Although Vlad could force civilians to work for free by making it clear that it was for the protection of the kingdom, such tactics were not useful in the long run, and the work people would do would be subpar.
That was why the Xaos Merits were put in place. Everybody in the Silent Wind Military Base had three meals a day, but that was basic demonic beast meat. It was enough to fill their bellies and give them strength for the days, filling them with vigor, but that was it.
However, through Xaos Merits, civilians could access cultivation techniques much better than the ones granted by the Plane Will and Champion demon’s meat and blood. That would not only fill them with all the nutrients they needed but also fill their bodies with vitality and energy, everything needed to grow stronger and advance in Levels.
The Level System was already clear to all the people in the world. Through it, they could grow stronger, something very important in this post-apocalyptic world. Even if they were not going to fight and wanted to be civilians, they would still aim for the Level System, as through the strength system they could gain stronger bodies that would make their jobs easier and improve their lifespan.
A Level 5 and a normal person would have the same lifespan. Yet, while a normal person would live their last twenty years with a weaker body and fading vitality, someone at the peak of the Mortal Tier would enjoy a strong body and bursting vitality up to their last day.
With that type of reward, it was no wonder that people were working so hard to gain Xaos Merits.
Vlad was very satisfied with the logistic work from Alonz, and he had seen just how hardworking the civilians were under the government system put in place, once again reaffirming his confidence in the old man’s capabilities.
"How is the construction of the Xaos Tower?" Vlad’s eyes grew sharp as he uttered those words since this was one of the core components of the future power of his kingdom.
Of course, the Xaos Tower was, in essence, the Wizard Tower that Vlad had modified with the help of the A.I. Chip so it could work as the vessel for a clone of the A.I. Chip.
Alonz’s focus and sharpness grew even higher as he knew that the Xaos Tower project was the most important task assigned to him, and he treated it accordingly. "We have already started the construction, my King. Using the materials that the soldiers gathered during their rescue efforts, we have managed to build the underground foundation."
A wide smile appeared on Vlad’s face as he heard those words, and he was thrilled with the progress of the Xaos Tower. They had already built the base, which was amazing, and would allow him to start his bloodline project much faster than he expected.
"Awesome, well done!" Vlad smiled as he patted the old man’s shoulder, making a wide smile appear on Alonz’s face. That simple recognition made all the effort and sleepless nights more than worth it.
After congratulating the old man, Vlad remained silent for a few minutes, his mind working on the next phase of their growth. After roughly five minutes and countless interactions with the A.I. Chip, a sharp light appeared in his eyes as he was ready to give the next task.
"Grand Marshal Anglius, you will lead a force of one hundred Warriors and forty Mages that will march in three days. Your mission will be to expand the domain of the Xaos Kingdom from the Silent Wind Military Base to the Nagan Mountain. There are a total of seven devastated towns in your path. Transform them into small fortresses that can be used as outposts." Vlad’s eyes were sharp as he gave that command, putting in place his plan to take control of the Nagan Mountain and the treasures it contained.
A small frown appeared on Grand Marshal Anglius’ face as he heard that command. "My King, I don’t think that move is wise. Most of our forces are currently in the rescue efforts, and unless we want to call them back, we will be forced to use the soldiers that are in the base, leaving us in great danger."
Vlad nodded at the middle-aged man’s words. He was happy to see this one clashing with his command, as he did not need people who blindly followed orders but those who thought through and considered every move.
"I understand your point, but there is no need to worry about the defenses of the Silent Wind Military Base, as I, Jormungandr, and Freya will remain behind." A smile appeared on Vlad’s face as he uttered those words. While there would be only three, he was confident that their power would be enough to push back any force that would dare to march into the fortress, especially if they used the defensive formations around the mountain.
The frown on Grand Marshal Anglius immediately faded as he heard those words, as he knew the combined power of the trio was not any less than the over one hundred soldiers that were currently protecting the Silent Wind Military Base. "I see. I will make sure to pick up the soldiers for the task and ensure our advance toward Nagan Mountain is fast and safe, reaching it in the shortest amount of time."
With his worries about the defenses taken care of, Grand Marshal Anglius immediately bowed and accepted the mission. As for why they needed to take Nagan Mountain, there was clearly a reason, and he would be informed when the time was right.
Vlad nodded to the man, happy to see everything in order. He then focused on the duo, as it was time to help them improve. They had done greatly in his absence, but it was clear just how much strain they had endured, and if they carried on , they would not last long.