The matter related to Bleiz subsides after Daren's explanation. But it also increased the mysteriousness around Daren.
Thinking about the ruckus Bleiz has caused. Daren decided to change his thoughts of letting Bleiz stay here.
He ordered everyone to go gather in the meeting room. Everyone left, and now he was left alone with Bleiz.
Daren patted it's head and instructed it.
"Bleiz, this place is too small for you. Let me find a new home for us. Till then I want you to go to the forbidden forest and stay there. While you are there, try to make a count of various powers present in the forbidden forest and their Ranks. Also remember, if you feel that its dangerous there, rush back here. Your life is more important."
"Awoo". Bleiz let out a faint sound and nodded its head. He then moved out of Daren's room towards the edge of the hill. Bleiz then jumped form the hill and rushed towards the direction of the forbidden forest. He disappeared from Daren's vision in mere moments. There is no need to tell that he is faster than anything Daren has seen before.
Daren then moved towards the meeting room. Arius, Morgan, Boaz and Kage were waiting for him in the room. They all stood up and bowed as soon as Daren entered.
Daren nodded as he proceeded to take a seat. After which he ordered everyone to take a seat as well.
"We have come far from where we begin. But it's not enough. Our growth speed is too slow."
Daren gazed everyone after saying that. He paused for few moments and continued
"I want each of you, along with your underlings to breakthrough to the next rank... 4 months!! I'll give you four months for that. But remember, of all your underlings, no one should below B rank after this time. A captain is responsible for his squads actions. Whatever your subordinate do, you get to share the results of their deed. If they make mistakes or commit crime, you will be punished along with them. If they do good and bring glory, you will be glorified along with them. And thus, if your subordinate fails to breakthrough , you might have guessed what will happen to you."
Daren smiled slyly and continued.
When others saw his smile, they knew it was Daren's evil smile. They had seen it before. And from their experience they can tell that, to whosoever this smile of his is dedicated to, is doomed to suffer.
"And the punishment will be, training with Arius till you break through to spiritual realm."
Daren has a smirk on his face. Arius just let out a chuckle. But the others didn't look so good. It was as if their face was drained of all color. They unconsciously gulped. They all, including Daren, have been subjected to the training methods of Arius and though his training methods work well, they would still prefer not to go through that torturous hell again.
"Morgan, you are incharge of The Guardian Squad. Boaz and Kage, I believe you guys have also chosen your people from our best men. Train them well. The remaining of those men will be trained by Arius."
'Poor souls.' All 3 of them pitied those men who will be trained by Arius. But none dared to express it.
"Arius, give them instructions then focus on breaking through. You can train them after you have broken-through."
Daren instructed Arius and the latter nodded.
"Lord, what about those 900 men, who is gonna train them?" asked Morgan
"They don't need to be trained. Send them to replace The guardian squad for the following months." Daren said with a straight face.
"Good then. Go and prepare. Everyone shall start training by tomorrow morning... Ah, Morgan. Those 2 kids that followed you, send them to train under Arius."
Daren added as he suddenly remembered.
"But Lord, they have no cultivation. They will not be able to endure his training." Morgan expressed his worries.
"I know that Morgan. Just believe in me and send them to train under Arius." Daren replied calmly.
"Yes Lord" Morgan nodded reluctantly with a bow.
"Arius, Kage, Boaz, gather all your men in the morning. I need to have a chat with them. You can begin the training after I address them. Boaz, Kage, stay. Others can leave and prepare."
Daren said. Arius and Morgan bowed and left to prepare.
Boaz, I want you to create a network chain that connects not only The Kingdom of Astina, but also has its claws spread deep in the other two Kingdoms as well as the 7 sects. A network from which, no information can be hidden. Are you up for it?
Daren asked as his gaze swept both Kage and Boaz. His eyes were shining with ambition.
"Yes Lord, it's doable." Boaz said politely.
"How much time will you need ?" Daren asked.
"Lord, it should be around 3 years." Boaz added after calculating in his mind.
"Too long. Take Kage with you. You and Kage together can do it faster I suppose?" Daren asked calmly.
"Yes Lord. That may help pace up the process. With his help it can be done within 2 years." Boaz said with a smile.
"Then it's decided. You two work together on this. But make sure that Kage's existence remain unknown, even to your men. Those who get to know of him, intentionally or unintentionally, dispose of them." Daren said with a cold glint in his eyes.
"Yes lord, we understand." Said both Kage and boaz as they bowed to Daren.
"Good then. Get started as soon as possible but don't neglect your training. One more thing Boaz, when you have time, go to the capital to meet father. Ask him to lend you a detailed map of this world. Also tell him I'll be returning soon!"
"On other note, don't tell him that. Just bring the map."
"You won't be disappointed lord." Boaz and Kage cupped their fists and then left leaving Daren all alone.
Now Daren was left all alone. He can finally focus on his cultivation. The levels till A rank were simple, he just need to break the vital points and reform them.
But from S Rank on, he need not only reform vital points, but he also need to temper his muscles.
When muscles are used beyond their capacity, the break. They are then reformed using the energy stored in vital points, thus making the new muscles so formed stronger, harder and filled with energy.
Thus, to breakthrough to S Rank, he need to temper his body. Only when the muscles stop absorbing anymore energy will he be able to breakthrough to the next level.
After each breakthrough the energy stored in muscles is spread throughout the body and organs, strengthening them. The new muscles can then again store energy withing them.
This process is to be repeated, till he Reach the peak of SSS rank. It's just that the number of vital points to be forged changes on each rank, rest is the same.