war preparations

Two weeks have passed since the villagers captured the demoness. During this time, the owners of the evolving village system have continued to do their quests, drastically increasing their progress. Despite this, these two weeks were like adding a drop of water to a glass full of it: a barely noticeable difference.

- - -

''How are the preparations?'' Alain asked looking at Louis

''Aside from the food both bought and brought by Cleppe, we still need some tents. Still, that shouldn't be that much of a problem, meaning we just need to choose Nirl's 40 men.''

A demonic war had been officially declared.

The empire ordered each power's relay to provide a certain number of men, concerning Nirl they were to provide 40 fully equipped men – Basically, at the very least they wanted at least a war weapon and a helmet - composed of at least 10 veterans and 30 guards.

The army would normally take care of the food, but as a matter of precaution, most people would bring their own food

So there were only two issues left to deal with: on the one hand, choosing the local elites who would be lucky enough to participate in this war, and on the other, the imperial recruitment.

''Do you think the imperial recruitment will happen?''

''It's obvious, they would never forget that tax.''

The imperial recruitments were a troops' request coming from the imperial family to participate in a demonic war. The only difference being that they would pass under the control of the imperial army, which always started the war.

Accompanied by many criminals and cannon fodder, no one would want to join the imperial vanguard, whose mortality rate was over 30%. That's why we were talking about a tax.

If you don't want to see your people die, then pay the compensation for not giving any men away. That was the primary purpose of these recruitments, as for the troops, having some more wouldn't hurt.

And to counter any accusations, not only did the imperial family indicate that it was for the good of the empire, leaving the choice to pay, but they paid handsomely for non-criminals (free or not)*1 who survived and eventually brought back exploits.

On rare occasions, often in times of general discontent, the imperial family would not initiate this recruitment.

...

5 days passed quickly. There were only two days left before Nirl had to gather its troops and come to Cleppe - the journey to the battlefield was long.

''Dad'' Rodolphe turned to his father, who was ending the last administrative paperwork, including the names and plates of all the combatants.

''Hm?''

''I would like to go too'' Rodolphe said a bit anxiously.

Louis turned around, leaving his chair. Then he stood up to Rodolphe and said.

''Rodolphe, I know you're trying to strengthen yourself, but they are other ways.''

''I have already thought about all pros and cons! Please, let me go.''

Rodolphe stared at him.

''Well, if you really want to... I'll test you''

'I guess he just doesn't understand what war is.' Louis sighed. He did want to bring him to war before he turns eleven, but this war was special. If a classical war would be considered extremely bloody if more than 5 % of the combattant died, some demonic war could even kill as much as 10 % of the population.

Even if Rodolphe was at the peak of the guard realm, he didn't want him to risk it out. Even more so when he wouldn't participate - the administrator's role being special.

'I guess I should kill two birds with one stone.'

- - -

The next day, after some discussion, Louis brought Rodolphe and some of Nirl's talents to Cleppe. Going towards the castle, Louis went out with a veteran who guided the group to a prison.

''It's here'' The guard said politely before entering, bringing out three tied-up prisoners, most likely without energy centers.

He then led the group to a free training area before bringing in a child.

''She wants to participate.'' he said.

Louis nodded a bit surprised but soon didn't pay it any more attention.

''Alright, the test will begin.'' Louis looked at the three prisoners, two men and a woman who were on their knees, their heads held low by Cleppe's soldiers.

''One small clarification before the test begins: you may stop watching and leave at any given moment.''

He briefly looked quickly at the talents who felt ready to beat up some demon. Their faces no longer showed such certainty as they had shown before, Louis's words indicating that they would surely see a human execution.

'But why did it have to be humans being killed by other humans in a war where the only enemy would be demons?' This thought crossed the minds of all the talents who were between 9 and 15 years old.

''The test is the following one: Kill them with your own hands.''

(*1)As indicated, the free and the unfree basically have the same status. Some slaves have much more influence than free people, sometimes having thousands of servants. Basically, the free/non-free status, which cannot be summarised as non-slave/slave, only serves as an administrative criterion, a bit like the nobles.

Basically:

Free = military service. But only the equipped can come. It's a method of social promotion after all.

Not free (without being a slave) = no military service required.

Slaves = military service can be requested but must be strongly rewarded. Laws exist to get rid of slave status. If they refuse military service, depending on the conditions, it's a crime to force them.

Prisoners and dangers = If there is no interest in keeping them, they are sent to the battlefield. To encourage them, you can promise more freedom.