The night had settled over Stonehold, casting a soft glow over the recently conquered settlement. The people of Stonehold had begun to accept their new reality, working alongside the soldiers of Eagle's Reach to fortify the town and continue operations in the stone quarry. With the quarry now under his control, Kayl knew that the materials it produced would be vital for strengthening his fortifications and expanding his influence.
As Kayl stood near the quarry, the hum of the system echoed in his mind, drawing his attention. A notification appeared before him, glowing softly in the dim light.
Quest Complete: Secure Stonehold
Status: Success
Gold Earned: 10,000 gold coins
Bonus: 500 Militia Gained
Kayl allowed a small smile to cross his lips. The 10,000 gold would go a long way toward reinforcing both Eagle's Reach and Stonehold, and the addition of 500 militia gave him a much-needed boost in manpower. However, just as he began to close the interface, another notification appeared—one that caught him by surprise.
Hidden Quest Completed: No Blood on Thy Hands
Objective: Secure a settlement without any bloodshed
Reward: System Upgrade Unlocked
System Upgrade: Quests grant more gold
System Upgrade: Troop Summoning Cost Reduced by 50%
New Troops Unlocked: Shield Warriors, Two-Handed Swordsmen, Crossbowmen, Knights
Kayl's heart raced as he processed the new information. Not only had he secured Stonehold without bloodshed, but the hidden quest had unlocked a powerful system upgrade. The cost of summoning troops had been cut in half, and future quests would now yield even greater gold rewards.
And then there were the new troop types: Shield Warriors, Two-Handed Swordsmen, Crossbowmen, and Knights. These units weren't just stronger—they were specialized, capable of adding layers of strategy and versatility to his growing army.
The System Shop Update
As Kayl absorbed the hidden rewards, a new notification blinked in the corner of his vision. Curious, he opened the Shop Update, and his eyes widened as he took in the full list of troops now available for summoning.
Available Units for Summoning
Basic Units (Cost: 1 gold per unit):
• Swordsmen
• Spearmen
• Archers
• Militia
Elite Units (Cost: 2 gold per unit):
• Elite Swordsmen
• Elite Spearmen
• Elite Archers
Unique Units (Cost: 3 gold per unit):
• Shield Warriors
• Two-Handed Swordsmen
• Crossbowmen
• Knights
Each unit had its own unique strengths and role to play in his growing army. The basic troops—Swordsmen, Spearmen, Archers, and Militia—were the foundation of any force. Inexpensive at 1 gold per unit, they were ideal for swelling the ranks and holding the line.
The elite versions—Elite Swordsmen, Elite Spearmen, and Elite Archers—cost 2 gold per unit. These units were tougher and better equipped, capable of withstanding greater punishment and dealing more damage than their basic counterparts. They would form the core of any serious fighting force.
But the unique units were where the true potential lay. For 3 gold per unit, Kayl could summon the best of the best:
• Shield Warriors with large, reinforced shields, perfect for creating an impenetrable defensive line.
• Two-Handed Swordsmen who wielded massive swords capable of breaking through enemy formations with raw power.
• Crossbowmen who provided devastating ranged firepower, their bolts able to pierce heavy armor at a distance.
• Knights, fully armored cavalry, riding into battle on armored warhorses, designed for swift charges and breaking enemy lines with their sheer momentum.
Kayl couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The diversity of his available units meant that his army was now far more than just a force of foot soldiers. It was becoming a well-rounded, strategic fighting force capable of handling a wide range of enemies and battle conditions.
Summoning the New Forces
With his gold still available from the conquest of Stonehold and the troop summoning cost reduced by 50%, Kayl opened the system's summoning menu and began to plan his next steps. The cost reductions meant he could summon twice as many troops as before.
Gold Available: 10,000
Summon 1,500 Elite Swordsmen (50% Off)?
Cost: 3,000 gold coins
Kayl confirmed the command, and the summoning circle beneath him glowed brightly. One by one, the Elite Swordsmen materialized in front of him, their armor gleaming in the torchlight. Their shields and swords were polished and ready for combat, and they moved with the disciplined precision of seasoned warriors.
Next, Kayl scrolled down to the unique units. He still had enough gold to summon a powerful array of specialized forces.
Summon 200 Shield Warriors (50% Off)?
Cost: 600 gold coins
Summon 150 Two-Handed Swordsmen (50% Off)?
Cost: 450 gold coins
Summon 150 Crossbowmen (50% Off)?
Cost: 450 gold coins
Summon 100 Knights (50% Off)?
Cost: 300 gold coins
Each unit appeared in a burst of magical energy. The Shield Warriors emerged first, their massive shields gleaming in the low light, their armor reinforced to withstand heavy punishment. The Two-Handed Swordsmen followed, each carrying a massive sword with ease, their faces set with grim determination. The Crossbowmen were the next to appear, each soldier equipped with a sleek crossbow designed for deadly precision at long range. Finally, the Knights materialized, their warhorses snorting and pawing at the ground, ready to charge into battle.
Gold Remaining: 5,200 coins
New Forces Added: 1,500 Elite Swordsmen, 200 Shield Warriors, 150 Two-Handed Swordsmen, 150 Crossbowmen, 100 Knights
Kayl watched as the unique units and elite forces assembled before him. The variety and strength of his army were now leagues beyond what he had commanded during the defense of Eagle's Reach. His army was no longer simply a defensive force—it was a force capable of conquering new territories and standing against the might of the Xavarian Empire.
Preparing for What Comes Next
As the new troops began to organize themselves into formations, Kayl turned to Rael and Tessa, who had been watching the summoning process with growing astonishment. The sheer number and variety of the newly summoned soldiers had transformed the army of Eagle's Reach from a fledgling force into a proper military unit—one capable of both defense and conquest.
Rael, ever pragmatic, stepped forward first, his eyes scanning the ranks of Elite Swordsmen, Shield Warriors, Two-Handed Swordsmen, and the imposing Knights. "This… this changes everything," he muttered, barely able to keep the awe from his voice. "With these troops, we could take on almost anything. You've turned Eagle's Reach into a true power, Kayl."
Kayl nodded, still taking in the sight of his newly formed army. The system's upgrade, combined with the troop variety, had made his forces far more formidable than he had dared hope. But despite the power at his disposal, he knew that this was just the beginning. The Xavarian Empire would not stay idle for long, and he had to be prepared for the day when they would come seeking revenge for their previous defeat.
"We're growing stronger," Kayl said, his tone measured, "but this isn't enough yet. The empire will send more forces—larger, stronger—and I intend for us to be ready. With these new troops, we'll begin fortifying Stonehold and Eagle's Reach. The stone from the quarry will allow us to build walls that will stand against any siege."
Tessa, always the strategist, glanced toward the horizon. "You're right. The empire won't let us grow unchecked. But with the unique units we've unlocked, we can begin to expand strategically. I suggest we station some of the Knights and Crossbowmen at Stonehold for defense. They'll be invaluable if the Xavarians come looking for an easy target."
Kayl agreed. "We'll send a portion of the army to garrison Stonehold and ensure its protection. The Knights will serve as mobile units, ready to strike quickly if needed, while the Crossbowmen will take advantage of the elevated positions the quarry offers."
Rael folded his arms, his face serious. "What about Eagle's Reach? We need to make sure it remains the center of our operations. If the Xavarians hit us hard, it'll be there."
Kayl's expression hardened. "We'll focus on reinforcing the walls with the stone from the quarry and continue to summon troops to bolster our defenses. Eagle's Reach will become a fortress—not just a settlement."
As the troops began to march toward their assigned positions, Kayl couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. His forces were growing, his territory expanding, and his power increasing with each step. But with that power came new challenges. The Xavarian Empire would soon learn of his conquest of Stonehold, and when they did, they would return with even greater numbers.
But Kayl was no longer the leader of a small, isolated settlement. He commanded a growing army, and with the system's upgrades, his potential for expansion had only just begun. The hidden rewards had granted him more than just strength—they had given him the tools to build an empire.
And he intended to use them.