As the meeting concluded, Keel lingered, his thoughts drifting to the days ahead. The bandits were a threat, but they were also an opportunity, a test of the foundation he was building. This time, he would be ready.
Making a plausible plan was essential. With that in mind, Keel jotted down bullet points on a piece of parchment:
Complete the outer defensive zone, including archer towers and fortifying the wall.
Conduct standard militia drills, led by Darius.
Provide advanced training for the 20 individuals with the highest performance.
Keel also realized the importance of implementing a salary system to motivate and sustain the workforce:
Currency System: 100 bronze = 1 silver, 100 silver = 1 gold.
Territory Guards: The 20 selected for this role would receive a monthly salary of 5 silvers.
General Professions: Harvesters, supervisors, and others would earn based on merit, with salaries ranging from 1 to 3 silvers. Harder work would yield better pay.
Specialized Roles: Blacksmiths, doctors, and advanced warriors would be compensated according to their contributions. For example, Darius, as the military general, would start at 1 gold and 50 silvers. Alex, despite his A-grade talent, would earn 75 silvers for now.
Keel knew these amounts would have to increase as the territory grew, but for now, this was all he could afford.
With preparations complete, Keel left the meeting room and headed for the city center to address the villagers. He gestured to Alex, who began gathering everyone. At the heart of the settlement, a simple wooden platform had been constructed for Keel to stand on.
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Keel surveyed the crowd, a mix of refugees who, just hours ago, had looked lost and hopeless. Now, there was a spark of belief returning to their eyes. The murmurs quieted as they awaited his words.
Standing tall, his figure framed by the last rays of sunlight before nightfall, Keel exuded a calm authority. The villagers watched him with admiration, one thought silently shared among them:
"Handsome."
Keel began, his voice clear and steady. "Let me be the first to say that what you have accomplished in such a short time is nothing short of incredible."
He paused, letting the compliment land before continuing. "But growing complacent is dangerous. Earlier today, Darius, our military general, suffered an attack by bandits."
A ripple of worry swept through the crowd as they exchanged uneasy glances.
"It is not my intention to scare you," Keel reassured them, "but to remind you of the reality we face. That is why we must act swiftly. I will not ask you to work without reward."
He straightened, his tone firm. "Starting today, we will implement a salary system. Hard work will be recognized and rewarded, and every effort you make will build toward a better future."
The militia, for example, will receive 5 silvers per month, along with bonuses based on their contributions. Specialized roles, like Alex's, will also receive fair compensation, ensuring that everyone's efforts are valued."
Hushed whispers spread through the crowd, a mixture of curiosity and hope. Keel continued, sensing the need to inspire confidence.
"To those who excel, opportunities for advancement await. We will train and grow stronger together. The bandits may see us as an easy target, but they will find a united front, a community that protects what it builds."
He stepped forward, his eyes meeting as many of theirs as possible. "I know many of you came here seeking safety and a fresh start. I promise you this: we will create a home worth defending. A place where our children can thrive, and where every effort you make today builds a brighter tomorrow."
The crowd remained silent for a moment, his words sinking in. Then, one by one, voices began to cheer, the sound swelling into a resounding roar of approval. Keel allowed himself a small smile. The challenges ahead were daunting, but as he looked at the faces of his people, he felt the weight of their trust—and their determination.
Tomorrow, the real work would begin.
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With the villagers finishing their last tasks for the day and heading to their temporary shelters, Keel's night was only just beginning.
Making his way toward the outer wall, he quickly got to work reinforcing the already sturdy barrier. Identifying weak spots, Keel fortified them while constructing temporary elevated platforms. Though intended for eventual archers, he decided against building archer towers. The resources needed for towers were better spent elsewhere, especially with no trained archers available. For now, the platforms would suffice for scouting and throwing spears if necessary.
Keel's efforts didn't stop there. He constructed pits lined with spikes, scattered small obstacles throughout key areas, and reinforced defensive positions behind the village gate, meant as a final fallback in case the outer defenses failed.
As the light dimmed and night settled over the village, Keel knew it was time to regroup with his advisors. Retracing his steps, he returned to the meeting room and was surprised to find Lara already waiting with Darius and Alex.
"She does fit in well..." Keel thought silently to himself, his eyes lingering on her.
For a brief moment, he found it hard to look away. Her beauty was striking, undeniably so, and it caught him off guard. Coughing lightly, Keel forced himself to refocus. Romance was a distraction he couldn't afford right now. Time was too precious, and he had responsibilities that left no room for personal indulgence.
"Not that she's interested anyway," he mused, shaking the thought from his mind.
"Let's get to work," he said firmly, his tone signaling that it was time to focus.
As Keel sat down at the table, Darius and Alex assumed their usual places on either side of him. Lara, meanwhile, settled gracefully across from him, her composed demeanor masking the quiet intensity that burned in her eyes.
Keel took a deep breath, steadying himself. "We need to do as follows..."
The conversation unfolded with precision, each of them contributing their insights as they refined the plans for the days ahead. Keel guided the discussion, his voice calm but firm, ensuring every angle was considered and every resource accounted for.
One by one, they began to depart, their tasks for the night set. Darius offered a curt nod, Alex left with a confident stride, and even Lara, after a lingering glance, slipped silently into the shadows beyond the doorway.
Left alone, Keel leaned back in his chair, his face illuminated by the faint flicker of the single candle burning in the room. Its wavering light danced in his eyes, reflecting the weight of his thoughts—thoughts that remained unreadable to anyone but himself.
The silence was heavy, the kind that seemed to stretch into the night. Keel rested his elbows on the table, his fingers curled in front of him. Was it enough? Could it ever be enough?
For now, only the dim flame bore witness to the questions swirling within him.