Super Game System-Otherworld King: Rise to Power

Late at Night, the soldiers, exhausted after a day of fierce fighting, had finally fallen asleep. The refugees, after drinking a bowl of hearty meat soup, were finally able to rest soundly.

In the barracks, the conference room was still lit despite the late hour, four fluorescent lights casting their soft glow into each corner of the room.

These lights had been brought from the space by Ronald, their inner insect resin capable of burning for a full quarter. Their brightness was far superior to candles, and they provided just enough light for the room.

Once everyone settled down, Ronald glanced at the battle-worn generals and spoke in a deep voice, "You've all worked hard. No need for pleasantries. The situation is clear to all of you."

"Liu Long, give us the report on the battle."

Liu Long straightened his posture and replied, "Master, generals, in this battle, the Imperial Guard annihilated over five thousand enemies and captured three thousand eight hundred. We also recovered countless weapons and armor. Additionally, during the battlefield sweep, Chen Yang found over ten thousand gold coins and fifty thousand silver in the bandits' bodies."

He paused briefly, then continued, "The Imperial Guard suffered thirty light injuries, all treated and bandaged. None of our soldiers were killed in action."

The room fell silent. Despite expecting such news, hearing it firsthand still left everyone in shock.

Five thousand enemies wiped out with virtually no casualties—this was a victory that felt almost unreal.

What did a crushing victory look like? This was it—total domination!

Ronald nodded with satisfaction. Although the bandit forces were fierce, they were poorly equipped, with little more than crude weapons. To put it simply, they were a rabble—no match for the battle-hardened soldiers of the Imperial Guard. Their individual combat strength was barely comparable to that of the kingdom's guards from a few days ago.

Facing the well-prepared elite forces in a previous battle, the Imperial Guard had broken through with ease. Now, with the same number of bandits, the outcome was all but guaranteed.

What's more, the Imperial Guard's strength had grown substantially since then. The minimal casualties were almost expected.

More goats than tigers—would the goats ever stand a chance against the tiger?

Ronald chuckled, "Good. We've done well. When this news gets out, some will probably be scared out of their wits."

Laughter filled the room. After such a resounding victory, it was a story they'd all boast about for years to come.

"Let the injured soldiers rest and recover. As for the spoils, half of the gold and silver will be distributed among the men."

"Qingyue, prepare the merit book tomorrow. Write down the names of those who contributed, so that when we grow stronger, they will receive further rewards!"

"Thank you, master!"

At present, there was no formal system in place for military merit and rewards. Without capable civil officials, many tasks couldn't be carried out smoothly.

"Has there been a count of the refugees? How many are there in total?"

Qingyue replied, "I did a rough estimate when distributing the food earlier. There are approximately thirty-five thousand refugees."

"And the prisoners?"

Liu Long answered, "Three thousand eight hundred."

"Is the food supply enough?"

Qingyue's face showed hesitation.

"According to the current distribution, the supplies in the warehouse will only last for six days."

Ronald's brow furrowed slightly.

Food was always a pressing issue. He had brought out several thousand dried meat cakes just recently, but now they were running out far too quickly.

"Cuīhuā, how much longer until your crops are ready to harvest?"

Cuīhuā replied, "Master, at least ten more days."

"Ten days…" Ronald murmured.

"Should I purchase more from the space?"

His mind was in turmoil. The silver in the space was precious. If he spent it all on food, what about the development of the territory?

Liu Long, noticing his master's troubled expression, hesitated before speaking. "Master, what if we send troops to eliminate the nearby bandits and ease the food shortage?"

Ronald thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"The enemy's mountain hideouts are well-hidden. They are easier to defend than attack. Not to mention, the journey and the time required for the assault… I fear it will be too late."