Sylas stood at the head of his army, his cold gaze surveying the scene before him.

Thirty metal warriors with human looks and high-quality fur jackets and boots.

Despite these creatures looking human, they were just the soldiers of his generals.

Beside him stood Sardias, Ares, and Redel, the three generals of his mechanical army.

"They each possess their own distinct form, strength, and intelligence."

"I wonder how much they are worth considering they are equal to level three mages in combat capability and intelligence."

Sylas finally broke the silence. His voice was calm but carried the weight of his authority.

“The time has come for us to seize Rudmer Island,” he began, his eyes locking onto each of his generals.

“The Silver Empire has handed it to us, but make no mistake—this is a takeover.

"We will reshape the island, not as a part of the Silver Empire, but as the foundation of the Sylind Empire.”

Sardias, his crimson-haired general, nodded in acknowledgment.

Ares, the towering figure with black and blue hair, crossed his arms over his chest, ready for action.

while Redel, the white-haired strategist of the group, simply bowed his head in agreement.

Sylas continued,

“The excess metal warriors I have created are now ready. Each one will serve as an agent, strategically placed to maintain order and eliminate resistance if necessary."

"Rudmer Island is vast, and it will require our full attention. We will not only deal with its existing council but also crush any rebellion before it takes root.”

Gran, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke.

“Everything is ready, Lord Sylas. The soldiers are prepared, and we’ve made arrangements for the two-week march to the western shore. From there, a magic ship arranged by Third Circle will be waiting for us to take us to Rudmer Island.”

Sylas nodded approvingly.

“Good. We have no time to waste."

The warriors around them stood silently, their metallic bodies reflecting the pale sunlight as they awaited orders.

Sardias, Ares, and Redel moved to the front, their presence commanding respect from the rest of the army.

Gran stepped forward, giving a final nod of confirmation.

“Everything is in place, my lord.”

With that, Sylas turned on his heel and began walking toward the path that would lead them on their journey.

The army of thirty metal warriors followed, their steps synchronized in perfect unison, while Sardias, Ares, and Redel flanked Sylas like an impenetrable shield of power.

Gran walked slightly behind, ensuring that every detail was accounted for.

As they moved forward, Sylas couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of anticipation.

It wasn’t just about gaining land—it was about building a foundation for the Sylind Empire, an empire that would rival any other.

He glanced at his three generals,

"The thought of them crushing any opposition on the island brings a smile to my face."

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

"I would like to see that happen; in the end, they never had any chance to battle at all."

"I believe they will need that kind of experience; now that their intelligence is rivals to third-level mages and they are self-aware, that is something that they will need."

With these thoughts, Sylas entered the carriage with Gran, and the three generals hopped on to magically enhanced horses, and other mechanical warriors followed on foot.

It was good that they were mechanical; if not, they would be too tired from all the walking.

As Sylas and Gran sat comfortably inside the carriage, the rhythmic sound of hooves on the dirt path filled the air.

Outside, the three generals—Ares, Redel, and Sardias—walked side by side.

Unlike their usual silent and vigilant stance, this time they engaged in conversation.

Redel was the first to break the silence.

“Managing Rudmer Island, or what will soon be the Sylind Empire, won’t be a simple task. We’ll need systems, strategies, and a far bigger plan.”

Sardias nodded in agreement, his fiery crimson hair catching the morning light.

“It’s true. The island is vast, and once we take control, there will be countless people to govern, resources to manage, and threats to deal with. A simple force won’t be enough.

Sardias touched his crimson hair for a moment and then looked back at the soldiers and nodded.

"We need more than ten mechanical warriors we can directly oversee. Ten won’t be enough to cover the island, let alone a full empire.”"

Ares, normally calm and reserved, suddenly bristled at Sardia’s comment.

His voice, though controlled, carried an edge that surprised the others.

“Our lord and creator knows what’s best. If Lord Sylas thinks ten mechanical warriors are sufficient for each of us, then that’s what we will work with.

"Questioning his decisions won’t make things easier.”

Sardias, caught off guard by Ares’ outburst, quickly raised his hands in a placating gesture.

“I didn’t mean it that way, Ares. I would never question Lord Sylas’s wisdom. I simply meant that having more forces under our command would allow us to better serve him.

"We could secure the island more quickly, establish order more effectively, and prepare for any threats that might arise.”

Redel, ever the strategist, couldn’t help but smirk as he listened to the exchange.

“Relax, both of you,” he said, his tone dripping with amusement.

“Sardias has a point, but Ares is also right. There’s no questioning our Lord’s decision. However, acquiring more warriors and more tools for our conquest is inevitable."

"And when the time comes, I already have plans in mind to ensure we have more pawns—more soldiers to control—for Lord Sylas.”

Sardias glanced at Redel, curious.

“More pawns? What exactly do you have in mind?”

Redel’s smirk grew wider.

“Let’s just say that managing an empire is more than just brute force."

"It’s about control, manipulation, and ensuring that everyone falls in line with the new order."

Sardias and Ares looked at each other for a moment, and then Ares spoke.

"I do not get it; speak clearly," he said with a heavy voice. Sardias, on the other hand, thought,

"So Ares is not smart like us," but said nothing.

Redel then continued to speak.

"There are plenty of powerful individuals on Rudmer Island—officials, gang leaders, wealthy merchants."

"We don’t need to fight them all directly. Some can be persuaded, others manipulated, and those who refuse... well, they can be made examples of.”

Ares, still simmering with anger, crossed his arms.

“You seem far too comfortable with deceit, Redel. Our goal is conquest, not games.”

Redel shrugged.

“Conquest is a game, my brother. One that requires more than swords and fists. We’ll need pawns, both mechanical and human, to solidify Lord Sylas’s rule. And once we have that...”

Sardias leaned in, catching the direction of Redel’s thoughts.

“Once we have that, we’ll have complete control over the island, and eventually, over whatever lands we set our sights on next.”

Ares remained silent, though his jaw tightened.

He understood the need for strategy, but his loyalty to Sylas made him wary of the manipulative tactics Redel seemed so eager to employ.

Still, he respected the plans made by his brothers.

The conversation died down as the group continued their march alongside the carriage. Inside, Sylas and Gran exchanged glances.

Sylas is aware of his generals’ discussion even without directly hearing it.

The fact that he was their creator and they carried his energy and imprint gave them these kinds of abilities; he would know everything, know, see, and think like a second nature without needing to know.

He may choose not to know, but right now there is no need for something like that.

Gran, seated beside him, remained neutral; his mind always focused on the practical steps they needed to take to realize their growing ambitions.

As they approached the western shore, where the ship awaited to take them to Rudmer Island, Sylas’s thoughts were already on the next phase of their journey.