Chapter 36

After everyone had left, Angela approached me, her eyes practically glowing with excitement.

“Hey Asher,” she greeted with a grin. “Thanks for letting me handle the weapons department. When I sat down with the dwarves and discussed forging techniques, I was honestly blown away.”

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself smiling.

“Then I met with a Runesmith,” she continued. “He completely broadened my perspective. The way he integrates magical inscriptions into physical weapons is just ... genius. When all of us finally gathered together, it was like sparks were flying—creatively, I mean. And we ended up creating something new.”

She paused for dramatic effect, clearly proud.

“The compound bow we developed is far stronger than the previous version. With the new enhancements, our archers can hit targets accurately from up to 800 meters away.”

I raised an eyebrow, impressed. “You gave all the elves one?”

She nodded with a wide grin. “Yup. Every elf archer in your army is now equipped with one. Which means—Asher—your entire archer division is probably the most dangerous long-range force on the planet.”

I laughed, genuinely impressed. “How did you manage this feat in such a short amount of time?”

Angela smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. “Thank the dwarves for that. Did you know we currently have five hundred of them in your domain? And among them, we’ve got some absolute legends. There are twenty-one Dragonborn Runesmiths, and seventy Nymph artisans who specialize in fine magical inscription and craftsmanship. Honestly, they’re on another level.”

We chatted for a bit longer, mostly about the crafting process and some of the bow’s new magical properties, when an idea sparked in my mind.

“Angela,” I said thoughtfully, “now that the bow project is complete ... what’s your next target?”

She tilted her head, curious. “Nothing at the moment. Why? Got something in mind?”

I grinned. “How about a sniper rifle for our future assassins’ unit? We don’t have the team yet, but I have a feeling we’ll need one soon.”

Her eyes widened, and before I could say another word, she squealed, spun on her heel, and bolted away, muttering excitedly to herself.

I just laughed and shook my head. Angela never wastes time once she’s got a new challenge.

With a smile still on my face, I turned and made my way toward the War Room—a chamber reserved for the highest level of command. Every major strategy, every operation, every defense mechanism of the domain was planned within those walls. It was the heart of our tactical command. And now, it was time to see what new developments awaited.

When I entered the War Room, the atmosphere was dense with focus. The Lord Commanders stood around the central strategy table, their eyes locked on intricate figures and shifting mana-infused maps. Quiet murmurs and thoughtful frowns filled the space.

As I stepped closer, Ravrik Fenrir, ever sharp-eyed, noticed me first. He gave a respectful nod, and the others followed suit as I approached.

Once I reached the table, we exchanged brief, efficient greetings—a sign of mutual respect and the urgency of the moment.

“So,” I asked, glancing over the table, “what’s going on here?”

Sir Aldric Valtorian, the seasoned war tactician and one of the most analytical minds in the room, spoke up.

“Thanks to Veydrak Stormfang, our construction capabilities have taken a massive leap forward. His earth mages are extraordinary—we can now raise fortresses or entire residential blocks in a matter of days. And the recent addition of the magical beasts you’ve brought in has dramatically strengthened our mana reserves. For that, we owe you thanks.”

I gave him a nod, appreciating the acknowledgment.

He gestured toward the central war table, where an elaborate display made from shimmering Carbolium—a rare and sturdy magical material—represented the factions of our growing force.

“We were reviewing our strengths and identifying current vulnerabilities. Let me walk you through our formations.”

He pointed to the first cluster, a formidable formation of 1011 carved figures, each bearing the distinct draconic features of Dragonborn warriors.

“This is Veydrak Stormfang and his elite swordsmen. They form the core of our front-line strength—masters of the blade. Their soul beasts are the fearsome AeshenFang Drakelings, paired with Dewhorn Stags for enhanced mana flow.”

He then moved his hand toward another formation—lean, muscular figures with alert postures and wild energy.

“Here we have Ravrik Fenrir and the Werewolves—our trackers and hunters. Their instincts in the wild are unmatched. They’ve bonded with the Embergaze Bats for aerial surveillance and the Dewhorn Stags to augment their physical prowess.”

He then gestured to the next elegant, disciplined group.

“Vaelis Sylvaris leads the Elven Archers. Masters of precision and silence. They’ve bonded with the Night Stalker Weasels for stealth and sensory enhancement, alongside the Dewhorn Stags to extend their magical reserves.”

His finger moved again, now resting on larger, more muscular statues with powerful weapons.

“Gorthak Ironhorn and his Minotaurs. They form our axe-wielding shock troops. Their bond with the Warcry Rocs enhances their ferocity and coordination on the battlefield, while the Dewhorn Stags support their stamina.”

Then, he pointed to a sleek group with powerful lower bodies and long lances.

“Here’s Thorn Stormhoof and the Centaurs, our mounted Lancer Division. Swift and deadly in open terrain. They’ve bonded with Swift Fang Gryths, beasts bred for speed and battle reflexes, and as with others, Dewhorns for sustained energy.”

Finally, Aldric gestured to two more groups: one smaller, graceful, and glowing faintly, and the other, large—nearly four thousand strong—comprised of simple, neutral forms.

“These last two were under discussion,” Aldric said, looking to me for answers. “The smaller group represents the Nymphs, and the larger group, the Humans—unassigned and awaiting direction. They haven’t been sorted into specific divisions yet. We weren’t sure what roles they were intended for.”

He straightened slightly and added, “Thanks for arriving when you did. Please, enlighten us.”

I nodded, stepping closer to the table as the commanders watched attentively.

“As you’ve all noticed,” I began, my voice steady and clear, “every soldier, commander, and Lord Commander here has bonded with not one, but two soul beasts. It’s a mark of trust, strength, and the unity we’re building here. Let me begin with the Nymphs.”

I gestured toward the smaller group of radiant figures.

“The Nymphs are our support division. Each of them has bonded with an Elemental Dewsprite Pixie—a creature capable of manipulating elements to heal, reinforce, or bolster magical effects. Just like the rest of us, their second bond is with the Dewhorn Stag, our universal mana booster and protective companion.”

As I finished, one of the aides—sharp, efficient—stepped forward. With practiced precision, he guided the 2000 Nymph figures into a neat formation and then stepped back silently. I gave him a small nod of thanks and turned back to the table.

“Now for the Humans, currently our most numerous and versatile force. Their roles are just as vital. Let me break them down.”

The aide stepped forward again, ready.

“First, we have those bonded with the Mindlink Vulpin. These fox-like creatures possess psychic links and unparalleled sensory range. These humans are our scouts.”

The aide extracted 1011 figures from the large group, arranging them into tight, flexible squads. A small flag bearing the Scout sigil was placed beside the leader.

“Second, those bonded with the Aegisbrute Collosan—massive, shield-bearing beasts with skin tougher than fortress walls. These are our Shield Experts, ideal for frontline defense and protective formations.”

Another 1011 figures were neatly arranged, a shield-crest banner raised beside them.

“Third, we have the ones bonded with Cinderbug Imps. These fiery, mischievous creatures excel in disruption, destruction, and explosive mechanics. These humans are our Siege Experts.”

This time, 506 figures were organized, and siege engine miniatures were placed in front to represent their role.

“Fourth, the ones bonded with Titanback Behemoths—immense creatures that function as mobile fortresses. They can carry whole outposts, field hospitals, and supply units on their backs. Both Nymphs and Humans will work together in this group for support operations.”

101 figures were moved into a straight, solid line, representing their immovable resolve.

“For the fifth group, I haven’t assigned a beast yet. These 1011 humans will become our Messengers—swift, discreet, and critical for relaying information across regions.”

The figures were moved, and a Messenger flag was set next to the new unit.

“They’ll be paired with our scouts and, once properly equipped, will be spread throughout our territory in pairs. Their reach will expand over time, but for now, they’ll remain within the borders of our kingdom.”

I paused, letting the gravity of their future responsibilities settle among the gathered commanders.

“Sixth, our future Assassins. This division will begin with 202 humans—carefully selected, highly trained, and soon to be equipped with new weapons designed by Angela herself.”

As the group was placed and marked with a darker banner bearing the symbol of silence, a subtle hush fell over the room.

“These individuals will work in shadows, and once I find the right beast companions for them, they’ll become a force that no enemy can see coming—until it’s too late.”

Finally, I looked at the remaining human figures. “Train the rest to be elite guards. These will be assigned to protect my future concubines and serve as personal escorts and bodyguards. They’ll be trained not just in combat, but in loyalty, discretion, and etiquette.”

The aide carefully removed the last unassigned figures from the table.

With the board now set, I looked at each of the Lord Commanders, their eyes burning with purpose.

“We’ve come a long way in a short time—but we still have a long road ahead.”

Before turning to leave, I offered them one final instruction.

“Please, begin discussing promotions among yourselves. Recognize potential. Train leadership. Day after tomorrow, I want each of you to collect your official crests and medallions from the Crest Maker.