Research Division

The next day Chu called a meeting in the workshop after dinner. The group that gathered consisted of Clod, Dareck, Bella and Sally. He also had Sakura present to take notes of important points. On the table beside him lay the large Hound Training Manual.

He scanned the group with his tired eyes before speaking

"I need to form a new group before Elder returns. This will be known as the Research Division. Sally and Bella are the first two members."

After his near death experience, Chu decided to increase the implementation of modern-day knowledge. The current recruitment drive was planned for this purpose.

To step on the world stage, he needed a well-rounded organization. A self-sufficient powerhouse that no one in the empire could swallow. Research to gain the tactical advantage in business and defense. Artisans to bring his inventions to life. A squad of well-trained fighters to hold his own. And a group of experienced farmers and support group to ensure independence from the ground up.

He did not plan on taking over the Empire, but to create something that others would think twice about offending. Anyone thinking about taking a bite out of his business had to kick that proverbial metal plate.

"What would this Research Division do?"

Sakura asked.

"They will deal with handling new inventions only. I will instruct them on what I want, then they have to bring my ideas and inventions to life."

Sakura nodded as she wrote it down. A shy soft voice asked another question

"This sounds very important, do you really want us there?"

Chu looked over the half trembling girl

"Yes, I think you and Sally are ideal for the job. Besides you don't have to worry, because others will soon join you to help."

Chu gave Bella a confident smile before turning to Clod and Dareck

"When this batch of recruits arrive, we need to pick out our talents. Work them hard in construction while feed them well. Bond with them and grumble together. This way makes it easy to pick out the grateful ones from the lazy schemers."

Dareck nodded, he had years of experience working in the smithy. His Master and elder disciples had shown lots of methods in picking out half-hearted workers.

"We will separate them afterwards into the farming and labor intensive group under Clod. While Dareck will handle the artisans and skilled workers. During this time, everyone will have to participate in mandatory training and education."

Chu glanced at the group before continuing

"We can pick those showing initiative and honesty to join the core divisions--Education, Research and Guard. Since I have decided to not skimp on the quality of a person's character, I expect a large turnover. If someone so much as gives any of our existing family members a bad eye, then throw them out.

We cannot afford in this growing stage to divulge our secrets to untrustworthy or ungrateful people. I plan to have Elder and Ming continue bringing in new members during the Winter. Once the large dorm is constructed, the ones who pass this first six months of screening will stay. The unsuccessful ones will receive transport to Karst, and let loose."

The young children along with Dareck sucked in some deep breaths. The boy sitting on the bunk wore a cold face highlighting the seriousness of the plan. They undoubtedly could consider themselves part of the lucky ones. Chu instilled in them at the moment a feeling of pride.

'The Boss spoke only righteous words, why should they lower their standards for new members of their family.'

He left them with some last words

"Our motto from the very beginning has never changed--We don't raise useless members."

***

Chu limped across the farm with the two girls walking behind. He stopped in front of Doug's deserted shack.

"For now this belongs to the Research Division. Clod has instructions to create a large workshop near the site for the windmill and well. As more members join you, I will increase the amount of work to be done.

Follow these instructions and lets see what you can make. Don't worry about time, somethings might take a month, while others will take years to finish. The key word in this division is never give up."

He looked at the two girls whose faces displayed their uncertainty.

The two little girls had fitted in well with the others in the farm. After running 'wild' with all the activities, they spent most of their time tinkering with the new models in the workshop. Their inquisitive nature doubled with no fear in asking questions, also reminded Chu about his school days.

They suited his requirements nicely. He would have roped in Yin to see if she had potential, but the little girl had taken up the role of babysitter for the family.

"This place for now, is your first lab. Anything you need built, contact Clod and Dareck. If you want useful things that can help you, from the books you read, check Sakura."

Chu briefed them on how they should begin, some general instructions he vaguely recalled as a student before leaving. At the moment most of his plans revolved around inventions and the general process of manufacturing them.

Most of his thoughts therefore, translated on paper as inspiration. His manufacturing procedures had a likeness similar to a rocky path along a mountain cliff. A fall brought you crashing to the base, but with perseverance and ingenuity, you could reach the summit.

His plan was simple. Build a competent technical team, then attract the thinkers and inventors. His snippets of information would herald the new era of innovation and Renaissance. This dream required personnel for both researching new inventions and trained fighters to defend them.

Chu knew he never could build one of those great modern-day inventions, but by releasing his ideas and knowledge on what they did and the general way of how they worked, smart people here may draw some inspiration and invent something close to it.

If he could create a giant entity as a backer, then his days of adventuring would progress smoothly. Should anything happen to him, he would not have to live out the rest of his life in poverty.

'Baby steps, always baby steps.'

***

Night blanketed the grasslands. A moonless sky hung, visible with faint twinkling stars.

A lone wolf stalked a group of travelers sitting around a campfire. The beast approached under the darkness, opposite from the tethered horses, demonstrating enough intelligence so as to avoid detection. It sneaked up to the edge of the light provided by the flickering fire, before one of the horses neighed in fear.

The wild animal wasted no time to pounce on the smallest figure sitting by the fire, hoping to disappear with its prey into the surrounding darkness. It normally had a high success rate while carrying out such attacks on unsuspecting travelers.

The target this time seemed not willing. It dodged and countered with a flashing sword. Undeterred the wolf followed through with plan B--run away. This typical action occurred when it lost the advantage of surprise. Unfortunately it reacted too late. Two crossbolts hit it on the side, one on the front shoulder, one piercing under the front leg into its chest.

As the animal staggered, gasping for breath, the forgotten sword, slashed across its neck prematurely ending its life.

"I can't believe I shot it on a fatal spot. I rate your weapon training as top-notch. Never would I have done this before."

Toll said to Thomas. He moved towards the wolf as Ming confirmed its death using his signature move.

"My little brother Boss, is amazing in pointing out these trivial things. But should we carry the entire carcass, or just the pelt?"

Ming boasted and then inquired.

"Are we going to carry it to the next village? Isn't that about two-three days ride from here."

Toll interrupted, looking at the dead wolf. Living on the farm had made him immune to this once considered apex predator. This fear inducing creature of many a horror story in the village, had been reduced to a common predator like a fox or weasel. Real wolves resided back at his home.

Ming and Mr Thomas exchanged glances before the old man spoke.

"Toll, you really want to tell the Boss, YOU decided to leave a dead wolf worth about eight silvers on the road?"

In the firelight, they saw the dawn of realization appear on Toll's face.

"Forget skinning it. Let's carry the entire thing. It might be worth more."

Toll replied with a serious face.

***

Chu opened a map of the farm and the surroundings. Clod and Dareck stood on both sides of the table allowing enough morning light through.

"This here is the well. Here we have the foundation for the windmill. I want an over-sized Master Blacksmith built here. Not too far from it, but upwind the smithy, have two large workshops constructed. Make them double the size of this one. Later on we will fence the area around, and also include four guard towers. Space out the buildings and leave room for a large dormitory and guard quarters."

"Wow, that might just have us placing buildings from here to the road."

Clod remarked. This project looked huge.

"When the group returns, use the extra horses and begin stockpiling wood. Get the dormitory near the north fence built before focusing on this job. Pull the most amount of lumber from the forest until the road becomes impassable. I then want you to focus on the construction."

Chu instructed.

He had no problem in absorbing talent from the new recruits into the family, but this group would serve positions similar to department heads and branch executives. They would manage the day-to-day operations in the cities he decided to open a business.

"Dareck, I have something else for you. Try and finish this one by the end of winter. I want to have a backup safety plan."

Although Ming and Mr Thomas would continue the recruitment drive, Chu felt he had enough protection. The wolves and the rest of the members would guard the farm and the new recruits in the forest. Unless absolutely necessary, they would hide Lucy's skills.

He wanted his lab and new workshops done before the planting of the crops begun. No matter what news Griz and Kim returned with from the capital, his plans had to move forward. He wanted to have his basic preparations complete. As long as the others supported his Master Blacksmith development plan, it would pave the way for shock and awe.

He had a list of new inventions to take the Empire by storm. His demonstration windmill would soon be operational. His other inventions would also follow, released within certain intervals.

After that, he just had to sit back and wait for the sharks to come circling.

This he was certain.