Chapter 44: Territory - Village of Kalyss

"You have proven your courage. Surrender now, Veedian, your life only comes once." Alexander's forces surrounded the last unit of the Snow Bear Knights, and he regarded these brave warriors with solemn respect. Perhaps in the eyes of nobles, their lives were as inconsequential as weeds in the northern winds, to be trampled upon at will. But as warriors who fought to the last moment, they deserved respect.

"My lord, your strength impresses me deeply. Please accept the respect of the Veedians," the last warrior of the Snow Bear Knights, covered in blood and wounds, raised his battle-axe with his remaining arm, shouting with his last strength, "My father gave me this axe before he died. He said, 'Son, this is the only legacy I leave you. From now on, whatever you want, you must seize it with this axe!'"

Alexander listened quietly, knowing this unnamed Veedian warrior would never surrender. With a wave of his hand, the iron riders behind him surged like a steel tide, engulfing the last warrior of the Snow Bear Knights.

[Congratulations to Lord Alexander for defeating the Snow Bear Knights]

[Completed King Hadser's mission - extermination of the Snow Bear Knights]

[Reward: Experience Points +5000, System Coins +5000]

[Redeemer Legion ranking rises to 422]

[Reward: Silver Treasure Chest x1]

Without hesitation, Alexander said, "Open!"

As a gleaming white light flashed across the system panel, the system's voice rang out again.

[Congratulations to Lord Alexander for gaining +2 Wisdom attribute points]

Surprised to directly gain attribute points, Alexander was slightly bewildered. He hadn't yet discovered the practical use of wisdom points, but having them was better than not.

At least one thing was certain: with increased wisdom, he could rely on reading to learn relevant skills.

For instance, Alexander's equestrian skills were lacking. He looked enviously at his subordinates riding their horses. Although his steed was also magnificent, it was not sturdy enough. Given Alexander's heavy equipment, even his mount felt cumbersome and awkward.

Now, all he needed was a book on equestrianism to improve his riding skills.

Alexander's panel now read:

[Level]: 9

[Strength]: 13

[Agility]: 10

[Intelligence]: 8

[Charisma]: 9

[Available Attribute Points]: 0

[Experience]: 20000/25600

[System Coins]: 5000

With some money in hand, Alexander felt a bit more confident. After all, he had to pay his subordinates every week. Without money, how could they survive?

"Clean up the battlefield. Not a single dinar should be left behind," Alexander ordered, instructing his men to tidy up the battlefield and bring back the head of the Snow Bear Knights' commander to present to King Hadser.

When they returned to the territory of Saint Martin, as expected, King Hadser couldn't hide his satisfaction. The king wasn't interested in the head of the Snow Bear Knights' commander; he coveted the war hammer that symbolized Veedian glory. He even wished to display it in the castle hall for visiting nobles and ministers to admire.

King Hadser, a lifelong advocate of being outspoken, calmly wrote a letter to the friendly King of Veed, stating:

"To the heroic Veedian warriors, they not only possess fearless courage but also the wisdom to seize opportunities. They are truly deserving of this hammer that symbolizes honor. However, against the unbeatable warriors of Saint Martin, everything seems futile. Weapons marked with your country's insignia are of no rarity to us; we have an entire warehouse of them. If your country needs more, feel free to purchase them from us at a fair price."

As this letter reached the hands of the King of Veed, Alexander had no idea of his emotional reaction. All he knew was that this war might not end anytime soon, as the Veedians were attacking like mad dogs across the border.

"My champion, your achievements are truly unforgettable. You have dealt a heavy blow to those evil pirates and their descendants. I believe that in the future, you will continue to adorn the kingdom's flag with the golden borders of victory. Therefore, I bestow upon you Kalyss, including its local taxes, legislation, and people. There, you will enjoy supreme authority, second only to mine."

With a grand gesture, King Hadser granted Alexander a village in the kingdom as his fief.

Excited, Alexander immediately shouted, "I will continue to fight for the kingdom, offering my loyalty, blood, and even my life!"

As he shouted, he recalled the geographical location of Kalyss Village in his mind. Finally, he admitted that he didn't have much of an impression of the village. After leaving the castle where King Hadser resided, Alexander promptly opened a parchment map of the Kingdom of Saint Martin and checked the location of Kalyss.

Victor and the others gathered around to look as well. After they finished, they couldn't help but say, "Boss, isn't the geographical location of this village... a bit too remote?"

Geoffrey nodded in agreement, "This place is truly a whirlpool of war."

The village of Kalyss is situated southwest of the Kalyss Castle in the Kingdom of Saint Martin, in the northwest region of the entire kingdom, resembling a protruding horn wedged between the borders of two neighboring countries. To the south lies the Kingdom of Barlow Mountain, while to the north stretches a vast expanse of sea, beyond which lies the snowy realm of the Northlands, home to a familiar country to the Kingdom of Saint Martin—the Kingdom of Veed.

Located at the tri-border area of the three nations, the village's geographical location couldn't be better. If the relations among the three nations were harmonious, it would be an excellent trade hub. The problem is, with Hadser's granny-mouth and uncle's unloving attitude, peace? It's more likely my army would crush your entire family.

"Cough, well, it's our first piece of territory, so we should at least go and take a look," Alexander said with a sense of uncertainty. He knew he had to conduct a field survey first, as no research means no right to speak—this was currently his only consolation.

By handing over this village to Alexander, Hadser's intention was clear: he was entrusting Alexander with the task of expanding the territory. "It's up to you to open up new territories. I'll provide all the help I can, aside from assistance."

It's no wonder Hadser trusted Alexander so much. Entrusting such a challenging territory to him was because he had no one else available. The nobles of the Kingdom of Saint Martin were quite capable, unlike the nobles of the Empire, each of whom was skilled in combat. However, the problem lay therein—almost all the ancestors of the nobles of the Kingdom of Saint Martin were valiant warriors. As a result, none of them were willing to yield, and each was proud and unruly. Hadser's abilities were mediocre at best, and he couldn't suppress this group of unruly nobles, only barely maintaining his rule over the kingdom. Even this became increasingly difficult.

Therefore, he needed Alexander more than Alexander needed him.