Chapter 9: Golems, Golems, and Golems

An hour had passed by as the factory does its magic, literally.

Although the amount of ores being disrupted to the storage facility, it was but a temporary hindrance, as the ore capacity meets its quota. Thus, the pathway to it was closed, dedicating all its production to manufacture the golems.

Because of the excess production, thousands upon thousands from each variants were created.

Apollo kept counting each golems were made, as Duine stared at the quest screen, watching the numbers of farmers and soldiers grew. When they reached their current objective, he shut down the ore dispenser immediately.

The factory was only large enough to accommodate at least 5,000 golems. So when the golems were created, they immediately head out of the factory where they waited in their groups.

By the time Duine and his entourage walked outside, over 100,000 golems stood in a neat formation.

They then flew to the top of the factory's roof.

To the right side of his vision, there are a total of 60,000 dedicated to civilian occupations. Most of them were made of less valuable ores, but their structure remains to be seen.

A total of 10,000 golem farmers stood with their equipment stored behind their backs. The iconic green painted steel is easily recognizable to solely grow food for his realm.

There's also over 25,000 golems dedicated to construct and maintain buildings throughout the island. One of their hands comes in different variety of equipment, such as hammering, welding, and screwing.

Above the sky, there are a total of 5,000 drone like golems, who are shaped with a cylinder body with a single eye at the middle. From the flat surface of their side, are giant arms. These golems are solely for logical purposes to haul resources from one place to another.

The remaining 20,000 acquired more rarer ores than their counter parts. This is because these golems roles varied from being clerics, managers, or teachers, which Duine had no use until future developments.

Duine then turned to the left side of his vision where his newly established army waited.

Bolstering 40,000 golems strong, each wore an entire set of plated metallic armor.

Duine looked closely to each individual armor and noticed that some wore a much valuable metal than their lessers. These must be the officers that will be organizing the army.

The army seem to divide in three sections.

The first consist of 30,000 golem soldiers. They're the main force of his army, as each use different weapon based off of their armor. Their combative level ranges from level 15 to 25 as determined by their quality.

The second consist of 5,000 officers who wore much valuable plated metals. They've also equipped themselves with a variety of weapons based off their armor. However, they're by far stronger than the average soldiers, as they're leveled around 35.

The last 5,000 golems consist of the strongest unit in the entire army. Unlike their peers, who had passive abilities to buff their troops, they deliver much more damage to any enemy combatant that stands in their way. Despite their leveling of 40, they can only be commanded by none other than Duine himself.

Apollo gaped at the sight of the size of the population.

"Impressive, right? This is nothing compared to what I'll do in the future." Duine smiled to himself.

"Indeed my lord, it really is impressive as you said. However, I'm rather troubled." Apollo paused for a moment. All three looked at him bewildered.

"What's the matter, Apollo? Didn't he fulfilled the quest completely?" Anicetus asked.

"And a lot more than that." Hademar added.

Apollo shocked his head. It wasn't the problem.

"It's true that Duine completed multiple tasks, what troubles me most is how he intends to organize them. Duine, do you have any idea what you should do for all these golems?" Apollo asked.

It seemed odd for him to ask about Duine's intentions. He replied nonetheless.

"Indeed, I intend to-"

"You're putting a lot administrative work upon yourself." Apollo interrupted.

"My lord, you're only a child. Although you are the sole heir to Causatrie, I believed you should let someone become your regent."

The entire field remained silent for a while.

"Is that a sign of disloyalty?" Hademar asked as he slowly walked up to Apollo.

Perhaps he knew that Hademar would try to stir trouble, seeing how he didn't try to run from him.

"It is a suggestion. Duine still lacks in both education and experience to handle the pressure of rulership. Ten years from now, he will still become the worlds greatest man, but as of now, he still needs to be trained." Apollo defended. Although it wasn't intentional, Hademar must have seen reason in his statement.

Especially the training where he could educate Duine personally.

As of now, they all looked at Duine for closure.

He contemplate whether or not should he allow Apollo to take the reins in developing his realm. He knew that Apollo excel in stewardship and diplomacy, but he's the type to maintain the status quo rather than to exploit it. After all, he's created to keep track on Duine's progress.

"Apollo, you should not underestimate my capabilities. I learn a lot from managing my realm than reading outdated books to crawl the way back to a dusty golden age." Duine statement made it clear that he wouldn't surrender any power.

This made Apollo looked down as he accept his disgrace.

"I will, however let you command the non-combative golems to further increase production. You're correct that having to divide my attention will hinder me on the long run, so I grant you the authority over them." Duine declared.

Apollo looked up again as he gleefully shrilled.

"You won't regret this! I will support you with the best of my abilities."

And with that, he left with the golems under his command.

"Is this truly a wise decision, my lord?" Anicetus asked. The fact that Apollo first presented his own suggestion is fact that he might as well do so again. Duine looked displeased with the paranoia.

"The fact remains that he is loyal to my service. You may not seen it, but he already covered a critical flaw on my part. With his assistance, I've decreased the workload I've set for myself." Duine exclaimed.

"That's not all, my lord. You also maintained your personal power as well." Hademar looked at the army of golems. Every single one of them begin to kneel to their creator.

The most eye catching of all are the strongest golem regiment that position themselves closest to Duine.

"I'd say you've created a pretty good royal guard for yourself. Then again, I'd like to see them try to beat me in combat." Hademar laughed.

Both Hademar and Anicetus are level 50. Even an entire legion of Duine's level 40 guards couldn't take them out unless they contribute everything they had to eliminate them. There's a clear distance of power between them.

"Now with that out of the way, it's time for you to decide." Anicetus smiled.

Duine was expecting this, but he soon realize he was caught in a pincer attack.

"Who would you like to train you?"