You are more powerful, you have the qualifications of the Holy Realm

"I've just done a count," Horden began. "There are thirty-five date palm trees in the oasis, but only fourteen of them have ripe fruit. Although there are many giant cacti, their fruits are too few." The old butler turned to Haotian, concern etched on his face. "With the addition of ten royal knights to your territory, the food supply won't last long."

Haotian nodded thoughtfully. Soldiers needed to eat too. By tomorrow, he planned to recruit another ten royal knights. If the Royal Knight Training Ground was upgraded, even more knights could be recruited. With a growing population, the food consumption would naturally increase. Thus, solving the food problem was the immediate priority.

Haotian smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Grandpa Horden. We've already survived the toughest times. This small problem won't defeat us."

Once he completed his second side quest, he would receive a bag of "magical red dragon fruit seeds," which would be a key food source. Additionally, there were other creatures in the desert. While sandworms didn't provide much meat, other beasts, like desert grey wolves, could be hunted to solve the short-term meat shortage.

"We can overcome any challenge," Haotian said confidently.

Seeing Haotian's relaxed demeanor, Horden couldn't help but feel emotional. "Young master, you've become much more confident since we arrived at the Golden Oasis. If the Count and Countess could see you now, they'd be so proud!"

"When I return to the capital of Stanlo Kingdom, they'll be even happier," Haotian replied with a determined smile.

Horden nodded solemnly. Initially, the idea of rebellion had shocked and frightened him. Now, he was fully committed to supporting Haotian's cause. After all, it was the will of the gods!

As evening fell, the temperature in the Kalar Desert dropped significantly, with a difference of at least twenty degrees from the daytime heat. By night, it could reach as low as minus ten degrees.

Haotian, Horden, and maid Sally sat around a campfire in the plaza of the Royal Knight Training Ground, enjoying the warmth and eating roasted snake meat. The royal knights, having eaten the rations and dates sent by Horden earlier, were patrolling the oasis to protect their lord from any nocturnal beasts.

That afternoon, the knights had killed about ten more sandworms. Just a few more kills and Haotian's second side quest would be completed.

"Young master," Horden said, breaking the silence by the fire, "the Kalar Desert is primarily inhabited by sand people. They have even established a kingdom to the north. Additionally, there are many other races with strongholds in this desert, such as gnolls, goblins, gobi dwarves, and lizardmen. These are all evil creatures. If they discover we've occupied the Golden Oasis, they'll come to destroy us immediately."

Haotian nodded, sipping the warm honeyed water Sally handed him. "Our next step is to gather strength and recruit more royal knights. Once we are strong enough, we will take the initiative. In a few days, I plan to expand the knights' patrol range to locate those hidden strongholds in the desert. And Grandpa, you might need to lend a hand."

Horden nodded gravely. Serving the Tulip family was his duty and honor. His only wish was to see the Tulip banner fly over Stanlo Kingdom again before he died. "Although I am old, my magic has not faded. I can still fight high-level beasts if needed!"

Haotian laughed. "My dear butler, your journey is far from over. Like the knights, you too can level up by killing enemies. You will become an extraordinary being!"

Haotian had checked Horden's potential through his lord abilities. The old butler had the potential to reach an extraordinary level, higher than the royal knights. As long as he continued to fight, Horden could easily become an extraordinary being, gaining a new lease on life.

"Can I really?" Horden stood up, his eyes wide with hope. His level had been stuck at high-level mage for years, with no hope of advancing due to his age. He had long given up on becoming stronger, dedicating himself entirely to serving the Tulip family. Now, the possibility of advancing filled him with renewed vigor.

"Of course!" Haotian affirmed. "You can achieve your dream of becoming extraordinary!"

"Praise the Goddess of Magic!" Horden nearly wept with joy.

Sally, who had been listening, asked eagerly, "What about me, young master?"

Haotian leaned in and whispered, "You have the potential to reach the saint level!"

Sally nearly fainted with happiness. Haotian, as the messenger of the gods, wouldn't deceive her. Indeed, Haotian wasn't exaggerating. Upon seeing Sally's potential, he was astonished to find it reached the saint level. He planned to focus on training her, starting with teaching her the fireball spell. Once she mastered it, she could gain experience on the battlefield.

That night, Haotian slept in the village hall, which was kept at a constant temperature. With no bedrooms, he and Sally had to make do with bedding on the floor. Horden, adhering to noble etiquette, refused to sleep in the hall and opted to keep watch with the royal knights.

Haotian sighed, resolving to build proper residences as soon as possible.

[Residence] [Construction Requirements: 100 units of wood] [Special Note: A low-level residence can house five people. Upgrading the residence increases its capacity.]

In the southeast of the Golden Oasis, there were some desert plants resembling poplars. Tomorrow, he would have the royal knights cut them down to produce the necessary building materials.