Virethorn: “Where betrayal grows into power”

Karl's so-called "castle" was a glorified hut that could hardly accommodate four people without tripping over one another, and he stood in front of its cracked wooden walls.

He narrowed his eyes at the screen.

[Upgrade Castle: 150 Gold Coins]

Upgrade Description: Enables new system features, expands living quarters, unlocks advanced buildings, and increases territory area.

He let out a breath.

"150 gold coins wasted... Let's get this done.

[Upgrade] was tapped by him.

The air hummed softly. Golden light seeped from every crevice in the walls, making the floor beneath him vibrate. Glowing runes formed from the rising and swirling dust, signs of a language Karl was unfamiliar with. The hut shimmered and started to move, and he instinctively took a step back.

Reinforced stone was formed from wood panels. The drooping ceiling rose higher. The fractured walls thickened and straightened. The crooked wooden door changed into a pair of polished double doors that slammed shut with a satisfying thud, and glassless windows appeared on the sides.

Karl blinked in wonder as the light dimmed.

The shack was gone, broken.

It was replaced by a Castle (Level 2), which was dignified but modest by royal standards. The new arrangement featured a large main hall, a single bedroom with stone walls, and a sense of permanence.

[Successful Castle Upgrade]

Unlocked new features:

The territory grew by 25%.

- Hero Dormitory unlocked - Barracks Training Bonus increased

Karl stepped inside and ran a hand along the cool stone walls, murmuring, "Now we're talking." Now it felt real, more like the start of an empire than a dashed dream.

Returning to the screen, he tapped through the user interface:

[Own] > [Barracks] [Recruiting Troops]

Cost: 10 gold coins each; troops available: basic infantry

Present Assets: One hundred gold coins

He tapped [Recruit x10] and stated,

"Ten troops should be good for now."

Deducted are 100 gold coins.

Ten infantry units were recruited as new troops.

The open training area next to the barracks was illuminated by a blue beam of light. Armoured men emerged one by one, each wearing plain leather boots and light steel chestplates. Their posture was upright and their faces were sharp. trained.

They fell to one knee as soon as they appeared.

Together, they exclaimed, "Your Majesty!"

Karl gazed at them. His throat tightened with breath.

An army was under his command.

Not a squad, but a small one.

However, they belonged to him.

"Get up," he ordered in a steady voice. "Start your drills. I'll need you prepared shortly.

With disciplined practice, the soldiers stood and moved into formation.

Karl opened the Barracks panel once more out of curiosity.

[Level 1 Barracks]

• Training Speed of Troops: +10%

• Battle Techniques Comprehension Rate: +10%

• Active Loyalty Conversion Function → After 90 days of constant training, any trained soldier can be converted to 100% loyalty.

Cost of Upgrade: 200 Gold Coins

Karl narrowed his eyes.

"Wait... conversion to loyalty?"

Laura's voice, as dry as ever, reverberated from behind.

 "That's correct. At first, the soldiers you enlist aren't entirely loyal. Although they will comply with orders, their loyalty is flimsy. Only after completing three months of training in the barracks will they truly exhibit unwavering, unbreakable loyalty.

Karl swiveled in her direction. "Until then, too?"

She smirked and remarked, "They probably won't rebel or betray you." However, don't expect unquestioning loyalty if someone more powerful offers them freedom or power, or if their spirits decline. Elite warriors are what you want? Bring them up. Do you desire loyalty? Teach them.

He nodded and folded his arms.

"The purpose of the barracks is to transform soldiers into believers, not just to create soldiers."

"Harsh word," Laura said, cocking her head. "But true."

Karl turned to watch the soldiers outside drilling. Even though they were new, they had excellent synchronization and deft footwork. There was potential in their movements—potential that could be developed.

"Speed of Training: +10%"

"Comprehension: 10% more"

Karl whispered, "That's not bad."

Laura continued, "As you level the barracks, it will get better." "More specialized classes later on, deeper comprehension of tactics, and faster drills." You will eventually be able to access routes such as cavalry, archery, or even—

She hesitated.

Karl's eyes squinted. "Even... what?"

A smile curved her lips.

"Warriors of the elements."

His heart skipped a beat. "You're not serious."

As she passed him, she remarked, "I never joke about power." "Be more resilient. You'll see.

Karl walked out onto the practice field and looked toward the horizon, where his expanding territory extended. New fields, buildings of the future, and unrealized dreams.

He currently possessed:

A working farm

Ten infantry soldiers;

a functional sawmill;

four civilians managing production;

an upgraded castle;

and the start of a true kingdom

An exile gave rise to a kingdom.

Constructed in the shadow of treachery.

However, it would rise.

Karl's fists clenched.

He had been banished to die by the Kingdom of Evrador. He was forgotten by the world.

Now, though?

He had time, a system, and power now.

Allow them to arrive.

I won't be the one bleeding this time.