Chapter 31 : Thorgrim Flamebeard

As Nexus and his small team made their way towards the neighboring city to unleash another wave of violence, a town of medium size nestled at the base of a mountain lay about a hundred miles to the north of the Capital.

The town was shrouded in darkness, with only the dim glow of the moon piercing through the clouds providing scant illumination.

But is even bizarre is that it resembled a ghost town, with chilling screams echoing through the still night air.

In a town consumed by chaos, residents, exuding a menacing aura, fled in every direction with dread etched on their faces.

The air reverberated with chilling screams as bodies, maimed and bloodied, littered the streets in a horrifying display. Clad in black, ominous figures stalked the town, leaving a trail of death in their wake. Each strike of their weapons resulted in severed heads and torrents of blood, as if they were infernal messengers reaping mortal souls.

These enigmatic figures comprised a faction dispatched by Nexus to purge criminals throughout the Kingdom.

Across all towns, a similar nightmare unfolded, criminals meeting a merciless end akin to sheep led to slaughter.

Three days elapsed since Nexus initiated the mission to cleanse the Kingdom, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.

Ordinary folk and oppressed slaves found liberation amidst the chaos, with resources seized from criminal factions redistributed for the people's welfare. Judgment befell all criminals, spanning from city gangs to hidden outlaw groups in remote regions.

Amidst the bloodshed, Nexus's group also faced injuries but also secured valuable resources, including those for cultivation.

The Kingdom trembled under the relentless wave of slaughter, yet a few managed to evade the grasp of Nexus, perpetuating a cycle of violence and salvation.

Engaged in a non-stop slaughter for three consecutive days, Nexus and his group relentlessly wielded their blades, resulting in the demise of thousands of criminals.

Blood cascaded like streams, bodies scattered throughout the Kingdom, and the scent of death and blood hung in the air. Not only did they acquire numerous resources from the criminal factions, but they also amassed a substantial sum of gold coins.

Rescuing thousands of slaves and commoners from the clutches of the criminals, they worked alongside the remaining soldiers to distribute food and essential supplies throughout the Kingdom.

Simultaneously, the populace became informed that the corrupt Nobles, who had plunged the once thriving Kingdom into chaos, were eradicated, and a new ruler had ascended the throne.

Nexus tasked Kassius with disseminating news of the Nobles' demise and the establishment of the new order.

The inhabitants rejoiced upon learning that their liberator, the new King, had rebelled against the oppressive Nobles, saved them from the criminal threat.

And alao ensured the distribution of provisions.These actions further endeared the citizens to their newfound monarch.

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In the grand hall of the Royal Palace in the capital city of Mysthaven Kingdom, the aftermath of Nexus's rebellion against the Nobles had been rectified, yet a vacant throne space remained.

Nexus, disdainful of the previous white throne, insisted on a red one, though the ongoing demands of the Kingdom necessitated their attention elsewhere, leaving the throne construction pending.

Positioned in the center of the hall, Nexus stood facing the empty throne, with Kassius and a retinue standing respectfully behind him, heads lowered.

After a few moments, Nexus turned around and faced Kassius, his countenance stern and composed.

"Grandpa Kassius, provide an update on the Kingdom's current status," Nexus declared with authority and regality in his voice.

Responding promptly, Kassius stepped forward, bowed before Nexus, produced a bundle of documents, and commenced his report.

" After three days of relentless slaughter, Your Majesty, the criminal forces and activities have been almost entirely eradicated " Kassius informed Nexus.

With a solemn expression, Kassius continued, " The populace now knew of the executions of the Nobles, and that a new King was in power. The Kingdom's treasury currently holds thirty million gold coins, obtained from the criminal forces and the Nobles. Rescuing thousands and feeding the two million population for two months with the food reserves, we also acquired various cultivation resources such a as Cultivation techniques pills,weapons etc, though only ordinary weapons were found, lacking any spirit weapons. Ther are only a thousand soldiers remaining in the Kingdom, all without cultivation but they possessed physical strength ten times that of mortals, the also Kingdom faced a grim reality of dilapidated buildings, we need a large amount of manpower to rebuild. "

Nexus, after a brief moment of contemplation, looked at everyone in the hall and said, "Currently the Kingdom's foundation is weak, we need people everywhere, our military, economic, and political situation is weak, the Kingdom is in urgent need for talented and skilled individuals in official positions ".

" Regrettably, a large portion of the population lacks literacy skills and is fragile. Furthermore, counting on the existing food reserves for a prolonged period is not a viable option. It is imperative to motivate the populace to engage in agriculture.

Above all, the paramount concern is to establish a robust army capable of safeguarding the Kingdom. It is disheartening that our current state of defense is feeble," Nexus remarked with a somber tone.

Nexus smiled and said, " We needs to take things step by step to achieve success, just like the famous saying: "a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

He then turned to Kassius," Grandpa Kassius we need a recruitment plan for individuals capable of handling official,you don't need to recruit more experienced ones,just recruit anyone who can read and write and offer a payment of one hundred silver coins per month to those recruited ".

" Understood Your Majesty " Kassius bowed in acknowledgement.

Nexus pondered for a moment before continuing," We also to recruit skilled personnel and manpower to reconstruct and repair of the Kingdom's infrastructure. As for the ongoing food shortage issue, I have an idea ".

Nexus smiled as his eyes flickered as continue speaking, " Spread the news that the Kingdom is willing to give various seeds and farming tools to anyone who is willing to reclaim and cultivate the land. This is a competition that the Kingdom is hosting,the competition had a three-month deadline, with regular supervision by appointed individuals, the one with highest harvest will be the winner. The winner would be crowned the best farmer of Mysthaven Kingdom and receive a hundred gold coins from me personally ".

Upon hearing this innovative proposal, Kassius and the others were surprised but impressed by Nexus's idea.

" Your Majesty this proposal is really brilliant

plan, this will motivate many people to engage in farming activities, ultimately easing the Kingdom's food shortage ". Kassius commended Nexus idea.

Back on Earth, this type of event occurs annually in many countries, where farmers are recognized for their outstanding harvests and rewarded for their hard work.

Nexus had the idea to implement a similar competition in the Kingdom to address the food shortage issue. Due to the oppression of the Nobles, the people were unable to cultivate the land and were suffering from starvation.

However, with the fertile soil in the Kingdom, there is great potential for farming. The competition aims to encourage people to start farming, with the Kingdom providing seeds and tools to participants.

The reward of a hundred gold coins, presented by Nexus himself, their new King is a significant incentive for people to join the farming frenzy and help alleviate the food shortage.

At that moment, a guard abruptly entered the hall and knelt before Nexus,"Your Majesty."

Nexus glanced at the guard and inquired, "What is it?"

The guard proceeded to inform Nexus that there was an individual outside the Royal Palace requesting an audience with him.

Surprised, Nexus responded, "Someone wants to see me?" .

" Go and bring that person to me " He instructed.

With a respectful acknowledgment, the guard left the hall to carry out Nexus's orders.

Nexus then turned to Kassius, " Grandpa Kassius you can go and proceed with the task we have discussed discussed ".

Kassius bowed and exited the hall, leaving Nexus alone with a pensive expression on his face.

He pondered why someone would be seeking him out, considering that aside from Kassius, Sora, Nyx, and a few others, he did not know many people.

Lost in thought, Nexus was suddenly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. He refocused his attention on the entrance of the hall, where the guard was now entering with a person in tow.

The guard entered the hall and immediately bowed, announcing, "Your Majesty, this is the person who wants to see you."

Nexus nodded and waved his hand, dismissing the guard. As the guard left, Nexus and the visitor were left alone in the hall.

Nexus looked curiously at the person before him.

The individual stood about five feet tall, with a stout and robust figure. He carried a huge hammer on his back, had a thick flaming red beard, messy long hair, and tiny beady eyes. His muscles looked as if they were made of iron, and he exuded a fiery aura.

Nexus continued to scrutinize the dwarf in front of him. He had read about dwarfs before and had seen them in movies back on Earth, but he had never seen one in person.

" Hey, why are you staring at me? Have you never seen a dwarf before?" the dwarf suddenly spoke, his voice booming across the hall.

Nexus was taken aback but grinned. "Well, I've never seen a dwarf before, so I'm curious."

" So who are you and why do you want to see me? " Nexus faced turned serious as he asked.

The dwarf put down his huge hammer with a loud bang, patting his chest as his fiery long beard fluttered in the wind. "My name is Thorgrim Flamebeard, and I want to work for you," he said with a wild grin.