Chapter 29: No Place For Weakness

    Meanwhile....

    In the heart of the capital city, within the grand barracks that served as the beating heart of the empire''s military, Emperor Arkanos stood before thousands of his knights.

    The atmosphere was intense, charged with the energy coming from each knight. They, donned in their gleaming armor, stood in strict formation, awaiting the words of their lord.

    The courtyard was massive, stretching far beyond what could be seen in one glance. In the center of it all stood Arkanos, atop a raised platform, holding a magic crystal in his hand with Seraphine by his right side.

    The crystal he held was a relic of arcane craftsmanship that allowed his voice to echo to every knight, no matter their distance from the platform.

    Before he could speak, a faint ping echoed in his mind, followed by the notification:

    ? ? Increase in Arvel''s loyalty to 55% ? ?

    Arkanos smirked faintly but quickly pushed the system message aside. This was neither the time nor place to dwell on small victories.

    Then another notification came.

    ?Notice!?

    ?Sylvana has successfully initiated training for the assigned citizens.?

    ?Multiple citizens and laborers have obtained the class: Farmer?

    ?Farmer Rank (F) → (E)?

    ?Additional Effects?:

    ?Basic agricultural techniques unlocked.?

    ?Increased efficiency in food production.?

    ?Morale among the citizens: +10%?

    ?Loyalty to the Empire: +5%?

    Seeing the notification, Arkanos'' thoughts raced.

    ''Good, it''s all going well. With her guiding them, they''ll become S-ranked farmers in no time. Perhaps before they even get that far, I can introduce some new crops.''

    ''I''m particularly curious about how some in-game crops would taste if grown properly.''

    ''Well, I believe I can worry about that later. At the moment, my focus should be increasing my level and rank of my knights so I can level them up.''

    What Arkanos was referring to were the two determining factors of strength in the game Genesis of Empires: rank (or grade) and level.@@@@

    Grade or rank determined how good something was for its level, while levels represented additional strength gained through experience—at least for players, NPCs, and certain special items.

    "I have ordered an immediate increase in both your training regimens and your equipment."

    "For only when you are at your best can you give your best."

    Arkanos took a step forward, the light of the magic crystal casting a sharp gleam over his face as his voice rang out.

    "But do you all know what is better than a powerful army?" he asked, his gaze sweeping across the sea of knights before him.

    He allowed the question to hang in the air for a moment, befir he spoke again.

    "A powerful army led by a powerful ruler."

    "That is why I have decided that I will be training with you. I will lead by example. Together, we will grow stronger, and together, we will lead this empire to greater heights."

    A ripple of murmurs spread through the ranks, the knights exchanging glances of awe. Arkanos'' declaration carried weight, the kind that could only come from a leader willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with his men.

    He paused for a moment, his expression becoming intense as he continued.

    "But let me make one thing abundantly clear."

    The courtyard grew silent as the knights braced themselves for his next words.

    For some reason it seemed as though the air became harder for them to breathe.

    "I will not tolerate weakness."

    "The future I seek to create cannot be built on the shoulders of those with half-baked willpower. It would crumble under its own weight."

    Arkanos took another step forward on the elevated platform, his piercing gaze locking onto the knights.

    "We will be training together for a week. In this time, those who fail to impress me will be removed from this army. A smaller force with grater conviction will always outclass a larger force without it."

    The words settled heavily on the soldiers, their faces a were a touch of resolve and fear. The intensity of the Emperor''s words left no room for doubt or complacency.

    "Have I made myself clear?"

    "YES, YOUR MAJESTY!" the knights roared all together, their voices shaking the very ground beneath their feet.

    Arkanos nodded, a look of satisfaction crossing his face. "Good."

    "Then let us begin your training!"

    With that, the courtyard erupted into motion as the knights prepared themselves for the grueling days ahead.

    Arkanos descended from the platform, ready to join them.

    At that moment he was the symbol of the empire''s strength and the relentless resolve that would drive it forward.