Chapter 13- First Step to Empire- III

Chapter 13- First Step to Empire- III

The room had fallen into a silence, a fire burning within them from the Vector's solemn declaration.

Vector broke the silence.

"Today marks exactly 20,651 years since the recorded calendar of Ethereum began," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "Dated 7th March, Year 20,651... And in just six weeks, on April 18th, the Lionheart Empire will strike Vantara Village."

Murmurs spread across the room, but Vector raised a hand, silencing them

His words echoed off the chamber, landing heavy on the minds of those gathered.

"But we will move first. Tomorrow, March 8th, we will begin our journey to Vantara."

He looked around the room at his loyal subordinates. These were not mercenaries or recruits pulled from desperation, these were Astrum family-trained operatives.

Men and women raised, taught, and tested in loyalty, discipline, and warcraft.

"We ride at dawn. The journey from Carnatic to Vantara will take two days. That means we have to stay one night in the Naga Forest, prepare for it. We can't afford mistakes."

He pointed toward a stack of crates against the wall. "Gather and store weapons and materials as much as possible here tonight. I will handle the transport. You only need to acquire the weapons and materials."

No one asked how, no one needed to.

Though the Lionheart Empire had outlawed weapon production outside its control, the resistance, and the Astrum family, had long since adapted. Hidden workshops still operated under the empire's nose. Blacksmiths loyal to the Astrun family continued their craft in secrecy, to support the resistance in the occupied states.

"We'll also need materials for establishing a forge, for making weapons, firearms, and ammunition." Vector said, his voice steady but firm. 

At the mention of firearms, a few of the gathered subordinates exchanged stunned glances. The word alone was enough to stir excitement.

"Firearms...?" someone whispered.

It wasn't just a weapon, it is a game changer.

'Did the Young Master possess the knowledge to craft firearms?'

If so, it meant more than just an edge, it meant they could arm a force powerful enough to rival or even overwhelm Blood Energy awakened warriors, and even have the chance to fight against 1st stage Body Refining practitioners.

They will also have a chance to challenge the Lionheart Empire. 

Now, monopoly in firearms will not be in Lionheart's hand; they can have it too.

A quiet ripple of awe ran through the group, but none dared question him aloud.

Vector continued to give orders, "Iron, steel, copper, bronze, lead, whatever you can get. We'll refine and craft everything we need in Vantara."

He looked around the room, making sure each of them was listening. "We'll also need oil, cotton, and paper. Essentials, not just for forging, but for tools, ammunition, sealing, and firearms."

Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a tightly rolled parchment. "Here, this contains the quantities and materials required. Distribute it quietly and make sure it's handled before dawn tomorrow."

He issued several more quiet commands, assigning storage responsibilities, organizing scouting roles for the journey, and coordinating logistics for their departure at first light, tomorrow morning.

His subordinates responded without hesitation. 

"Young Master, please rest assured, we will definitely accomplish it."

They were not new to operations like these. Only this time, they were laying the foundation for a future empire.

"And send word to our people in Redfield and Elaris," Vector said looking at Tristan. 

"Anyone not tied down with critical resistance duties should be called in, at least 300 to 400 members is must. I want them assembled in Vantara Village within two weeks." Vector gave the order looking in Tristan's eyes.

"If we can gather more members that would be best." Vector added.

Tristan replied with unwavering resolve, "Young Master, don't worry, I will dispatch the messengers to Elaris and Redfield without delay."

Vector nodded to Tristan and then looking at the group in front he continued, "Also bring craftsmen, blacksmiths, carpenters, tanners, and anyone who can work with metal, wood, or fire. We're not just moving... we're building our army and fortress, the future heart of our foundation, a heart from which our operations will be governed."

The group nodded in determined expression. 

All the people are filled with the determination that 'They are now going to lay the foundation for the empire and they must complete it.'

He then turned to Marcus and said to him, "Appoint someone reliable to manage Carnatic City in my absence. We need our intelligence network to keep flowing."

Marcus with solemn expression replied, "Young Master, don't worry I have a candidate in mind who is suitable for leading the Resistance in Carnatic City."

Vector, satisfied with the answer, gave one final order ""Send a replacement to take my role at the Colonel's estate, someone cautious, someone invisible. No reckless moves. Only gather information, and don't expose themselves."

Vector took out a letter from his pockets and gave it to him, "Here take this letter of introduction, he will not have a problem in joining the Colonel's estate… inform him also that he has to report to the butler tomorrow at 8am." 

Vector said with a firm tone, "Instruct him to remain cautious and observe quietly. He's not to draw any attention, only gather what he can without ever appearing suspicious."

His gaze swept across the room. And with a grave expression added, "We'll need every scrap of information we can get in the coming weeks. When they are deparing towards Naga Forest. How many men and artillery are there?…What type of artillery are they marching with? If possible, also find the number expert they are bringing."

When all was said, Vector dismissed the meeting.

Vector dispersed all the members except Marcus, Tristan, Rhea and Sebastian.

Sebastian, Marcus, Tristan and Rhea remain in the basement with Vector… waiting for his reason to hold them back.

Vector looked at them, his trusted core, and broke the silence again.

"Marccus, Tristan, and Rhea — you three have been trained since childhood as the commanders to lead the guards. You've each already achieved the 1st stage of Body Refinement before your mid-thirties... a rare feat. Proof of your talents and dedication."

Rhea spoke up quickly, almost emotionally, "Young Master, it's all thanks to the family. Without the Astrum family... we'd be rotting in the slums, or worse, sold as slaves… we are really grateful for the family that gives us power and supports us at critical moments..."

The Astrum family runs orphanages, also rescues trafficked persons and slaves.

Human trafficking and slavery increased alarmingly in occupied states of the Lionheart Empire. Astrun Family is also trying to stop these practices discreetly. So that they can eradicate these evil practices.

Therefore, Astrum Family also always sends teams to stop human traffickers. If the people rescued are willing to work for the family they will be nurtured from their childhood.

Many of those rescued, if willing, were trained and integrated into the family's forces — soldiers, scholars, artisans. 

The family also discreetly bought slaves, but they were trained to fight against these evil practices.

Vector raised a hand, stopping her gently, "Okay, stop with these flattering words… The family also supports these orphanages to train guards or scholars and artisans from them — it is an equal exchange."

He smiled gently at them and said, "So you don't have to mention these things… Now coming to the point why I had held you guys… after reaching the Vantara" 

He straightened his posture slightly, making sure the weight of his words settled fully, "I'm entrusting you three with something greater to organise the army and you will become the commanders of my new force."

The three exchanged looks, solemn, but also burning with determination.

Marcus replied first in a firm and determined tone, "Young Master, leave the army's organization to us. We will complete the work perfectly and flawlessly."

Tristan and Rhea also echoed his voice and gave firm declarations to complete the work smoothly.

Sebastian stood silently nearby, a rare expression of surprise flashing across his face.

He wasn't surprised at the plan — no, he admired it. It was how decisively Vector was moving, how strategically he wielded the resources at hand.

As for him not commander, this title isn't required for him as he is already a General of one of the Elite Forces, a top commander.

He understood Vector's intention perfectly—keeping him sidelined was a deliberate move to let the three of them gain field experience. Fresh blood was necessary to strengthen the family's next generation of guard commanders. 

But when it came to truly critical missions? Vector will surely involve him as these missions are more dangerous and someone like him more experienced experts are needed.

Vector smiled faintly, seeing their resolute expression, and said "Okay we will meet tomorrow, now go and prepare for the materials, it is our strategic supply for defending the Vantara."

The group dispersed and Vector also returned to his quarter.

In their movement tomorrow to Vantara village, other than the 31 gathered people here today, would also include selected artisans, scholars and guards. 

Therefore, the convoy of 50 to 60 followers would march quietly into the wild tomorrow, towards their future stronghold, Vantara.

[To be continued…]

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