Chapter 26: A New Beginning, A Fresh Start
Ten Days Later
In the dense forest far to the northeast of the Sun-Moon Kingdom, Ronald and his group were setting up camp. After twenty days of traveling by day and night, they had finally reached their destination.
Standing atop a mountain peak, Ronald, Liu Long, and Fan Qingyue gazed out at the landscape stretching below them.
Fan Qingyue spoke up, "Young Master, will we be living here, in this open space, from now on?"
Ronald nodded, pointing to the forest below. "Look here. This area is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and behind those mountains lies the Yun Cang River. This river forms a natural barrier, cutting off the surrounding lands from the Lost Mountain Range. The river also serves as an excellent waterway. We can travel downstream for reinforcements or retreat and defend the riverbank—it's a strategic location, one that every general would fight for."
"The west is home to a dense forest. It will conceal our base while we grow stronger. Beyond it lies a vast plain with numerous tribes. Though it is technically under the control of the Elven race, they have long been fragmented and divided, so there's nothing to fear. Plus, this place is nestled within three towering mountains, safe from harsh winds or floods. The mountains provide plenty of fresh water, making it an ideal place—perfect for defense and growth."
Liu Long grinned. "Young Master, your vision is unmatched. I am in awe!"
Fan Qingyue, though skilled, had little experience with strategy. She only half understood what was being said, but it didn't matter. She would follow Ronald anywhere, as that was her greatest wish.
After a few more moments, Ronald turned to them. "Go and assemble the soldiers in the clearing below. I have something to say."
One Incense Stick Later, In the Clearing
Standing before over two hundred weary soldiers, Ronald raised his voice. "Brothers! This will be our new home from now on. It may be nothing more than an open field now, but mark my words—every grand city starts with a single stone. With time, we will build a mighty city here, a fortress!"
"You've all fought beside me on the battlefield, wearing armor and wielding swords. But now, for a while, you won't need your blades. Some of you will take off your armor, put on farmer's clothes, and swap your swords for hoes. But never forget—you are the finest warriors the kingdom has ever known! Don't let your skills atrophy. One day, you will take up arms again, leading armies into battle as generals!"
The soldiers were stirred by Ronald's words, lifting their swords high and shouting, "Long live the King! Long live the King!"
Ronald nodded in approval, gesturing for silence. "Now, let's assign duties. Liu Long! I need you to pick fifty of the bravest soldiers and form a combat unit. You'll be the leader."
"Yes, Young Master!" Liu Long exclaimed eagerly.
"Ah Qiang! Form a labor corps of fifty men. You'll lead them in constructing the camp's buildings."
Ah Qiang, who had become more humanized over the past few days, replied loudly, "Ah Qiang obeys!"
"Cuihua! Form a planting team of thirty. You'll be in charge of growing crops to ensure we have food."
"Yes!" The sweet, clear voice of Cuihua rang out. Like Ah Qiang, she had become more human-like as well.
"Zhang Tie! Form a stone-cutting crew of forty. You'll lead them in cutting blue stone for construction materials."
"Yes!" Zhang Tie bellowed, his voice strong.
Ronald walked over to Zhang Tie, unbuckling the sword at his waist and handing it to him.
"Your Majesty, this..." Zhang Tie hesitated.
Ronald clapped him on the back. "Our defenses must be strong, and the quality of our materials is key. Blue stone is incredibly tough, not even regular swords can cut through it. This sword is still sharp. Take it; it'll save you a lot of work."
Zhang Tie's face flushed with embarrassment, and he stammered, unsure of what to say.
"Just take it," Ronald grumbled. "Don't stand there with your excuses."
He shoved the sword into Zhang Tie's hands, not even glancing at his red face. "A Shou! Where are you?"
From the crowd, a young man draped in a wolf-skin cloak stepped forward, kneeling.
"Master, what are your orders?"
Ronald's face darkened. "Idiot! Get up! Didn't I tell you not to call me 'Master'?!"
The soldiers were used to seeing this drama by now—A Shou was a young, handsome boy who always acted like a devoted servant, but this behavior had become commonplace.
A Shou stood up, looking innocently at Ronald, his delicate features full of innocence.
Ronald rubbed his temples in frustration. "Take thirty men and form a Beast Taming and Livestock Raising Team. You will tame wild beasts and raise livestock for us."
"Yes!" A Shou quickly adjusted his attitude.
"Finally, we need a forging team. Ah Qiang, you will temporarily lead this team, and Cuihua will be your deputy. Select thirty soldiers to forge weapons, armor, and all necessary tools for the camp."
Both Ah Qiang and Cuihua responded loudly, "Yes!"
"Fan Qingyue!" Ronald turned to her.
"The remaining six will be under your command. Form a Logistics and Communication Team to handle supplies and communication. Also, you will take care of my daily needs."
Fan Qingyue blushed slightly and nodded. As the only woman in the personal guard, she had been taking care of Ronald since their journey began. Now, it was her official duty.
"Everyone, this is our temporary division of labor. Once the territory grows, we will adjust the structure. But for now, our first priority is to build temporary housing. Each team leader should begin cutting wood for the construction of wooden houses immediately."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The soldiers responded with a resounding cheer. Several of the generals thought to themselves, No wonder the Young Master will one day be a great king. His strategic mind is unparalleled. If he were still the king, he would surely be a wise ruler.