Ethan sat in his room.Though his face was calm,it felt heavy with thoughts. The sunlight coming through the window fell across his desk, where maps and reports lay scattered.

He looked up when Oliver and Randall entered.

"You have heard about the war that's about to start, right?" Ethan said quietly.

Both men nodded. Their faces were tense. The air in the room felt thick and quiet.

"My Lord, we need to start building our defences," Randall said first. His voice was low but firm. "We can't keep the city open anymore. If the enemies come, they'll crush us. We need to build walls, strong walls like other cities have."

Ethan nodded slowly, his fingers tapping the table. "You're right. We lacked resources before, but things have changed. With the Slate Mines under us and other materials now available, we can begin construction. I want you to build a wall that can hold even against siege weapons. Make use of the mountains nearby. The terrain will be our shield."

He turned to Oliver. "I'll leave the structure and formation work to you. Make sure the base is strong. Don't rush the work but don't delay either. Every day counts from now."

Oliver nodded firmly. "Understood, my Lord. I'll assign workers right away. We'll start from the northern ridge and move down to the lower valley. The stone from the mines will help a lot."

Ethan leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. He turned his gaze to Randall again. "Have any Beast Tamers accepted our invitation yet?"

Randall hesitated and shook his head. "No, sir. Not a single one. Most tamers are already bound by contracts with nobles or big cities. Those who are free either demand too much or are suspicious of our intentions."

Ethan frowned, rubbing his forehead. He had been waiting for this, but the news still troubled him. "We need one soon. The flute will attract attention if revealed. Once word spreads, people will come after it but their integrity would be questionable. "

"A tamer with loyalty could make all the difference. Without one, we'll be vulnerable."

He sighed deeply. "Keep searching. Offer them out best. I want someone who understands loyalty, not greed."

Randall nodded quickly. "I'll handle it. I've also begun forming a small intelligence team. They're young and lack training, but I've started working on that."

Ethan's eyes lifted slightly. "Good. But we'll need proper techniques to train them. Contact the merchants. Ask if there are any skill manuals or breathing methods for sale. If they fit our budget, buy them."

"Yes, my Lord," Randall replied.

Ethan looked at both men. "Also, start increasing the number of troops. We'll divide them into three layers of defence. The first line will be archers and spearmen, the second for heavy units, and the third will guard the inner gate. Begin recruiting from nearby villages. Offer fair wages. People will come if we give them hope."

Oliver nodded again. "We'll also need more supplies. Food, medicines, arrows, and oil for traps. The budget will have to increase."

"I know," Ethan said firmly. "Raise the defence budget by half. I'll manage the funds somehow. Focus on building trenches and hidden traps near the outer region. Also, buy defensive tools like spike barriers and fire jars. I want this city to be ready before the storm hits."

The two men bowed and left the room.

Ethan sat alone, staring at the flickering candle on his desk. The flame trembled in the wind coming through the window.

He had already reached the mid-Advanced Stage as a Knight, something that would have made others proud. But for him, it only meant more responsibility.

He thought of Ray.

The boy had grown up fast. His eyes carried the same spark Ethan once had, though his body was still weak. It was time for him to start training. Ethan had been researching for weeks, trying to find a safe but effective way for children to awaken their potential.

His own growth had been special—built from years of effort, a powerful breathing technique, potions from the system, and unending discipline.

But his kids don't have system's support system.

Everything depended on his own knowledge and the breathing methods he had mastered.

"If Ray can start early, he'll reach the Advanced Stage easily," Ethan murmured to himself. "With effort and the right training, he'll surpass me one day."

The potions he had from the system ensured a one hundred percent breakthrough rate, so he didn't worry about Ray getting stuck. What worried him more was whether the boy would have the heart to push through the pain.

He had learned the truth long ago.

Genius meant nothing without effort.

.....

The next morning, the courtyard was filled with the sound of clanking weights and soft grunts. The air was cool, and a faint mist hovered over the training ground.

Ethan stood at the edge, arms crossed, watching his son.

Ray was sweating heavily. He carried a heavy stone weight strapped to his back while running across the field. His small frame trembled, but he didn't stop. After every few laps, Ethan would order, "Push-ups!"

The boy would drop to the ground, his arms shaking under the strain. His breath came out in short, ragged bursts. The dirt stuck to his skin, but he kept going. After that came squats, pull-ups, and runs again—all while holding the same weight.

Ethan's eyes softened for a moment, but his expression stayed firm.

"Good," he said quietly. "Endurance comes first. Strength without endurance is useless."

Not far away, a soft sniffle broke the air.

On the other side of the courtyard, Ethan's little daughter was sitting with her hands clasped around a small toy. Tears filled her big eyes as she watched her brother struggle.

"Waah… Father, it's too much," she cried out. Her voice trembled, full of worry. "Brother Ray might break into pieces!"

PFTTTT!

Ethan almost choked hearing her daughter's words.

Break into pieces???

Did you think of him as your doll or what?

Ethan glanced at her, his eyes became gentler. He sighed and walked over, kneeling beside her.

"He won't break," he said softly. "He's strong. He just doesn't know it yet."

The girl wiped her tears with her sleeve but kept looking at Ray.

"Then why does it look like he's hurting so much?" she whispered.

"Because growth always hurts," Ethan replied. "But when he stands strong, no one will ever be able to hurt him again."

The girl stayed quiet, her little hands gripping the toy tighter.

Ethan stood again and looked at his son, who had fallen to his knees, gasping for air. The boy's small shoulders shook, but after a moment, he pushed himself up again.

A faint smile touched Ethan's lips. He felt something warm stir in his chest.

"That's it, Ray," he murmured under his breath.

"Keep pushing forward."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.