"Maybe someone from the Black Crow exchange?"
"OMG! Are they planning to get revenge on you, my lord?"
"Maybe."
"Then that's a big problem!"
Kane chuckled softly, watching Camilla's intense reaction.
"That was an issue when I was weaker. Besides, the Black Crow exchange is in a state of emergency right now, so they won't risk coming after me."
"What kind of emergency?"
"They're facing the biggest crisis in their history."
The entire Black Crow exchange organization was on the verge of falling into Hatzfeld's hands. They were looking for a way to overcome this crisis. They would use all their resources to find a place that could save the Black Crow exchange. One such place was Rehinar.
"But if the Black Crow exchange is in crisis, wouldn't it be better not to get involved with them?"
"No, those guys must come to that mill."
The mill was a building that could enhance fortune. If it was well-managed, it could increase luck and probability. It could produce unexpected valuable items. Moreover, to use their information, they needed to stay close to the Black Crow exchange. It was wise to have them move in.
"If that's what you think, my lord… I suppose it's futile to try and stop you, Chief?"
"It's a dangerous thought, but… we have no choice but to keep a close watch on the Black Crow exchange."
Once again, Daniel did not protest. He seemed resigned but also trusting. However, he did give a word of caution.
"My lord, since you seem to know the true nature of the Black Crow exchange, allow me to say a few things."
"Go ahead."
"The Black Crow exchange do not forget grudges."
"I know."
"They are more tenacious and relentless than any other group."
"I know that too."
"But if you show them grace, they will give their lives without hesitation."
Except for the leaders, the rest of the Black Crow exchange were commoners, people living on the fringes of society. They had no concept of kindness. Yet, they understood gratitude. Showing grace to the Black Crow exchange was exceedingly difficult. They had always handled everything themselves, rarely needing a noble's help. Giving bribes to Dyer was merely for convenience, a signal to stay out of each other's business.
"To build a relationship with them, you must show them grace."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Kane already knew this. Just as the Black Crow exchange's wings were about to be clipped, if he saved them, he could earn their gratitude.
"Then, everyone, keep up the good work. Camilla, you have a special task."
"Yes Sir!"
Camilla's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. The thought of being able to help Kane filled her with eagerness.
* * *
Kane and Camilla went towards the western gate.
"Attention!"
Eric, the head of the guards, saluted sharply.
"Gather everyone."
At Kane's command, the scattered soldiers quickly assembled. Their disciplined appearance was impressive—true soldiers indeed.
"From now on, you will handle all your lodging and training at this new training center."
He pointed to two newly constructed soldier training centers.
—
[Soldier Training Center (Lv.1)]
Description: You know you need strong soldiers to protect your territory, right?
Tip! You need to build two training centers to quickly recruit soldiers.
Effect: Security +10, Combat Training +100%, Survival Rate +10%
—
"Camilla here will be your instructor and will train you rigorously. Understood?"
"Understood!"
"And one more thing."
Kane scanned the soldiers before speaking again.
"If you hold on just a little longer, you will be rewarded for all the unpaid work you've done so far. Just hang in there until then."
These were the ones who had worked tirelessly for the fallen Rehinar. In the past, they had been mercilessly killed during a mutated monster invasion, with no survivors. This time would be different.
"I will make sure you all survive."
The soldiers nodded at Kane's words, filled with trust.
"I leave their training to you."
"Do you think I can do it well?"
"Absolutely."
Camilla had been promoted to Iron Knight. She had a hidden trait: 'Military Training Instructor.' Though this trait had not yet fully developed, if it blossomed, the soldiers trained by her would see a significant improvement.
"It's only temporary, so just handle it for a while."
"Hehe. Got it."
Camilla replied with a bright smile. Kane patted her head affectionately before turning to leave.
"Where are you going?"
"To Mikhail."
He waved to her and walked towards the forge where Mikhail was.
* * *
Bang!
The forge was built somewhat away from the marketplace. It was in a separated area within the commercial district, far from the shops.
This was done with the future arrival of workshops in mind, as forges tend to be noisy places.
"You certainly look the part of a blacksmith, working so hard with that hammer."
Bang!
Clang, clang, clang!
The sound of the hammer striking was quite lively, almost rhythmic in the midst of the noise.
—
[Mikhail's Forge (Lv.1)]
Grade: ★☆☆☆☆
Description: Equipment is everything! No matter how strong you are, fighting barehanded means you could lose to someone fully equipped. Buy some gear and feel the power of well-equipped items.
Effect: Health, Strength +20%, Equipment Refinement +50%
Additional Effect: Blacksmith Job Recruitment Available
—
"Good gear is essential. But in this game, to feel the power of good gear, you have to spend money."
This was one of the reasons the game had failed. The amount of required spending was far greater than anticipated, and there were many restrictions. What was the point of crafting or obtaining a high-level weapon if you couldn't use it?
"Even if you pull a 5-star weapon, you can't wield it if your stats don't meet the requirements."
Kane was an underachiever, with all his stats below average. No matter how good a weapon was, he couldn't use it if his stats were insufficient. Therefore, he hadn't bothered with equipment draws until now. Besides, many good weapons were yet to be unlocked. Most importantly, his priority was to unlock the currently closed storyline. Drawing equipment could wait until later.
"I have my ways."
Who was he, after all? He had almost reached the end of the game's storyline. He knew ways to bypass the need for immediate equipment draws.
"I didn't take Mikhail from Hatzfeld for nothing."
The Pervatz family was one of the top three blacksmithing families on the continent, possessing skills rivaling those of the dwarves. Mikhail was the sole heir of Pervatz. With his determination, there was nothing he couldn't forge.
'Although Mikhail needs more practice at the moment.'
Kane held a piece of paper in his hand. The paper was heavily stained, indicating how much it had been handled, turning from white to a yellowish color.
"Mikhail, I'm here."
Bang!
Mikhail, shirtless, stopped hammering the metal.
"You've come?"
"How does it feel to be hammering metal again after such a long time?"
"It brings peace to my mind. But what brings you here?"
"I want you to make this weapon."
Kane handed the paper to Mikhail, who looked at it quizzically.
"What is this scribble that looks like a worm crawling?"
Kane's eyebrow twitched. Worm? How could he compare it to a worm?
"It's a weapon blueprint."
"Did you draw this, my lord?"
"That's why I brought it to you."
"Next time, refrain from drawing anything. It appears you lack talent in that area."
Mikhail's criticism was harsh. Kane wanted to snap back but restrained himself. Getting angry would only validate the worm comparison. Meanwhile, Mikhail studied the blueprint, his expression shifting between frowning and neutral. Eventually, he spoke again.
"How did you come to know about such a peculiar weapon?"
The blueprint depicted two swords with blades standing side by side, a gap visible in the middle of the blade. The design allowed the swords to combine into a spear when the handles were joined.
"That's a secret."
Kane's subtle revenge for being called out on his drawing skills.
"My lord, it seems you are getting worked up."
"No, I'm not."
"It appears you are."
Mikhail had a knack for getting under people's skin.
"Enough. Can you make it in ten days?"
"Impossible."
"With the fire of Pervatz at your disposal, it's still impossible?"
It was just practice anyway. This was merely a rehearsal before crafting with the material called 'Bloodsteel,' which he would obtain later.
"Hmm…"
"The ancestors of Pervatz would be weeping in hell."
Kane's taunt successfully provoked Mikhail.
"I need good materials."
"I heard you received high-quality mana stones as a reward for winning in the arena."
"Are you saying I should use my collected materials to make your weapon?"
Mikhail looked incredulous, and Kane responded with shameless confidence.
"I'll find the Flame Emperor's Spear for you. I promise."
"Talk to me after you bring it to me."
"Consider this an advance."
"You're no different from a thief."
Mikhail shook his head. The new lord he served was extremely brazen, but he didn't dislike it. Kane's bright face and intense eyes were those of a true madman. In this era of power, such a crazy person was bound to survive for a long time.
"Come back in ten days."
"I will."
"Make sure you pay me properly once the weapon is made."
With that, Mikhail turned and began working on the weapon.
"By the way, I'll be borrowing these."
"Do as you please."
Kane picked up two swords lying in the forge. They were basic swords, typically used by beginners. He took them and headed to the western gate.
—
[Blue Tiger's Breath has been Activated (D).]
—
"Things are starting to take shape."
Outside the castle, thick fog hung in the air.
"With magic and morale mixed, Hatzfeld must be beyond that."
In truth, the uprising of mutated monsters wasn't just happenstance. It was provoked by the Hatzfeld royal family. During the reign of Ray, it was Hatzfeld's own scenario designed to take over Rehinar.
"Hatzfeld is confident that Rehinar will suffer a major blow. But it will be the opposite."
Now it was Kane, not Ray, contemplating how to counter the opponent's moves. He envisioned strategies in his mind.
"Shall we start hunting the little mice?"
Thinking of ways to defy Hatzfeld's expectations exhilarated him.