n

n

n

n

n

nTranslator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

n“System, construct the watchtower.”

n

n

nKant willed it in his mind and connected to the system.

n

n

nAt the same time, the location of the construction was placed on the eastern side of the Council Hall. If anything were to happen, the ones above on sentry duty could report to Kant in time, enabling him to make decisions as early as possible.

n

n

n100 Denars spent

n

n

nWatchtower: Under construction

n

n

nCompletion: Seven days

n

n

nThe system’s dialog box appeared and briefed him on everything.

n

n

nKant suddenly heard some noise outside.

n

n

nMany people seemed to be moving a lot of things. Someone was shouting orders. However, none of it sounded like his Swadian infantry units. It seemed more like the sounds of the peasants.

n

n

nWhat the hell is happening? Kant frowned.

n

n

nHe approached the window and peered outside. Sunlight was subtly dispelling the dark of night.

n

n

nDawn arrived in mere moments.

n

n

nI better get up now. That night sure passed quickly.

n

n

nHe took a deep breath and got up from his bed.

n

n

nBesides, he did not feel like sleeping at all.

n

n

nAfter fighting such a bloody battle the previous night, Kant still felt rather excited. He had never actually felt like sleeping anyway.

n

n

nHe pushed the door of his room open and went downstairs.

n

n

n“Good morning, My Lord.”

n

n

nA thick voice greeted him as soon as he walked out of the council hall.

n

n

nKant turned around and saw a stout peasant wearing simple linen clothing. The peasant bowed respectfully and said, “We are a team of builders who came from Praven. We are here to construct your watchtower.”

n

n

n“Huh? Oh, right.” Kant was slightly baffled. He quickly nodded in reply.

n

n

nIt seemed logical that the system would have assigned a construction team for the new building.

n

n

nHe turned around to look at the side of the council hall. Next to it were stacks of stone and wooden materials.

n

n

nKant was certain that the place was empty before he walked out of the council hall.

n

n

nHowever, as the builders began to move the stones and hammer the wooden materials together, emitting loud clangs as they went, he knew those construction materials also came from the system.

n

n

nThe system had provided 15 builders.

n

n

nAll of them were stout, middle-aged men. They wore deadpan expression and seemed as if they were men of few words.

n

n

nThe foreman was the exception.

n

n

n“My Lord, there are a few things I wish to make clear to you.”

n

n

nHe humbled himself in a manner unbefitting of his appearance and said, “We will be at your service for seven days, ensuring the completion of the watchtower. During that time, we request that you ensure we get ample food and water, as well as a reasonable amount of rest.”

n

n

nKant nodded. “It is imperative that I do so.”

n

n

nThe foreman of the builders awkwardly smiled and added, “And, we don’t participate in battles.”

n

n

n“You will have no part in any.”

n

n

nKant shook his head. He felt that the foreman’s cowardly and meticulous temperament was rather ridiculous.

n

n

n“Very well, very well then.” The foreman nodded a few times. His expression suggested that he felt rather lucky.

n

n

nKant understood all that from briefing he had received.

n

n

nThis was probably a rule laid down by the system. Besides, a builder’s only job was to construct buildings.

n

n

nCombat was something that Kant needed to take care of.

n

n

n“Carry on,” Kant said to the building foreman before heading elsewhere. He arrived at the battlefield from the previous night. The stench of blood lingered throughout the area. Bloodstains were scattered about on the sand.

n

n

nThese were the signs of an intense and bloody battle.

n

n

nThe Swadian infantry units had gathered the bodies, which had been sprawled everywhere.

n

n

nThe Jackalan bodies continued to burn in a hole the peasants had dug during the night.

n

n

nSeveral new holes in the ground were dug not far away from a dune. Two Desert Bandits were lighting the clothes beneath the bodies with a torch. The smell of burned meat wafted throughout the place as the intense flames consumed the hole.

n

n

nBurning was an efficient way to deal with dead bodies.

n

n

nWhen the bodies of the Jackalans were reduced to ashes, they would bury the ashes in the sand, leaving practically no trace behind.

n

n

nAs for the 15 dead Swadian Peasants, they deserved better treatment.

n

n

nAfter all, they had all been brave subjects who died for Kant’s sake.

n

n

n“May they rest in peace.”

n

n

nKant came to another dune. He saw 15 graves being dug.

n

n

nThe Swadian Recruits and Swadian Militias, as well as the six Desert Bandits, were gathered there.

n

n

nAll of them wore somber expression.

n

n

nAlthough they hardly knew each other, and, truth to be told, they only knew each other for two days, all of them still shared a connected sentiment as Swadians. The people attending the funeral behaved respectfully toward their dead compatriots.

n

n

nYet, it was still a funeral.

n

n

nIt was hardly ceremonious, but they did everything they were able to given the current circumstances.

n

n

n“This is truly a pity.”

n

n

nKant’s expression was full of regret.

n

n

nHe was almost always calm. Now, hints of emotions could be seen.

n

n

nHe knew that more troops would be lost in the wars that were to come. Nonetheless, this was the first time some of his people had died. That served as a warning for Kant.

n

n

nIf he neglected the development of his fief, he would die frustrated and a nobody just like that.

n

n

nThe attendees still wore serious expressions despite the funeral being soon over.

n

n

nKant asked for cremation to prevent contaminating any underground water sources.

n

n

nHowever, all the peasants who perished had individual graves. They each had a grave marker carved from wood, which was placed right beneath the dune. The markers were thoughtfully placed as a symbol of watching over the Oasis Lookout to the west, as well as Drondheim, which they fought bravely to defend.

n

n

n“If you can hear us, then please watch over us.”

n

n

nKant watched the fires in the graves burn and was unable to help but sigh.

n

n

nDespite having only arrived at the Oasis Lookout two days ago, they had already gone through two brutal battles. He quickly learned just how merciless the Nahrin Desert could be. The desert was a world of difference compared to the peace in the Dukedom of Leo.

n

n

nThe number of humans and Jackalans who ended up dead in just two days probably amounted to the total number of executed criminals for the past five years in the dukedom.

n

n

nThen again, they had to move on.

n

n

nWhen the funeral was over, Kant returned to the council hall.

n

n

nThe recruits and militia members scattered and organized patrols and guard duty among themselves, continuing to protect their village and the oasis.

n

n

n“All of you, come with me.”

n

n

nKant waved at the six Desert Bandits, telling them to go to the Council Hall.

n

n

nHe had assignments for them.

n

n

n“My Lord.”

n

n

nThe six Desert Bandits walked briskly inside and stood respectfully before him.

n

n

n“At ease.” Kant extended his hand, telling them to lose the ceremonial attitude.

n

n

nHe sat on a wooden chair in the council hall. He put his arms on the table and said, “I plan to have you all search the depths of the Nahrin Desert. I want you to find the possible location of the alkali soil and see if there are any Jackalan Tribes around.”

n

n

n“There is definitely alkali soil somewhere out there.” One of the Desert Bandits nodded and said, “We will find it.”

n

n

nHowever, another bandit frowned and added, “As for the Jackalan Tribes, there are definitely some around us. Maybe the two are connected.”

n

n

n“Do you mean with the alkali soil?” Kant asked with a frown.

n

n

n“Indeed.” That Desert Bandit spoke in a serious tone. “More than 500 Jackalan warriors appeared during the ambush in the night. Not only does that mean that there are Jackalan Tribes around, but it also means that their tribes are more powerful than the one that previously took over the Oasis Lookout.”

n

n

n“I figured as much.”

n

n

nKant nodded. He had speculated the same thing deep down.

n

n

nKant was silent for a brief moment before frowning and saying, “That is also why I need you all to go deep into the desert and find out the cause in the north.”

n

n

nThe six Desert Bandits stood up solemnly, awaiting further words.

n

n

nKant’s eyes were grim as he said, “We are in the light while the Jackalans hide in the shadows. We don’t know where their tribes are, and we have no idea if there are any oasis deep in the desert. Things are not in our favor.”

n

n

n“We lack intel on our side.”

n

n

nThe six Desert Bandits nodded in agreement.

n

n

nThey were people used to blackmailing and robbing people in the dunes, so they knew just how important intelligence was.

n

n

n“No, I should head out with all of you.”

n

n

nKant suddenly spoke such words.

n

n

n“Huh?” That line messed up the plans the Desert Bandits had. One of them quickly said, “My Lord, there are a lot of unknown dangers lurking in the desert. It’s far too dangerous for you to head out with us.”

n

n

nKant shook his head. His eyes shone with determination. “I’ve made up my mind.”

n

n

nHis warhorse was still in the stable, which was one of the thoroughbred steeds available to knights and squires of the dukedom.

n

n

nHis horse was comparable to the desert horses rode by the Desert Bandits. It was almost comparable to a third-level horse in the system. Furthermore, it was the best among those third-level horses. Even if they were to meet any Jackalans, the horses would leave them in the dust without any problems.

n

n

nThe mobility of cavalry units was several times higher than that of infantries.

n

n

nSeeing how determined their lord was, the six bandits had no choice but to nod. “We shall do everything we can to protect you.”

n

n

n“Well, get food and water ready.”

n

n

nKant nodded and added, “We ride at once.”

n

n

nThe Desert Bandits nodded and left. They went out to prepare the supplies needed for treading the desert, especially fresh water. More than a dozen water sacks were filled, ensuring that all seven of them had enough to last for two days.

n

n

nMore than 500 Jackalans had assaulted them the previous night.

n

n

nThere were still about 400 of them left when they scattered and fled.

n

n

nKant and the Desert Bandits aimed to track the Jackalans footsteps to the tribe from which they came.

n

n

nTo know one’s strength, as well as that of the enemy, was required for victory.

n

n

nBy then, whether it involved arranging for further defense or striking out proactively, they would know who they were about to hit.

n

n

nAt the very least, they no longer needed to do so while being kept in the dark about everything. As long as Kant was able to amass his forces to a sufficient strength, he could crush the Jackalan Tribe outright and take the oasis, which had once allowed the Jackalans to survive.

n

n

nA desert oasis, which was capable of sustaining crops, was good something treasured in a desert.

n

n

nThe Jackalans had hit him, so he deemed it only fair to hit them back.

n

n

nEverything he planned to do could only be possible if he could secure the location of the Jackalan Tribe.

n

n

nIt created the potential for Kant’s forces to rush them at a determined time, such as the dark of night right before dawn. That also happened to be the time when people were at their drowsiest. It was best to hit those Jackalans hard at such an optimal time.

n

n

nHe was out to make sure that his attacks would cripple them for good.

n

n

n