Initially, Armad is deeply committed to developing the town, yet his primary focus remains on augmenting his power. This single-minded pursuit has often overshadowed the broader needs of the town. The judge, however, has consistently emphasized that successful town development requires attention to two crucial aspects: the enhancement of personal and battalion power, and the advancement of commercial activities. Personal and battalion power concerns the strength and efficiency of the town’s military forces, while commercial activities involve managing the flow of money, both incoming and outgoing.
The judge had frequently reminded Armad that no matter how formidable his battalion might be, its presence alone would not suffice for the town’s success. If the emperor were to assess the town’s progress or visit it personally, he might conclude that the town had not achieved its goals if it lacked commercial development. The current era values commerce over military might, making it essential for the town to establish a thriving economic system. Without adequate food and money circulating among the population, even the most powerful battalion would not prevent the town from faltering.
Before Armad could fully address these commercial issues, the judge took it upon himself to resolve them. Within a month, the judge had managed to overcome the town’s commercial challenges, ensuring that its economic activities were now running smoothly. The once precarious situation regarding trade and finances had been rectified, and commercial operations were now robust and well-managed.
Presently, Armad is seated in his chamber, an aura of authority surrounding him. He sits with his legs crossed, exuding a sense of control and focus. To his right is the judge, a trusted advisor whose expertise has been instrumental in resolving the town’s commercial issues. On Armad’s left is Nusi. At the door stands a deva, vigilantly guarding the entrance, while other devas are strategically dispersed throughout the town and even in nearby towns to maintain order and security.
Armad is making strides in solidifying his rule and establishing a strong presence. The discussion at hand revolves around strategies to expand their commercial activities further. The group is engaged in detailed conversations about how to enhance trade, improve revenue streams, and ensure that the town’s economic growth continues to progress in tandem with its military strength.
“Farming,” Armad began, “is our top priority at the moment. As it stands, our commercial activities are primarily centered around the goods we sell, which are all tied to the pills I produce. If I stop producing these pills, it could potentially halt all our other commercial ventures. Therefore, I need you to shift your focus to expanding our farming operations. We need to significantly increase the number of our farms. Thankfully, our current power levels are such that no wild entities can impede our efforts in agriculture. However, we must remain vigilant about the demonic animals that lurk in the surrounding forests.”
He turned his gaze to Nusi. “Nusi, I want you to take charge of this operation. Lead a group of devas and venture just outside the town, extending your reach up to 50 kilometers into the forested area. Your task is to eliminate all the demonic creatures in that region. Afterward, collect and bring their remains to me. Make sure to clear every mountain and tree, leaving behind nothing but open fields. The goal is to transform the land into a vast, unobstructed area suitable for farming.”
Armad continued, “Once you’ve cleared the land, the judge will then inspect the area to determine the best locations for planting crops and constructing buildings. We intend to expand the town significantly. The current walls will be replaced with new, sturdier ones that will extend from the 50-kilometer mark you’ve cleared. This expansion will accommodate our growing needs and enhance our town’s defenses.”
He looked At the judge “I am also pleased with the progress you’ve made in erecting several large buildings outside the town within just a week. I understand that this endeavor cost nearly 30 million, but I am not worried about the expenditure. I am aware that you hired many skilled earthbenders to expedite the construction. Money is not a pressing concern for us at the moment; we will continue to receive new resources as needed.”
Armad turned to Nusi. “What I require from you now, Nusi, is to initiate this clearing operation without delay. Once the land is prepared, we will move forward with constructing new buildings and establishing new farms. Provided that the weather remains favorable and does not interfere with our plans, we aim to plant our crops this year. I expect to see an increase in the number of farms, which will in turn multiply our production of medicinal herbs and other essential goods.”
Nusi responded with a determined nod. “Consider it done, Your Majesty. I will ensure that the task is completed as per your instructions.”
On the other hand, the judge paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before speaking. “Your Majesty, while your plan for expanding our town and its defenses is both ambitious and well-thought-out, there is an important issue we must not overlook: the situation with Montaj. The individuals I dispatched to deliver our remedies to Montaj have yet to return, and we have received no communication from them. This lack of response is deeply concerning and suggests that there may be a significant problem in that region. Despite their considerable expertise and experience in handling such tasks, they have reported no contact from Montaj. Our subsequent attempts to reach out with messages have also been unsuccessful. Furthermore, Commander Silaini has not returned as expected. Nearly three months have passed since the last battle, and while we have successfully conquered other towns, Silaini’s unexplained absence is troubling. By now, he should have returned or at least provided an update on the circumstances they are in. Does this not indicate that there may be a serious issue we need to address urgently?”
An uneasy silence filled the chamber as the tension became palpable. The atmosphere was thick with concern, and Armad’s thoughts immediately turned to Commander Silaini. He had not forgotten his loyal and trusted commander, and the absence of any news about Silaini weighed heavily on him. The bond between Armad and Silaini was forged through years of mutual trust and respect. Armad, who had no devas of his own, relied heavily on Silaini’s leadership and dedication. It was well-known among their ranks that the 20 devas who were in Armad’s battalion were not his followers by choice, but rather Silaini’s. Many of these devas had received offers from influential figures such as Prince Sufa, but they chose to remain with Silaini out of loyalty.
Silaini’s support had been instrumental in Armad’s rise, especially in the early days when he faced formidable opponents and lacked a system. Silaini’s leadership had provided the stability and strength that Armad needed to stand firm against members of the king’s legion. This unwavering support made Silaini’s absence all the more significant and distressing. Armad’s loyalty to Silaini was profound, and no matter how much power or influence he might gain, he would never disregard or forget the contributions and sacrifices of his commander.
“I have a strong sense that Commander Silaini is still alive,” Armad said with a firm conviction. “However, as you pointed out, there seems to be an underlying issue. According to my predictions, they should have returned approximately a month and two weeks ago. Regardless of whether they succeeded in their mission or not, our prior discussions indicated that their return was anticipated within that period. The absence of any communication or their failure to return signifies that something substantial has occurred. We must assume that something catastrophic has happened—perhaps something as grave as being captured by our enemies, which could be the big tribes or the King’s Legion or, potentially, my brother, Prince Ikenga. We must prepare ourselves for the worst possible scenario.”
As Armad spoke, the weight of his words became evident on everyone’s faces. The seriousness of the situation was clear to them all. Commander Silaini has level 15 Airids, which can send messages over long distances. The fact that he had failed to send any communication or return indicates a severe issue. It is highly unlikely that he would be unable to send a message unless he had been captured or met with a fatal incident. The situation was dire, and they were forced to confront the unsettling possibility that Silaini had been apprehended.
The implications of such an event were deeply troubling. If Silaini had been captured, he would inevitably be subjected to intense interrogation aimed at uncovering Armad’s secrets. Although they trusted in Silaini’s loyalty and his ability to resist divulging sensitive information, they were aware that cultivators in this era possessed advanced skills that could uncover hidden truths even if a person refused to speak. Techniques such as mind-reading or using specialized security measures to probe into someone’s thoughts could be employed by their enemies. These methods could forcibly extract information and leave the subject in a state of mental disarray, where their thoughts and sanity might be shattered.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Armad clenched his teeth in frustration. “I’m deeply regretting my decision now. I wish I had never sent them.”
Although Armad spoke quietly, the weight of his words was palpable, and everyone in the room heard him. Nusi took a moment to respond, her voice steady but filled with concern. “Your Majesty, it’s impossible to foresee such outcomes in advance. You would have been tormented by uncertainty until you sent them. If memory serves, you were initially adamant about going yourself, and it was only with great effort that we persuaded you to send them instead. Had you gone, you might have faced the same dire circumstances, or worse. Who would have been left to manage the town and lead our efforts if you had been caught or worse?”
Armad opened his mouth to reply, but the judge interjected before he could speak. “Your Highness, Nusi’s observations are accurate. You are the linchpin of our entire operation. We all serve you, and we would willingly sacrifice our lives to ensure your safety and success. Commander Silaini understood this well. He was prepared to lay down his life if necessary, fully aware that his sacrifice was for the greater good of your cause. However, as you have rightly pointed out, the danger now is that if Silaini has been captured, our most guarded secrets could be exposed. This is a severe risk that could compromise everything we have built.”
The judge continued, his tone serious. “Given the gravity of the situation, we must be proactive in preparing for any potential consequences. The possibility of our secrets being revealed necessitates immediate and strategic action. Your Highness, considering the current circumstances, what steps do you propose we take first?”
Armad hesitated, the weight of his thoughts causing a sharp headache to settle in. He pressed his fingers to his forehead, rubbing gently in an attempt to ease the tension. After a few moments of silent contemplation, he let out a weary sigh and began to speak. “Our foremost priority is to safeguard the skill of ‘Pol String’ that I have awakened. Currently, Commander Kisa is the only individual aware of its existence. Given his motivations, I am convinced that if given the chance, he would reveal this secret. If this happens, it will not only jeopardize us but also invite significant threats from powerful factions. Major tribes and Wilberforce tribe along with other influential Associations, might send assassins or forces to eliminate me if they learn of this skill.”
He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in before continuing. “The only viable solution is to substantially increase my cultivation power so that I can defend myself effectively against any potential threats. This enhancement will enable me to confront and eliminate any attackers who come our way. Unfortunately, beyond this, there is little we can do now that the situation has escalated beyond our immediate control. As cultivators, our role is to manage and mitigate problems as they arise. Once a situation has reached this point, our focus must shift to resolving it. Thus, our primary objective is to bolster our strength to handle any threats effectively.”
Armad’s expression grew more serious as he shifted to another concern. “We also need to address the potential problem posed by this young man named Nura Bayajidda. I am apprehensive that he might have seen Ai and her assistant awaken their cores. I am sure that he realized that they used those herbs to do so. Because of that, I’m sure that he could expose this information when he chooses. If Kisa becomes aware of this, he might exploit it to further reveal our secrets. We should expect that the Seal Makers’ Association, especially those nearby, will soon start sending their agents to investigate. Their discovery of our secrets could lead to an attack on us, potentially compromising our safety and operations.”
He took a deep breath, the weight of the situation evident in his voice. “We need to prepare ourselves for such eventualities by reinforcing our defenses. They will likely deploy powerful cultivators to seize the halves and obtain detailed information about how we created them. Since we have lost control over keeping these secrets from being exposed, our focus should now be on planning our response and strengthening our defenses against potential incursions.”
Armad’s tone grew more somber as he addressed a final concern. “Lastly, we must consider the issue of the Association of Medicine Producers. Since I arrived in this town, they have already collected herbs, and the time is nearing for them to gather more. I am certain they will arrive soon to collect their share, and currently, we are not prepared. Even if we had the herbs they require, we might be unwilling to part with them, which will undoubtedly lead to their anger and potential retribution.”
After Armad concluded his address, the judge took out a piece of parchment and began scribbling notes. His pen moved swiftly, capturing the essence of their discussion. Once he finished, he looked up, his expression serious. “Your analysis is sound, and I concur with your concerns. However, concerning the three major issues you’ve raised, I believe that even if they come to pass, they might not manifest immediately. The process of investigating and confirming the truth about these secrets will take time.”
He paused, ensuring he had their full attention before continuing. “Instead of focusing solely on these potential threats, I propose we redirect our efforts to the town of Montaj, which lies nearby. Why should we not take the initiative and directly confront them? It is entirely feasible that we could bring Montaj under our control. Doing so would be immensely advantageous for us.”
The judge leaned forward, emphasizing his point. “Securing Montaj would significantly bolster our position and greatly benefit our commercial ventures. By conquering this town, we would not only expand our influence but also gain control over a major commercial hub. This strategic move would elevate us from a relatively small town to a significant player in regional commerce. Such an acquisition could deter elite associations and other potential adversaries from challenging us. When others perceive you as powerful and capable, they are far less likely to provoke conflict, as the risks of engaging with us would outweigh the potential rewards.”
Armad and Nusi exchanged astonished glances, their surprise evident. They had grown accustomed to the judge’s cautious and measured approach. Historically, the judge had consistently advised against rash decisions and unnecessary conflicts, often advocating for diplomacy and strategic patience. His cautious stance was likely a reflection of his age and experience, providing a counterbalance to their youthful enthusiasm and tendency toward aggressive action.
However, today’s counsel was a stark departure from his usual demeanor. The judge was now championing a bold strategy that involved confronting a formidable region—Montaj, a town whose influence and size far surpassed their own. The suggestion to take on such a powerful adversary was not only unexpected but also raised questions about the judge’s rationale and mental state.
The judge managed a wry, self-conscious smile. “Stop looking at me with such surprise. The reason I previously advised against engaging in war was that I was unaware of the new skill you had awakened. Now that you have demonstrated the extent of its power and potential, I am convinced that if we focus our efforts, victory is within our grasp. Your Majesty, you might not have realized this before, but whether we like it or not, we are inevitably going to have to confront Montaj.
However, my primary concern extends beyond the immediate conflict. I am deeply worried about what will happen after we have dealt with Montaj. We need to be prepared for the repercussions of eliminating them. The king of Montaj is not just a regional power; he has established connections with influential members of the Medicine Producers Association. This network is the reason he has been able to maintain control over the twenty towns in his domain. Each of these towns is significantly larger and more powerful than our own, making his control over them a formidable challenge.
Without these elite connections, sustaining such dominance for so long would have been nearly impossible. Thus, my fear is not just the battle with Montaj but the potential fallout from eliminating such a powerful figure. We need to anticipate the response from the elite factions and the potential power vacuum that could follow. What will their next moves be? How will we handle their inevitable retaliation or attempts to reclaim their lost influence?
Despite these concerns, we have no alternative but to proceed with our plans. The necessity to confront Montaj is unavoidable. Therefore, we must begin our preparations without delay.
Your Highness, I recommend that we recruit additional skilled individuals from outside your current battalion. Specifically, we should look to neighboring towns we have already conquered. We need to find those who are trustworthy and willing to pledge their loyalty to us, ensuring they will not betray us. These recruits should ideally be at the peak of the Core Formation level. Our goal should be to assist them in advancing to the Deva level, thus significantly strengthening our forces.
By increasing our number of Devas, we will be better positioned to launch a preemptive strike against Montaj before they have a chance to mobilize against us. This strategy will give us the upper hand and help secure our position in the region. Additionally, having a strong force of Devas will serve as a deterrent to other potential adversaries and elite factions who might otherwise see our expansion as an opportunity to challenge us.”