Chapter 254 Journeying

I was intently observing her, captivated by the fire in her eyes. Her unwavering determination was palpable and the weapons she was set to create would surely decimate the enemy. After entrusting her with such a crucial responsibility, we delved into discussion of other matters. As we journeyed through the dense forest, our main objective was to avoid detection by the enemy, staying hidden at all costs.

The journey through the forest was treacherous, taking us a grueling 7 hours to finally reach the new settlement. By the time we arrived, the sun was low on the horizon and everyone was exhausted from the long hike. Nevertheless, we were directed to take refuge inside the settlement and rest for the night. The only house within the settlement was locked, as I had decided to stay with my minions instead. They were stationed outside the castle, as space within was limited.

Eager to check on my resources, I stepped out and opened my advanced control menu. I wanted to see the number of minions at my disposal and gauge how many more I would need to create in order to bolster my forces. I carefully scrolled through the menu, scrutinizing the details of each and every one of my minions.

Advanced Control Menu

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[Resource Division] (898 Minions)

- 17x Woodcutter Minion

- 110x Miner Minion

- 10x Scout Minion (Farming)

- 14x Scout Minion (Mining)

- 30x Scout Minion (Woodcutting)

- 24x Scout Minion (Hunting)

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[Combat Division - Standard] (2185 Minions)

-268x Advance Warrior Minion

-720x Warrior Minions

-638x Scout Minions (Swordplay)

-559x Scout Minions (Archery)

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[Combat Division - Magic] (310 Minions)

- 29x Scout Minion (Fire Magic - Residential Heater)

- 43x Scout Minion (Fire Magic - Projectile Controller)

- 52x Scout Minion (Fire Magic - Flamethrower)

- 31x Scout Minion (Water Magic - Ice Warrior)

- 27x Scout Minion (Water Magic - Arctic Wind)

- 19x Scout Minion (Water Magic - Water Manipulator)

- 15x Scout Minion (Wind Magic - Defensive Wind)

- 21x Scout Minion (Wind Magic - Visceral Turbine)

- 32x Scout Minion (Wind Magic - Projectile Enhancer)

- 19x Scout Minion (Earth Magic - Brute)

- 14x Scout Minion (Earth Magic - Solid Control)

- 8x Scout Minion (Earth Magic - Land Scaler)

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[Utility Division] (176 Minions)

- 146x Builder Minion

- 30x Scout Minion (Utility)

- 1x Minion Manager

As I surveyed my squad of 146 builder minions, I couldn't help but feel that their numbers were insufficient for the task at hand. I had grand plans for the city's defences, plans that required a larger workforce. Without hesitation, I put the available minions to work constructing a massive wall that would encircle the city. This time, I wanted the wall to be thicker, higher, and twice the size of the siege towers I had seen in my travels. I instructed the mining minions and resource collectors to assist in this effort, knowing that the wall's size would demand a considerable amount of resources.

As I monitored the progress of the wall, I noticed a growing shortage of woodcutters and farming minions. I called the minion manager to my side and tasked him with securing 150 additional builders and 150 mining minions, as well as an additional 150 woodcutters and farming minions. My focus had previously been solely on stone mining, but I was now considering dividing my minions into different categories, with the goal of mining gold and other valuable resources as well.

Having delegated the task to the manager, I made my way inside the castle, where I walked among the people. Although my house, a magnificent structure built just for me, was calling my name, I refused to enter. I needed the loyalty and trust of the people now more than ever. I made my way to where Chole was resting and asked her to make room for me. She rolled over, fixed me with a curious gaze, and slid to the side, making room for me to sit.

Just as I was about to take my seat, a group of people approached me. It was the same group that had previously requested the creation of a market. They stood before me, and I regarded them with a mixture of irritation and impatience. I barked, 'What do you want?' My tone was rude, and my patience was wearing thin. The people stood before me, their faces a mask of determination, ready to present their case."

The weapon maker stepped forward and spoke with a deep and sincere voice, "My lord, we come to you not with demands or expectations, but with a humble offering of our services. We have been blessed with your generosity in the past, being given a home where we had everything we could have ever asked for. Yet, we now find ourselves in a different situation, no longer residing in that luxurious dwelling. But we understand your tireless efforts to provide us with an even better home, even though you too have been forced to rough it out here with us. And it is because of this understanding, that we offer you the gift of our services, without any thought of compensation or reward. The gold you promised us means nothing to us, all we want is the opportunity to be of service to you." His words were full of conviction and touched my heart.

I replied, "Your offer is not one to be taken lightly, and I do indeed have need of your expertise. However, the time is not yet right. I am in the process of purging Howard city of all threats, and when that task is complete, I will require your help in creating weapons. Weapons that will strike fear into the hearts of our enemies and serve as a reminder that we are not to be trifled with. You will accompany me on this venture, and I ask that you extend your full assistance to Chloe, who will also be joining us. Once Howard city is secure, we will return to our home and resume our normal lives." I then bade them farewell and took a seat alongside Chloe.

The sky was transitioning into darkness, and I gazed up at the celestial canvas above us. Despite the splendor of the stars twinkling in the sky, their light seemed dimmed by our current circumstances, as we were away from the comfort of our own home. But I was comforted by the knowledge that soon, all would be right again, and we would once again bask in the warmth of our dwelling.