393

Episode 393 Things turned out easy. (3)

As soon as Giselle returned to the estate, she urged the knights on.

"Okay! There's no time! Let's take turns quickly!"

These days, knights are training in mana concentration circles made from pieces of dragon heart.

Fenris now had an abundance of runestones, enough for everyone to have their own personal mana focus.

However, since the number of Dragon Heart Fragments was limited, the number of Mana Focus Circles made using them was around 100.

The intention was to ensure effectiveness even if it meant limiting the quantity.

"Ugh… … This really hurts."

The knights entered the mana concentration camp, joking.

The concentration made from a piece of dragon heart provides much more mana than the original, but the burden on the body also increases accordingly.

It was painful, but I had to endure it somehow because I had a goal of getting stronger faster.

"Ugh… … ."

The knights groaned in pain as they practiced mana training.

Mana surged through my body as if it was going to burst. I had to somehow concentrate and control it.

Once inside, there was no need for Jiselle to nag her like before. If she really didn't want her body to burst, she had to work hard on her own.

However, once I entered and came out, I felt that my mana had increased significantly compared to before. With such a happy reward, I could endure even the hardship.

It wasn't just the knights who had to go through such painful training.

Kuung!

"Whew, whoosh… … ."

Jiselle was also busy strengthening her body whenever she had the chance.

The solid steel armor covering his body has become much heavier than before.

Ding ding… … .

The weight attached to the chain connecting the body also became heavier. It was no longer a weight that a human could lift.

But even in that state, he did not stop swinging his sword, moving, or practicing.

'I need to strengthen my body more.'

To withstand the rapidly increasing mana due to Dark, the body must become stronger.

Of course, no matter how much you train, your body itself cannot overcome the limitations of the human species.

That is why the physical training of those who handle mana changes slightly from a certain level.

'Hang in there!'

Jiselle gritted her teeth and swung her sword. With her mana suppressed, it was difficult to even swing it once.

But he stretched out his feet without any hesitation.

Kuung!

The more you push yourself to your limits, the more your organs and blood vessels will be unable to handle it and will start to drain your mana.

It's a similar principle to how the old Jiselle attacked herself and made her mana move on its own.

As your body gets used to using mana, your endurance will increase. Mana is strengthening your body.

This painful process and enlightenment must be combined to transcend the limitations of the human species and become a superhuman.

Even Jiselle now had mana flowing naturally through her body like a dragon. The more she pushed her body, the faster her mana would strengthen her body compared to others.

Kwah! Kwah! Kwah!

'Just a little more.'

It didn't matter if my muscles were torn or my bones were broken. The mana flowing through my body and my excellent regenerative powers quickly restored my body.

And as she repeated that step over and over again, Jiselle's body was increasingly transcending human limitations.

Dark, who was watching the scene from inside, stuck out his tongue.

'Wow, this isn't a real person. He's so strong and still practices like this? He's really a poison, a poison.'

If it were me, I would enjoy life for the rest of my life with this vast estate and abundant wealth.

'Well... ... I guess it's not that I don't understand.'

Dark, who stole Giselle's memories of her past life, can tell what she's thinking.

The desire for revenge was so strong that even he couldn't contain it. In addition, he felt a vivid determination to protect what was precious to him.

In any case, the Duke and the Salvation Church had no choice but to clash with Jiselle. So it was understandable that they would train their bodies to the point where the word "excessive labor" would be appropriate.

'But it would be easier to run away and live. If I were you, I would do that.'

I understand, but I don't completely sympathize, because Dark has always been alone.

Still, it was quite fun being with the owner. I got to see a lot of funny guys.

Even after finishing her training, Jiselle did not rest for a moment. She looked around the estate and carefully checked the progress of each project.

One thing I've been focusing on lately has been the growing number of mercenaries.

"How are the recruited mercenaries doing these days?"

"I feel much better. My morale has gone up so much that it's incomparable to before."

Claude answered with a rather proud expression.

Under the orders of Giselle, he worked hard to improve the treatment of mercenaries. In particular, he generously gave away his excessive money, creating policies that others could not even imagine.

"There's a fuss going on everywhere about joining our mercenary group."

All the mercenaries in the kingdom were flocking to the Fenris Mercenary Group after hearing rumors about them. It was understandable. They were treated differently from other mercenary groups.

"Is everything I said going well?"

Giselle told Claude about the hardships she had as a mercenary. It was something she had vaguely thought would be nice to have.

And Claude took that and refined it into policy.

"Yes, first of all, it is well-received that we are building hospitals for mercenaries in each region and providing medical services. Since the academy in the territory is currently producing doctors, the number of hospitals will increase."

The thing that mercenaries worry about the most in life is the cost of treatment. Priests are few in number and the cost of treatment is expensive, so they cannot even think of meeting them.

Most people treat their wounds on their own with poor knowledge, which often makes their wounds worse.

So the Fenris Mercenary Company set up facilities in every territory connected to the road where their mercenaries could receive cheap medical treatment.

Thanks to this, the Fenris mercenaries were able to receive proper treatment at a low price, as the previously established academy continued to produce talented individuals.

"Okay, it's really sad when you're sick and have no money. What next?"

"We made it possible to provide the royal family with a minimum level of food and living environment."

The laborers who had been involved in road construction were gradually running out of work and were sitting idle. They were re-involved in a new construction project.

It was a project to build a safe living space where the mercenaries could rest comfortably for free, as well as a hospital.

Mercenaries could minimize hunger and fatigue by using it whenever they had no missions or were on the move. Saving money was a bonus.

"Are you taking good care of the mercenaries' families?"

"Yes, we provide them with housing and offer them cheap shipping when they request for delivery of goods."

Any supplies needed by the remaining family members were quickly provided using the Fenris Arrow Delivery. So it was only natural that the mercenaries and their families were all satisfied.

Jiselle also smiled with satisfaction.

"Yes. If you have no place to go and no place to rest, it's truly miserable."

Jisel also slept outdoors as if it were a meal, without any shelter from the wind and rain, during his rookie mercenary days. So he knew the sorrow and misery very well.

Claude knows that feeling well. He too once lived as a homeless king because of gambling debts.

"In addition, we are building various educational facilities and implementing social security systems."

Mercenaries usually learn various knowledge and skills from their seniors. As a result, what they learn is often not specialized.

So, Jiselle also ordered that a training facility be established where mercenaries could learn the skills they wanted.

In addition, a social security system was also started for mercenaries who retired due to injury or old age. If you were a member of the Fenris Mercenary Corps, it was a system that helped you live a minimum standard of living at the territory level.

"It's still early in the implementation process and needs to be refined a bit, but I think the mere existence of such a system has put mercenaries at ease."

Most of the senior mercenaries that Jiselle had seen in her past life did not have good endings.

In the first place, it is difficult to save a lot of money when working as a mercenary due to the cost of medical expenses and living expenses. As it became difficult to continue working as a mercenary, those who retired had a hard time making ends meet with the little money they had left. Even then, they were often defrauded and ended up penniless.

Spending a comfortable retirement was something that only those with fame and skill could achieve, but it was difficult for ordinary mercenaries.

So, Jiselle instructed them to pay close attention to even such details.

Jiselle looked at the report and chuckled.

"It's going well. The number of mercenaries has really increased a lot."

"There are currently 20,000 mercenaries affiliated with the mercenary group. Those who join the mercenary group are allowed to maintain independence as much as possible."

As he implemented an unprecedented policy on the continent, mercenaries flocked in. There were even mercenaries who immigrated from other kingdoms.

Because of this, the western part of the Kingdom of Rutania was in chaos.

The South originally lived well without mercenaries, but the western lords tended to rely on them. However, since most of the mercenaries active in the West left, the atmosphere was bound to become bad.

In the East, the Drake Mercenary Company was active and continued to recruit new mercenary companies.

At first, it was closer to forcible absorption, but after word of the benefits offered by Fenris spread, mercenaries began to come to them on their own.

In short, the kingdom's mercenary community was quickly falling into Giselle's hands.

"I'm finally ready to give it a try."

The Fenris army has steadily grown to 30,000 men, thanks to systematic population management in its vast territory.

With 30,000 men all equipped with galvanium weapons, they could be called an elite force.

Among them, 10,000 soldiers were selected separately and were called the 'Mobile Army' and were equipped with mobile catapults. They were all elites who had been trained by the elves and had even learned horsemanship and archery.

It wasn't just soldiers. The mercenaries numbering 20,000 were now spread out across the regions, but they would gather at a single word from Giselle.

There are now 400 knights and 100 wizards. Most of the wizards were tricked into joining, but they are now part of Fenris.

Jiselle is a master and Vanessa is also a superhuman with two 7th circles. There are also several other people who are at the highest level.

It is no exaggeration to say that there are few lords in this kingdom who can now face Fenris alone.

Claude also nodded and smiled.

"At this point, it's really worth a try."

When I first came here, I was worried about how I would make money.

But now, they are called the strongest in the North and are aiming for the title of the strongest in the kingdom.

Claude and his followers, who had been with them through the entire process, could not help but feel proud.

Of course, objectively speaking, the Duke's power is still stronger than Fenris's. But aren't the Prince's faction and the four major religious groups on their side? The situation wasn't that bad.

Jiselle nodded and spoke to everyone.

"The Duke's faction will block the Prince's advance for the time being. In the meantime, we will eliminate Marquis Rodrik."

"Preparations for departure are complete."

All the items necessary for waging war, including soldiers' weapons, food, and potions, were taken.

Gillian followed Claude's lead.

"The soldiers' training is also in good condition. Not only the soldiers, but also the people of the territory are at their peak of morale."

Although they are now living in greater abundance than any other territory, the people of the territory were all people who lived in poverty.

The feeling that this territory had to be protected could not help but permeate everyone.

They were not afraid of the rumors that they would fight Marquis Rodrik, because they were prepared to die along with this territory.

After a few days, the knights' training using the Dragon Heart Fragments also ended.

"Whew… … I feel like I've become twice as strong as before."

The other knights nodded at Gordon's words.

Although the process was painful, my mana really increased beyond recognition. Now I can fight longer and with greater strength than before.

Jiselle smiled proudly every time she checked the status of the territory. The only regret was that Alpoy's skills were not up to a satisfactory level.

"Alpoy! What on earth have you been doing while I was away!"

"That, that… … the wizards' surveillance… … ."

"I told you to just study!"

"It's not easy."

"What's so difficult about this!"

"Okay, then let's just take a break… … ."

"Where are you going! Go into your room quickly!"

"...yes."

Vanessa's scolding could be heard every single day at the Fenris Magical Institute. Alfoy had barely learned a few 4th circle magic spells, let alone 5th circle magic.

Alpoy's mind became rigid because he didn't study much. It was fortunate that he learned a few spells so as not to get scolded.

Anyway, there was nothing more that could be done right now. Everyone in Fenris was united and doing the best they could under the current circumstances. Except Alfoy.

When all preparations were completed in Fenris, a messenger came running to announce it.

"Marquis Rodrique has moved his army."

It was something everyone expected, so no one was surprised.

Claude, who heard the news, asked Giselle.

"Should I call up the mercenaries? If you give the order to call up right now and designate a location, they can gather during the advance."

"No, there's no need to gather all the mercenaries who are working hard for 'only' Marquis Rodrik. I'll let you know when to call in the mercenaries."

"Are you thinking of going to Mercury?"

"Then it's no fun. This time, I'll take the 10,000 best troops I've prepared and go to the West. The rest of you, respond as I tell you."

Jiselle stood up from her seat and smiled coolly.

"Let's go, this time we will definitely take over the West."

Finally, the 10,000-strong Fenris Mobile Force began to move.