The palace boasted an immense size, housing a vast arena dedicated to horseracing. Armad directed his mount towards it, intending to put it through its paces. As he tightened the reins, the horse surged into a gallop. Despite the kilometer-long track, the horse astounded Armad by reaching the far end in a mere 40 seconds. Coming to a halt, Armad reined in the horse, noting its composed demeanor compared to previous unruly mounts. With a sense of wonder, Armad guided the horse in a swift turn. The horse thundered ahead, clocking precisely 33 seconds for the kilometer sprint. Astounded, Armad realized the horse’s extraordinary speed could traverse any distance with ease, showing no signs of exhaustion. Giving the horse its head, Armad relinquished the reins, allowing it to dart back and forth with effortless grace, showcasing its powerful limbs.
For an extended period, the horse exhibited no signs of fatigue, almost as if it were merely warming up. In an astonishingly short time, it completed thirty laps, covering a total distance of sixty kilometers. Only then did weariness begin to show, prompting Armad to halt and dismount. The stable boys, gathered around, watched in awe at the remarkable sight before them. Though curious about the pill’s effects, none dared to inquire. Armad, too, felt exhilarated by the unexpected outcome, turning the misfortune of one horse into a fortuitous discovery.
Ggg
With just a single pill dissolved in a thousand liters of water, a mere cup proved miraculous for the pony’s strength, suggesting that all the battle horses could be nourished from this single source. Armed with the remaining horse pills, Armad resolved to carry water into battle, ensuring a steady supply of pills as needed.
He intended to ensure the pony received proper care, checking for any injuries or trauma. Positive feedback would secure his victory, and the town’s horses would also benefit from his efforts. An idea struck him: rather than reserving the energy pills solely for cultivators, he believed commoners, lacking cultivation, deserved them most to spur action. However, distributing individual pills would be insufficient and potentially harmful. Instead, he resolved to dissolve the pills in water, concealing their true nature from the commoners. This covert method would keep the pill’s secret hidden, with only the stable boys as witnesses. He could then maintain an air of innocence, allowing people to believe they were merely drinking plain water while receiving a beneficial boost, ensuring secrecy and leaving enemies in the dark.
Even if they were to discern the nature of the pill, they might assume Armad had sought aid from a herbalist. This could sow confusion between the King’s Legion and the Global Association of Medicine Producers, buying Armad additional time to bolster his forces. However, such strategic considerations were best left for the future; for now, Armad needed to focus on the pressing issue at hand. The wild people were due to arrive in less than ten days. Clearing his mind, Armad returned to his chambers, where his bath awaited. After refreshing himself, he returned to his office, where he found the judge already en route, eager to relay the latest developments. Bowing respectfully, the judge took a seat as Armad wasted no time in asking about the support available for the upcoming battle. The judge hesitated before delivering his regretful response.
“The people are all terrified, and we couldn’t rally many of them,” he said, his tone heavy with remorse. “Forgive me, for it is all my fault.”
Armad’s frown deepened upon hearing the confession. While he knew the King’s Legion and their sympathizers would actively dissuade citizens from joining his cause, he had expected more support, especially given the prince’s reputation for kindness and empathy towards the populace. The fact that they would be the primary targets of the impending bandit attack should have motivated greater solidarity.
“I believe, Your Highness, that the issue lies in the widespread belief that victory is unlikely,” the judge interjected, as if echoing Armad’s thoughts. “Rumors suggest the neighboring wild people are not acting alone but are joined by allies from afar, determined to thwart your town’s development efforts.”
Pausing for dramatic effect, the judge continued, “I believe we both know who is orchestrating this opposition, who is striving to hinder your rule over this town.”
At the mention of his stepbrother’s machinations, Armad’s jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists. He knew all too well the identity of the one determined to thwart his ambitions: his own stepbrother, relentless in his quest to prevent Armad from establishing his own domain.
“It wouldn’t be beyond him to stoke the wild people’s thirst for blood, perhaps even promising them incentives for victory,” he mused darkly.
“How many do we have?” he inquired, dreading the response. Just moments ago, he had been buoyed by the discovery of the horse’s and energy pills’ utility. Now, however, his elation had evaporated, realizing that most cultivators had little need for horses, rendering them primarily useful to the non-cultivated commoners. His plan to employ the pills among the commoners hinged on their support.
“We have only about five hundred, Your Highness,” the judge responded, his words tinged with regret. He hesitated, visibly troubled by the paltry number in contrast to the town’s significant population.
Among the hundred thousand residents, it was a mere fraction. Considering the town’s reputation as a business hub, it was a disheartening realization. Once, a census had tallied nearly two hundred and ninety thousand inhabitants, though recent migrations had reduced the count. Even accounting for the exodus, Armad had hoped the remaining populace would number at least a hundred and thirty thousand.
That was because many families of those who had ceased their livelihood activities remained in the town. It would have been impractical for them to relocate their entire families within the brief span since the King’s Legion’s defection.
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Armad reassured himself that these families were indeed present, making it all the more perplexing that even a thousand men among them could not be persuaded to join his cause. It underscored their demoralization and their lack of faith in his ability to succeed.
Enraged, Armad pounded the table with his fist, leaving a dent in the fine wood. The realization that none of his men believed in his victory, particularly against mere wild people, fueled his frustration. He saw this as an opportunity to prove himself, not just against the wild people but also to dispel any doubts about his courage among his people.
Just then, a captain from his battalion burst into the office, kneeling before him. “Your Highness,” he began, “we have apprehended around five thousand men attempting to flee the town. We await your orders regarding their punishment, Your Highness.”
Armad’s frown deepened as he pondered the sudden exodus of such a large number of people from the town, just ten days after the departure of the King’s Legion. Something felt suspicious, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was behind the spreading uncertainty among the town’s residents.
He couldn’t help but suspect the involvement of the King’s Legion. But where would these refugees go once they left? Armad wondered. The nearest settlement was a four-day journey away, and on horseback, it would take at least a day and a half to two days.
His thoughts turned to the possibility of the wild people being encamped near the town, posing a threat to those attempting to leave. It seemed like a reckless move, unless they had been promised immunity by someone.
As this realization dawned on him, Armad became convinced that his suspicions were justified. There must be individuals within the town sowing seeds of discord among his subjects.
Rising from his seat, Armad turned to the captain. “I want all movements in and out of the town halted immediately,” he commanded. “Anyone caught attempting to leave should be detained, regardless of who they are.”
“Anyone who resists should be dealt with accordingly,” Armad reiterated firmly. “And any stranger, regardless of their level of cultivation or who sent them, should be turned away or detained until further notice.”
“It is done, Your Highness,” the captain affirmed before preparing to depart.
Turning back to the judge, Armad observed the same despondency mirrored in his colleague’s expression. He sighed inwardly, realizing that not only his subjects lacked faith in him, but even those closest to him harbored doubts.
Feeling a sense of resignation, Armad shook his head silently. There was little he could do to uplift their spirits; after all, he was essentially a stranger in their eyes. Though they believed him to be the true prince, their familiarity with his childhood persona led them to doubt his ability to overcome the current challenges.
Unspoken words hung heavy in the air as Armad grappled with the realization that his past self was at odds with the leader he had become. Only time would reveal whether he could prove himself worthy of their trust.
“Where are the people you brought?” he inquired, refocusing on the practical matters at hand.
The judge rose from his seat and gestured for Armad to follow him out the door. Stepping outside, they were greeted by a queue forming on the front porch. Most were young men, with a scattering of women among them, none appearing older than thirty. Despite their youth, some bore signs of weariness, suggesting the toll of daily struggles.
Though faced with uncertainty, Armad found solace in the System and the secret pills he possessed. Addressing the gathered crowd without preamble, he expressed gratitude for their unwavering support in the face of adversity.
“I want to thank you for standing by me when others turned away,” Armad began earnestly. “Your decision to rally behind us, to defend your town even at great personal risk, speaks volumes.”
He paused, meeting their eyes with resolve. “I promise each of you that you will be part of my battalion from this day forward. Those who join this battle, whether returning alive or not, will receive a monthly salary of at least a thousand Airids .”
His gaze softened as he continued, “And should any of you lose your lives, it is my vow to support your families for life.” He nodded to emphasize his sincerity.
“This is the least I can offer in return for your dedication.”
“We march into battle together, side by side. Whatever fate awaits us, we face it as one,” Armad declared, gratitude lacing his words. “I thank you once again for your unwavering trust, and I assure you, you will not regret it.”
Though they held the cups, none dared to drink, their hesitation likely stemming from fear of the unknown or a lack of confidence in victory. Sensing their apprehension, Armad felt compelled to explain the purpose of the drink.
“Relax,” he reassured them. “This drink will elevate your status, empowering you to rival even the most seasoned cultivators
“I am certain that if you didn’t believe in victory, or in me as your king, or in defending your town, you wouldn’t have joined us here today,” Armad affirmed, addressing the crowd with conviction.
“I must ask for your permission, and also offer a suggestion,” he continued, his tone earnest. “I urge you to lead by example, to be the first to drink this water, just as you bravely chose to stand with us today. Show your kin what it can do.”
He looked around and pointed to a young woman standing between some men. She kept looking down as if afraid to be seen.
“What is your name?” Armad asked her.
“ My name is A’i.” She stammered fearfully.
“Step forward A’i.” He said easily.
“You have displayed your faith in me by coming here,” he said when she moved forward. “ And that I am your leader and also because you believe we are going to win.
“I am sure that if you doesn’t believe in victory or my being your king and if you didn’t believe in defending your town, then you wouldn’t have come here today
“I have to seek your permission and to also advise you. I want you to lead your kinsmen by being the first to drink this water , the same way you agreed to come here today. Show them what it does.” He said encouragingly.
The young woman was duly flattered and as soon as he said the last word, she grabbed a cup and gulped it all down.