After clearing the battlefield and quickly heading to the border city of the Jo Empire, Hel Gat City.
Joshua looked at his soldiers, examining them one by one.
He saw some of his 'Blood Wolf Knights' with injuries, bandages crisscrossing their powerful limbs, but no one had perished in the battle. The realization struck him that even with their incredible strength, they were still vulnerable to harm. The clan elder's warning about the Dottir Clan's retaliation had only intensified his desire for perfection. He needed to ensure that his knights were not only powerful but also resilient, capable of withstanding the most brutal engagements without breaking.
He planned to make another Blood Knight Template with a healing factor and maybe an even better physique for everyone.
Joshua said to Nexus, his gaze unyielding.
"We need to enhance them further, have Bek Su search for wild beasts," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his resolve.
[Understood. I will send out scouting parties immediately to capture suitable specimens for study]
Nexus responded, already coordinating the mission through its vast network of connections.
He looked at his soldiers, and asked Nexus is there any who have performed outstandingly?
Nexus's holographic screen flickered to life, displaying various statistics and data points. The AI quickly analyzed the information and responded,
[The four soldiers who have shown the most promise in combat and leadership]
[Xie Ji, Former Villager performed by leading 5 Blood Knights in battle]
[Zhang Jin, former soldier of the second prince, leads 5 Blood Knights in battle]
[Peng Lihua, former soldier of the second prince, leads 5 Blood Knights in battle]
[Wang Lichen, former soldier of the second prince, leads 6 Blood Knights while commanding the overall battle]
Joshua was taken aback by the data that Nexus presented. Xie Ji, a villager from a small village that had no good education or military connections.
She had led a small group of 'Blood Wolf Knights' into combat and emerged victorious, her tactical acumen and valor shining through. She is also one of the few who likes to learn and enjoy reading strategy from famous battles.
He could get that because get it why she improved so much, as she was just lacking resources and opportunities to show it.
As for Wang Lichen, he was surprised that a soldier who had not suffered the same fate as the rest had chosen to stand with them.
Wang Lichen was one of the few soldiers who had not taken injuries during his bombing of the second prince's camp and was perfectly healthy, but chose to stay with the abandoned soldiers.
Joshua studied the footage that Nexus had recorded during the battles, looking for signs of Wang Lichen's tactical prowess. He watched as Wang Lichen, a former soldier, barked orders with the confidence of a seasoned general.
His 'Blood Wolf Knights' responded to Wang Lichen commands without hesitation, moving with the grace and precision of a well-oiled machine. His eyes never left the battlefield, always searching for the next opening, the next opportunity to strike.
He believed the reason he was able to command his Blood Knights was because of his high charisma and his great moral code.
Joshua watched as the 'Blood Wolf Knights' under Wang Lichen's command mowed down the bandits, their movements a blur of fur and steel. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride at their performance as he couldn't command as well as them as he needed Nexus help for that.
The idea of a formal rank system had been brewing in his mind for a while.
In his vision, each 'Blood Wolf Knight' would have a distinct role, from foot soldiers to generals, much like an actual army. But the current number of his enhanced soldiers was too small, a mere 97, to warrant such a structured hierarchy.
So a basic system would work for now, like Knights as Frontline soldiers and Knight Captain as a leader. He knew that once he had the numbers, he would create a more complex hierarchy.
Since the trouble here is dealt with, he can focus back on the Hidden Village.
The Hidden Village was a bastion of hope, nestled in the folds of the mountain range and behind the waterfall.
It had a small population, a mere handful of families who had managed to escape the ravages of the outside world. But to Joshua, it was a starting point, a foundation upon which he could build his empire.
He knew that to achieve his vision, he needed more people. So, he approached the Wu Flying Sparrow Shop, a well-known shop in the region, to discuss his plan with Wu Teng, the shop's proprietor.
Wu Teng was a shrewd man, with eyes that had seen more than his years would suggest. When Joshua spoke of taking in orphans, his expression remained neutral, but his mind raced with the implications of such an endeavor.
"Why do you wish to gather these children?" he asked, his voice measured and calm.
Joshua leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with the intensity of his ambition.
"To give them a home, to give them purpose," he replied.
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"And in turn, they will help us grow our numbers, strengthen our village, and protect it from the dangers that lurk outside."
Wu Teng nodded thoughtfully.
"There are indeed many orphans in the land, lost to the chaos of the world. But why bring them here?"
Joshua's expression grew earnest.
"Wu Teng, I wish to create a sanctuary, a place where the weak may become strong, the lost may find purpose. These children will be raised as my own. I will offer them a choice of their own. So I hope you will help me."
Wu Teng studied him for a moment, his gaze lingering on the 'Noble Knights' that flanked Joshua. He knew the power they wielded, a power that could both protect and threaten.
"Very well," he said finally, his voice a low rumble.
"But know this, Joshua. If any harm comes to these children, if any of them are used for foul purposes, I will withdraw my support and my protection. You will find yourself without an ally in the face of the world's wrath."
Joshua nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of Wu Teng's words. He had no intention of betraying the trust that had been placed in him, not when the future of his foundation was at stake.
The 'Noble Knights' followed him back to the Hidden Village, their footsteps silent despite their size. They had become his constant shadows, ever vigilant and ready to protect him and the village.
In the village square, children played, their laughter a stark contrast to the grim purpose of the Knights' existence. As they approached, the children looked up in wonder, their eyes wide with curiosity at the towering figures. The Knights returned their gaze, their expressions unreadable, yet somehow comforting.
Joshua walked with purpose, the weight of his newfound responsibility heavy on his shoulders. The village had agreed to take in orphans from the city, and it was now his duty to ensure their well-being and transformation into the strong, capable warriors he envisioned. The potential was vast, and the thought of their future power invigorated him.
As he approached the village gates, he heard the distant roar of an engine and the crunch of gravel outside the village.
Looking up, he saw a dust cloud billowing in the distance, growing larger as it approached.
A moment later, Bek Su emerged, riding a modified ATV with an unconscious silver-furred ape tied to its back. The creature's muscular limbs were bound, but even in its weakened state, it was a formidable sight. The villagers gathered around, whispering among themselves as they took in the unusual cargo.
Joshua's eyes lit up at the sight of the creature. This was exactly what they needed. "Bek Su, you've outdone yourself," he said, clapping the burly man on the shoulder.
Bek Su grinned, his teeth flashing in the sun.
"Found this one, causing trouble outside the city limits. Thought it might be worth a look."
He asked Bek Su why he let it live and not kill it.
Bek Su answered that it could be of use as training for the Blood Knights, since Joshua only needed his blood and flesh.
Joshua nodded thoughtfully.
"Good call. We need more specimens like this."
His gaze was cold as it fell upon the ape, but his voice was filled with excitement.
"This creature would make an excellent sparring partner for the 'Blood Wolf Knights'. We need to ensure they are ready for anything."
With that, Joshua ordered the construction of a massive arena, surrounded by a thick steel fence that rose 30 feet into the air. The walls were lined with observation decks for him and his commanders to analyze the training sessions from a safe distance.
A few days go by.
The villagers watched in awe as the steel behemoth took shape, whispering among themselves about the gladiatorial battles they had heard of in the city's history.
The excitement grew as they realized that the 'Blood Wolf Knights' would be fighting in their very own backyard.
Joshua saw this as an opportunity not just for training, but for the unity of the villagers. He organized the first 'Village Games', where the 'Blood Wolf Knights' would showcase their skills against the fiercest beasts the lands had to offer.
The event would serve as both a morale booster and a demonstration of the might that protected them.
The day of the games arrived, and the arena was packed with villagers dressed in their best clothes. The air was electric with anticipation, children's laughter mingling with the nervous chatter of the adults.
The silver-furred ape was brought into the arena, its muscles rippling with power and eyes filled with a wild, unbridled fury. The 'Blood Wolf Knights' lined up opposite it, their new armor gleaming in the sun, a mix of excitement and trepidation on their faces.
The ape was unchained and the games began.
The villagers watched as the 'Blood Wolf Knights' moved with a coordinated grace that was almost inhuman. They had learned from their previous battles with it, their tactics honed to kill, sharp minds and the harsh reality of combat.
The first wave of knights charged, their swords flashing like lightning as they targeted the ape's legs, aiming to bring the beast down to their level.
The ape roared, swiping its massive arms in an attempt to fend them off. Despite its size, it was surprisingly agile, leaping and twisting with the grace of a dancer.
The clang of steel against the fur echoed through the arena as the knights clashed with the creature. The ground trembled with each thunderous step the ape took, sending clouds of dust billowing into the air. The crowd watched, their hearts racing with excitement and fear.
The knights, while powerful, were initially overwhelmed by the ape's ferocity. Some took glancing blows that sent them flying through the air, their armor dented but holding strong.
They regrouped and studied the creature's movements, looking for a weakness amidst the chaos.
Bek Su, the hunter, took the lead, signaling to the others with a series of hand gestures that only they understood. They split into two groups, flanking the ape and forcing it to split its attention. As it lunged at one group, the other would strike from behind, chipping away at its defenses.
The crowd held its breath, their eyes glued to the battle unfolding before them. The 'Blood Wolf Knights' moved like a well-oiled machine, their enhanced reflexes and coordination allowing them to dance around the enraged creature.
Despite its size and strength, the ape began to tire, its movements growing sluggish.
Bek Su took advantage of the ape's exhaustion. He ordered a retreat, leading the 'Knights' back to the arena's edge.
The ape, unable to resist the thrill of the chase, pursued them, only to find itself surrounded. As it turned to face its opponents, a net made of a mysterious material shot out from the stands, ensnaring the creature. The 'Blood Wolf Knights' closed in, their weapons flashing in the sunlight as they struck in unison.
The ape roared in fury, but it was too late. The combined might of the 'Blood Wolf Knights' brought it to its knees, the silver fur now stained with its own blood. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, not just for the victory, but for the display of unity and strength the 'Blood Wolf Knights' had shown.
Joshua, watching from his VIP box, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swelling within him.
He ordered him to bring a pound of flesh and blood to him as well as a few other orders, as the 'Noble knight' walked down the VIP box.
Walking Down the 'Noble Knight' announced that this would be the tradition of the village's 'Blood Knights' to perform. He took his halber and sliced off the head of the beast and offered it to be a taxidermy mount.
While he also secretly opened a [PORTAL], taking a little blood and flesh to the [VOID].
In the VIP box, Joshua accepted the trophy with a stoic nod, his gaze sweeping over the ecstatic crowd. The cheers of the villagers filled the air, a testament to the bond that had been forged between the 'Blood Wolf Knights' and their newfound community. The knights themselves remained stoic, their eyes never leaving the direction of their creator and master. They knew that this was only the beginning.
