MAKING FOOD FROM ICE
"Don't worry, I've developed a strain of new crops that are cold resistant. Use the lanterns that I gave to you to sow the seeds and transplant them once the seeds sprouted. Once transplanted and settled, the plants will not be killed by the frost until harvest", I told Gagarine about the miraculous seed I developed to withstand the winter environment.
"Are you serious. This will save our people", Gagarine told me.
"Yes, and you will continue to supply your grains to us, exclusively", I told him.
"Of course", Gagarine replied to me with tears streaming from eyes in appreciation for my help before he added, "If there is anything else that you want from us, just ask. We will do anything to repay your kindness to us."
"Actually, there is something that you can do for me. It is something that will help you and your people too", I told Gagarine.
"What can we do for you and us?" he asked me.
"I need you to build a militia to eventually take back control of Trogdol kingdom from the bad seeds and the undead", I told Gagarine.
"But we are just merchants and farmers", Gagarine protested to me.
"Don't worry, we will help you. You'll also have the support and recognition of the Church too", I replied to allay his doubts about his ability to complete my mission for him.
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After the demon army left Drachia kingdom, the cold and freeze that came from Rizea became the main problem for the kingdom. This was an existential problem because all the agriculture in the kingdom couldn't exist anymore.
I've manufactured many lanterns using my crafting skills called the Radiance of Agni which could cover a large area with endless infernal heat from Hell that could melt the creeping ice.
That is a life saver for many.
But the Radiance of Agni was extremely expensive, costing many millions each in auction, keeping it out of reach from many.
"Why won't you just give the Radiance of Agni to the people. They need it for farming and general livelihood", Cassandra asked me.
"People in the Ten-Kingdoms practices magic, so they can survive in the cold", I replied to her.
"But the plants and crops couldn't survive in the cold, master. Templar's magic comes mainly from digestion of food, many people may die due to starvation", Meera added.
"Red Witch helped me discover several strains of crops that can survive in the cold, provided we have the know how to grow them. I've given the seeds to Gagarine to grow in Trogdol, together with the grains we grow in Nyx kingdom, they will provide us with all the grains we need in the future", I told them.
"Why not grow the seeds here in Drachia kingdom? There are many farms here," Ratatouille asked me.
"Well, almost all of the cities in Drachia are now protectorates of the Church. The Church would want high protection money for the privilege. If the kingdom's agriculture is ruined by the ice, there wouldn't be enough money for the church. The Church had to accept the situation. I didn't kick out the demon army to enrich the fat Eunuchs of Elis, will I?", I explained to them and asked.
"So, you want the whole kingdom to be poor, so you pay less taxes?" Cassandra asked me.
"Yes, we control the grain trade so we will make enormous profit from it, leaving little money for the people to pay taxes. So, they'll have to pay less taxes while we make lots of money", I told them.
"The people may starve if they can't pay for basic food", Cassandra asked me.
"When they do, I'll give them grains for free", I replied to them.
"That is a weird and wicked way to keep your taps on the economy", Chash said to me.
"The people would also be beholden to you for your charity", Ratatouille added.
"You are both the people's Bully and Savior at the same time, master", Meera said to me.
"Orion will become the people's master if they must depend on him for their daily grains", Chash said.
"That is called Socialism in my world", I replied to them.
"Why don't the apostles just fix the damn Ice Corridor?" Rataouille asked.
"Maybe for some reason, they couldn't", I replied to them.
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"I've the three divine artifacts taken from the three families in Maher city, The Banner of Supremes, the Sword of Dominon and the Dagger of Night Culling. Which of you will be suitable for these divine artifacts?" I asked my friends.
"These are divine artifacts, with our magic, we might not be able to use them effectively", Chash replied to me.
"Let's try them first", I asked them.
My friends took turns trying to use the divine artifacts. However, their magic wasn't strong enough to wield the power of the artifacts.
"We can't use these artifacts. If we got them earlier and they were used to craft our golem bodies, that might be different", Cassandra told me.
"Yes, that is correct. I can enhance your golem bodies with the divine artifacts", I told them.
"I thought we can only get one enhancement with your golem enhancement skill, master?" Meera asked me.
"Yes, that is a problem", I replied to her.
I've learned magic that could enhance my golems, but that magic could only be used once. Most of my golem friends already had an enhancement on them.
"I haven't got an enhancement yet", Chash told us suddenly.
"You are right, do you want your golem body to be enhanced with the divine artifact?" I asked him.
"I don't mind but you no longer could cast the special flame that creates golem and enhancement", Chash replied to me.
"Don't worry, I can cast the Rainbow Enigma flame now. Seamus the Meek gave me the ability although my flame couldn't create golems. But crafting an enhancement is possible", I told him.