Chapter 278: Territory Status Updated
Darion stood in front of the mirror, his reflection staring back at him. The face that looked back was familiar, but also different.
There was something new there, something that hadn’t been there before. Something that hadn’t been there the last time he looked at his reflection on this mirror.
He leaned closer, his eyes scanning his features, trying to identify what had changed. Or rather, trying to confirm it.
And then he saw it.
He checked and saw that he was now growing... he was now growing a beard. Like, actual beards were now on his face. Not stubbles or small outlines but... beards... actually there. Little, but it would grow!
He reached up, his fingers brushing against the rough texture of the hair. It was real. It was actually real. He had always wanted to have beards, like full stuff over his face.
Well, not like over his face as that would be too much and make him look older than he wanted and more not handsome. He would like just something there. Just little but evident.
It would make people that see him look at him as more of a man. At least they would say "Oh this young man" instead of "Boy Baron."
It would add more respect, more authority and more presence. He had always felt that his youthful appearance worked against him, that people saw him as a boy playing at being a Baron. But with a beard, he would look older, more experienced and more capable.
He smiled at his reflection, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. He had come a long way from the clean-shaven boy who had first arrived in Percvale. He had grown, in more ways than one.
Darion flexed his hands muscle a bit and then removed his shirt to flex his biceps, chest... Thing is, Darion wasn’t the rippest in terms of physique.
He had a normal body shape. Some people would probably say he was slender. But these few days of sword practice, the work that went into it, had made him gain muscle. Not too large but noticeable.
He turned his arms, watching the muscles move beneath his skin. They were more defined now, more prominent. The training had done its work, strengthening his body, building his endurance.
He wasn’t a warrior, not in the traditional sense, but he was no longer the weak, helpless boy who had first arrived in Percvale. He was becoming something more... a Man.
He went back to his bed and sat now. The mattress was still lumpy, still uncomfortable, but that would change soon.
Garren and Seren were out buying new beds, better beds, beds that would provide comfort and rest. For now, he would have to make do with what he had.
He took a deep breath, calming his nerves. Then he summoned the Territory Status.
[Territory Status – Percvale]
Ruler: Baron Darion
Territory Condition: Improving greatly
Population: 2,469
Military Strength: Weak in terms of just normal knights. (With undead, pretty okay)
[Percvale Knight Order]
Total Knights: 68
Knight Commander: Sir Garren
Senior Knights: 13
Battle Knights: 28
Junior Knights: 27
[Military Condition]
Combat Readiness: 80%
Morale: High
Equipment Quality: Medium
Food Supply: Decent
[Barracks Status]
Structure Condition: Damaged
Available Beds: 200
Current Occupancy: 68
Armor Condition:
• Functional – 117
• Damaged – 0
• Nearly Unusable – 6
Weapon Condition:
• Swords – 122
• Spears – 39
• Shields – 48
[Additional Forces]
Archers: 11 (including Seren)
Cavalry: 0
Reserve Militia: 0
[Military Assessment]
Percvale lacks sufficient manpower and resources to defend against large-scale threats. But with your Undeads it’ll do just fine.
Immediate risks include:
• Monster incursions
• Bandit attacks
• Territorial invasion
Recommendation: More manpower (More knights)
Darion studied the stats. Boy! This was a big improvement from before! In terms of everything, Percvale had come a long way.
The population had grown, the military was stronger, and the food supply was decent. The morale was high, and the equipment quality had improved significantly. He had done it. He had actually done it.
He decided to ask the System to summon the previous stats. Can it do so? The system replied it can.
[Territory Status – Percvale]
Ruler: Baron Darion
Territory Condition: Declining
Population: 2,148
Military Strength: Very Weak
[Percvale Knight Order]
Total Knights: 121
Knight Commander: Sir Garren
Senior Knights: 12
Battle Knights: 43
Junior Knights: 65
[Military Condition]
Combat Readiness: 41%
Morale: Low
Equipment Quality: Poor
Food Supply: Critical
[Barracks Status]
Structure Condition: Damaged
Available Beds: 200
Current Occupancy: 121
Armor Condition:
• Functional – 38
• Damaged – 57
• Nearly Unusable – 26
Weapon Condition:
• Swords – 89
• Spears – 21
• Shields – 46
[Additional Forces]
Archers: 0
Cavalry: 0
Reserve Militia: 0
[Military Assessment]
Percvale lacks sufficient manpower and resources to defend against large-scale threats.
Immediate risks include:
• Monster incursions
• Bandit attacks
• Territorial invasion
Recommendation: Increase food production or reduce military numbers to prevent collapse.
Darion compared the two stats, his eyes moving from one line to the next. The difference was staggering.
The population had grown by over three hundred people, a testament to the stability and prosperity he had brought to Percvale.
The military strength had improved, with better equipment and higher morale. The food supply was no longer critical, but decent. The barracks were no longer overcrowded, and the armor and weapons were in much better condition.
The before vs after was crazy! He had gone from a dying barony to a thriving territory, from a weak and desperate leader to a capable and respected Baron. He had done it. He had actually done it.
Percvale had been a place of so many bad things, and had a bad reputation. Quality of life was very poor too.
But now, that wasn’t the case anymore.
He smiled, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. He had come a long way, and he was only getting started.
There was still more work to do, more challenges to face, but he was ready. He was stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever.
He closed the status screen and leaned back on his bed, staring at the decorated ceiling.