CHAPTER 173: REGIONAL DOMINANCE

After eating a good meal prepared by his subordinates, Ethan checked out the base that had transformed dramatically during his absence. The familiar territory had expanded significantly through systematic development that spoke of efficient resource utilization and coordinated construction efforts.

New residential buildings housed the growing population while specialized workshops provided advanced crafting capabilities that hadn’t existed before his departure. The herb gardens had expanded into comprehensive agricultural zones while defensive fortifications created overlapping protection layers throughout the territorial boundaries.

"Substantial infrastructure development," Ethan observed with approval as he toured the enhanced facilities. "Three weeks of focused construction have created comprehensive operational capabilities."

His subjects had utilized the abundant workers and resources effectively, creating specialized districts for different functions while maintaining the efficiency that had characterized their community from its earliest days. Administrative buildings, training facilities, storage warehouses, and expanded living quarters all integrated into cohesive urban planning.

Many new workers were finally seeing their mysterious Lord for the first time. Recent arrivals from the summoning gate studied him with expressions mixing curiosity and awe as his aura created natural pressure that made breathing difficult for unprepared individuals.

"The legendary leader," whispered conversations followed his movement through the expanded territory. "The one who conquered Lord Vance’s organization single-handedly."

His reputation had grown during his absence, stories of his achievements spreading through the population.

After realizing that time inside the tower operated independently from external reality, Ethan understood that his strategic approach required fundamental revision. Passive territorial management wouldn’t suffice when temporal acceleration meant extended absences from his expanding domain.

His orders were no longer defensive in nature.

He was no longer playing passive roles in regional politics.

Gathering his key administrators and military leaders in the central command building, Ethan addressed them.

"Create teams and go out on expeditions," he commanded with voice that brooked no discussion. "I want you to conquer new territories and bring them under our banner."

Marcus, Elena, Jacoub, Thomas, and Lord Vance exchanged glances that spoke of recognition that their territorial expansion phase had officially begun. Defensive survival was ending while aggressive growth became their operational mandate.

"Territorial conquest," Vance repeated with appreciation for the strategic shift.

"But understand the limits clearly," Ethan continued with tone that carried moral authority alongside tactical direction. "Respect during warfare remains mandatory regardless of operational scope."

"While you will be engaging in warfare, do not massacre populations. Do not treat women as objects for exploitation. Do not commit genocide against defeated territories." His voice carried absolute conviction that suggested severe consequences for violations.

The assembled leaders nodded with understanding that transcended simple compliance. Their Lord’s moral framework would guide territorial expansion while ensuring their activities remained within his acceptable boundaries.

"The reason we are initiating warfare is simple reality—this is a warzone," Ethan explained with assessment that eliminated romantic notions about conflict. "There are no ’innocent’ parties in regional territorial politics. Every organization pursues expansion through force."

Thomas stepped forward with tactical question that needed clarification. "Rules of engagement regarding non-combatant populations?"

"If you encounter young people that haven’t hit puberty, they remain untouchable under all circumstances, unless they are combatants and are a threat too," Ethan replied with voice that carried conviction. "Non-combatants should be avoided when possible, though such populations will be rare in active territorial conflict zones."

Marcus nodded having recognized practical realities about territorial warfare. "Most adults in contested regions carry combat capabilities through necessity rather than choice."

"Exactly," Ethan confirmed. "But our approach emphasizes strategic superiority rather than indiscriminate violence."

He gestured toward the expanded territorial infrastructure with proprietary satisfaction that spoke of long-term planning rather than simple conquest motivation.

"When conducting territorial acquisition, use diplomacy first," he continued with strategic guidance that reflected comprehensive understanding of sustainable expansion. "Demonstrate our organizational strengths to encourage voluntary integration."

Vance leaned forward with interest that reflected his own experience in territorial management. "Voluntary submission provides superior long-term stability compared to forced compliance."

"Precisely. Willing integration creates loyal subjects rather than resentful populations requiring constant supervision," Ethan agreed. "Our territorial advantages should make voluntary submission attractive rather than necessary."

Elena raised practical concerns about implementation timelines. "Diplomatic outreach requires extended communication periods that might delay expansion objectives."

"True, but forced integration creates internal security problems that consume resources indefinitely," Ethan replied with analysis that weighed immediate gains against long-term costs. "However, when diplomacy fails or circumstances demand immediate action, use appropriate force."

The balance between his ethical conduct, practical necessity and his stone heart skill would guide their expansion efforts while ensuring sustainable growth rather than temporary conquest that collapsed through internal resistance.

His approach would transform their territory from defensive enclave into expanding regional power through coordinated military, diplomatic, and administrative excellence.

"Begin expedition planning immediately," he concluded with authority that transformed guidance into operational mandates. "Territorial expansion starts now."

The war for regional dominance had officially begun.

...

During the meeting, Ethan explained his ultimate goal to his assembled leadership. The vision extended beyond simple territorial expansion. Ethan wanted to completely expand his reach over the world for a few reasons, mainly because he wanted to return to his world.

To do that, he needed information from all across the world. And having more subjects, in more land having him a higher chance of doing so.

Whilst the tower had a rumoer of granting his wish, Ethan didn’t place all his eggs in one basket. He would rather be safe than sorry.

His subjects understood both the moral limits he had established and the ambitious objectives that would guide their expansion efforts. The balance between ethical conduct and strategic necessity would define their approach while ensuring sustainable growth rather than temporary conquest.

They immediately began working on expedition planning with enthusiasm that reflected their confidence in leadership backed by Saint-rank power. Administrative teams coordinated resource allocation while military specialists developed tactical frameworks for diplomatic and combat scenarios.

But before departing for his continued tower ascension, Ethan addressed the loyalty and service his original subjects had demonstrated through their time together in developing the territory.