Chapter 547: Improvement

Just as anxious as Facundo was Flame Wing, one of the three supreme leaders of the Holy Tempest.

He had expected the Kingdom of Auduin to fall into prolonged chaos after losing its king—perhaps even descend into a war of succession.

But he had underestimated Ronin’s influence. Not only did no succession war erupt, but the unrest lasted less than half a month.

Now, Auduin had not only stabilized, but many nobles were charging toward Trisia like men drunk on stimulants.

Though he and Taro had successfully turned the Duchy of Faelensburg and the Duchy of Vela to their side, stalling the forces from Gistana and Wushan,

the front at Moorhold had suffered defeat, and Blackthorn faced immense pressure from the noble coalition of Twinpeak Ridge and Redpine Keep.

“If I’d known, Selandir and I should have developed in secret longer—shouldn’t have rushed to seize Magmafire.”

Had they grown stronger first before striking, the situation would be far better now.

Yet they’d been misled by intelligence suggesting there were barely any Solar-tier beings on this continent—an illusion that inflated their confidence.

Now both his lieutenants were dead, and with no way to sail across the Storm Sea back to Crescent Continent for reinforcements, his position was dire.

Moorhold.

After returning to Wubei City, Ronin heard from Tom that Ridal and McKenn had taken the city—and without delay, he rode straight here.

Closing the population registry in his hands, familiar words shimmered before his eyes:

【Achievement "Thriving Population" unlocked. Attribute Points +30,000. Energy Essences +60,000】

Moorhold and its surrounding towns held over 160,000 souls. With Misthaven and Watchfort—each boasting populations in the hundreds of thousands—Ronin’s domain now surpassed one million subjects, fulfilling the highest tier of the "Thriving Population" achievement.

Ronin glanced at his achievement panel—another completed task crossed off.

Only three remained capable of granting him attribute points: "Renowned Across the Land," "King of Carnage," and "Conqueror of Cities."

Yet even these were nearing their end.

Opening his attribute sheet, he found 30,825 points and 64,650 energy essences accumulated after nearly three months—now boosted further by this reward.

He spent every point, elevating himself to a new threshold:

【Level】: 10 - Legendary Knight (40,000/40,000); 10 - Legendary Mage (16,857/60,000)

As power surged through his body, he sensed the soul-binding chains devouring themselves—half gone now.

“My knightly cultivation has reached legendary apex. My magical cultivation still lacks over forty thousand points.”

Glancing again at the achievement panel, he realized capturing another major city with over a hundred thousand inhabitants would complete "Conqueror of Cities," granting twenty thousand more points.

But it wouldn’t be enough.

To bridge the gap and transcend legend into sagehood, he must either hunt down other legends—or become a king.

Having settled his own affairs, Ronin turned to distributing the energy essences.

Ridal had already ascended to legendary rank—one of only three such beings on Orlande—and with his unique secret techniques, could likely stand against Flame Wing. No need to bolster him yet.

As for Carlos, currently late-stage Tier 8, he was sufficient for spearheading assaults. But promoting him to legendary would require over a hundred thousand essences—more than available. For now, impossible.

Thus, the essence was better invested in McKenn and Elron.

Considering McKenn commanded the eastern front, Ronin decided to elevate him to Solar-tier first, then allocate the remainder to Elron.

With over sixty thousand essences, and based on his calculations, raising both to Tier 9 should be more than feasible.

“Ridal.”

“My lord?”

“The main campaign falls to you. Besides our own forces, the nobles listed here will join the coalition army—under your command alone.”

Ronin handed him the roster agreed upon at Goldenfeather Palace.

“How to fight, where to strike—I leave those decisions to you. But my demand remains unchanged: spare innocent civilians whenever possible. Approach conquest with governance in mind. That said, for those who resist fiercely—show no mercy.”

Ridal took the list, scanning briefly. Over thirty nobles, great and small—their combined armies substantial.

“My lord, I plan to remain in Moorhold until late March, clearing nearby minor cities first before considering a southern advance.”

Ronin nodded. “No need to rush. Advance steadily. We cannot afford to march forward only to see reclaimed cities collapse behind us. Though I yearn to stand before Dragonspire, waiting two or three years means nothing.”

Ridal understood.

In truth, pausing between battles—to reorganize troops and integrate new territories—meant two or three years wasn’t long at all.

Should resistance prove fierce, straining supply lines and morale, even that might not suffice.

Ronin intended to wage war and build governance hand-in-hand, spreading his rule wherever he passed.

During this time, Wubei had trained a new generation of administrators, soon to serve as civil governors in conquered lands, carrying forth his vision.

“One more thing,” Ronin said, pausing thoughtfully.

“Starting with the next battle, we may allow enemy nobles to surrender and pledge fealty. But they may keep only the wealth within their castles. All lands and estates shall belong to me.”

“And regardless of whether they’re viscounts or earls, once they submit, they become common freemen—entitled only to wages.”

Ridal raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Then Prasido is truly fortunate.”

Prasido, though stripped of title, remained governor of Watchfort, overseeing the city.

The Carmon family’s lands and holdings? Ronin had reclaimed little.

“His allegiance came at a critical moment—handled with special circumstances,” Ronin replied with a smile.

“But once we establish a new nation, the age of nobles ruling vast estates must end. Even if we later ennobled others, I will strictly limit their land, property, and authority.”

Ridal felt a flicker of shock. For Ronin to speak thus meant deep contemplation.

“My lord, this path contradicts the current noble order.”

He warned gently, “Your strength is unmatched, but policies must be enforced by men. If most oppose it, implementation will falter.”

No matter how powerful Ronin became, human hearts remained unpredictable—hypocrisy always lurked beneath obedience.

Ronin laughed. “I didn’t expect you to grasp this so well. I always thought politics bored you.”

“Ha! In my past life, I was high nobility myself.”

Ronin nodded slowly. “You’re right. But we have time. Reform—stretch it out, push forward gradually.”

Like boiling a frog in warm water. (End of Chapter)