Chapter 38: Paving Paths

Three days had passed since the completion of the barracks, and the settlement was more alive than ever. The once-quiet fields now echoed with the rhythmic clashing of weapons, the grunts of soldiers sparring, and the barked orders of drill instructors. With the addition of new recruits and summoned warriors, Leon's forces had swelled to 100 trained combatants—a third of his total population.

The military structure was now properly organized. Garrick had taken full control of training, dividing the troops into squads based on their specialties. Infantry, archers, and skirmishers were all honing their skills, and even the greenest recruits were improving rapidly under disciplined routines.

But Leon knew that defense alone wasn't enough. If his territory was going to thrive, he needed infrastructure. And so, after careful planning, he had finalized the details of his next project—a road connecting his settlement to Edric's land.

A proper medieval dirt road wasn't just a simple path worn down by footsteps. It had to be well-planned. Leon ensured that:

The road would be leveled and compacted, removing loose rocks and debris to prevent carts from getting stuck.

Drainage ditches would be dug along the sides to prevent rain from turning the path into a swamp of mud.

Every few miles, small outposts would be built—simple wooden shelters where patrols could rest and keep watch.

Edric had agreed to the plan, but since his settlement was still recovering, he didn't have the manpower or resources to help with the construction. Instead, he would station troops to guard the road once it was completed.

Construction was scheduled to begin tomorrow at sunrise, and it would take approximately three weeks to complete. It wasn't going to be an easy task, but once finished, it would solidify trade, military cooperation, and travel between the two settlements.

As Leon finished reviewing the final construction details, he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"My lord, a word in private?"

Leon turned to see Malric, the necromancer. Dressed in dark robes, his presence always carried an air of mystery. His sharp, calculating eyes gave away little emotion, but Leon could tell that whatever he had to say was important.

Leon led him into his private study inside the Lord's Mansion. Once the door was shut, Malric wasted no time getting to the point.

"I've been investigating the cult," Malric began, his voice low and serious. "And I've uncovered something troubling."

Leon folded his arms. "Go on."

"There are several locations where the Eclipse Covenant operates," Malric explained. "I've pinpointed at least three within a few days' travel. Each one is a stronghold containing a dozen necromancers, dozens of acolytes, and thousands of Hollowborn. But more than that—something disturbing is happening."

Leon's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Malric's expression darkened. "In all these locations, massive amounts of death energy are being drawn in, condensed, and stored. It's unnatural. If they are gathering that much power, they must be preparing something... something disastrous."

Leon exhaled sharply. If the cult was building up that much magic, it could mean an impending large-scale attack—or something even worse.

"We need to know more," Malric continued. "And I have a plan. Let me infiltrate them."

Leon's eyes narrowed. "That's incredibly risky."

Malric nodded. "It is. But I'm uniquely suited for it. I already practice necromancy, and my powers align with theirs. With the right approach, I can pass myself off as a rogue necromancer looking for purpose. If I succeed, I can uncover what they're planning before it's too late."

Leon leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "And if they find out who you really are?"

Malric's lips curled slightly. "Then I won't be coming back."

Silence filled the room.

Leon didn't like it. Malric had proven to be a valuable ally, and sending him into the heart of the enemy was a gamble that could cost him his life.

"There has to be another way," Leon said at last.

Malric shook his head. "I understand your concern, my lord, but this is the best option. If we act blindly, we risk being unprepared for whatever the cult is planning. But if I go in, we gain insight, knowledge, and perhaps even a way to strike first."

Leon exhaled. He could see the logic, but it didn't make it any easier.

"You'll need a way to report back safely," Leon said. "If you're caught sending messages, you'll be executed—or worse."

"That's my only concern," Malric admitted. "I'll be completely cut off."

Leon suddenly remembered something—the Lord's Bond.

When a subject's loyalty reached 100, a unique connection was formed between the lord and that person. Leon had tested it before—he could communicate mentally with his most loyal followers, much like how he spoke with other lords.

"Wait," Leon said. "There might be a way."

Malric raised an eyebrow.

Leon pulled up his system interface, searching through his most loyal subordinates. As expected, Malric's loyalty had reached 100.

"This system—my system—allows me to communicate with those who have absolute loyalty to me," Leon explained. "You won't need to send physical messages. As long as you're alive, I'll be able to hear you."

Malric's eyes widened slightly, the closest thing to surprise Leon had ever seen from him. "That... changes everything."

"It does," Leon said. "But it also means I'll know instantly if something happens to you."

Malric smirked. "Good. Then you'll know exactly when to avenge me if it comes to that."

Leon rolled his eyes. "Let's not make that necessary."

Before Malric could leave, Leon reached into his inventory and pulled out an enchanted amulet.

"This is the defensive amulet I got after the last battle," Leon said, handing it to him. "It has one use, but it will protect you from a fatal attack and teleport you a short distance away. If things go south, use it and run."

Malric hesitated for a brief moment before taking it. His usual stoic demeanor softened, if only slightly. "Thank you, my lord."

Leon smiled. "I expect you to come back alive. Dying would be a waste of my investment."

For the first time, Malric let out a quiet chuckle. "Understood."

And with that, he turned and departed, fading into the shadows.

Leon exhaled, running a hand through his hair. The road to progress was never easy. Between developing his land and dealing with the growing threat of the Eclipse Covenant, his responsibilities kept piling up.

But if there was one thing he knew for sure—it was that he couldn't afford to stop now.