CHAPTER 128: CHAPTER 128 - PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Lucien laid out his intentions before the Division Representatives.

"I’ll have you guys stationed across my other territories. You’re the most suited for the job and the ones I trust to handle it well."

The Representatives nodded firmly. Something swelled inside them. A sense of purpose, pride and anticipation. It was the chance to be part of something greater.

Part of their Lord’s greater vision. Another paradise. Larger and brighter than Lootwell.

Their eyes burned with resolve.

"We will do our best, Young Lord." No questions. No hesitation. Only readiness for his command.

Lucien’s smile carried both confidence and trust. He met each of them in turn, assigning their missions.

In truth, he wished he could go himself. But he knew better... He wasn’t all-knowing.

If he overlooked something, he risked losing the people’s trust. Better to send those who had lived through hardship, people with the perspective and empathy to understand the territories.

Forcing his own ideas without knowing their struggles would be nothing but arrogance.

So, he entrusted them with what mattered most.

Green was assigned to the Farming Territory. With his knowledge and hands-on skill in agriculture, he was the perfect fit. More than that, Lucien hoped he might also learn from the farmers themselves, gaining new insights from their traditions.

Elk will be sent to the Mining Territory. Her father had been among those killed by Dreggor and she carried some knowledge of mining. But more than that... With her learned skill: Material Appraisal, she could identify ores and promising veins.

Stone was given the Logging Territory. Its people were skilled woodworkers and carpenters and Stone himself was a carpenter with construction skill. He could speak their language. With his eye for structure, he could pinpoint what needed improvement and guide them toward greater efficiency.

Cecil was dispatched to the Fishing Territory. Though eccentric and imaginative, he had an uncanny eye for detail. No matter how wild his ideas seemed, he never failed once entrusted with a task. His mission was to study fishing patterns and devise ways to expand the market.

Lukas was entrusted with the Outlying Territory. Now a formidable Level 69, he was exactly the kind of strength the monster-threatened frontier required. Beyond raw power, Lucien had armed him with the Strategy Manual from the Soldier Drop, ensuring he could not only fight but also lead. With both might and tactical knowledge, Lukas was the shield that territory desperately needed.

Clara would remain in the main territory, assisting Lucien directly.

Lucien addressed them with calm authority.

"As people who’ve endured hardship yourselves, I want you to observe and guide these territories. Listen to the voices of the people. Find what can be improved. Make plans to help them bloom. Let’s make each land as prosperous as our own and give its people better lives than before."

The Division Representatives rose to their feet and bowed deeply.

"As you will, Young Lord."

Lucien nodded in approval. Together, they stepped outside where the once-brainwashed people had gathered.

Lucien raised his voice.

"Everyone, these are my trusted companions. I’m sending them to the other territories. Think for yourselves. Who among you wishes to join them? This is your chance to return to your roots."

A hush fell, then movement stirred.

One by one, people began lining up. Orderly and determined. They had seen what Lucien had achieved in Lootwell.

Now they believed he could breathe life into their homelands as well. For some, it was faith in him. For others, it was redemption for their past. But all were united in resolve.

Lucien’s lips curved into a smile.

"Tell my people this," he declared. "For the first month under my rule, I will collect no taxes. And if I cannot make your territory flourish within that time... then I will not tax you at all until I do."

Gasps of disbelief turned to murmurs of awe. Eyes lit with hope.

Who wouldn’t follow such a lord?

His confidence was contagious, igniting their determination to do their part.

Soon, in perfect coordination, the groups mounted their bikes and set out. They rode toward a new future that awaited them.

Lucien stood still. He watched as they spread out across the land without blinking. His gaze was already fixed on the horizon. On the brighter tomorrow he intended to build.

But then—

"My Lord," Clara’s voice chimed softly at his side.

Lucien turned toward her.

"There are a few... troublesome people here who still need guidance," she said. "I ask for permission to cleanse their souls."

Her words left Lucien in silence.

Of course. Not everyone could be won over. Their divine sense had already revealed the truth.

Some remained tied to the Coalhearts. Others feared change. And a few simply despised him outright.

He knew too well that he couldn’t please everyone.

After a long pause, he finally said... "I’ll leave it to you."

Clara immediately beamed as she clasped her hands together.

"I’ll do my best to turn them into devout followers!"

Before Lucien could say another word, she hurried off with almost childlike enthusiasm.

"Wait—no! I just wanted you to fix their attitudes. Hey!"

Whether Clara actually heard him or chose to ignore him... who could say?

•••

Lucien, Edric, Maxim, Cielius and Sebas gathered once more.

This time, Edric and Maxim wore smug grins.

"Nephew, GAHAHAH! I’ve managed to increase the offerings," Edric boomed.

Lucien tilted his head, puzzled... until they led him toward the airship.

Edric strode inside then emerged carrying several Spatial Bags.

"There are more in there. Over a hundred! Each one stuffed to the brim with materials for airship construction! GAHAHAHA!"

Lucien’s eyes widened and his excitement bubbled over. In that moment, he looked like a child unwrapping gifts at a festival.

Maxim shook his head with a helpless smile. "The castle only requested four airships... with no deadline as long as you can deliver. And..." He glanced at Edric.

"That’s right!" Edric cut in roaring with laughter. "They gave us five times the amount you originally asked for! GAHAHAHA!"

He tossed Lucien a secured Spatial Bag. Lucien peeked inside... then froze.

Twenty Aether Core Crystals.

"GAHAHAHA! This is incredible!" Lucien’s laughter matched Edric’s and soon the entire group was caught up in it.

But Edric wasn’t finished. He handed over another bag.

Lucien looked inside... then stopped dead in his tracks. His breath caught.

High-Grade Mana Ores. Mountains of them.

Edric grinned. "I told them we’d need High-Grade Mana Cores for the test flights... Well, inside that bag... Ten thousand of them. All yours."

Lucien’s eyes lit up like fireworks. Then came the booming laughter.

"GAHAHAHA! Uncles—you’re the best!"

Lucien’s joy was genuine. Just earlier, he had been worrying about his dwindling supply of mana cores. Yet now... ten thousand more were in his hands.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, he leapt forward and wrapped Edric in a sudden hug.

Unconsciously, he activated his Bear Hug Skill.

"Aw—aw—aw! Nephew! Since when did you get this strong?! GAHAHAH ouch! Tap! Tap!" Edric wheezed, frantically patting Lucien’s back in surrender.

The sight drew laughter from the others but Edric’s face was turning pale as Lucien’s crushing embrace squeezed the air out of him.

Finally, Lucien released him. Edric staggered back gasping for breath while the others shook their heads in amusement.

Lucien’s grin didn’t fade. His joy was still overflowing.

"Uncle Ed, Uncle Max," his eyes were gleaming. "Actually, I already have an airship prepared for the two of you. I’ll hand them over later."

At those words, both old men froze. They then exchanged wide-eyed looks. Slowly, their faces split into matching grins like children about to receive the best toy in the world.

Soon after... Maxim turned his head toward Edric and gave a pointed cough.

"Hey, Ed. You’ve been away from the territory for too long. Don’t you think it’s time to head back? Sister-in-law must be tired of handling everything by herself."

At his words, Edric fell uncharacteristically silent.

His usual grin faded as his eyes grew distant. He gazed up at the sky as though he were contemplating the weight of the world.

A strange solemnity filled the air, making the others wonder what was going on.

Finally, Edric spoke.

"You know... I’ve been thinking. It’s unfair that I became the patriarch of Silvermine just because I was the older one. Sigh... After I return, I should hand the authority over to you, Max."

He placed a hand firmly on Maxim’s shoulder. His expression was deadly serious.

"Max... with your skills, you’re the perfect man for the position. It’s only right that I return what rightfully belongs to you."

His tone carried such gravity... such genuine conviction... that for a moment, it almost felt like destiny itself was being rewritten.

But then...

Maxim shoved Edric’s hand off and glared daggers at him. His voice cut sharp as a blade.

"Fuck off, Ed! Do you think I was born yesterday? I’ve known you since we were kids. You think I don’t know what’s in that thick skull of yours? You just want to dump your obligations and sail around with Sister-in-law on the airship!"

The room fell silent. Everyone turned their eyes toward Edric.

Under the weight of their stares, Edric gave a few fake coughs and rubbed his cheeks sheepishly.

"Ah... you caught me."

Maxim’s fist shot forward, clocking Edric squarely.

"You’ve been getting better at acting lately, Ed. It’s been twenty years since our last spar. Think you can still keep up?"

Edric staggered back then burst into booming laughter.

"GAHAHA! Max, don’t get cocky. You can’t beat me now."

And just like that, the two brothers launched into a sparring match.

Fists clashed. Magic flared. And the air grew heavy with the rhythm of their blows.

It was like stepping back in time. Two Silvermine brothers reliving their youth. Fierce but grinning all the while.

Maxim’s voice carried over the sounds of combat as he swung a punch wrapped in slicing wind magic.

"Ah—right, Nephew! The king has invited you to the Year-End Ceremony!"

Edric slipped aside. His muscles bulged as he countered with a brutal elbow strike.

"Yes, Nephew! The king has decided to raise your rank to Viscount!"

They threw the words out so casually as if they were talking about the weather. Their duel never slowing.

And in truth, both uncles knew Lucien too well. Titles and prestige barely mattered to him. To Lucien, tangible progress brought far greater joy than lofty names. They almost forgot to mention it, only tossing it out mid-spar.

Lucien, meanwhile, stood silent. He watched their display of strength. The wind cracked and muscles collided like thunder.

’Year-End Ceremony?’ he thought. ’That’s still five months away... By then, my territory might just be the finest in the borders.’

A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he shook his head, watching his uncles battle like spirited boys again.