The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and smoldering wood. The village was still in ruins, but there was movement—signs of life returning to what had nearly been lost.
Leon stood at the center of the village square, observing as his soldiers and the villagers worked together. The sight was both encouraging and sobering.
This was his first true test as a ruler. Conquering was one thing—building was another.
---
A Leader's First Decisions
Leon turned to Elara, the young woman who had stepped forward the previous night. Now, she stood before him, her soot-streaked face filled with determination.
"You said you would serve," Leon said, studying her. "What skills do you have?"
"I was the village's healer," Elara replied. "I know how to treat wounds and sickness. And… I know the land. What can grow here, what resources we have left."
That was exactly what Leon needed.
"Good," he said. "You're in charge of tending to the wounded and gathering supplies. Find anyone with useful skills and organize them."
Elara bowed slightly. "I'll do my best."
Leon then turned to the lead soldier.
"How are our casualties?"
"Minimal," the soldier reported. "None of our men were lost. A few minor injuries, but nothing serious."
That was a relief. But this would not be the last battle.
Leon exhaled.
"We need to fortify this village. The moment word spreads that the mercenaries here were wiped out, others will come looking for revenge or opportunity."
The soldier nodded.
"We can construct basic defenses—wooden palisades, barricades—but we'll need time and manpower."
Leon turned his gaze toward the villagers. They were weak, malnourished, and traumatized, but they were not broken. If given a purpose, they would work.
"Then we start now. Every able-bodied person will contribute. Soldiers will guard and oversee the building efforts. We divide tasks—some gather wood, others reinforce structures, and a few will scout the surroundings."
It was time to turn this ruin into a stronghold.
---
The System's Influence
As Leon spoke, another blue screen flashed before his eyes.
---
[New Quest: Establish a Defensible Stronghold]
Objective: Fortify the village and ensure its survival
Rewards:
Tactical Command Interface (Allows better unit coordination)
Expanded Summoning Pool (More troops can be summoned)
Basic Stronghold Blueprint
---
Leon smirked. The system continued to push him forward.
He closed the screen and turned to his people.
"This village is no longer defenseless. You have swords to protect you. But that is not enough. We must build something stronger, something that will last."
He raised his voice so all could hear.
"Work with me, and I promise—no one will take this place from us again."
A murmur ran through the crowd. Uncertainty, yes, but also something else—hope.
It was a start.
---
The First Stone Laid
As the sun climbed higher, the village transformed into a construction site.
Soldiers and villagers worked side by side—chopping wood, reinforcing weak buildings, and digging trenches for defenses. The ruins of the old village were being reshaped into something new.
Leon remained in the thick of it, directing efforts, making adjustments, ensuring the work was efficient.
Hours passed. The sweat on his skin mixed with dirt, but he didn't stop.
This was what true power looked like. Not just taking—but creating.
By nightfall, a crude wooden wall had begun to take shape around the village's perimeter. It wasn't much, but it was the first step toward something greater.
Leon stood at the edge of the construction, looking out into the dark forest beyond.
His territory was still fragile. His rule was still new.
But this was only the beginning.
And he would not stop until the entire world bowed before him.
---
The Price of Power
The village had changed in just a day. What had once been a place of despair was now filled with movement and purpose. Soldiers patrolled the perimeter while villagers worked tirelessly to rebuild homes and reinforce defenses. The scent of freshly cut wood mixed with the lingering stench of blood and ash.
But Leon knew this was only the beginning.
Strength invited challenge. And sooner or later, someone would come to test him.
---
A Warning from the Wilds
As dusk fell, a scout rushed into the village, panting heavily. His clothes were torn, and there was fresh dirt on his face as if he had barely escaped something.
"Commander Leon!" he gasped, dropping to one knee.
Leon turned sharply. "Report."
"We spotted movement in the eastern forest—more than twenty armed men. They're not just raiders; they wear matching armor and carry banners."
Leon's expression darkened.
Banners meant organization.
This wasn't some wandering band of mercenaries—it was another force.
"Did they see you?"
The scout shook his head. "No, I was careful. But they were setting up camp. They're close enough to attack by morning if they choose to."
Leon clenched his fists. He had barely secured this village, and already, a new enemy was on his doorstep.
"Did you recognize the banner?"
The scout hesitated. "It bore the mark of the Ironfang Company."
A murmur spread among the nearby soldiers. Leon didn't recognize the name, but judging by the reactions, it wasn't good news.
He turned to his lead soldier.
"Tell me everything you know about them."
The soldier's face was grim. "Ironfang is a ruthless mercenary company. They don't raid—they conquer. If they're here, it's because they've already set their eyes on this land."
Leon's eyes narrowed.
So, it was a battle of conquerors.
He could either submit, flee, or fight.
For him, there was no choice.
"Prepare the defenses. Everyone capable of holding a weapon will stand ready by dawn."
---
The Night Before Battle
As preparations began, Leon stood atop a newly built watchtower, gazing toward the dark forest. Somewhere beyond the trees, his enemy was waiting.
He wasn't afraid. If anything, he felt exhilarated.
Every challenge was another step toward his goal.
"System," he muttered, opening his interface.
A notification awaited him.
---
[New Quest: Defend Your First Territory]
Objective: Survive the Ironfang Company's assault
Rewards:
Tactical Command Interface Upgrade
Elite Soldier Recruitment (Unlocked)
Reputation Gain (Warlord Tier I)
---
Leon's lips curled into a smirk.
The system was pushing him forward again.
And he would not disappoint.
The road to conquest was paved in blood.
And by dawn, his would not be the one spilled.