The morning sunrays bathed the vast fields surrounding Mucrea Castle. The clear blue sky was dotted with light, white clouds. The breeze carried the fresh scent of earth and vegetation. In this idyllic setting, Carl, now a Second Level Awakened Warrior, was about to test the limits of his new power.
He found himself in a wooded area near the castle. The trees were tall, their trunks strong, and their canopies lush. Birds sang gentle melodies, while squirrels leaped from branch to branch. The environment exuded vitality.
Gripping his Fergus-forged Damascus steel sword, Carl focused his mana into it. The sword, with its flawless blade and artisanal details, had a lower resistance to mana, making it easier to wield compared to a regular blade.
He positioned himself in front of a row of trees. In the past, as a First Level Awakened Warrior, he could cut down a tree with a single strike. Now, he was curious to see what he could achieve.
With a calm and determined gaze, Carl took a step forward and unleashed a horizontal strike. A wave of cutting energy emanated from the sword, and in the blink of an eye, a dozen trees were cleanly severed at their bases, gracefully falling to the ground.
The scent of freshly cut wood filled the air. Fallen leaves floated gently to the ground. Carl remained still for a moment, assessing the power he had just demonstrated. It was a formidable force, and he recognized the responsibility that came with it.
Carl was satisfied but not surprised. His expression remained composed as he surveyed the felled trunks. He had plans for the power he now possessed, plans that would be set in motion.
He turned to Pen, who was watching from a safe distance. "Pen, have Shadow meet me in the Throne Room," instructed Carl with a cold and authoritative tone.
Pen nodded and swiftly disappeared into the trees.
It didn't take long for Shadow to arrive in the Throne Room, where Carl was already seated on his throne. Shadows danced on the walls in the torchlight, while the House of Mucrea's banners solemnly hung from the pillars.
"Shadow, I have a task for you," began Carl, his eyes analyzing the man before him. "You need to gather information on potential buyers for Fergus' Damascus steel sword. We need allies, and this sword can help us gain influence."
"Understood, my lord," replied Shadow with a nod and promptly vanished as quickly as he had arrived.
After Shadow left, Carl beckoned a guard with a wave of his hand. "Bring me Pen, Mountain Wall, and Hawk," he commanded.
Before long, the three men stood before him in the Throne Room.
Carl proceeded, addressing each of his subordinates. "Hawk, your division will specialize in long-range weapons and reconnaissance. Your archers and scouts will be Mucrea's eyes and ears. Train them to be precise and silent, like the very wind."
Hawk inclined his head in respect and responded with determination. "Yes, my lord. They will be like shadows in the wind, seeing everything without being seen."
"Wall," Carl continued, turning to the sturdy warrior, "your division will be Mucrea's shield. Specialize in defense. Your men and women must be unwavering like the mountains."
Wall, who was usually laconic, spoke with a gravity befitting his name. "Mountains may weather away, but my division will not yield. We will protect Mucrea with our lives."
Carl nodded and turned to Mountain. "Mountain, you will command the heavy units. Your warriors should be like avalanches, crushing everything in their path. Teach them to control their strength and channel it properly."
Mountain, whose imposing size matched his name, smiled broadly. "We will crush our enemies like stones beneath our boots, my lord."
"Pen," Carl said, turning to his last subordinate, "your division will be versatile and dynamic, specializing in light infantry, light cavalry, and logistics. Mucrea will need your skills to keep our forces moving and provide support where needed."
Pen stood firm as a rock and responded fervently. "Mucrea will find no division faster or more adaptable, sir. I will serve with honor."
"As for Shadow," Carl spoke thoughtfully, "he will lead the espionage and intelligence division, but I will discuss the details with him upon his return."
The four men before him radiated pride and determination. They were warriors, and now leaders as well. Carl knew he needed them to help lead Mucrea toward a prosperous future.
"You have your orders. Begin recruiting and training your divisions. I am entrusting you with great responsibility. Do not disappoint me," Carl concluded.
They bowed before him, each speaking in unison. "For the Baron and for Mucrea!"
As they left the room, Carl reflected on the day's events. His growth, the responsibilities now weighing on his shoulders, everything seemed surreal. However, he had no time to dwell on thoughts; he needed to stay ahead, planning and taking action.
As the meeting came to an end, daylight began to give way to the shadows of night. Twilight brought a cool breeze that gently stirred the Mucrea banners hanging around the castle.
Carl retired to his chambers, a spacious and finely decorated space that reflected his position as the Baron. The walls were adorned with tapestries telling stories of ancient Mucrea rulers, and a stone fireplace occupied a corner, offering warmth against the night's chill.
Ray was already there, waiting for him. She sat near the fireplace, a book in her lap. When he entered, she looked up and smiled, a smile that always warmed his heart.
"How was your day?" Ray asked, closing her book.
"Productive," replied Carl, approaching and sitting beside her. "I established the divisions within our army and assigned responsibilities to my subordinates. And I discovered the extent of my new power as a Second Level Awakened Warrior."
Ray smiled with pride. "I knew you would accomplish great things. Mucrea is in good hands."
Carl looked into the fireplace, where the flames danced, then turned his gaze to Ray. They spent the rest of the evening there, talking about the future and making plans, both aware of the responsibility they held but finding comfort and strength in each other's company.