Increasing Population

After dropping the atom bomb that would forever reshape India's role on the global stage, Sanjay returned home back to Guwahati.

He exhaled slowly, leaning against his chair. The meeting had been intense, but the real work was just beginning. I hope the new Prime Minister listens and acts. India had been stagnant for too long, always playing catch-up. But if Sethi had even a fraction of the vision and determination of the great leaders from his past life, change would come swiftly.

Shaking off his thoughts, Sanjay focused on something more personal. Today, he was going back to the medieval world. It had been two weeks since his last visit. He didn't go to the medieval world from the hotel room—too many prying eyes, too many unknown variables. His interface could detect surveillance, but avoiding suspicion was always the smarter choice.

Without hesitation, he activated his skill. In an instant, the familiar walls of his modern residence faded, replaced by the grand interior of an ancient fortress.

He stepped toward the balcony, his fingers lightly grazing the stone railing as he looked out. Below him stood his newly completed mansion, a structure so grand that even the most extravagant palaces of his modern world would pale in comparison.

The sight filled him with satisfaction. It had taken time, but the results were beyond expectations. The builders had even used VR helmets to learn advanced construction techniques, accelerating their progress far beyond what was possible in this era.

Sanjay left the fortress and approached the mansion's vast boundary wall. Tall and imposing, it stood as a silent guardian around the estate. High above, drones patrolled the skies, their quiet hum a reminder of the future technology he had integrated into this ancient world.

Passing through the grand gates, he walked along the smooth stone road leading to the entrance. The very same high-quality stone blocks used in the mansion had been laid here, their polished surfaces catching the sunlight.

As he neared the entrance, the sheer scale of the mansion truly hit him. He had designed it himself, knowing it would be immense, but standing before it in person was something else entirely. It was a masterpiece—larger than many of the world's most famous palaces, exuding both elegance and dominance.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the heavy doors. A rush of cool air greeted him as he stepped inside.

The entrance hall was nothing short of breathtaking. High ceilings soared above, supported by towering stone pillars. The floor gleamed, reflecting the soft, golden glow of enchanted lamps that lined the walls. Large windows allowed natural light to flood the space, framed by intricate carvings that depicted legendary battles and heroic figures.

At the heart of the hall, a massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, crafted from crystal and rare metals. It shimmered softly, casting a warm, regal glow throughout the room. The furniture, though simple, was made from the finest wood, adorned with delicate engravings. Every piece was built for both durability and beauty.

Sanjay walked further inside, his footsteps echoing through the vast space. Despite its size, the mansion didn't feel cold or lifeless. It carried a sense of warmth—built not just for power, but for comfort.

This place was a fusion of past, present, and future. Most of its materials came from the modern world, while its security systems and lighting were from the future. The artistry, however, was purely medieval, crafted by the finest artisans among the workers.

He took his time exploring every room, ensuring that every detail was as he had envisioned. And it was.

The builders had outdone themselves. The mansion had both indoor and outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pools, a luxurious bathhouse, a spa room, and even a jacuzzi. It was a place fit for royalty, yet designed with functionality in mind.

A rare smile touched his lips. This… this is perfect.

"Iris, reward the builders with ten gold coins each for their hard work," he said, his voice filled with satisfaction.

Sanjay sank into the plush sofa, stretching his legs as he leaned back. The soft cushions molded to his frame, offering a rare moment of comfort. He exhaled slowly, letting his mind shift away from his earlier thoughts and onto something more immediate—his fief.

"So, any important updates?" he asked, his voice steady but expectant.

A familiar, mechanical chime echoed in his ears as Iris responded.

[Host, the population of your fief has increased to 50,000.]

Sanjay's brows lifted in surprise. "That many? How did it grow so fast?"

[The vaccine was highly effective. Those who were infected recovered within hours. Because of this, rumors spread about strange-looking healers in your fief who could cure any disease.]

Sanjay's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. Of course—his medical robots must have been mistaken for mystical healers. In a world where sickness often meant death, such a miracle would seem divine.

[As a result, many people from nearby villages, suffering from plagues and other diseases, flocked to your fief in search of these 'healers.']

Iris paused before continuing, her tone neutral but informative.

[Seeing an opportunity, Administrator Radhika and Commander Nirav decided to offer medical treatment only to those who agreed to settle here permanently.]

Sanjay hummed in approval. That was a smart move. A growing population meant a stronger workforce, more soldiers, and a thriving economy. But not everyone would have accepted the terms peacefully.

[Some people resisted. A few even tried to attack the soldiers, demanding treatment without pledging loyalty. But the security drones were activated. The crowd was quickly dispersed, and the troublemakers were imprisoned to maintain order.]

Sanjay drummed his fingers against the armrest, absorbing the information. His fief had grown far beyond his expectations—and in such a short time. The vaccine had done more than just save lives; it had turned his land into a beacon of hope, a sanctuary for the desperate.

But with rapid growth came new challenges. Resources, infrastructure, security—he had to ensure the foundation of his domain remained strong.

"Give me a full report on the current situation," he said, his voice calm yet commanding.

Sanjay listened attentively, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest as Iris provided the latest updates.

[Host, due to the influx of people, new settlements are being established around the main city. The food supply is stable for now, but additional resources will be needed soon to sustain the growing population.]

That was expected. More people meant more mouths to feed. While the current supply could hold for a while, he needed a long-term plan.

[The economy is improving as well. Many skilled workers and merchants have arrived, bringing their trades and businesses with them. Blacksmiths, tailors, and carpenters are already setting up workshops.]

Sanjay allowed himself a small smile. This was good news. A strong economy meant self-sufficiency, and self-sufficiency meant stability. But stability was fragile, especially with rapid change.

[However, the sudden increase in population has also brought challenges. Some areas are overcrowded, and housing shortages have started to appear.]

His smile faded. That was the problem with growth—it needed careful management. If left unchecked, the very people who saw his fief as a place of hope could turn against it.

He leaned forward slightly. "What about security?"

[The security force is managing well for now. The drones and guards are patrolling the city, ensuring that no riots or unlawful activities occur.]

That was a relief, but Iris wasn't finished.

[However, some bandits have attempted to sneak in, hoping to take advantage of the chaos. Several were captured and are currently being interrogated.]

Sanjay's expression darkened. He had expected this. Wherever there was prosperity, vultures would circle.

"Increase security at the borders," he ordered, his voice firm. "Make sure every newcomer is thoroughly checked before entering. We need a proper registration system—no unknown individuals wandering unchecked."

[Understood, Host. The orders will be executed immediately.]

Sanjay exhaled slowly, his gaze drifting toward the window. The transformation of his fief was almost surreal. What had once been a struggling land was now a thriving settlement, attracting people from all over.

But this was just the beginning.

"Also, start working on an expansion plan. We need more houses, markets, and farms. Have Radhika and Nirav develop a long-term strategy to support the growing population."

[Acknowledged. I will inform them immediately.]

Sanjay leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. The rapid growth of his fief had brought new challenges, but he wasn't worried. These were problems he could handle. Still, he needed the right people to manage different aspects of development.

Radhika had proven herself capable—she understood what the land needed and had taken the initiative to implement effective solutions. It was only right to reward her and those involved in the idea.

"Iris, distribute rewards to everyone who contributed to this plan. Make sure Radhika gets a special bonus for her efforts."

[Understood, Host.]

With that settled, he turned his focus to a more pressing issue—food production. The land still had barren areas, and while modern technology could make farming possible, it wouldn't maximize productivity. He needed to research advanced techniques, preferably something from the future world.

But until he found a solution, he had no choice but to transport food from the modern world. Moving supplies from the future world would be too much hassle with all the licensing requirements.

Sanjay sighed. "One step at a time."

Deciding to check on the army, he called Nirav through the wireless link. Within minutes, Nirav arrived at the mansion's office—a separate entry point designed for meetings. Even he wasn't allowed to enter the main residence directly and had to submit his weapon at the gate.

As he stepped inside, Nirav's eyes widened slightly. Everything was automated—doors, lighting, even the security measures. It was a stark contrast to what he was used to, but by now, he had come to expect the unexpected from Sanjay.

Sanjay didn't waste time. "Nirav, what's the update on the army?"

He could have asked Iris, but it was important for his subordinates to know that he valued their reports. Direct communication built trust and respect.

Nirav straightened. "Sir, we're in the process of training a new batch of 20,000 recruits from the newly arrived settlers. Once completed, our army strength will reach around 30,000."

"Good," Sanjay said, nodding. "What about special forces?"

"As per your instructions, we're forming specialized units. The best marksmen are being selected and trained in different combat environments. Additionally, 20 soldiers are being trained for naval operations. They should be ready within a month."

That was promising. The army was still small, but having elite units would give them a tactical edge.

Sanjay's gaze drifted toward the window. The warship he had built still sat in the dock, waiting. He had no plans to mass-produce them just yet—growth had to be gradual. Resources were another issue.

Mining operations would be crucial for expansion, but there was a problem. Advanced mining drones from the future world could easily extract deep-earth minerals and were even used in space. However, they were heavily regulated. If criminals got their hands on them, they could drill underground for smuggling or worse.

He exhaled slowly. "So that option is off the table."

But there was always another way. If he couldn't buy high-tech mining drones legally, he would settle for the next best thing—a powerful drill from the modern world.

And if purchasing one through legal channels was difficult... well, making one disappear wasn't out of the question.