When they came out of the forest, Derrick looked refreshed. Training in this wilderness for two weeks was easy and way more forgiving than the cave had ever been.
However, one could not say the same for Thomas. His clothes were in tatters and his face, dulled by wariness. Simply put, he looked like someone who had come back from the dead.
Nevertheless, these two weeks had fundamentally changed him, and he couldn't wait to show his might on a proper battlefield.
It had also been very fruitful for the necromancer as well.
Every monster they had hunted gave materials that could be used, and he hadn't wasted his time. There was now a lot of equipment stashed in his magical pouch, and he couldn't wait to show them to Brigand.
His craftsmanship's reputation would definitely soar to new heights.
Something else also really excited him.
Today, his three institutions would be completed! The Forge, the Military Quarters and the School would all be opened, marking a new milestone for what he could now call a town.
Next would be the roads to the mine.
Since this project would occupy a major part of his schedule, he planned to leave for Terra tonight.
With that plan set, he took out his communication trinket.
"Sir Brigand?"
"..."
That old geezer really was terrible with magical equipment!
"BRIGAND!"
"AHHHH! Who's this?!"
"I'm going to make you retire if you don't remember me in the next three seconds…"
After a moment, a raucous laughter resounded from the device.
"Hahaha Sir Derrick! It has been a moment since we last spoke. I guess you're calling about our agreement?"
"Indeed. I have weapons ready to be auctioned"
"Great! I was waiting for your products to hold another one"
"Excellent. I will be arriving tonight with hopes it could be held tomorrow. Is it possible? I have some shopping to do afterward"
With the major influx of funds, Derrick wanted to purchase a large amount of weapons from Brigand and re-visit the Slave Market to see if he could buy an Enchanter.
During the two weeks leading up to this, he had really thought about his priorities, and military strength was definitely at the top.
He couldn't be caught unprepared, and enchanted weapons would definitely solidify the foundations of his army.
"I'll make the arrangements"
The two men ended on that note, and he put the small token back in his pouch.
Derrick and Thomas kept walking before arriving in the town, which had considerably changed.
The outskirts were now developed and no longer looked like slums. Everyone recognized Derrick and bowed whenever he walked past them. They gave looks of reverence so deep one could mistake him for some kind of deity.
In contrast, Thomas only received looks of pity when people saw his wretched appearance, and he found no reason to fault them. Just thinking about what he had gone through made him shiver.
The more they progressed towards the center, the more beautiful the town became. The once neglected roads had been replaced by neat ones composed of arranged stones, with the shabby houses thorn down and instead replaced by suitable lodging amenities.
Derrick could tell that Jack had taken some initiative, which greatly pleased him. He didn't have to hold out on a Minister title anymore.
"System, assign the role of Minister to Jack"
[Role assigned successfully! Bonus of 10% to the managerial duties' speed]
Jack wouldn't know about Derrick's acknowledgment, but it didn't matter, as long as he kept working well.
The news of the duo coming back had spread and Lacha soon appeared on the horizon, with Jack, Eloise, Fomamli and William.
Derrick had left without giving them much of a heads-up, which had immensely worried everyone. However, nothing major had occurred, so they could all now sigh in relief.
The first one to speak was Lacha.
"You've been gone for a while, Your Highness. Please tell us beforehand next time"
There was a hint of frustration in her voice that was instantly picked up by the necromancer, who awkwardly apologized.
He was used to doing what he wanted when he wanted, but it appeared this wouldn't be possible much longer with the town consistently growing.
Next to him was Thomas who eyed Eloise from head to toe, and when he noticed that her sharp gaze had landed on him, he immediately got down on both knees with his head to the ground, begging for forgiveness.
Eloise could barely control her surging laughter and instantly dismissed Thomas, who left right away to go take a much-needed bath.
His mind had still been troubled from time to time, but now that he had confirmed the well-being of his general, he could finally be at peace.
"Jack, is everything built? Also, congratulations on the installations' modernization"
Jack puffed his old chest in pride. He knew that his ruler would notice his hard work.
"Your Highness, everything is ready to be inaugurated. We were simply awaiting your return"
"Very well. Don't forget, now's the time to build the roads. William, your classes will begin tomorrow. As for you, Fomamli, are the armors complete?"
It was the dwarf's turn to lift his chin up in the air, proud of what he had accomplished.
It was finally time to forge a weapon that would engrave his name in history. Derrick hadn't forgotten about his promise, and he'd definitely take care of it once in Terra.
"Eloise, I assume Atta completed the tournament. Are the Divisions formed?"
"Yes Master. You'll be quite proud of their transformation. You should have seen the winners' faces when we told them that they could be challenged at the end of every month. It was a sight to behold, rousing the spirits of the losers as well"
She giggled a bit. This woman truly enjoyed tormenting her underlings.
"I'm glad everything worked out! We will inaugurate their new living space, and I'll let you distribute the prizes. I think they'll be quite excited by the crafts of our Blacksmith"
By the end of their conversation, they had arrived at the new Military Quarters, and Derrick had to say they exceeded his expectations.
The barracks' walls were made out of stones and their roofs, out of wood. They had rows of equally separated windows that gave them a charming look.
Once he entered, he saw the abundance of space and the lined up bunk beds. His inspection lasted a few more minutes before leaving the site with the group in tow. The vast plains now resembled proper training grounds, with him hoping to add new facilities soon.
The School was a similar success, with him having no complaints either.
The new life of his people could finally begin.
***
He was once again flying with Io under the cover of the night.
The inaugurations had been a smashing success, with even Moira and Julio attending. They no longer looked as wary as before, which Derrick considered to be massive progress.
Before leaving, he had properly told Lacha he would be departing, recalling the episode where he had been scolded.
His face had blushed while doing so, and little did he know that the woman already held a cherished place in his heart.
"No emotional attachments, my ass..."
With his coffer soon replenished, it was time to go on another spending spree!