Chapter - 19. Night Watchmen

As time progressed, Roman's strategic decisions continued to bear fruit. With the steady influx of 100 system-generated soldiers daily, the king's forces had grown significantly. After three months, the total number of soldiers under his command reached a staggering 19,000. Out of these, 11,000 were assigned to the Royal Guard stationed in the capital, while 8,000 were strategically distributed in other areas. Roman ensured that his trusted troops held key positions, solidifying his control over the capital.

During this time, Roman's system also promoted several soldiers. By now, he had 5 two-star Aura Swordsmen and 20 one-star Aura Swordsmen among his ranks. This remarkable growth in strength was no small feat and was beginning to cause unease among his enemies.

Veranthor, the Prime Minister, and his allies, including the Duke and Marquess, were deeply concerned. Despite their extensive resources, they couldn't pinpoint the source of Roman's endless supply of soldiers. At first, they believed Luke was recruiting mercenaries or secretly training an army. But the sheer numbers made this explanation implausible. Months of espionage yielded no results, and the lack of answers only fueled their paranoia.

Meanwhile, Roman was not one to sit idly by. He knew that as his power grew, his enemies would become desperate. To prepare for the inevitable, he decided to establish a covert unit that would serve as his eyes, ears, and blade in the shadows. He named this elite force the "Night Watchers."

The Night Watchers would operate directly under Roman's command, tasked with eliminating key targets, gathering intelligence, and protecting the kingdom from internal and external threats. To form this unit, Roman carefully selected soldiers who had been promoted to one-star and two-star Aura Swordsmen. To the outside world, these individuals would appear to have died in accidents or battles. In reality, they would vanish into the shadows, becoming the king's most loyal and deadly agents.

The plan began with precision. Over the next few weeks, Roman orchestrated a series of "accidents" that led to the apparent deaths of several one-star and two-star Aura Swordsmen. Rumors spread quickly, with Veranthor and his allies taking this as a rare stroke of luck. They believed Roman's forces were finally facing setbacks. Little did they know, these supposed deaths were a calculated move to create the Night Watch.

By the end of the fourth month, Roman had 15 Night Watchers, including 5 two-star Aura Swordsmen and 10 one-star Aura Swordsmen. These elite soldiers were trained in covert operations, espionage, and assassination. Their existence was a closely guarded secret, known only to Roman and Luke.

Veranthor, however, was not one to be easily fooled. The Prime Minister noticed that despite the rumors of losses, Roman's influence in the capital continued to grow. City guards, once loyal to the noble factions, were now firmly under the king's control. Veranthor could feel the tide turning, and it enraged him.

One evening, during a meeting with the Duke and Marquess, Veranthor slammed his fist on the table. "How is this possible? How does this boy continue to strengthen his position? Where are these soldiers coming from? We've lost spies, resources, and now even the city guards are slipping from our grasp!"

The Duke frowned. "Perhaps he has foreign allies. We should consider reaching out to our contacts in neighboring regions. Someone must know what's happening."

The Marquess added, "Or perhaps he's using some forbidden means. The accidents we've heard about… What if he's experimenting with something unnatural?"

Veranthor shook his head. "Superstitions won't help us. We need facts. Increase the surveillance. Double the bribes if needed. I want answers!"

Unbeknownst to them, Roman was already planning his next move. With the Night Watchers in place, he now had the means to strike at his enemies with precision. But for now, he chose patience. The time to reveal his hand would come, but only when the stage was set for a decisive victory.

Roman stood on the balcony of his chambers, overlooking the capital. Beside him was Luke, his trusted commander.

"Do you think they suspect the Night Watchers?" Roman asked.

Luke shook his head. "They're too blinded by their own schemes to see the truth. They think they're in control, but in reality, they're grasping at straws."

Roman smiled. "Good. Let them waste their time. The more desperate they become, the more mistakes they'll make. And when the time comes, we'll strike."

The moonlight cast a silvery glow over the city, a city that was now firmly under Roman's control. The king's power was no longer a fragile hope but a solid reality. And though his enemies plotted in the shadows, Roman knew he held the ultimate advantage: the loyalty of his people and the strength of his ever-growing army.

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Summary of Soldiers after 4 Months:

Total Soldiers: 19,000

Royal Guard: 11,000

Other Assignments: 8,000

Aura Swordsmen:

Two-Star: 5

One-Star: 20

Night Watchers:

Two-Star: 5

One-Star: 10