Since history was recorded.
The empire's power is said to be classified as the strongest ever.
That meant many talents were born, and masters as brilliant as stars emerged one after another.
However, because of that, the empire also had a clear downside.
It was the class divide.
Those who were not from giant factions like the Hexagram or prestigious families faced limits in their growth.
This was because they encountered obstacles in accessing advanced studies that made it easier to enter higher realms.
The faster the progress, the less the upper class wanted to give up their vested interests.
As a result, over time, giant factions absorbed countless talents.
Those who weren't chosen had to bow their heads, frustrated by the wall of reality.
In fact, Brian was no different.
Considering his age, one could say he followed an elite course.
But his decision to enter the bureaucratic society rather than pursue the magic he had always aimed for was due to his judgment that further growth would be difficult.
However,
In front of his eyes were two books.
Body Strengthening Art and Magic Martial Arts.
Whether a magician or a martial artist, anyone with some basic knowledge knew what these two arts were.
Body Strengthening Art was classified as a forbidden technique when the magic tower was restoring it, due to its hazardous nature.
Magic Martial Arts was a field where only a few trained, but those who did became exceptional battle magicians.
Both were now being offered to him.
Naturally, Brian's eyes widened.
"Of course, it's not for free."
That's what he thought. Brian felt his excitement, which had momentarily peaked, slightly subside.
Then, seeing Elric's mischievous smile, he realized.
It was a joke.
"I will only give this to those who promise to stay with me."
Brian clenched his fist tightly.
The meaning behind those words was clear.
"You mean you want me to become your vassal."
"I need companions who will walk with me."
Brian nodded in understanding.
In truth, although the Star's Legion followed Elric, they were merely a group of followers chasing his fame. There had never been a definitive relationship established with Elric.
Now, Elric was making that clear.
"It may seem like I'm forcing you in this isolated situation, but still...!"
Elric was about to add more when.
Brian suddenly knelt on one knee.
Elric had to stop mid-sentence.
"We all know that you, Lord Elric, came into this dangerous territory to save even one more of us. And now you are offering us a new opportunity. Of course, we have no choice but to follow."
Every word Brian spoke was full of strength.
"I, Brian, swear to serve Radiant Star Duke, Elric Melvinger, as my sole lord."
Thump!
Elric's heart pounded fiercely.
Many had shared his goals and helped him along the way.
But Brian was the first to stand behind him and commit to building a family with him.
The fact that he now had 'his own people' filled Elric with joy.
Elric approached Brian, took his hand, and helped him to his feet.
"I look forward to your continued support."
"Please, speak informally. There's no need for my lord to address a subordinate with respect."
"I'll count on you, then."
Though it felt a little awkward, Elric did his best to add strength to his voice.
It was a tone similar to that of Herman and Tiger King Yul, who had left strong impressions on him.
A slight smile formed on Brian's lips as well.
***
The suggestion to accept the Star's Legion as vassals did not come from Elric.
It was Isabelle's idea.
–You're thinking of using the Star's Legion as the foundation of the Melvinger family, right?
–Well, yes.
–Then why not strengthen the bond between them?
–Strengthen the bond?
–Yes. In fact, many in the Star's Legion are feeling uneasy.
When he heard that.
Elric lost his words for a moment.
It wasn't that he hadn't anticipated it.
Hadn't they followed him into such a dangerous enemy territory? He had thought that since no one voiced concerns, there was no issue. However, he now realized he had been too complacent.
But then.
Isabelle had laughed lightly when she said that.
–Oh, don't worry too much. Their anxiety isn't due to distrust in you. In fact, in that regard, the Star's Legion is stronger than ever. After all, they've been undefeated and invincible so far.
Undefeated.
Invincible.
In a battlefield where everyone killed or was killed, there was no weightier word than those.
–But what they are anxious about is the future. Their relationship with you, the future in this isolated situation... nothing is clearly established.
–So, strengthening the bond means addressing that anxiety?
Elric finally grasped Isabelle's meaning.
In a situation full of uncertainty, the best way to reassure people is surprisingly simple.
A sense of belonging.
As long as they had comrades and a solid organization to lean on, they would be fine.
Isabelle was advising Elric to create such a tree for them to lean on.
–Officially declare that you will make them the vassals and soldiers of the Melvinger family.
–Of course, just saying so won't be enough, right? You'll need something to shift their interests toward the Melvinger family.
–Something like.
–A weapon that only Melvinger possesses.
Elric suddenly recalled something.
Something Mephisto had once said.
A lord must look at everything from a lord's perspective.
He realized that this was it.
Then, he spent the whole night drafting two books.
'There are certainly many family magic spells that could be shared. But for now, I need to offer something practical for the battlefield.'
So, he chose Body Strengthening Art and Magic Martial Art.
The Body Strengthening Art was something he had modified after learning it from Tiger King Yul, so he judged that with some adjustments, even the soldiers could easily learn it.
Of course, since the magic tower classified it as forbidden magic, he would have to exclude certain elements to avoid detection.
'The real issue is this.'
However, Magic Martial Art was a bit of a concern.
The Magic Martial Art Elric had learned belonged to Night's Chronicle.
He couldn't help but wonder if he should touch it without Augustine's permission.
But Elric soon decided not to worry.
'As long as it's just basic breathing techniques and introductory training, it should be fine.'
His plan was to teach just enough to help them become aware of mana circulation and sharpen their senses.
Since Body Strengthening Art would handle physical training, Magic Martial Art would serve as a supplementary tool.
And above all, Augustine had repeatedly said something.
Once you become the successor of Night's Chronicle, how you handle it is up to you.
Augustine only cared about fulfilling his own hidden desire.
So, whatever Elric did with the Magic Martial Art, now that it belonged to the Melvinger family, its ownership and handling were entirely up to him.
Thus.
After Elric and Isabelle made their decision, the Star's Legion was abuzz all day.
"They're really giving us this?"
"Even for the Melvinger family, this decision wouldn't have been easy."
"Shut up, you fool. It's precisely because it's the Melvinger family that they can make such bold decisions."
"That's true. Lord Elric has always been nothing but bold."
"And doesn't it always feel like he truly cares for us?"
"With this, we can finally break through that wall that's been blocking us!"
Among the soldiers who had joined the Star's Legion, there were certainly those chasing fame and vanity. But most of them had served with a 'just in case' mentality.
They hoped that by following Melvinger family's attempt at a comeback, they might get a share of the spoils or satisfy their long-held thirst.
Certainly, they had learned a lot while serving in the Star's Legion, with the Blue Hawks supporting them.
But that wasn't nearly enough to quench their hunger and thirst.
And now, the reward that had fallen from the sky was much bigger than expected.
Such advanced studies were something even prestigious families or large factions would never offer easily.
You had to prove your identity and loyalty for at least five years before they even considered opening their doors.
But Elric was willing to offer it freely.
It would have been strange if they weren't overjoyed.
Sure, the condition was that they had to officially become part of the Melvinger family, but considering the opportunity for growth, that was no issue at all.
No, instead, it fostered a stronger sense of camaraderie and deepened their attachment to the Melvinger family. A sense of mission, 'I am Melvinger,' began to take root in their hearts.
From that point, the daily routine of the Star's Legion changed dramatically.
Tactical training was temporarily suspended.
Instead, the focus was on enhancing individual skills.
From 6 AM to 8 AM, they practiced the breathing techniques of Magic Martial Art, honing their senses and mana.
After a simple breakfast, they trained the basics of Body Strengthening Art until noon.
And
Until 6 PM, Elric personally went around providing guidance tailored to each individual's level.
To magicians, he taught magic. To martial artists, martial arts. And to the regular soldiers, the studies they wanted.
By this time, Elric had already earned the loyalty of more than half of the Guardians, so he was confident in his abilities.
In fact, he was able to immediately share the insights he gained from many real battles with his vassals.
Remarkable improvement.
Rapid progress.
It felt as if such phrases existed solely for the Star's Legion.
And this enthusiasm naturally spread to other groups in the camp.
"They're doing that, so we can't just sit idly by."
"We can't be outdone by these upstarts. No, of course not."
First, the knights of the Weyl family were inspired to begin personal training.
Then, the Black Skulls followed suit, sparring among their members. The camp was rarely quiet.
On the other hand, those among the troops of Count Franz and Viscount Twork, who had been ordered not to mingle with the Star's Legion, were deeply unsettled.
If one were to be precise, they were the ones who had originally supported the Melvinger family.
Now, they were pushed to the sidelines while others rolled in and took their place. Naturally, their pride was stung.
Of course, the situation arose from decisions their lords had made in the past.
But it was agonizing for them to remain excluded from such enthusiasm.
Envy. Jealousy. Such emotions began to spread among them.
And so, an invisible crack appeared within the camp. As time passed, the rift grew deeper.
But, for now, that atmosphere didn't surface externally. Both Count Caliger and Viscount Kuransibil knew that an internal conflict in enemy territory would put everyone at risk.
Then, after some time had passed.
A new turning point arrived in the monotonous life of the camp.
『Hahaha! I've found it! I've found it!』
[What have you found?]
『Where do you think? Of course, it's the dragon's nest!』
"…?"
Elric tilted his head, unable to understand what Mephisto was saying.
[T/L: You can read ahead chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]