are looking for, young master.”
Meke nods at her and they leave the large building. They walk through the streets and into the slums, very few people are here with all the work opportunities and the outlaw of homeless people being sent to work. They come across a distraught tired looking man with a battered exhausted looking woman in his arms. They glance at Meke and the two before them.
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“We should go. I don’t think they are the ones you are searching for.”
“We don’t know what happened or their story. Check them.”
“Yes sir, it will be done.”
The knight places his hand on a crystal activating it showing a display which he can use to measure magic of a target. He targets the man first getting some magical readings and the type showing dark and arcane magic at a moderate level. When they targeted the girl it showed very high fire magic affinity and moderate enhancement magic levels.
“I think these are the two we are looking for. You there, what are your names?”
“We have no names. She is sick and feral. Becoming a monster and fighting everyone around her.”
“Sick and Feral? I don’t think we have much to worry about with her. If you would like, I would like to bring you back to the villa and treat her if possible.”
“We would be most grateful if you could. Noone else has been able to get to her or to treat her and I don’t know what happened to her.”
“How did you meet her?”
“She was wandering the streets, barefoot, covered in blood. As I approached her she collapsed in the street. Remembering the family I lost long ago I took her in and have been trying to communicate and help her however I can. I pick up some odd jobs and quests from the guild to provide but everyday it seems she has attacked someone else who enters the alleyway.”
“I understand. Well it doesn’t really matter to me. If you can provide worth to me then I can help you both and ease her suffering.”
“We will be grateful for any jobs you have us do. If you can ease her suffering then we will serve you young lord.”
“Very well. I may be late with the introductions but I am Meke. Lord of this territory. These are my guards for my stroll into the city today. Later you will meet the one who runs this territory directly in my absence, Shela.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you young lord.”
“Come, let us head back. Can you carry her or do you need assistance?”
“Trouble yourself no longer young lord. I will carry her to any destination you desire.”
“Very well then. Let’s go.”
They began heading back towards the villa as Meke began asking some more questions on their walk.
“What do you know about her?”
“Apparently she was a well known adventurer and hunter. Her power was so strong that they constantly called upon her to fulfill even the toughest of tasks. Or so the whispers of the guild members tell. Apparently tragedy struck and she was turned into this state.”
“Tragedy?”
“ The adventurers talk of her as someone who has retired and washed up. Some even seem to feel that she is dead since she doesn’t do anything anymore.”
“Well then, that is definitely a problem. How have you dealt with this? With her?”
“Honestly, she tends to leave me alone most of the time. When I sleep she will sleep next to me for warmth I guess. I don’t know if it is my scent or what but she hardly attacks me anymore. I’ve tried seeking medical and mystical help but we have gotten nowhere. She doesn’t seem to have anyone looking for her let alone any family.”
“No one has been able to help her so far? By the sound of it, she was not born with this ailment but received it somehow.”
“No one has come or aided us. Everyone either just fails and gives up or tries magic and nothing seems to break the curse. She becomes much more aggressive when magic is used.”
“This is very similar to something I read about long ago. It seems like she has been inflicted with a status ailment and not a physical or magical one.”
“A status ailment? Like what?”
“It could be some form of clouded darkness, mind alteration, or something worse like Berserk. If it is a basic spell like clouded darkness or mind alteration then it is a simple herb potion fix. If it is Berserk it is something so much worse.”
“If it is Berserk what is the cure to this effect?”
“I'm not sure if there is any medicine or cure for it. You can dispel it immediately if you catch it quickly, but I don’t know past that.”
“How do we fix it then?”
“I’m not sure, I'll research it and get back to you. Now come, this is the villa. And this is Shela. Have someone take care of them and keep her chained up for now.”
“Are you sure Meke-sama?”
“It is for the best at this time.”
“By your command.”
Meke leaves them to it as he heads to his office and begins researching the berserk status. Finding no leads he heads to the adventures guild once more with his guards again.
“Welcome back young lord. Were you able to find who you were looking for?”
“Yes, thank you for the tip. I do have another problem if you could assist me.”
“You and Shela have done much for this city and nation that we are very indebted to you. If it is within my knowledge and power I will assist you where I can.”
“I’m glad everything has gone as you hoped and expected. Now one of the people I picked up is suffering from the Berserk status effect and I need to know how to remove it.”
“If you dispel it right away it shouldn't be an issue. You could use some form of purification or status curing potions as well.”
“That's the issue, we tried casting it on her as did many others but it isn’t working. I’ve read that the longer your under a status effect it can become more intense and even permanent.”
“It sounds like you took in that Feral girl from the slums.”
“Yes. More as a safety issue for the city, the constant reports of attacks have gotten out of hand. If it is curable then we can help her otherwise.”
“Hold on, let's not be rash young lord. Let me get the guild master and see what information he has to offer.”
“Very well. I shall wait here.”
The receptionist leaves and like clockwork a few punks come over to the young lord.
“Look here guys, a child wants to become a monster hunter.”
“Do you think he can even fight a goblin?”
“He is shaking in his boots. Look at that pretty face. He would sell for a high price. Come here little one.”
The thug reached for Meke as he instantly shattered his arm with an Earth Spire ripping from the floor. His earth magic turned into dirt and began to creep up their bodies to entomb them in a dirt coffin as the guild master and receptionist came down the stairs.
“Oh my god what are you doing!”
“What is going on here! Explain yourselves!”
Meke stopped his magic leaving them in a state of fear and pain.
“Trying to grab me is not wise little hunters. Do not make me kill you.”
“Issue punishments towards the adventurers. We do not act like thugs and bandits. Especially towards the lord of this land!”
Confusion struck the thugs.
“I’m sorry about them, forgive their crimes. Anyways I have informed the guildmaster.”
“She tells me that you have someone who has been under the Berserk status a long time.”
“Yes, one of the people I picked up from the slums is a girl who is suffering from it.”
“Ah yes the one from the reports. When it comes to long term effects they become ailments and become mostly untreated. There are reports in the past of people who can recover from the Berserk ailment but it was far and few between due to the ever increasing rise in power at the cost of reasoning and cognitive thoughts. The longest I’ve read about was a 3 year recovery.”
“How did they recover?”
“They lost and were imprisoned during a war.”
“So like the standard way to get rid of Berserk?”
“Not entirely. The Berserk Status can be broken by smacking the inflicted hard enough to either snap them out of it or knock them unconscious. It can also be dispelled or cured by potion or tonic. Once inflicted with the Berserk Ailment however, they must be completely defeated or killed in order to break it. They become immune to magical effects which makes the dispel and almost all potions and tonics ineffective.”
“Sounds simple enough. Thanks for the information.”
“Are you planning on defeating her yourself lord?”
“Yes. It is me lacking the things for the city and its safety has become endangered. I will protect this city at any costs from any threats.”
“If you insist, lord, I wish you the best of luck.”
“Thanks.”
Meke and his guards make their way back to the villa and he meets with Shela to tell her what transpired from their talk. The man walks from the room to discuss what they plan to do and what Meke learned from the adventuring guild involving her ailment. Before Meke could respond to the question, the door splits open as the girl growls and charges out the door. Shela is scared for Meke and yells and shouts for them to stop but Meke isn’t weak like he once was.
He has trained every day, he is faster, stronger, and more determined than ever before and must prove himself to all of those around him that he is the lord of this land. She lunges and slashes at him with her sharp nails as Meke dodges and she begins casting magic. She begins enhancing her speed, force, and overall damage. As she grows more and more frustrated she begins to attack much faster due to the Berserk effect. Meke stopped being able to easily dodge her attacks and began engaging in combat. He starts with blocking her swift strikes before parrying them, landing a few hits on her. She begins to enchant her claws with fire making them burn as they graze past making Meke stop blocking entirely. He goes on the offensive kicking her back and reading himself for her next flurry. As she begins to wrap herself in a thick cloak of flames she moves at such a high speed set on ending Meke where he stands. Shela screams and then Meke in a swift moment slams her into the ground. She charges over and over, over and over it repeats with him dodging and tripping her or grabbing her and slamming her until she grows weary and tired. Meke sees his opportunity and strikes faster than before moving one with the earth sliding right underneath her reaching high up in a moment grabbing her by the throat and power slamming her into the ground cratering it causing it to quake. Seeing how this didn’t stop the Berserk effect he tried instilling fear in her as he declared his win and her loss as he began covering her in a massive thick coffin of dirt truly invoking fear on her breaking the curse which bound her.
“Meke-sama! What are you doing!”
“Wait for it. She is calming down now. She must have been Berserking this whole time.”
“How do you stop it?”
“You have to either put them down, knock them out, or kill them. But it seems she has never been defeated before so this will be quite a shock to get her back to her senses.”
“She will recover in due time. Here take her and look after her until she regains herself. Shela, give them lodging, clothes and food. Come find us when she is better.”
Meke smiles at the man and leaves with Shela looking after them. He returned to do some more work catching up on missed paperwork and research paperwork. Later that day Shela returned to Meke.
“Welcome back Shela.”
“Thanks”
“So who are they?”
“They are ex-adventurers from the far east. Both are casters with the man using dark and shadow magic while the girl uses fire magic.”
”Interesting. How are they doing?”
“He is fine, looking after her. She is recovering, with a few mana potions, she has regained some of her sanity, emotion, and memory.”
“Good. Are they capable of meeting?”
“They should be.”
“Good, let’s go and talk to them.”
Meke and Shela enter the recovery room with the man holding the girl’s hand. She is their age and looks much better as if nothing ever happened in the world to turn her so feral. She is still in tatters and distraught with her voice being very raspy and quiet as she strains herself to talk to them.
“Here, this is the one who saved you.”
“Thank you for saving me.I don’t know what ever happened or how I can repay you.”
“Start by just telling us what happened. What was the last thing you remembered?”
“I was summoned to attend a dungeon clearing due to a massive stampede of monsters coming from the dungeon. Being high ranked, I was required to attend. After we went over the plan in the beginning of the dungeon we split into teams to clear it quickly. We met at the boss room and after defeating the massive swamp beast we were splitting the treasure up and getting a final speech from the leaders.”
“Swamps and a Swamp Beast. It sounds like Gargantuan The Swamp Lord.”
“Yeah. Anyways, please continue.”
“The leaders filled the room with some sort of essence and broke the wall open to a nearby room which began to leak in a sludge-like substance which was everywhere in the dungeon. We usually avoided it since it was dark black, slimy, and highly flammable. We did collect it and use it in our torches for most of the dungeon but it was rather crude smelling.”
“Interesting. Don’t mind me, I am taking notes. Please continue. What else happened?”
“The ooze began to fill the room as many people began to become feral and attacked each other. Most of the people were bronze or silver ranked and the few of us who made it out of the room following the leaders were just the gold ranked. A horn echoed from ahead and more swamp creatures rose from the ooze to attack us. We made it out and into the large open side room before everything became fuzzy and the next thing I knew I was in this room.”
“Interesting. Shela.”
“Yes Meke-sama?”
“Send a team out to investigate immediately. Collect samples as a Priority 1.”
“Why? Does it hold significant worth or value?”
“Project E.”
“Oh! Project E! Yes Meke-sama, it shall be done with great haste!”
Shela storms out of the room with great haste and using the guards had her relay a Priority 1 message to the investigation team and engineering division made up of crafters, smiths, and blacksmiths. She returns just as quickly as she left.
“Anyways. How are you doing? Is everything alright?”
“I feel fine. My memory is fuzzy but it is returning. I hurt all over though.”
“Yeah sorry about that. I literally had to put you in a grave to break the ailment.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“Do you remember your name?”
“I don’t. I don’t remember much. This is a good opportunity to become someone new. I am indebted to you lord, and I will serve you for the rest of my life to make up for the things you have done for me.”
“Well you need a name. You both do. Any suggestions?”
“I leave it up to you lord Meke.”
“Same here. Give me something super cool.”
“Let me think.”
Hmm she was very feral for quite some time. Feral. Fer Al. Fair All. Farah. That's good.
“You can be called Farah. Taking my family name will keep you safe from all that may try to harm you. Farah Von Caslon first of your name, that will be your new name.”
“Thank you lord Meke! I will cherish it and make sure to live up to your expectations!”
“First you need to focus on getting better, then work under Shela to learn the ropes.”
“Yes master Meke!”
“Just lord Meke or Meke will do if we are not in a formal setting.”
“Understood Meke!”
“Good, now onto you.”
Hmm he is strong and uses dark magic to assist and help her. He looks mysterious and has served and protected her all this time. Protection. Protected. Served. Servant. Serve Ant. Servan. Servan. Good enough I supposed.
“You who have protected her for a long time, shall take the name Servan. You will take my family name as well. Servan Von Caslon. The first of your name and that will be your new name.”
“Thank you for the consideration and name, lord Meke.”
“Good. Now I will leave you both to rest and recuperate. We will have fresh bedding and clothes brought to you after you are capable of bathing. Treat them well as your assistants, Shela.”
“Thank you Meke-sama!”
Meke leaves and heads off to his study to prepare for the next phase of Project E which has been stuck for a long time. The next few weeks they were constantly training and learning the ways of knighthood and bettering their magic alongside learning all manners of things from Shela. After they have made some great progress in their studies and combat skills he meets with them to catch up. Servan looks almost the same as when Meke first met him, he is less dark and brooding and more normal. Farah on the other hand is completely different. Her hair is a brownish red, her eyes are brown and turn bright red when she casts her fire magic. Her skin is smooth and soft, her complexion is fair and that of cream. She is so bright and bubbly but an airhead when it comes to all manners of studying, but she makes up for that with her intense combat prowess and battle knowledge. She is definitely someone of high adventuring rank due to her ability to go even harder than Meke against the knight captains and holding her own even versus the best of them.
“Lord Meke, welcome.”
“Lord Meke, Lord Meke. It is super great to see you!”
“Hello Servan, hello Farah. It’s been a minute. How are you all?”
“Good.“
“I’m great now that I get to see you, Meke-sama!”
“Good I’m glad.”
“So what brings you here today, Meke-sama? I mean you can look at me all you want. I don't mind one bit but I don’t think that is the main reason you are here today.”
“Thanks for the offer Farah you are lovely. But today I want to see where you guys are with your training.”
“Awe thank you Meke-sama! I’m glad my looks can be of service to you!”
“Servan.”
“Yes lord Meke.”
“How is your training going?”
“It has gone well. I’ve begun to master more dark elements and shadow manipulation.”
“Good to hear. I want you to undergo special training to become a shadow of me and our fledgling nation. I want you to learn the art of the shadow butler. A honed assassin and bodyguard who can act in a single moment if needed during our travels or negotiations.”
“Yes Lord Meke it shall be done.”
“Farah.”
“Yes Meke-sama! What can I offer to do for you!”
“I want to test your skills in battle if you're able to. We have a small dungeon used to train new adventurers so If you're free lets go and conquer it. You can become an adventurer again for the political influence but you will serve me, not this nation.”
“Understood! I get to go off on a dungeon crawl with Meke-sama! I’m so excited!”
“Good, Shela will send you both the information. Until then, keep training hard.”
“Yes Lord Meke!”
Meke returned to his office and began making preparations for their dungeon crawl as well as Servan and Shela’s assignments. Shela and Servan are going to be making new plans for their next phase, stopping an invasion in the near future as their scouts report rising tensions from the rising merchant nations to the east. Meke meets with Shela about some new technology to unveil but finds her struggling with her mind and emotions in a fit of sadness as she sits off in the corner.
“What happened? What's wrong Shela?”
“Ah Meke-sama. What's up, what brings you over here?”
“You do.”
“I do?”
“Yes. Shela. What is wrong? What is causing you to cry this much?”
“Rain sent me a letter, grandmother fell ill and passed away in her sleep last night.”
“That's unfortunate. Were you close with her?”
“I was. I spent a lot of time as a kid there while my parents worked for the lord.”
“If you need some time off.”
“No, I'm okay. Well I will be okay. Just need to cry it out and get back to work.”
“Okay well then come here, let it all out.”
She cries while hugging him for a bit as he rubs her back until she is better. He does what he can to ease her worries and sadness by pulling her in close, holding her, telling her he loves her and only her and that she has nothing to worry about, and kisses her deeply.
“Thanks, Meke-sama. Anyways, what brings you here?”
“You do. Anyways, here. Look this over and tell me what you think.”
He hands her a thick hand drawn blueprint of a few pieces of technology and basic descriptions.
“This. This is something that will change the world, Meke-sama!”
“Do you think it will be successful?”
“It should. Though I worry about unveiling this too early.”
“Oh don’t worry, we will have a fully working prototype before we unveil it’s concept.”
“Okay good. We don’t want anyone to get their hands on this one.”
“Yeah you're telling me. For the unveiling I want to invite Duke Vol Caslon and his generals since It’s been a while since we last saw him.”
“That would be at your fathers funeral for a bit.”
“Yeah. I’de like to meet with him before I leave with Farah on her dungeon crawl or the tech unveiling.”
“I can send a notice and we can travel there together before we start anything too big.”
“Okay let's do that then. I have some meetings with the smiths and crafters later to get this rolling anyways.”
“Alright well I will pack us some stuff and get Servan ready to take over. Farah can continue training with the knights for her big adventuring debut.”
“Okay good, sounds like a plan. I will see you later for dinner then?”
“Yes sir Meke-sama!”
“Don’t call me sir in public. You know how I get.”
“Sorry.”
They went their separate ways while Meke gave the plans over to his research and development department or R and D. Many items that were already finished were brought to Meke for him to take back to the villa. He began making the various equipment while teaching Shela how to operate them as a practice session. They then get ready to leave and board the large carriage to travel across the domain. They arrive at a luxurious castle overlooking vast swaths of farmlands and flowering valleys. The castle is in pristine condition, repaired and looked after by the loyal denizens. As their carriage approaches the people cheer and shout praises to the young lord coming to visit the Duke. They arrived at the lord's manor in the back half of the castle, they passed through many residential homes and friendly smiles of the people. They are greeted by an entire team of butlers, maids, and servants. The Duke, his wife, and their 3 teen children, a boy and two girls stand to greet them.
“Welcome Baron Meke and Servant Shela. I shall announce you to the awaiting Duke and his family.”
“She is not my servant, she is my wife.”
“Meke-sama. It’s okay.”
“Don’t worry we take pride in your titles here. Although the Duke and his family are very reserved with family and drop the noble titles, they still like us to introduce any who arrive.”
“Okay then. Please do.”
“Announcing. Baron Meke and Baroness Shela have arrived!”
“Sorry for the arrival announcements. It is good to find out any new status changes within the visiting nobility. Now come let us have some tea.”
The Duke leads them to the dining room so they may come and meet and enjoy tea in a relaxing place.
“So Meke it has been sometime since we have last met.”
“Since fathers death. I believe you had to leave shortly after the procession due to your busy schedule however I am glad you made it.”
“Fernando was a strong willed warrior. It would cause great dishonor to grieve in front of a powerful person.”
“Understandable.”
“How are Sara and Rain doing? I believe Rain is coming of wedding age soon.”
“They are good. Mother refuses to take another man and has left the domain up to me so she can mostly look after Rain and teach her how to be a true noble lady.”
“That’s good. I hope she is able to fill the void with something, Sara was never one to wear makeup unless she needed to or spend time on clothing. I hear that many noble women begin to take on sewing and weaving to pass their time.”
“Shela spends a lot of time with mother. What do you think?”
“It is not my place to speak on such a manner as this as a mere servant.”
Meke places his hand on her cheek and pulls her in lightly to kiss her. You are not a mere servant anymore, Shela. You have a place, you have a voice, you have your own wants and desires, you are a Baroness now, one who runs all in our territory. So go ahead, speak, speak to your heart's content.
“Sara has been doing better, she has been reading a lot more and assisting me in running the territories and cities as Meke has stated. She visits the city often and even walks the fields to check in on the people around her. She spends much of her time assisting and helping all of those in the territory.”
They chat lightly for a while before the Duke turns to talk to Meke directly.
“I have enjoyed this tea time with family and talking with you but I do wonder what you wanted from this meeting young Baron Meke.”
The tone of the room shifts into a more serious and curious tone.
“Shela has been keeping me up to date with the strife of the empire and the rising threats to our eastern borders from the new merchant states. For today I wanted to come here on a less formal visit to discuss how you would feel about entering into an alliance of sorts.”
“An alliance of sorts? What do you have in mind?”
“My knights are strong, our adventurers are becoming some of the best in the kingdom. Our technologies are rapidly improving from agriculture to military and we plan to debut some more things in the next few months. I’m aware most of our technologies have been reverse engineered from ours to slowly benefit the rest of the kingdom. These are facts and we know this and are planning for this. We can even repel the merchant forces with little losses. Now why I’m here, I'd like a partner in expanding our territory. I would like to build a few more cities and vast farm lands in between our lands.”
“So you want land rights. How will that benefit me If you get rights to our lands?”
His wife glares at him hard for a moment.
“Sorry. I don’t mean that to be so harsh.”
“No, it's understandable. I would feel the same way. The farmlands would be split by both and the cities would have joint ownership. As you know we have a huge influx of people due to our current taxation methods and rates.”
“Yes, we have begun adopting your tax methods due to Fernando sending us a letter to just do it based on Shela’s system.”
“It’s a better way to tax, tax a home or a business over taxing for each person. Technically it gives higher taxes due to the individual not being taxed so badly.”
“I wish to build large spanning roads across the lands, not just made of dirt paths, but of bricks for faster travel. Improve our farmlands and overproduce some crops which can be sold for higher profits as well as having an overabundance of edible crops to make the average person's life easier.”
“What do you mean to make the average person's life easier?”
“We plan to start mass producing things like the new lotion based cosmetics which is good for your skin. Mass producing medicines to help the average person get what they need. We also have plans to grow and produce large quantities of sugar, salt, and pepper for people to use in cooking and baking. We also.”
“Mass produce sugar!”
“Sorry. Please continue.”
“We also want to better domesticate animals for breeding and harvesting. To get better quality and quantities of food in the hands of people for cheaper rates.”
“This is insane. How do you plan to accomplish all of this?”
“We currently have a half a year goal of getting the roads, farms, ranching areas, and cities laid out and starting construction. In the later half year everything should be planted and growing for the next harvest season. We have enough food stockpiled to handle the next 2 years of influx, but the big problem is getting people to move in.”
“So you will want my connections to get a message out in order to get the people to fill in the jobs and cities you plan to build.”
“Yes, that is correct. We plan to side with the people during a coop and don’t care who rules over the land so long as they protect the people and give us the freedom we need to build a prosperous kingdom.”
“Interesting, give me and my wife a few moments to discuss this.”
“Take the time you need.”
The duke and his wife leave for a bit then return with good news.
“We accept your proposal to have an alliance to benefit our people. You may go ahead and start your plans, just send us some letters and let us know what is going on or what needs to be done. We will provide anything we can.”
“Good. We will take our leave. We will keep you all informed.”
Meke and Shela return by carriage back to their villa to sleep the night away. Early the next morning he meets her for breakfast and spends the day fully drafting up all the various plans he needs to get everything moving in his favor.