Chapter nineteenth:"Seven Months and Three Years"

"Ah, it seems I went a little overboard with my shopping."

Nevalis sat in his room after returning from the market, staring at the pile of goods he had purchased. Even though Edward had provided him with a decent amount of money, it wasn't unlimited. He knew that if he continued spending at this rate, it wouldn't last long.

So, he sat down and recalculated his finances. He divided the remaining money into two parts:

The first part would go to Old Elias.

The second part he would keep for himself and invest in something beneficial for the future.

Nevallis sighed as he looked at the numbers before him. "I need a clear plan to earn more money. I can't keep going like this, or I'll find myself broke soon."

One week later

Nevallis made his way to Old Elias's house once again. As soon as he entered, he found the place filled with new faces. Aside from Old Elias, Ivan, and Rian, there were many new children as well as two men speaking with Elias.

Standing next to Old Elias was an elderly man with silver hair, possessing a strong and dignified stature. Nevalis guessed he was an Earth Mage, likely a friend of Elias.

Beside the silver-haired old man was a man who appeared to be in his early forties, with a well-built and muscular frame. Nevalis immediately recognized him as a soldier or warrior.

Without wasting time, Nevalis walked toward Old Elias and spoke,

"This must be your friend, Old Elias," he said, extending his hand toward the mage.

"I'm Nevalis."

The silver-haired man was surprised but shook his hand and replied, "I am Valder, and beside me is the warrior, Dairos."

Dairos nodded at Nevalis and said, "By the way, I have a lot of questions about what we are getting into."

Nevalis responded immediately, "Later. For now, let's start with the aura and magic tests."

Valder was slightly taken aback by the response, but he nodded. Elias had already told him about Nevalis's impatient nature.

Three hours later

The tests were completed, and once again, the results amazed Nevalis. They had found an Ice Mage and three knights. This was simply incredible.

If the empire could make use of all this potential, it would undoubtedly rise in power. This further confirmed Nevalis's belief that their emperor was nothing more than a brainless lunatic.

Once the tests were finished, Nevalis told Old Elias to gather everyone. When they were all assembled, Nevalis spoke. Most of his words were directed at Elias, Valder, and Dairos since they would be the primary trainers for the next seven months.

He set clear priorities:

Assigning roles: Who would go to the army, who would go to noble families, and which families.

Establishing a training plan for the next seven months.

Ensuring proper education and combat training.

Nevalis explained everything with such precision that everyone was left astonished. He had calculated everything down to the smallest detail.

Four months later

After four months of hard work, the results were becoming evident. The beginning had been difficult, especially with the children, who initially didn't even know how to dress properly or speak respectfully. Nevalis faced daily challenges in teaching them these basic things. However, as time passed, they gradually adapted to the new system.

Everyone was gathered at Old Elias's house, but this time, they were beneath the house, as their numbers had grown too large for the building to accommodate them. The underground area also served as a better space for training and meetings.

Today's gathering wasn't for training. It was because Nevalis was leaving.

Once everyone had assembled, he announced his departure. He had taught them everything important, trained Rian and Ivan in the necessary basics, and entrusted Elias with the rest of the plan. Elias would manage everything after his departure.

The mage trainees were progressing well; some had already started sensing mana. The warrior training was also going smoothly under Dairos's leadership.

Nevalis provided Old Elias with clothes, money, and everything they would need in the future. He had laid the foundation for everything, and now it was time for him to leave. After all, he was the key piece in this foundation, and he needed to grow stronger as well.

He gave a short speech and told them to prepare, as they would move in three years—after the monster wave.

After leaving Old Elias's house, Nevalis headed west. He intended to join the Adventurers' Guild branch in Heras City. From there, he would begin the second phase of his plan: developing his own strength.

After all, Nevalis knew that personal power was the most important thing for him at the moment.

He had never relied on the outskirts or these children in the first place; they were merely part of his plans. There was no guarantee that they would listen to him or that they wouldn't betray him.

After all, they weren't official knights or mages who had sworn an oath of loyalty. But that didn't matter. Even if they didn't follow him, they would still serve a purpose in his plans.

From the beginning, he never intended to exterminate the nobles—that was impossible. Opposing the nobles meant opposing the entire kingdom, and he didn't have the hatred or motivation to do that.

Of course, he planned to establish a true noble house of his own, but he knew the kingdom's nobles wouldn't allow it. Hence, the first phase of his plan: a revolutionary army.

Naturally, these children wouldn't be able to wipe out all noble families and would eventually bring destruction upon themselves. But that didn't matter. Nevalis's main goal was to weaken the noble families.

And now, the most crucial part—his personal strength. As for trustworthy allies, that would come later.