Chapter 65 - The growth of the Iron Legion
Rygar was atop a huge wall, his eyes scanning the vast fortress he had built. The wind blew fiercely that morning, causing his clothes to billow as he observed the impressive growth of the Iron Legion's base. What was once merely a military encampment had now become practically a small city.
Stone buildings lined the newly formed streets, housing shops, warehouses, dormitories, and even advanced training areas. Tinaver, which had once been only a medium-sized city, was now flourishing as a strategic commercial center, attracting merchants from various regions due to its growing population and the reputation of the Legion.
Rygar crossed his arms and took a deep breath. Four months had passed since the attack on the Joylore Estate, and in that time, many things had changed. Milis continued to refuse any negotiations with the Iron Legion. The Temple Order wanted him dead, the Instruction Order didn't like him, and the Church Order remained neutral. The situation was unstable but, for now, contained.
He knew he couldn't stay there to defend the Legion forever. His decision was made: in a month, he would depart. The plan was set—he, Ghislaine, Eris, Eidar, and Skoll would travel to the Asura Kingdom. Along the way, Eidar would remain at the Water God Style dojo, and if all went well, Ghislaine and Eris would stay in Fitoa. Rygar would then continue with Skoll to the Sword Sanctuary.
But before leaving, he needed to ensure that the Legion was prepared for what was to come. He knew that his presence, along with Ghislaine's, was one of the greatest deterrents against external attacks. Although Milis was displeased, they dared not make a move against the Legion, for he was essentially a walking nuclear bomb. But once he left, that threat would diminish drastically.
With that in mind, he took preventive measures. He sent a letter to Kilian and Gustav in the Doldia tribe, requesting fifty experienced warriors to reinforce the Legion's security. They were already on their way. He also asked all the allied bestial tribes to send at least a few warriors.
Rygar pondered his strategy. The Legion had grown by absorbing various tribes and offering protection, making its overall strength formidable. With the complete destruction of the Black Troll group, the slave trade in the region had become nearly impossible. But that created new problems. Many nobles in Milis were dissatisfied because the Sacred Sword route, which had once been crucial for the slave trade, was now virtually blocked.
He narrowed his eyes into the distance, immersed in thought. He needed to reach the Sword Sanctuary as quickly as possible.
Ghislaine trained with him daily, but I didn't notice any improvement in my control of Touki. She could feel the flow of her energy, but something seemed misaligned, disconnected. And it wasn't due to a lack of instruction—Ghislaine was an exceptional master. The problem seemed to lie within myself.
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The dense forest vibrated with the sounds of wildlife, but one sound stood out. Heavy yet agile steps cut through the vegetation as a huge monkey, about four meters tall, sprinted through the low foliage. Its body was covered in red fur with flaming orange stripes that looked like live embers. Every movement demonstrated supernatural agility, but also severe exhaustion. Deep wounds stained its fur with dried blood, and its wild eyes showed pure fatigue. It had fought for its life, and its body bore the marks of that brutal battle.