Maximus sat in his study, engrossed in reading the reports detailing the outcomes of the recent raids. Once he finished perusing the reports, he retrieved a quill and parchment, carefully composing a letter. With each stroke of the quill, he conveyed his intention to continue the attacks without pause, aiming to attack while the noble alliance still didn't take him seriously. The ink dried swiftly, sealing his orders.
Aware that the enemy did not take him seriously, he believed a swift and relentless assault was necessary to hasten his progress to unite Fearie kingdom. As for any potential counterattacks, he was not overly concerned. Possessing the strength of a tier 3 Nascent mage granted him invincibility in this continent. Even if faced with a tier 4 sky knight or another tier 3 Nascent mage, he believes that he was far stronger than them.
With advanced spells and a top tier meditation formula, 'divine consciousness', granted him a purer and greater quantity of mana. This is his reason and confidence to know that he could overpower those of the same rank.
Once he finished writing the letter, he handed it to his loyal courier, accompanied by a firm nod, providing the final instructions to ensure its delivery.
In the morning, Maximus held a meeting within his castle. Surrounded by his trusted officials, the atmosphere was imbued with seriousness as they discussed their next steps in the campaign.
"Our recent victories have granted us control over three cities. However, mere control makes them a burden to us; we must turn these lands into profitable assets sooner rather than later," he declared with authority.
"First and foremost, we need not overly concern ourselves with the safety of the cities, as that responsibility lies with the army. What I require from you is to stabilize the land and make them prosper," Maximus instructed.
One of the officials presented a detailed map of the region, placing it on the table. "My Lord, if we intend to transform this land, we must establish a stable transportation network as our first priority. This will allow for the safe and efficient transfer of supplies."
"Yes, in addition, we can utilize the excess population to work in factories and cultivate the land. With the Lord's magical crystals, we can expand the agricultural areas in these cities," another official added.
"Very well. I expect these roads to be constructed swiftly," Maximus affirmed, expressing his approval to the officials.
Subsequently, the meeting delved into more detailed discussions and planning. The officials rose from their seats, offering contributions and suggesting various plans of action. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with a sense of contentment.
Kevin sat comfortably in his lavish carriage, his eyes fixed on the window as the bustling streets of Moonshadow City faded away. It had been a few years since he arrived in the city and began his spice business. Once a poor boy, he now enjoyed the luxuries of life, riding in a magnificent carriage.
As the carriage traveled along the road, his attention was drawn to a construction site. It wouldn't have been unusual to see road construction on the outskirts of the city, as it had happened before. However, he was now several miles away from the city, and the construction work still continued, piquing his curiosity.
Intrigued, he halted the carriage and stepped out, approaching the group of workers who toiled with sweat glistening on their foreheads. He politely inquired, "Excuse me, gentlemen. May I ask what is happening here? Why is there still road construction taking place so far from the city?"
"Oh, it's you, Sir Kevin!" one of the workers exclaimed, wiping his brow. "This road is being built to connect to the cities captured in the recent military campaign that took place a few days ago," he explained with a weary smile.
"Captured cities?" Kevin repeated in surprise. "I was conducting business in those cities just a few days ago. Did they have a conflict with the Lord?" he inquired further.
"No, no, sir!" the worker solemnly denied. "The Lord has shown mercy and, witnessing the plight of the people, decided to incorporate them into his rule and provide them with the lives they deserve."
Kevin's mind raced with thoughts about Lord Maximus' intentions. He began to suspect that the Lord was planning to unify the entire Fearie Kingdom under his rule.
"Thank you for the information. I shall turn back to the city to ensure that I don't interfere with Lord Maximus," he declared with a serious tone.
He didn't want to risk his life continuing his business ventures now. The thought of being caught in the midst of a conflict between Lord Maximus' forces and the captured cities was too great of a risk. He valued life over money, knowing that money could be earned again, but life was irreplaceable.
He climbed back into his carriage, instructing the driver to turn around and head back to Moonshadow City. His plans had been disrupted, but he prioritized the preservation of his life over financial gains.
General Smith and General Johnson stood before the defeated soldiers of the three cities they had just conquered. The soldiers looked weary and uncertain, unsure of what fate awaited them.
"Soldiers!" General Smith began his speech, his voice filled with sincerity. "We are not here to judge you based on your past allegiances. Today, we extend a genuine invitation to join us in our cause."
"We understand that we once fought on different sides, and you may fear that we will treat you as mere cannon fodder," General Johnson added.
"Rest assured, we are here to offer you an opportunity and power—the power of a knight, which once brought you defeat." He said, pointing towards a group of soldiers who exuded a formidable presence.
The group of soldiers emitted a palpable pressure, reminding the defeated soldiers of their own powerlessness during the battle. They exchanged glances, hope glimmering in their eyes as they yearned to possess such strength and regain their lost vigor.
General Smith continued, his voice firm but compassionate. "We recognize the skills and experience each of you possesses. Despite being overwhelmed, you showed unwavering courage on the battlefield. This is the very courage we need in our army."
General Johnson nodded in agreement. "We have witnessed firsthand the courage and resilience you possess. We will not treat you any differently. Instead, we will acknowledge your talents and place you in ranks that you deserve."
As the generals spoke, one by one, the defeated soldiers' expressions transformed from weariness to excitement. They were eager to join on this cause and be incorporated into the army.
General Smith smiled, raising his hand to signal the soldiers' attention. "If you choose to join us, we will train together, fight together, and rebuild the land into prosperity. With Lord Maximus by our side, nothing will stand in our way!"
The defeated soldiers stood a little taller, a spark of determination igniting within them. This was their opportunity for redemption, and more importantly, an opportunity to become stronger. The thought of gaining the strength of an official knight filled their veins with newfound fervor.
With resounding cheers, the defeated soldiers pledged their allegiance to Lord Maximus and wholeheartedly joined the army. General Smith and General Johnson welcomed them with open arms, recognizing their value and the importance of their contribution.
In the days that followed, the defeated soldiers were swiftly integrated into the training camp. They trained side by side with their fellow soldiers, following instructions that taught them knight meditation methods. Moreover, they witnessed the astonishing field of array, where their strength visibly grew day by day, evident to the naked eye.