“Now put your right arm out, I will put my hand on your forearm and release my mana onto your arm. All those who possess manatite will feel something. It should stir the mana in your body and your manatite will react to my mana. Here we go.” Marquess then focused as he released his mana onto Spike arm. Surprisingly, he felt a very thick resistance.

“Wha!” Spike reacted in surprise. It was as if when your limbs have fallen asleep and blood started to recirculate.

“How was it my lord?” Marquess asked inquisitively.

“It was rather surprising.”

“That’s because it’s a foreign mana to your body. For those who don’t have manatite they would not have felt anything. Now concentrate on the residual feeling you sense, that is your mana stirring. Essentially, once you have mastered the sense of your own manatite you will be able to start controlling the mana flow that resides in your body. Once you have mastered your mana flow and control it, you will be be able to start casting magic. Everyday Lord Phoenix is in town we shall practice until you can move the mana within your body. Then we can take the next step.”

“How long does it normally take Marquess?”

“It differs with everyone, but normally 3 to 24 months to get a solid reaction. But that really depends on the affinity level of the element the mage is working with and the individual as well as having a mentor. However, I remember Lord Phoenix telling me that you have access to all 4 elements even though you have never cast any magic. Which is quite irregular. So I am expecting faster result.”

“I’m irregular?” Spike asked.

“I believe so my lord. After I released my mana unto your arm, I felt a very thick resistance with your mana reaction from my mana. That tells me that my lord already possess a highly developed manatite. Which makes sense considering the magic in Phoenix Kingdom progress in different direction.”

Damn, I feel really bad about lying now. I hope this doesn't backfire on my ass. Spike thought.

“Well yes, we rely more on items then on personal magic.” Spike said as he felt more guilty. “Let’s keep practicing Marquess. Sooner I make progress, the better it is for the frontier.” quickly changing the topic.

“Yes of course my lord.”

They practiced nearly 2 hours until the Marquess started to feel slight fatigue. Then move from the back of the mansion to inside so the Marquess can recover.

By then Steward Havington had finished unloading the 10 supply wagon Spike and his bodyguards brought with them.

They all sat at the usual briefing room inside the mansion drinking tea as Steward Havington read out the list of supplies they unloaded. Spike watched the face light up on Marquess Daldia as the list got longer.

“And there are at least 90 more wagons that will be delivered within the next few days.” Spike added. “But never mind the supply wagons, We’ve captured a lot of prisoners. Major Jung has plans to use them as labor to speed up the constructions and reopen up the old roads going pass the Whitestone. I don't know how the winters are like in the frontier, but I’m told the construction for critical buildings should be finished before first snow.”

“Will the prisoners be housed inside the town, Lord Phoenix?” Steward Havington asked with concern in his voice.

“I don’t know yet. But personally, I think it’s a bad idea to do so. Lot of them are slaves and peasants. They are powerless people and I fear they will be met with much hostile from the people in town. It’s never a good idea to allow former victims to become guards of their former assailant.”

“I agree with your assessment my lord. But I’m more worried about their soldiers. They could cause much trouble if they are not watched carefully.” Marquess Daldia said with concern.

“You have no need to worry about their prisoners Marquess, I believe the Major has plans already in motion as we speak.” Spike assured him.

“Then with the victory against Baron, Stovkow…”

Spike interrupted the Marquess. “Please Marquess. You do not need to ever worry about the Stovkow retribution. Once the prisoners have been thoroughly questioned. I guarantee that you will hear a great news to celebrate.”

I don’t want to mention about the rebellion in the Baron’s territory yet. Not until there is more detail information to report to the concerned Marquess. Besides, I’m just not experienced enough to handle this yet. And saying something now would be just bragging. Spike thought to himself.

“Then allow me to make my report my lord, about the messengers from Farengo and Birsk. I’ve sent them messages of joining us. I’ve explain in detail of all that has transpired. But they want proof. So I have invited representatives from both towns for a visit. Would they be allowed to visit Whitestone my lord?”

“I don’t see why not. It’s only a matter of time before they join us. As I understand both towns were also targeted by Baron Myojhuk. I think it’s safe to assume they will not be raided this year. Their representative should not have any trouble in making the journey now.”

“Yes my lord, I believe sooner they come for a visit, sooner we can move forward in the Frontier. Especially now that we have the needed labors from the prisoners. I think now would be good time to impress the representatives. Would it be possible for me to borrow some of the horses my lord has acquired. I’d like to send some of my knights to escort the representatives and we need the extra horses for the carriages.”

“By all mean Marquess. I think we have more than enough horses to spare some.”

=

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2 DAYS LATER

As the only civilian officer, the Marquess escorted and gave a tour of Daldia’s sewage development to the representative of Farengo and Birsk. Followed by the now packed warehouses in the Merchant section of the town. With so much loot from the supply train, there were well over a thousand horses in and out of the town. Many of them already put to work moving goods, labor, and lumbers for the work forces.

The representatives were most impressed with the Development of the Whitestone. With the many Phoenixian soldier present and the on going construction of the mini fort. It’s gave a sense of security that neither Farengo and Brisk had. Especially with the added slave work force working heavy labor, the representatives could see progress being made.

Farengo’s representative Tontavon, and Birsk’s representative Haviras observed with much interest. They’ve never seen this level of activities and development. They could not hide the envious look in their eyes.

“When will we be introduced to Lord Phoenix you’ve spoken so much about Marquess Daldia?” Havira asked anxiously.

“All in due time my lords. He is a very busy man. However, is that a sign of interest you are showing Lord Haviras?” Marquess Daldia inquired.

“Sigh! After seeing with my own eyes, it’s very obvious. If we don’t join now, we’ll just be swallowed up in the near future. Once my people learn of this, they will simple migrate to your town Marquess. And honestly, I’ll be joining them myself at this rate.” Birsk representative admitted. “And to top it off, You’ve acquired a peerage of Marquess.”

“Yes! Yes! Will there be a offering peerage for the other township lords as well?” ask the representative from Farengo.

“That I do not know. I was desprate to save my people, I simply offered Lord Phoenix my town and myself. He, nor any of his military officer ever discussed with me about peerage. Lord Phoenix enoble me during public ceremony of offering my servitude and this township to my new lord.” Marquess Daldia informed.

“So. what are the terms?” Tontavon asked.

“For your township to join us, I do not know. I was simply told that it would only benefit everyone sooner the other towns pledge their allegiance to Lord Phoenix.”

“Then tell us of your personal opinion Marquess Daldia.” Tontavon asked.

“Very well.” Gathering his thoughts. “ Lord Pheonix personally assured me that my people will never go hungry again while he is in charge as he has declared we are his people now. My people have never been told to fight. If anything, they are told to stay out of it, and let them to the fighting. I have asked my liege about taxation, but I was told clearly, not to worry about it for now, and focus only on building. I was given clear order of my duty to handle all non-military affairs including bringing other frontier settlements into the Phoenix Kingdom. And that’s it. Just these general order.” Marquess Daldia informed.

“That’s it? You expect us to believe that? What do the Phoenixian gain from this? There must be something they are after?” Haviras demanded.

“I believe none of us really have anything to offer them.” Tontavon stated.

“I do agree with you Lord Tontavon. I really do not understand. I have been order to assist in building this Sewage Project, but it’s the people in town who will benefit. And some labors have been sent to Whitestone to help with the construction. For their labor, they are fed 6 times a day while they work, and also given needed supplies such as blankets and spice for food.” Marquess Daldia said.

“Fed 6 times a day!” Both men exclaimed in surprise.

“If you noticed, even though my people look no better then yours, if you look closer, their colors are returning and it’s only been a week since I kneeled before Lord Phoenix. As I’ve said, I just don’t understand. But I am an obedient servant and my people are treated well. I have no complaints. My new master have shown very little interest in the actual running affairs of the town outside of protection and health of the people.”

“You make them sound like some sort of heavenly knights who descended from heaven to save the forgotten people of the frontier, Marquess. And just to come clean, calling you Marquess is making my heart fill with jealousy.” Tontavon admitted.

Getting serious with his tone of voice. “But I will tell you men something you haven’t witnessed. If the Phoenix military wanted to, your wooden walls would not stop them. Your town would be done in before you know it. I’m not telling you this to threaten you. I speak only the truth as a fellow soul who have suffered a decade of misery and oppression. This I swear on the 3 generation of Daldia’s family name before me. You gentlemen should hurry up and have the Mayor of each of your town and its other leaders come pay us a visit. Sooner you join, sooner you will receive the resource you see before you, and guarantee your security.” Marquess Daldia advised.

=

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=

With the XO’s and higher rank gathered at the warehouse they have been using as their temporary HQ in town, the officers were sitting around the table with documents of the battle reports.

“From the battle and after 2 and ½ day of searching for survivors, we’ve captured 489 Knights, 1049 foot soldiers, 59 archers, 1078 mostly slave laborers, and 298 pleasure slaves who also doubled as cooks and other low labors. I must say, these knights really travel in comfort.” Captain Wraeth added as everyone in the meeting laughed at the joke. “We’ve also acquired 779 warhorse of which 127 are injured. Plus 381 work horses of which 24 are injured. The Doc’s will look over the injured horses once they are free from treating the 387 injured prisoners. And tons of winter supplies and food that we ourself have no real need of. They would be a good bargaining chip to get the other towns to join us.”

“Any idea on how many escaped back to Stovkow territory?” Captain Allen asked.

“No idea Captain. Alpha’s 1st and 2nd platoon and Cav Troopers are still patrolling the road. One of the landship is positioned about 3 kilometers inside Stovkow territory with Lieutenant Reed’s platoon with the other 4 hunters. I believe we’ll have reports on how many more we’ve capture in the spiderweb soon.”

“That’s a lot of prisoners. Can we really put them all to work and keep them under control?” Spike asked?

“The slave are no problem sir. They are simply changing hands in ownership. But the knights and regular foot soldiers are the issue.” Major Jung said as he paused to look at Spike. “I’m surprised you're not saying anything about slaves Sir!”

“My era is much more different than your Major. In my time, there are many men in jail for victumless nonviolent crimes working for peanuts for the prison system. And most people end up as financial slaves. People must borrow money to get a chance to succeed, but most fail, only to end up as a debt slave. Or like me. Join the military for tuition money. It’s a little different. But I really don’t see how much different they are to my era. You still lose your freedom one way or another.” Spike informed. “I only ask that you treat them humanely.”

“Then let me ask. Do you plan to abolish slavery in the frontier?” Major Jung asked.

“I don’t know. But from my history lesson, isn’t slavery just a labor, control, and who keeps the profit issue? Minus the abusive asshole with power trip who beat their slaves.” Spike asked.

“I’m not an economist so I’m probably not qualified to answer that sir.”

“What! You mean the all knowing Major Jung doesn’t know something.” Spike exclaimed. “You… you are destroying my image of you Major.”

“Haha. In any case. I had plans to put the military prisoners to work the mines and improving the roads. Both of which are hard labors.” Spike looked cross at the Major for slyly changing the topic as the other officers looked amused at the scene. “And we can turn some of the labor slave to train under the few blacksmith in town. And perhap Farengo and Birsk when they join us and if they have worthy crafts to learn. We can use the excess manpower to help rebuild other towns as they join us. I am also planning to store up the ores they mine until the metal craftsmen numbers increase to catch up to the supply of raw materials we’ll be mining.”

“But how are we going to house so many of them.” Captain Pearson asked. “It would be a waste to use up RP to summon field tents for them.”

“From what the Hunt Master said. We have little over a month before the first sign of snow. I say we have them build their own shelter or freeze to death.” Captain Allen added. “They will be building their own temporary home for the winter. So they will be properly motivated.”

“That’s a good idea Captain. That will keep them occupied while we make other preparation. Then we can have them mining during the winter.” Major Jung said. “The regular labor slaves will take over the citizens work so they can go back to living their daily lives. But I think using the free time they’ve just gained and educating them will give us a much needed skilled work forces in the future.”

“Who will do the teaching?”

“We’ll have the Marquess figure that out. That’s his duty as the civilian officer.” Major replied.

“What about the slave girls sir? Those Stovkow knights know how to choose their girls. Considering their primary purposes, most of them, they are very, I mean very, easy on the eyes. Which I foresee causing problems in general.” Captain Pearson ask.

“Thats a good question, but that’s easy to solve. We’ll make a declaration that all the slaves and prisoners are Phoenix Kingdom’s State property. That will provide a blanket protection plan for them. And we’ll address problems as it rises.” Major Jung said. “So any work they do for the town will be considered a loan. And we’ll pay the Crafters Guild with resources they badly need to teach the labor slaves. This way, we will have the skills needed for our own consumption in the future. Even with Lord Phoenix’s ability, general military costs are very expensive. We should do all we can to reduce the cost to RP for critical usage.”

“And be sure to tell our men to keep their hands of the girls. Unless they are planning to marry them.” Spike jumped in, as he remember the men talking about the girls just a week ago. “I don’t want bastards running around in our midst. There's enough fatherless children and orphans in the town from the mothers who want nothing to do with child of rape. Let's not create anymore orphans and bastards.” Spike said as he remembered never forgiving his mother for not being able to see his biological father. Then thinking about dealing with all the mentally and emotionally damaged girls sent a shiver down his spin. At least this way. They will have protection to figure out living out their lives in peace. But aren’t the labor slave also not a victim of circumstances? Ah Fuck! Being a policy maker is hard. No wonder all the politicians in my former life were all sociopaths, liars and thieves. It’s hard to give a shit!

“Come to think of it. Are we even able to have children in this world?” Spike asked the Silhouette.

“Why don’t you experiment and find out. Your species seem to enjoy the act of procreation.” Silhouette replied.

“Never mind. I’m sorry I ask.” Spike felt disappointed. He should have known better than to ask..

“You heard the Boss. Be sure everyone understands the order.” As the Major looked at the officers.

Everyone could feel strong emotion emanating from Spike as he spoke his mind. It was very apparent for the officers that this is something at a personal level for Spike.

“Now for the important part sir. I remembered you said you gained a level, but you never mentioned how many RP you gained.” Major Jung inquired.

“Ah well, I have gained over 2500RP. I currently have 2770.6RP. The Doctor, Lieutenant Colonel Simmons I summoned from my era was very expensive, and he required some modern equipments to save our hunter. After talking with the corpsmen on saving Rikko. I came to realize that your era medical knowledge and technique was lacking in comparison to my common sense medical knowledge of my era for my comfort. And having an advanced trained surgeon on hand will help push up the knowledge base of our current medical personnel.” Spike said in his defense of spending so much on the medical summon.

The officers present were very shocked at the numbers and forgot about the reason why the Doctor was summoned.

Catching the drift Spike said in worry. “Hey now, that doesn’t mean you should start killing humans. It just means the train soldiers are worth more than cheap goblins. And we did kill a shit loads of knights. This means we need to hunt bigger things in the frontier.”.

“We understand that sir. We were just surprised at the number.” Captain Allen spoke up.

“I agree. It’s very logical to assume that there are more dangerous and worthy challenges in the frontier.” Major Jung added.

“That’s right damn it.” Spike spoke out little work up. “Anyways. Who and what do you want me to summon?”

“How many personnel slot do you have open sir?” Major Jung asked.

“109 open slot, but that’s because Bravo lost 8 to that mage and 3 to the archers. So after I summon replacements for the lost men, 98 open slots. I think we should summon another Engineer platoon and Personnel officer and Logistic officer with additional support.”

“That sound about right sir, but try to leave open 10 slot for yourself. When you're out in the Frontier freelancing, it’s a good idea to have some open slot for reinforcement.” The major advised.

“Very well. I’m planning to head out on my freelancing tomorrow morning. So have the requisition forms for me by then. Also, if you could get Lieutenant Moore’s platoon ready for me, I could take Lieutenant Reed’s platoon in the future, but I feel comfortable working with the first group of men I summoned. So maybe if you could reassign the platoon. No wait! Reassign the platoon as my freelancing unit by morning and have the men ready to move out for 4 days of hunting.” Spike order.

Major Jung smiled in satisfaction. Very good sir. Taking charge.You are coming along nicely. “They will be ready sir. I’m assuming right after breakfast sir?”

“Yes. let the men have some hot chow before moving out.” Spike affirmed. And think about how we can use the points while I’m away. But leave about 200RP for my personal use. I need to upgrade some equipments for the Freelance Platoon. And Thank you all for the outstanding jobs you’ve all done. I know I couldn’t have done it.”

=

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KINDARTH EMPIRE

“Master Helias. Urgent news. You are summoned to the Palasta office. The messenger arrived with your carriage for immediate transport.” Marconis gently spoke as he woke up the his master, Helias patricii.

“It’s middle of the night. It must be serious.” Arkon Helias said is he bolted up from the mention of Palasta office. “Hurry, and help me dress.” he ordered. Even in old age Arkon Helias was very energetic. His balding, a symbol of wisdom and someone who has lived long showed no signs of his age from his movement.

Marconis in silence quickly obey the patricii. Unlike his master, he held a healthy golden tan. Very different from his aged master who had a very light olive color from working indoor for most of his life.

The urgency of the summon made the patricii want to ask what this is about, but common sense told him there was no point. Palasta office would never speak to a mere house servant about anything from the office.

Understanding the urgency of the summon, Arkon Helias, patricii of house Halias quickly entered the closed the carriage door and quickly left his villa. He had work as an information specialist for the Palasta office for most of his life. It was only last year that he retired with a generous reward of land, money, and positions for his children. During the ride, he tried to think through what could possibly have happened to summon him in the middle of the night, but there were just too many projects he had orchestrated in the past 30 years while working his way to the top in the Palasta office.

Upon arrival, he was quickly ushered into the inner chambers of the highly guarded building. On recognition of the old commander, the guards quickly opened the doors as he approached, leading him to the operation room with many maps on the walls. As soon as he entered, he recognized the new Palasta Commander Piatro, Senator Gimorias, and Senator Largia. Both Senators are advisor to the Empress Menliania, metricii of the house Menliania.

A quick greeting was made to not waste time.

“Our apologies for summoning you in the middle of the night Master Helias. But we are in need of you experiences.” Commander Piatro said. A middle aged man in his forty.

“Then I am here to serve Piatro.” Nodding Helias helped himself to the hot klockota to help him to clear his mind.

“We received this message shortly before we sent for you Helias.” Senator Largia said as he slid a parchment towards Helias.

Helias slowly read the message without missing anything. Then he gently set it down to look at the 3 men.

“Our man couldn’t risk using the birds while inside the Stovkow territory. He waited until he reached Lintas outpost near the border to use their courier bird. That’s why it took 3 days longer than normal.” Senator Largia offered.

“I see. I suppose we had a good run. Orchestrating the war between Stovkow and Theolemor. Then finding the Baron to plant our seeds. This will keep both sides too weak to threaten our southern borders for at least another decade. It’s possible Stovkow will not recover within a single decade, pending on the carnage Baron Myojhuk leaves behind. The bankrupt Theolemor owes too much money to too many City States. They may even end up break up into pieces to their former City States, even if they are able to achieve the inter realm marriage. I would say we have a minimum of a decade, if not more, before the southern nations rebuild, but we can hamper their progress by applying simple tactics using brigands to break up stable trade routes and secretly sponsoring piracy to their coast.”

Orchestrating the war between Stovkow and Theolemor was Arkon Helias’es greatest achievement. And finding Baron Myojhuk was the final icing that elevated the Helias’es family from plebeian lineage to a new and minor patrician. With a recognition from Empress Menliania metricii, Helias’es house became the 203rd minor patrician. Some day in the future he hoped one of his descendant will gain enough achievements to elevate his house to a greater patrician. But for that to happen someone in his line will have to acquire a magician's bloodline. Because the Emperor and Empress must be strong and have talent in magic. And they are only chosen from the greater patrician families.

“If that is your assessment, then is there something we can do to do more then slow down their rebuilding?” Senator Gimorias asked.

“There is always something that can be done Senator, but there is always a price that must be paid.” Helias said as he observe the 2 Senators. “Will the Senate and the Empress authorize the cost? Because this time, I believe it will be much more expensive then the return of investment, and it could cause complications. To be truthful Senators, I think we are being too greedy. We should let the 2 kingdoms play all their card before we make any more moves. Then once both sides are completely exhausted, we’ll use our agents in the City States to advocate the repayment of the loan from Theolemor. They are borrowing money just to help pay back some of the interest on their loans. There is even a possibility that the City States will raid Theolemore Kingdom to recover their money. And with the civil war in Stovkow… I do believe the Baron had plans to scorch the grounds of all his enemy which means a good portion of Stovkow will burn. With placing some useless relics in the ruins, and with equal to the cost of training and equipping little over a single legion, we will have gained over 3 decades of peace in our southern borders. We even made profit with our merchants as a neutral party. I would allow our agent to forward this message to Theolemore. Then step back to watch them burn.”

“Is that your final recommendation Helias?” Senator Gimorias asked.

“Yes Senator Gimorias. If I were in your position, that’s what I would recommend to the Empress.” Helias spoke with confidence.

The 2 Senator looked at each other then nodded in agreement.

Senator reached into his robe and pulled out a Imperial scroll and reach out for Helias to grab it. “You can tell the Empress yourself Senator Helias. The scroll officially appoints you to the Empress’s advisory council. Even though the news is urgent, but since it does not require an immediate action. You will go before the Empress in the morning to deliver your counsel to her in person. Congratulation!”

Pulling me out of retirement, I didn’t see this coming. Helias stood stunned as the Palasta Commander and the 2 Senator congratulated him.

Helias was given a guest room to change out into his new Senator's Robe of Counsel. It had a very distinguished red trim on the edge to mark the individual wearing it. A marking of someone with influence in the Palace.

With time left in the night, Helias rested as much as he could. He had only met the Empress once when he was given a peerage. This is a great opportunity for his family. An honor that had tremendous amount of prestige of be appointed a counsel to the empress. His achievements will carry his family for more than a few generation to come.

When the time came, Helias was escorted to the Imperial Palace for a private audience with the Empress Menliania. It was to be an informal breakfast meeting as there is never a ceremony for Senatorial appointment. A simply palace announcement was all it took. However, all new Senators are introduced during the following Senate Council meetings.

As Helias found himself kneeling before the Empress once more. “This servant is honor to serve Her Imperial Majesty. I pray I never disappoint you my Empress.”

Nodding. “Come now Senator Helias. This isn’t ceremonial ground. We are just having breakfast.” Empress beckoned. A middle age women with signs of great beauty in her youth. Her long auburn hair still vibrant from her affinity to water. And her skin healthy as a new born baby also an attributed her water affinity. Water affinity has the highest healing attribute. As such, it’s effects can be seen on all those who are gifted with water affinity. A tall woman with dark olive skin tone and crystal blue eye like a tropical water emanated a command presence Helias was unused to in his daily life.

She did not trouble herself with laurel wreath nor other marks of her office, but wore a simple toga made of fine white silk and sandals.

Obeying as instructed, Helias took his seat with the same 3 men from the Palasta office. A palace servant girl poured hot klockota as Helias took his seat. Then a servant girl gently placed a large plate full of meat, bread and fruits.

“Relax and eat will I talk Senators. I have just been brief before you came in Senator Helias.” As the Empress looked at Helias. “My 2 counselor, Gimorias and Largia have combed through 30 years of your contribution to the Empire. They were very impressed with your dedication and the result you brought about. So I plucked you out of retirement as I have a need of someone of your caliber. I understand we have 10 years of stability in our southern border under you analysis. Then, within 10 years, if we can maintain our current statues, I want to have a closure of the war with the demi human Highlanders in the north. 3 generation of constant war has stagnated our internal growth. The disparity of men and women from too many dead sons of Kindarth has caused our population to decline. It has gotten so bad that our women are buying slaves to fill their empty beds and even going so far as to having children with them. Men returning from the war are finding their women have not been faithful in their long absence. When they return, scarred from the Northern War, only to find their wived have taken other lovers or even bared child of another man, many of them driven mad with anger have become destructive. The very foundation of the family value that our Empire was built on is all but destroyed. And the discrimination against the demi humans have force the former Empire's demi human citizens to flee to the north or unjustly sold into slavery. Which only prolongs this war by giving strength to the Highlanders.”

Taking a sip of Klockota to wet her throat. “I want to end this war before the war end us. The economy had long since slowed down to the point we can no longer sustain the war budget. Our deficit can not be maintained anymore. All the great Patrician houses have been aware of this since the last Emperor, but very little has been done to stop the war except sending more war material up north. Most Senators have become insulated with their personal power and wealth that they have turned a blind eyes. And many of the great Patrician house have profited too much to want to stop.”

As he eat and listened, Helias was finding difficult to eat with the news of the grim state of affairs. He had an inkling knowledge of some of the problems, but he had no idea how bad it had gotten. He had spent too much time in the southern border and only recently became a minor patrician to know the inner workings of the elite. He has been outside of the capital for far too long.

“Our only saving grace is that the White Palace is able to produce steam technology the Highlanders lack. If we lose this edge, our decline will be irreversible. And the fools in the Senate council thinks the White Palace will solve everything and that they can buy anything with their personal wealth.” Empress Menliania said in composed manner. However anyone one with a little wisdom would sense the frustration in her demeanor. “You’ve done excellent work in the south Senator Helias. Do you think you can do something about the north too.”

“I do not know my Empress. But you will have my best.” Helias offered sincerely.

“That’s all I can ask of anyone. Put your affairs in order within 1 week. Then, you will go up north with my authority, your position as a Senator, and I will send 1 Cohort plus 1 Eques Legionis from the Praetorian Guard as your bodyguard. They will also serve as a visual reminder to the Generals of the northern borders of your authority. ” Empress Menliania ordered.

Helias stood and kneeled before his Empress. “I hear and obey my Empress.” he replied.

After Helias and Piatro left from the breakfast meeting. Senator Gimorias and Largia stayed for further discussions.

“How goes the contingency plan my dear Senators?” Empress Menliania asked.

“The work is almost completed my Empress. The assets are being moved by the merchant accordingly, but in order to not alert the other senators, we had to slow down in recent days. Their greedy eyes are more vigilant than ever with the decline of their personal profits.” Senator Largia answered.

“I see. How many Legions will we have by the year's end?”

“We expect a total of 18 Legions Empress. With each day we buy, our forces and resource increases.”

“Then let us do what we can to buy more time.” Empress Menliania commanded

=

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=

In the morning Spike summoned a captain for logistic and a captain for personnel to start building infrastructure to manage all the slave and prisoners as well as all supplies looted and future acquisitions.

Then an Engineer Captain, an XO, and a company sergeant was summoned to help summon 2 full Engineer platoon. Captain Lee, then took command of the Engineer Company to expand and speed up the construction projects.

That left exactly 3 open slots for emergency reinforcement for the Freelance platoon. And after the RP cost of new summons and replacements, Spike was left with 2663.6RP.

On the way out, LTC Simmons caught Spike to ask for enough fuel for the power generator for his medical instruments. He reported that many of the injured prisoners still had bullets that needed to be removed and the electrical power to the 3D X-Ray machine was critical for his surgical operations.

Then Lieutenant Stein asked for more fuel for the the Flamethrowers. With so many dead corpses everywhere in recent days, they have been task with burning the corpses to speed up the clean up.

“Alright! Let’s go score some points before I become a permanent gas station.” Spike said.

“Freelance Platoon! ” LT Moore ordered. “Single file march, 1st to 4th platoon, in that order. Move out!”

LT Moore took command and Spike listened and observed the workings of the platoon as they marched on the disappearing road heading west. As the half built fort disappeared from behind the platoon, the silence took over as everyone observed noise discipline.

With Spikes with the platoon, there was no need to carry any food nor overload on ammos. Spike ordered everyone to carry 2 canteens for all hunting, recon, and patrol missions. There was no need to risk suffering from heat casualty. Spike reminded himself, out there, there are no medivac.

For this mission, they decided to stay on the road to see how far then can go without running into hostiles. And take a look at old settlements that have been abandoned. From the town’s record, the main road had once reached 10-kilometers from Daldia.

“The leaves are turning color sir!” LT Moore softly spoke. “When the leaves fall in a few week, we’ll have more depth in the visibility in the forest.”

“That’s good. Our rifles will be more effective. I suppose that also means we will be facing something new out here with the absence of the goblins.” Spike also replied softly.

“From now on, I think we should bring a cartographer in our outings sir. It won't be perfect, but having a basic estimated map will speed up our progress in putting together a clear map of the area.” LT Moore said.

“That’s a smart idea LT. why the hell didn't we think of that sooner.”

The march was slow as the platoon took it slow and easy as precaution. They observed for hostile signs for any ambushes and to find any wildlife that may give them clues on the level of inhumanoids and monster presences.

It took them 3 hours to move 9km to the an abandoned village called Trimmor.

The men slowly scour the run down buildings looking for any sign of activity. There were around 30 building of various size and conditions. Each squads took a section of the village and searched building by building, every rooms were checked for any recent passage of life.

“Nothing sir. There seemed to have been something recently, but they are long gone now. Perhaps goblins fleeing or from the horde.” Sergeant Rector reported.

Then in the distant, they heard very loud howling of a wolf. But the sound seemed little different somehow.

“I don’t like the sound of that. It’s barely been a week and some of the predatory wildlives are already moving in.” Corporal Smith said.

“I don’t know. Wolves are good eating. You just have to season it right you know.” Private Kirk said expectingly. “Maybe I’ll get a chance to cook em up on this outing.”

“I ain’t eating no dog, dammit.” Private Jones complain.

“Ain't nobody asking you Jones.” Private Kirk retorted. “You don’t got to eat anything I cook up.”

“Ah. Wah. Oh, come on Kirk. Don’t be like that.” Private Jones begged.

Ignoring the 2. “Let's set up a base here for few days and scout out the about 5k radius from here to get a feel for the area. Sergeant Rector go secure the building that looks like the village chief’s home for the command group. And break off into each squad and have them secure a building for themselves. No need to pitch a tent when we have plenty of walls and roofs here. Even if they have holes, it should help keep the wildlife out.” LT Moore ordered.

“Yes sir. I also don’t like the idea of sleeping out in the open with wolves prowling about.” Sergeant Rector said. “What do you want to do with the other broken down homes sir? They are obstructing our field of fire and potential security problem as we can't see through the structures.”

“This location is a good place for a forward outpost. Considering the old road comes through here. Leave it for now, we’ll have the command decide on this real estate development.” LT Moore answered. “For now let’s grab some chow then head out to recon the area.

After the lunch, the platoon moved out into deeper forest.