As soon as Ghislain returned to his territory, he urged his knights.
"Come on! We don't have time! Rotate quickly!"
These days, the knights were training in mana concentration circles crafted using fragments of the Dragon Heart.
Fenris was now abundant with Rune Stones, enough for everyone to have personal mana concentration circles. However, the Dragon Heart fragments were limited, and only about a hundred mana circles had been created using them.
By keeping the quantity limited, Ghislain ensured maximum effectiveness.
"Ugh… This really hurts."
The knights grumbled as they stepped into the mana concentration circles.
The circles made with Dragon Heart fragments provided much more mana than the standard ones. But this also puts a greater strain on their bodies.
It was painful, but with the goal of growing stronger faster, they had to endure.
"Grrrrgh…"
The knights groaned in agony as they cultivated mana.
Mana surged through their bodies, threatening to tear them apart. They had to focus intensely to control it.
Once they entered, Ghislain didn't even need to push them like before. If they didn't want their bodies to explode, they had no choice but to persevere.
After each session, the knights felt their mana grow significantly compared to before. That gratifying reward made the suffering worthwhile.
The knights weren't the only ones undergoing such grueling training.
Thud!
"Huff, huff…"
Ghislain himself was tirelessly strengthening his body whenever he had the chance.
The solid steel armor he wore was now much heavier than before.
Clink, clink…
The weights attached to the chains connected to his body had also grown heavier. They now surpassed what any human could lift.
Despite this, he swung his sword and moved with relentless focus, never stopping his training.
'I need to strengthen my body further.'
To endure the rapidly increasing mana capacity thanks to Dark, his body had to become even stronger.
Of course, no amount of training could push the human body beyond its inherent limitations.
That's why those who wielded mana reached a certain point where their physical training had to adapt.
'Endure!'
Ghislain gritted his teeth and swung his sword. Suppressing his mana made each swing excruciatingly difficult.
But his stance remained firm and unwavering as he pressed forward.
Thud!
By pushing himself to his limits, his organs and blood vessels began to instinctively draw in mana to sustain themselves.
It was similar to the principle he had used before when attacking himself to force his mana to move on its own.
As his body grew accustomed to mana, its resilience increased. Mana enhanced his physical capabilities.
This painful process, combined with hard-earned insights, was what allowed humans to transcend their natural limits and become superhuman.
In fact, Ghislain's body was now at a stage where mana flowed through him as naturally as a dragon's. The harder he pushed himself, the faster his body adapted, reinforcing itself with mana.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
'Just a little more.'
Even as his muscles tore and his bones fractured, he didn't care. The mana coursing through him, combined with his remarkable regenerative abilities, quickly healed his injuries.
Repeatedly breaking and rebuilding himself, Ghislain's body gradually transcended human limits.
Watching from the sidelines, Dark clicked his tongue in disbelief.
'Wow, this guy isn't even human. How can someone so strong still train like this? What a maniac.'
If it were up to Dark, he would've spent his days enjoying life with Fenris's vast wealth and sprawling lands.
'Well… I guess I can understand.'
Having glimpsed Ghislain's memories of his past life, Dark could sense the driving force behind his relentless efforts.
The thirst for vengeance was so intense that even Dark couldn't fully comprehend it. Beyond that, there was now a vivid determination to protect what was precious to him.
The Duchy and the Salvation Church would inevitably clash with Ghislain. Understanding that, Dark could see why he was pushing his body to such extremes.
'Still, running away would be easier. That's what I would do.'
Though he understood, he couldn't entirely relate. Dark had always been alone, after all.
But traveling with his master had its moments of amusement. The situations he witnessed were often entertaining.
Even after finishing his training, Ghislain didn't rest. He toured his territory, meticulously checking the progress of various projects.
One area he was particularly focused on was the growing number of mercenaries.
"How are the newly recruited mercenaries doing?"
"They're improving greatly. Their morale is higher than ever," Claude replied with a proud expression.
Under Ghislain's orders, Claude had worked to improve the mercenaries' treatment, using Fenris's ample wealth to implement policies that no one else would have dared.
"There's chaos everywhere, with people clamoring to join our mercenary corps."
Hearing about the reputation of the Fenris Mercenary Corps, mercenaries from all over the kingdom were flocking to join. It wasn't surprising, given the unmatched treatment they offered.
"Everything I mentioned is being implemented properly, right?"
Ghislain had shared with Claude the struggles he had faced as a mercenary and the ideas he had once dreamed of. Claude had refined those ideas into effective policies.
"Of course. First, the hospitals for mercenaries in each region are receiving rave reviews. With the academy in the territory continuously training new doctors, we'll be able to expand even further."
Medical expenses were a major concern for mercenaries. Priests were scarce, and their services were so expensive that they were unaffordable for most.
Many mercenaries relied on crude self-treatment, which often led to worsened injuries.
To address this, the Fenris Mercenary Corps had built facilities in every territory connected by their roads, where affiliated mercenaries could receive treatment at low costs.
Thanks to the academy they had previously established, new medical professionals were continually being trained.
"Good. Being sick with no money is truly miserable. What's next?"
"We've ensured that mercenaries in allied royalist territories have access to basic food and housing."
The laborers who had been involved in road construction were now unemployed as the projects wound down. They had been redirected to new construction efforts.
This included not just hospitals but also safe housing where affiliated mercenaries could rest for free.
Whether they were on missions or traveling, mercenaries could reduce their hunger and fatigue, saving money in the process.
"And you're taking care of the mercenaries' families, too?"
"Absolutely. We're providing housing for them as well and offering discounted goods through delivery requests."
When families needed supplies, they could quickly receive them via Fenris Arrow Delivery. It wasn't just the mercenaries who were satisfied—their families were as well.
Ghislain nodded in approval.
"Right. Being without a place to go or rest is truly a wretched thing."
Ghislain, during his early days as a novice mercenary, had often been forced to sleep outside, without shelter from the wind or rain. He knew the bitterness and misery of such a life all too well.
Claude also understood those feelings well. He had once lived as a "king of vagrants" after accumulating gambling debts.
"In addition, we've established various educational facilities and implemented social welfare programs."
Mercenaries typically learned their skills and knowledge from senior colleagues. As a result, their training was often informal and incomplete.
To address this, Ghislain instructed the creation of educational facilities that mercenaries could use to acquire professional skills.
Additionally, social welfare programs were launched for retired mercenaries who had been forced to quit due to injuries or age. Mercenaries affiliated with the Fenris Mercenary Corps were now guaranteed at least a basic standard of living, supported by the territory.
"It's still in the early stages, and there's room for improvement, but even just having such programs seems to have eased the minds of the mercenaries."
The veteran mercenaries Ghislain had encountered in his past life had rarely ended on a high note.
Mercenary work often made it difficult to save money due to high expenses for medical treatment and living costs. Those who could no longer work as mercenaries struggled to make ends meet with whatever little money they had left—often falling victim to scams and ending up penniless.
Enjoying a comfortable retirement required fame and skill, privileges out of reach for the average mercenary.
Thus, Ghislain paid close attention to such details and ordered that they be addressed thoroughly.
Reviewing the report, Ghislain let out a pleased smile.
"It's going well. The number of mercenaries has really grown."
"There are now 20,000 mercenaries affiliated with us. We're ensuring that those who join the mercenary corps maintain as much independence as possible."
With unprecedented policies being implemented, mercenaries naturally flocked to Fenris. Some even migrated from other kingdoms to join.
As a result, the western part of Lutania was in chaos.
The south had never been reliant on mercenaries, but the western lords depended heavily on them. Now that most of the mercenaries operating in the west had left, tensions were inevitable. In the east, the Drake Mercenary Corps continued to recruit, absorbing other groups steadily.
At first, these recruitments had been almost forced. But once the benefits provided by Fenris became widely known, mercenaries began coming voluntarily.
In short, Lutania's mercenary world was rapidly falling into Ghislain's hands.
"Finally, we're ready to make a move."
The Fenris military had steadily grown and now numbered 30,000, thanks to systematic population management across the vast territory.
All 30,000 were equipped with Galbanium armor, qualifying them as an elite force.
Among them, a select 10,000 soldiers were organized into a unit called the "Mobile Army," equipped with portable siege engines. These elite soldiers, trained in mounted combat and archery by elves, represented the best of the best.
It wasn't just the soldiers. The 20,000-strong mercenary force, spread across various regions, could be summoned at a moment's notice with a single command from Ghislain.
In addition, there were 400 knights and 100 mages. While most of the mages had joined under somewhat dubious circumstances, they were now officially affiliated with Fenris.
Ghislain himself was a Master, and Vanessa was a 7th-circle mage—two superhumans leading the group. There were also several other high-level fighters.
It was no exaggeration to say that few lords in the kingdom could face Fenris alone.
Claude nodded and laughed.
"With this, we're truly ready."
When he first arrived, he was worried about how to generate income. Now, Fenris was hailed as the strongest in the north and was even vying for the title of the kingdom's mightiest.
Claude and the other vassals, who had witnessed the entire journey, couldn't help but feel proud.
Objectively speaking, the Duchy's forces were still stronger than Fenris. However, with the Royalist faction and the Four Great Churches on their side, they were not in a weak position.
Ghislain nodded and addressed everyone.
"The Duchy will be held off by the Royalist faction for now. In the meantime, we'll eliminate Marquis Rodrick."
"All preparations for deployment are complete."
The soldiers' equipment, rations, potions, and all other supplies necessary for war were ready.
Gillian, following Claude's report, added, "The soldiers' training is impeccable. Not just the soldiers, but even the people of the territory are at an all-time high in morale."
Currently, they were living more prosperous lives than anyone else in the kingdom. Most of the territory's residents had lived in poverty before, so they deeply valued their newfound well-being.
This sense of loyalty to their land naturally became ingrained in everyone.
Even rumors of a fight against Marquis Rodrick didn't scare them. They were prepared to die alongside their territory.
A few days later, the knights completed their training with the Dragon Heart fragments.
"Whew… I feel like I've doubled in strength," said Gordon, prompting nods of agreement from the other knights.
The process had been painful, but their mana had noticeably increased. They could now fight longer and with more power than before.
Every time Ghislain reviewed the state of his territory, a sense of satisfaction filled him. The only lingering disappointment was that Alpoi's progress remained unsatisfactory.
"Lord Alpoi! What have you been doing while I was away?"
"Well… I've been watching over the mages…"
"I told you to focus on your studies!"
"It's not that easy."
"What's so hard about it?"
"All right, fine… Just let me rest for a moment…"
"Where are you going? Get back to your room right now!"
"…Yes."
At the Fenris Magic Research Institute, Vanessa's scolding echoed daily. Alpoi hadn't even mastered 4th-circle magic properly, let alone reached the 5th circle.
His neglect of studies had dulled his mind, but at least he had learned a few spells to avoid constant berating.
For now, there was nothing more to be done. Everyone in Fenris was doing their utmost under the circumstances—except for Alpoi.
Just as Fenris completed its preparations, a messenger arrived with news.
"Marquis Rodrick has mobilized his forces."
It was an expected development, so no one was surprised.
Hearing the news, Claude turned to Ghislain.
"Should we summon the mercenaries? If we issue the order now and designate a location, they can gather en route."
"No. We don't need to call all the hard-working mercenaries just to deal with someone as insignificant as Marquis Rodrick. I'll notify you when it's time to summon them."
"Are you planning to defend?"
"That wouldn't be any fun. I'll take the elite 10,000 we've prepared and head west. The rest will follow the plans I've laid out."
Ghislain rose from his seat with a chilling smile.
"Let's go. This time, we'll take full control of the west."
At last, Fenris's elite Mobile Army of 10,000 began to move.
[T/L: Please support me and read 385 extra chapters: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]