Scouting and construction efforts proceeded smoothly under Airen's meticulous planning, and three days had quietly elapsed. During this period, the beast herds refrained from mounting any large-scale assaults on the outpost. Instead, they consisted merely of scattered packs of war hounds and inferior horned beasts, deemed as nothing more than fodder for experience points by the mercenaries. To Rafe, they were scarcely worth his attention, akin to mere morsels between his teeth.

The passing three days had wrought noticeable improvements to the outpost's appearance. At the very least, it no longer presented the pitiful sight of being more turbulent within during storms than outside.

Sharpened tree stumps were firmly embedded in the soil, while makeshift gates with iron chains provided basic wind protection and defense.

Following the precedent set by the previous camp, Airen aimed to establish a defensive buffer zone outside the outpost using traps and palisades. However, completing such a project within a few days proved unrealistic, forcing the mercenaries to settle for gradual progress, adhering to the principle of doing what was feasible.

With each passing day, the wind grew fiercer, and the weather turned increasingly somber. Cold rain fell sporadically, causing the mercenaries to shiver. Gunpowder became damp, bow limbs warped, and the outpost seemed to languish in a state of perpetual gloom.

Airen and Ressarit made daily circuits around the camp, endeavoring to secure tactical advantages in the terrain. Despite the superb three-dimensional map at their disposal, firsthand observation of the terrain provided greater reassurance and facilitated strategy formulation.

"This elevated terrain could serve as a small design platform, linked to the outpost via a ladder," Airen suggested. "If feasible, we should seek out another location to establish crossfire, thereby enhancing our ability to suppress enemy fire."

"Indeed, it would be optimal if circumstances allow. However, at present, the outpost's defenses consist solely of wooden stakes," Ressarit pointed out. "Let us not forget that these wooden walls offer scant resistance against the onslaught of beast herds, let alone against the wind."

"Hence, my proposal is to construct small earth mounds outside the walls, similar to those in the previous camp. atop these mounds, we'll densely plant sharpened wooden spikes to repel any attacks," Airen elaborated.

"Your plan bears a striking resemblance to the Greenskin architectural style," Ressarit remarked after a moment of contemplation, stroking his beard. "Though unsightly, it is indeed practical."

"Are you well-versed in Greenskin architecture?" Airen inquired, somewhat surprised. "Forgive my presumption, but did you encounter Greenskins during your time in Rickland?"

"I have clashed with them on numerous occasions, so frequently that I've lost count of the Greenskins I've dispatched," Ressarit replied calmly. "My understanding of architecture stems not from observation but from childhood aspirations of becoming an engineer."

"A tale tinged with regret," Airen remarked sympathetically, patting Ressarit's shoulder.

"Though I may have harbored different ambitions in the past, I am content with my current endeavors," Ressarit grinned, tapping his iron breastplate rhythmically with his index finger. "As it turns out, armor and weaponry hold greater allure than buildings and engineering."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"You might find a kindred spirit in Airen. By the way, given your knowledge of engineering, have you pondered the design of this outpost?"

"Naturally, but for now, your approach prevails due to our limited resources. Your pragmatic methods are far more viable."

"Then let us proceed as planned. Should inspiration strike later, do not hesitate to inform me."

With those words, Airen hastened back to the outpost, preparing for the next task at hand: boosting morale. Despite the significant impact of the skills bestowed by the system on morale, various factors such as inclement weather, isolation, and the precariousness of their situation had diminished the overall morale of the outpost to approximately 73.

The morale of the farmers and militiamen had dwindled to a pitiful 50-60 range. At this point, relying solely on their optimism and the skills provided by the system was no longer sufficient. It was imperative to provide them with appropriate material incentives and spiritual encouragement.

With 15 points in charisma and skills in command (level 2) and eloquence (level 1), Airen had no trouble managing the current size of the team. He began by delivering a simple yet effective speech to uplift the troops' morale, followed by producing the scarce alcohol he had brought from the camp.

For mercenaries accustomed to years of nomadic life, a place with alcohol and a bonfire felt like home. Although the quantities were limited, the taste of mead and dwarven ale proved invigorating, reigniting their optimism.

However, this was merely the beginning.

While mercenaries were capable of maintaining their own equipment, they lacked the requisite tools. Relying solely on manual labor and local resources would prove arduous, necessitating an individual both meticulous and patient to undertake the task.

Wild grasses abounded in the area, yet permitting horses to ingest grass soaked in cold rain risked inducing digestive ailments. Therefore, someone needed to be specifically designated to harvest and sun-dry the grass, then appropriately store the processed fodder.

The twelve horses would consume fodder equivalent to a day's labor for one person, and it would be impractical to assign the task to a single individual indefinitely. Consequently, Airen resolved to assign this duty to a pair of individuals, enhancing efficiency without succumbing to excessive monotony.

In addition, a myriad of other tasks awaited completion: campfire maintenance and fuel provision (igniting a fire in such conditions proved challenging), encampment construction, trap setting, soldier training and instruction, tactical scheming, architectural planning...

The tasks were plentiful, yet time was scarce.

"Boss, another pack of dogs arrived today, and they've already met their end."

"Your Excellency, the attack of the inferior horned beasts has been repelled, yielding seventeen captives. We suffered two injuries."

"Boss, I've brought back a dog's head. Could you devise a means to cook it?"

"Boss, Rafe once again wishes to surreptitiously incorporate the meat of those rabid dogs into our meal!"

...

As the days elapsed, the outpost gradually assumed the semblance of a true "fortress." Mercenaries erected a secondary layer of wooden stakes behind the initial wall, while spikes of varying lengths adorned the perimeter of the outer wall, evoking a distinct Greenskin aesthetic.

Utilizing stones and tree stumps, the mercenaries erected three rudimentary shooting platforms. Though deviating somewhat from Airen's envisioned crossfire, the layout remained within acceptable parameters, strategically positioned in a triangular formation across the left, center, and right flanks of the outpost.

Cunning adversaries possessed the acumen to gauge opportune moments for advance and retreat, capitalizing on tactical advantages when their foes remained vigilant, and striking when they faltered.

Orcs epitomized such astuteness. Unlike their Greenskin counterparts, they possessed the intellect to secure tactical advantages for themselves.

Thus, on the day when the cavalry momentarily relaxed their vigilance and distanced themselves, a malodorous "cloud" materialized above the scouts' heads. Descending swiftly, it mercilessly tore apart the panicked young man.

Observing the horse team's return with one member absent, Airen realized that the impending threat he had anticipated had finally materialized.

"Cease all labor! Prepare for battle!"