Chapter 15 Spies

Martin stood atop the high wall of Rotengen, his gaze sweeping over the city that had become both his stronghold and his burden. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the bustling streets below, where the influx of refugees from the harsh northeastern territories had swelled the city's population to 18,000. The sounds of activity reached his ears, but so did the unsettling whispers of espionage and treachery.

He watched as Marek, one of his most trusted kinghts, wrestled with a captured spy. The man's face was a mask of fear, his attempts to escape thwarted by the efficient and vigilant city watch. Martin had recently instituted a new policy, urging citizens to report any suspicious individuals, a move that had quickly borne fruit.

The city's defenses were now bolstered by 2,500 warriors, divided into specialized groups to handle the varied demands of protecting and maintaining Rotengen.

The Royal Guard

Martin's 800 elite Royal Guards stood apart, their presence commanding respect and awe. Each member had undergone rigorous training in the dwarves' body-strengthening techniques, a secret art that had turned them into formidable protectors. They moved with precision and confidence, their bodies now impervious to mere slashes or blows. Martin himself had trained alongside them, testing the technique on his own frame. The results were nothing short of miraculous. What once might have left a wound now barely left a mark. Their training had imbued them with an almost supernatural resilience, and their discipline was evident in every coordinated movement.---

Each man had undergone weeks of grueling training, guided by the dwarves' ancient body-strengthening methods. The results were nothing short of extraordinary, though none of them could fully understand the depths of the power they now wielded.

At the edge of the training grounds, Martin observed his men with a keen eye. His own body bore the marks of the same training, and like his guards, he had been astounded by the transformation. The technique was unlike anything they had encountered before—it had turned their flesh into something akin to iron, capable of withstanding blows that would have felled any normal man.

"Prepare for the test!" Marek's voice rang out, cutting through the murmurs of the soldiers. He stepped forward, holding a sharpened blade in his hand. It was a test that many would have considered madness—slashing at a fellow soldier with a blade—but the royal guard had seen what their bodies could endure.

One of the guards, a tall man with a broad chest and arms like tree trunks, stepped forward. He squared his shoulders, his face calm, as Marek approached.

"This is crazy," one of the younger soldiers muttered under his breath, his eyes wide with disbelief. "A sword could kill him!"

"Not anymore," another replied, his voice filled with a mix of awe and certainty.

Marek swung the blade with precision, aiming for the guard's exposed arm. The sword connected with a sharp clang, but instead of slicing through flesh, it skidded off as if it had struck solid steel. The guard didn't even flinch.

A collective gasp went up from the gathered soldiers. They had trained, they had seen the changes in their own bodies, but this was the first time they had witnessed the true extent of their newfound power.

"What kind of power is this?" one of the soldiers asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Marek scanned the faces of the guards. "This is just the beginning. We will continue to train, to strengthen ourselves further. But know this—if an enemy dares to strike at Rotengen, they will find themselves facing a force they cannot comprehend."

The soldiers' confidence grew with each passing moment, the reality of their new power settling in. They were no longer just men—they were something more, something stronger.

Martin turned to face them, his voice firm. "You are the shield that protects Rotengen. With this strength, we will defend our home, our people, and our future. But never forget—our true strength lies not just in our bodies, but in our unity, our resolve, and our will to protect what is ours."

The royal guard stood taller, their spirits lifted by Martin's words. They were ready—ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that they had become a force to be reckoned with.

As they resumed their training, the sound of steel against steel filled the air once more, but now it was accompanied by a new confidence, a belief that with this miraculous strength, they could withstand anything the world might throw at them.

Field Guardians

The 700 Field Guardians were tasked with the crucial role of securing the outskirts and the grain fields that were the lifeblood of Rotengen. Their training had also been rigorous, though not to the same extent as the Royal Guards. They had been prepared for the harsh conditions of the fields and were adept at handling any threats that emerged from the ever-encroaching wilderness or would-be bandits. The enhancement techniques had made them robust, able to endure the punishing elements while keeping watch over the vital resources.

City Sentinels

The remaining 1,000 were City Sentinels, responsible for maintaining order within the city and ensuring the safety of its citizens. They patrolled the streets, guarded key infrastructure, and managed the growing number of refugees and newcomers. Their training, though not as specialized as the Royal Guards, was thorough, and their effectiveness was reflected in the city's increasing stability.

As Martin observed the Royal Guards demonstrating their enhanced abilities in a training exercise, he marveled at the results. A knight swung a sword with all his might, but the blade merely skidded off his comrade's reinforced armor, leaving no more than a faint scratch. The technique had transformed the warriors into living fortresses, a testament to the dwarves' incredible craft.

Martin's thoughts were interrupted by Marek approaching, his expression grim. "My lord, the spy has been interrogated. He claims there are plans to undermine Rotengen from within, including attempts to sabotage our grain supplies and spread disease."

Martin's eyes narrowed. The threat was real and immediate. With the city's resources and defenses strained, the stakes had never been higher. "We must remain vigilant," Martin said, his voice steady. "Our enemies will not rest while we stand strong. Let's ensure every measure is in place to protect what we have built."

As the evening shadows deepened, Martin continued his inspection, his resolve unwavering. The city's safety and prosperity depended on every warrior, guardian, and sentinel. He knew the challenges ahead would be formidable, but with his fortified warriors and strategic acumen, he was determined to secure Rotengen's future.