The news of the gang's destruction spread rapidly across the royal capital, and it stirred a wave of emotions among the people. For the commoners, it was a moment of relief and hope. The Crimson Blades, a gang that had terrorized their lives for years, were no more. Whispers about the young king's bold decision were on everyone's lips.
"Did you hear? His Majesty ordered the raid!"
"They say Captain Luke killed the gang's leader himself!"
"Perhaps the king is different from his father... Maybe he'll bring change."
But while the common people dared to hope, the nobility and the councilmen viewed Roman's actions with skepticism and disdain. Inside the grand council hall, Prime Minister Velden Rohein sat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes surveying the room filled with murmuring councilmen.
"Destroying one gang changes nothing," a councilman said, his voice tinged with irritation. "This is a problem that has plagued us for decades. Another gang will rise to replace the Crimson Blades."
"It's reckless behavior," another chimed in. "The boy has only been king for a week, and already he's making decisions like this? He doesn't understand the politics or the consequences of his actions."
Velden raised a hand, silencing the room. "You're all missing the point. This isn't about one gang. The king's actions are stirring the people. They are beginning to believe in him, and that belief is dangerous for us. If he continues down this path, his position will solidify, and we will lose our influence over the council."
One of the more cautious councilmen asked, "What do you suggest we do, Prime Minister?"
Velden's lips curled into a subtle smile. "We wait. The boy is inexperienced and impulsive. Let him make his mistakes. When the time is right, we will act."
Meanwhile, Roman stood in the castle courtyard, addressing the seventy soldiers who had survived the battle. Their transformation was evident; once weak and unsure, they now stood firm, their eyes burning with newfound determination. Clad in freshly issued armor and armed with new swords, they looked like seasoned warriors. Roman could feel their loyalty, unwavering and absolute.
"You've done well," he began, his voice steady and commanding. "You've proven your courage and loyalty in battle. Today, you stand not just as soldiers but as the foundation of something far greater."
The soldiers stood at attention, their expressions resolute. They knew they were part of something important, something that could change the fate of the kingdom.
"In this kingdom, aura swordsmen are rare," Roman continued. "Captain Luke is the only 4-star aura swordsman we have, and even 3-star aura swordsmen can be counted on one hand. But I believe in your potential. With time, training, and battle,
The week passed quickly, and Roman once again found himself facing the transparent panel. This time, it displayed Troops - 700. The number brought a mix of relief and anticipation. He knew that the time for a bold gamble had arrived, one that could define his reign as king. Summoning the 700 troops to the garden, Roman divided them into seven groups, each comprising ten seasoned veterans and one hundred newly summoned soldiers.
Standing before them, Roman's expression was firm. "You will act in unison to eradicate the seven largest gangs in the capital," he declared. "Be discreet—no swords or armor. Strike quickly and efficiently. Remember, survival is a test of strength. Prove your worth."
Though the soldiers listened silently, the air was thick with tension. Even Luke, Roman's most trusted advisor and the kingdom's only known 4-star Aura Swordsman, couldn't hide his unease. "Your Majesty, the casualties could be devastating," Luke warned.
Roman met his gaze. "The survivors will grow stronger. This isn't just about the capital—it's about building warriors. Trust me, Luke."
---
Night fell over the capital, and the assault began. The gangs, confident in their dominion, were utterly unprepared for the coordinated attacks. Yet, despite the element of surprise, the fighting was brutal and unrelenting.
The Black Fangs, entrenched in their eastern district stronghold, fell quickly, though not without significant losses. Roman's forces had underestimated the gang's hidden defenses, and nearly half of the group perished in the assault.
In the southern district, the Silver Serpents proved to be an even fiercer foe. Known for their traps and ambush tactics, they inflicted heavy casualties on Roman's troops before being wiped out. The fighting here was particularly savage, and only a handful of Roman's men emerged alive.
Similar battles played out across the city as Roman's forces clashed with the Iron Skulls, Blood Ravens, Shadow Blades, Stone Vipers, and Crimson Suns. Each gang fought with a desperation born of knowing their time was up, and the death toll on both sides mounted rapidly. By the end of the night, nearly 70% of Roman's forces had been wiped out.
---
As dawn broke, the surviving soldiers began returning to the castle. Out of the original 700, fewer than 200 remained. The courtyard was filled with the wounded and weary, their faces marked by exhaustion and loss. Yet, something extraordinary had occurred during the battles.
Roman's soldiers, who had fought and killed relentlessly, had begun to evolve. The memories imparted by the panel explained the phenomenon: during battle, the system allowed for growth and transformation. Among the survivors, four men had emerged as 1-star Aura Swordsmen, their strength and presence markedly different from before.
The newly ascended Aura Swordsmen stood apart from the others, their forms radiating faint auras of power. Roman stepped forward, his gaze moving over each of them. "You've achieved something extraordinary," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Aura Swordsmen are rare in this kingdom, and yet, here you are. You are the foundation of this kingdom's future."
The remaining soldiers, though battered, had also grown stronger. Each one bore the scars of battle, both physical and mental, but they carried themselves with newfound confidence. The losses had been steep, but the gains were undeniable.
Luke approached Roman, his expression a mix of admiration and concern. "Your Majesty, the cost was high, but the results speak for themselves. Four Aura Swordsmen in one night... that's unheard of."
Roman nodded. "This is just the beginning, Luke. The road ahead is dangerous, but these men will form the backbone of our kingdom's strength. With each battle, we'll grow stronger."
The capital buzzed with rumors of the king's audacious strike against the gangs. The people celebrated the destruction of the criminal networks, though many were unaware of the heavy price paid. In the council chambers, Prime Minister Velden Rohein seethed with frustration.
"He's reckless," Velden muttered, pacing the room. "He's throwing away lives to play soldier. But these results... they're unsettling. The people are beginning to rally behind him. This cannot continue."
Roman, however, was undeterred. Standing in the garden where the battles had been planned, he stared at the transparent panel, already planning his next move. The kingdom was far from safe, but with each passing day, his forces grew stronger, and his resolve deepened.
As the sun rose higher, Roman allowed himself a small smile. For the first time since waking in this world, he felt like a king.