《Divinity Through Family Expansion》 C1 - Inheriting the Barony & Getting Married "My dear son Alden, how have you been recently? In the blink of an eye, its been ten years since you left home to serve in the Goldenshield Legion. A few days ago, tragedy struck¡ªyour father and brother were ambushed by monsters while overseeing the fiefdom, losing their lives. It is in my wishes that you retire and return home, inherit the barony and manage the family business. As the only surviving member of the Ashleigh Family, I hope you can bring the clan back to prosperity as per your fathers last wish." - Your mother, Evelyn. Looking at the letter in his hand, Alden didn''t know what to say for a moment. He hadn''t expected such a big change to happen to his family so suddenly. His father and elder brother had been ambushed by monsters and tragically lost their lives. And now, the second son, who was never expected to inherit anything, suddenly became the heir to the Ashleigh family fortune. Though it was a bit of a stretch to call it ''fortune'', it was atleast something. It all caught him off guard. "This Ondoria Continent, where gods walk among mortals, is truly dangerous," Alden muttered to himself. "No one knows what tomorrow will bring, or if tomorrow will come at all." After a long silence, Alden couldn''t help but feel the impermanence of the world. Though he felt sad about his father and brother''s death, the grief wasn''t too strong. After all, he''d only crossed over to this world six months ago. The memories of his current life felt distant, more like watching someone else''s movie. And over the past six months, he had been living in the Goldenshield Legion''s camp, with no contact with the family of this body''s original owner. Naturally, he didn''t feel a deep connection with the somewhat ''unfamiliar'' father and elder brother. "To go or not to go, Huh?" After sorting out his emotions, Alden began to carefully consider the question. Returning to inherit the family business had its advantages and disadvantages. If he wanted to further advance on the extraordinary path, it would be better to stay in the Goldenshield Legion. After all, the Goldenshield Legion is one of the three extraordinary knight legions of the Kingdom of Frosthaven. The benefits are very good. There are intermediate and advanced warriors to guide training, and by earning military merits, one can even obtain auxiliary potions to aid cultivation. Although he can''t become a god here, atleast he will have the resources to advance further. According to the memories of this body''s original owner, his father had spent three years'' worth of the territory''s income just to bribe the captain of the Goldenshield Legion and secure his position. However, the aptitude of this body was really poor. After nearly ten years in the Goldenshield Legion, Alden was still just a low-level knight at the 3rd rank. At this rate, breaking through to the 4th rank would take several more years. Becoming an advanced knight of the 7th rank was almost impossible. In this situation, standing out in the legion, where the strong are respected, was unlikely. And if a war broke out, his life as a lowly 3rd-rank knight would be highly at risk.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. "Then returning home to inherit the family business might really be the best choice," Alden sighed. When he first arrived in this magical world, he''d dreamt of becoming a legendary figure, like those senior transmigrators in the stories. But after living here for six months, he had long realized how cruel reality was. For someone like him, with no extraordinary background, poor talent, and no cheat-like abilities, achieving greatness on the extraordinary path was as difficult as climbing to the heavens. Since that''s the case, it was better to return home, inherit the family business, and live comfortably. The Ashleigh family wasn''t a prominent one, but the title of baron and the 20 square kilometers of territory that came with it were enough for him to live worry-free. With that in mind, Alden made his decision. To retire and go home. However, retiring from the Goldenshield Legion wasn''t a simple matter either. As one of Frosthaven Kingdom''s three extraordinary legions, the Goldenshield Legion didn''t allow people to come and go as they pleased. Normally, soldiers needed to serve at least fifteen years or suffer a serious injury to qualify for retirement. Having served less than ten years, Alden clearly didn''t meet these requirements. There was no other way. If he wanted to retire and return home, he had to resort to special means. For example, bribing his superiors. After a series of "gifting," most of the wealth he had accumulated over the years was gone in an instant. Fortunately, the retirement process was successfully completed and he was free to go. On his last day in the legion, many comrades came to bid him farewell. They shared drinks, reminisced about battles fought together, and wished him well on his journey home. ... The next morning, Alden mounted his warhorse and began the long ride back to Nightbloom Village, the Ashleigh family''s fiefdom. Perhaps due to the recent deaths of the baron and his eldest son, the atmosphere in Nightbloom Village felt heavy. Even in broad daylight, the streets were mostly empty. Riding through the village, Alden eventually arrived at the small manor in the center. After the guards announced his arrival, a mature, beautiful woman stepped out¡ªit was Evelyn, his mother. The moment she saw Alden, she ran to him, tears streaming down her face. "My child, you''ve finally returned!" Her husband and eldest son were gone, and the weight of managing the territory had fallen entirely on her. If Alden hadn''t returned, she didn''t know how she could continue. Alden comforted his emotional mother for a while, reassuring her. Once Evelyn had calmed down, Alden began to take charge of family matters. He organized the funerals of his father and brother, ensuring they were laid to rest. Then, in presence of all the villagers, Alden formally inherited the title of baron and became the ruler of Nightbloom. As for high class parties? The king''s recognition? Continue dreaming! That was only for Dukes or Marquee. For lower nobles like barons, the inheritance process was simple. There was not even a baron present! After the ceremony, all that remained was to register with the noble house in the county city. With the major affairs handled, Alden was prepared to settle into a quiet, and comfortable life. However, just two days later, his mother brought him unexpected news. She had found him a fianc¨¦e! ... Nightbloom Village. Ashleigh Manor. "Mother, you''ve found me a fianc¨¦e? And the wedding is in a few days?" Alden, lounging in the sun, widened his eyes in surprise, completely taken aback. This was way too sudden! He had no idea who the bride even was, and now he was expected to get married? "That''s right! With your father and brother gone, the responsibility falls to you now," Evelyn said firmly. "If you don''t marry and have children soon, what will become of the Ashleigh bloodline? If something happens to you, the family''s legacy will end with you!" Her expression was solemn, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Indeed, this was no small matter. Throughout the history of the Ondoria Continent, countless noble families had faded into obscurity because their bloodlines had died out. For nobles, ensuring the continuation of their lineage was more than just tradition¡ªit was a critical duty. The larger the family, the stronger its stability and influence. From this perspective, the Ashleigh family stood at the brink of crisis. With Alden the only remaining direct heir, any mishap would mean the family''s legacy would be lost forever. "Alright," Alden finally said, his resistance easing. As an adult, he understood that responsibilities came with obligations. Having inherited the Ashleigh family''s title and land, it was now his duty to ensure its survival and prosperity. Of course, obligation was one thing. But if the bride turned out to be an ugly fat whore, he would rather die than agree to it! Seeing the concern flicker across Alden''s face, Evelyn smiled reassuringly. "Don''t worry. The one I''ve chosen is Jennifer, the eldest daughter of the neighboring Darrel Knights. She''s a stunning young woman. You''ll be very pleased." Hearing this, Alden''s eyes lit up. Any lingering hesitation he felt vanished instantly, replaced with excitement. Who would say no to a beauty? ... Two days later. The wedding day arrived. To help Alden establish himself as the new Baron of Nightbloom and integrate into the local noble circles, Evelyn had organized a grand celebration. Invitations were sent to nearly every noble in the surrounding territories. As a result, the Ashleigh family manor was buzzing with activity. Nobles dressed in their finest attires gathered, their chatter and laughter filling the air. Alden, dressed in formal attire, stood ready to meet his bride. When Jennifer appeared, all his expectations were exceeded. Just as Evelyn had promised, she was breathtakingly beautiful¡ªfair skin, an alluring figure, and long, golden hair that shimmered in the light. Her beauty matched his every ideal. Feeling Alden''s gaze, Jennifer, dressed in an elegant white gown, blushed softly and lowered her eyes in shy modesty. What followed was a grand ceremony. In the presence of noble guests and under the blessing of the priest of the Church of Love, Alden and Jennifer exchanged vows and officially became husband and wife. From that evening to the next few hours, Alden wholeheartedly fulfilled his final vows. ... C2 - First Child Born & Divine Family Ascension System ... In the blink of an eye, three months had passed. During this time, Alden made a conscious effort to build a connection with his wife, Jennifer. Although their marriage was a typical noble political arrangement, Alden wanted the woman to be by his side wholeheartedly. Through his consistent efforts, Jennifer gradually opened up to him, and her feelings for him grew stronger with each passing day. The two became nearly inseparable. Evelyn, observing the growing affection between her son and daughter-in-law, was overjoyed. She didn''t waste any time in urging them to start a family, insisting that the Ashleigh bloodline must continue as soon as possible. Under his mother''s constant encouragement, Alden found himself "contributing" several times a day. If not for his rank as a 3rd-level knight and the enhanced stamina that came with it, he would have been utterly exhausted long ago. ... A month later, Jennifer shared the news. "Alden, I''m pregnant!" "Haha! That''s amazing! Jenny, you''ve worked so hard!" Alden''s expression froze for a moment before a broad smile spread across his face. He embraced Jennifer tightly and kissed her with deep affection. Leaning into her husband''s arms, Jennifer gently placed a hand on her stomach, her face glowing with happiness. The couple was ecstatic, and Evelyn, who had been eagerly awaiting this moment, was nearly hopping with excitement. "I will finally get to hold my grandchildren!" she exclaimed. Evelyn immediately began preparing for the baby''s arrival, organizing everything Jennifer would need during her pregnancy and after childbirth. She also cooked nourishing soups for her daughter-in-law daily, ensuring her health and the baby''s well-being. Alden, meanwhile, took on his own responsibilities. He tended to the daily matters of the fiefdom but devoted most of his time to Jennifer. Training was temporarily set aside as he focused on supporting his wife. Touched by her husband''s devotion, Jennifer''s affection for him deepened further, strengthening their bond. ... Ten months later, the day of delivery arrived. To ensure a safe and smooth childbirth, Alden even hired a priest from the Church of Life, known for their miraculous abilities in childbirth.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. While this world lacked scientific medical advancements like cesarean sections, it made up for it with divine magic. The priests of the Church of Life worshiped the goddess of life and were renowned for their flawless childbirth success rate. Of course, such expertise came at a steep price. Hiring one of their priestess cost fifty gold coins¡ªa significant sum, considering the annual income of the Ashleigh fiefdom was just over six hundred gold coins. Still, Alden knew it was worth every coin. With the priestess'' help, Jennifer delivered the child in just over ten minutes. The room was soon filled with the first cries of their newborn. A healthy baby boy. "This is my son," Alden murmured, his eyes fixed on the tiny, wrinkled figure before him. A smile of pure joy spread across his face. In that moment, Alden felt an indescribable sense of belonging. With a child of his own bloodline, he felt truly anchored in this world. He finally had a sense of belonging. ... But then, something strange happened. Alden''s joyful expression faltered, replaced by confusion and shock. He noticed an inexplicable surge in his Inner Qi. It had grown by almost one-tenth¡ªsomething that should have taken him years of dedicated cultivation. "What''s going on?" he muttered, alarmed. This wasn''t just luck; it was far too strange. The sudden increase in his strength filled him with unease rather than joy. As his mind raced, he prepared to activate his Inner Qi and examine his body, hoping to uncover the source of this mysterious enhancement. Before he could act, a strange message appeared in his mind, as if it had always been there: ... [Birth of Host''s 1st Child Detected.] [Divine Family Ascension System Activated.] [Analyzing the child''s aptitude...] [Ding! Child has no magical aptitude & low-level physical aptitude. Overall evaluation: E-Level. You have gained one year''s worth of Inner Qi cultivation.] [Note: Child''s aptitude is graded from E to S. Higher aptitude results in greater rewards.] ... "My system is finally here!" Alden''s face lit up with exhilaration. For six long months after arriving in this world, he had thought his transmigration didn''t come with any perks. The absence of a cheat system had made him reluctantly accept the harsh reality of his situation. But now, completely out of the blue, it had activated. He didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. "So, I was just missing the trigger all along." The realization brought a wave of relief. Thankfully he had listened to mother dearest and returned early. Alden shook off his initial disbelief and quickly turned his attention to understanding this mysterious system. A few minutes later, he grasped the basics of how it worked. In one word, it was all about "family." The system rewarded him for having children and expanding his bloodline. The greater the potential and aptitude of his offspring, the more significant the rewards. "This is so straightforward¡­ and ruthless," Alden muttered. A slow smile spread across his face. "But I can''t deny¡ªI like it." The possibilities began unfolding in his mind. With enough "effort" and resources, it wasn''t unreasonable to have a dozen or more children within a year. Each child born with even minimal aptitude could potentially save him years of painstaking cultivation. Through this system, rising to prominence on the extraordinary path was no longer a distant dream. Of course, things weren''t that simple. This system had its quirks, requiring Alden to meet specific conditions. Only children born to women with a "beauty score" of 85 or higher would be eligible for rewards. With his current status as a low-ranked baron, finding numerous women of such exceptional beauty willing to bear his children was no small task. "It seems Jennifer will have to work hard and bear the burden for now," Alden thought with a wry grin. But his goals were already clear. He already had the next few years planned out. Going hand in hand, Expand the Family, Increase his strength! ... C3 - First D-Level Talent & Peak Intermediate Knight ... Time flew by. Three years had passed since Alden''s cheat system had awakened. During this time, Alden had been relentless in his efforts. Jennifer, his ever-supportive wife, had spent most of the past three years either pregnant or on the way of being so. In total, she had given birth to four children in these three years¡ªone of the pregnancies resulting in twins. However, luck didn''t seem to be on Alden''s side. Just like their first child, all four of these new children were evaluated as E-Level by the system, possessing only the most basic aptitude. Together, they had granted him four more years'' worth of Inner Qi cultivation. Adding the reward from his first child, Alden now had a total of five years'' cultivation, enough to push his strength to the peak of 3rd Rank Knight. He was just half a step away from becoming a 4th Rank Knight¡ªa true intermediate knight. Determined to break through, Alden threw himself back into his "efforts" with Jennifer. Though she had given birth to five children in a row, Jennifer showed no signs of aging or fatigue. On the contrary, her beauty seemed to grow even more radiant, her figure even more alluring. This was thanks to the rare magic medicines Alden had been purchasing for her over the years. These elixirs not only restored her vitality but also enhanced her physical state. Half a month later, Jennifer was pregnant once again. "Why are you so eager?" Jennifer pouted as she playfully slapped Alden''s arm. "I just gave birth, and now I''m pregnant again? This is all your fault!" Her cheeks were flushed with a mix of frustration and shyness. Alden chuckled nervously, wrapping his arms around her. "It''s my fault, it''s all my fault! But if you''re too tired, we can stop after this one, alright?" Jennifer sighed, her expression softening as she looked into his eyes. Despite her complaints, she knew Alden''s love for her was genuine. "It''s not that I don''t want more children," she said quietly, leaning into his chest. "I just want a little break in between." "You''re amazing," Alden murmured, kissing her forehead. "To have a wife like you is the greatest blessing of my life." "Sweet-talker," Jennifer muttered, though the smile on her lips betrayed her affection. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ... Ten months later, the big day arrived. Jennifer gave birth to Alden''s sixth child, her labor presided by the priestess, aided by the magic medicines and skilled midwives as before. As the cries of the newborn echoed in the room, the system''s notification popped up in Alden''s mind. [Detected the birth of the host''s sixth child. The child''s magical aptitude is low & physical aptitude is mid. Evaluation: D-Level. You gain 10 years of Inner Qi cultivation and a 5-star combat technique¡ªGale Sword Technique.] "A D-Level evaluation!" Alden''s eyes widened in surprise and delight. Compared to the previous children evaluated as E-Level, this was a significant leap. The rewards reflected this improvement: a tenfold increase in cultivation gain, plus an incredibly rare 5-star combat technique. To understand its value, combat techniques in this world were graded. Techniques ranged from 0 to 9 stars, with higher stars offering not only greater power but also unique magical abilities. As a barony, the strongest technique in the Ashleigh family''s collection was only 3 stars. A 5-star technique was something even many earls couldn''t boast of. "This is a game-changer," Alden thought, his excitement barely contained. Choosing to accept the reward, he felt a rush of knowledge and energy surge through him. Memories of the Gale Sword Technique appeared in his mind, as though he had trained in it for years. At the same time, his Inner Qi grew exponentially in both quantity and quality. The transformation was staggering. ... 4th Rank! 5th Rank! 6th Rank! ... By the time the energy stabilized, Alden had risen three full ranks, reaching the peak of an intermediate knight. He could now condense his Inner Qi to extend his attacks beyond his physical reach¡ªa hallmark of intermediate knights. Eager to test his newfound strength, Alden raised his hand, channeling his energy. A beam of yellow light shot from his fingertips, striking the stone wall ahead and leaving a deep hole. The destructive force was comparable to high-caliber bullets from his past life. "Unbelievable," Alden murmured, marveling at the power coursing through him. "This system is insane." His strength had multiplied more than tenfold in an instant. With the Gale Sword Technique, his combat ability would be on par with knights far above his rank. "If I keep this up¡­ a hundred children, maybe even more¡­" The thought sent a thrill through Alden. For the first time, he felt that his dream of reaching the pinnacle of this world wasn''t just possible¡ªit was inevitable. ... In the room, Jennifer had just given birth. Evelyn had the maids instructed to clean up the mess before allowing Alden to enter. As Alden stepped inside, his gaze immediately fell on Jennifer, who lay resting on the bed. Her usual rosy complexion was now pale, a testament to the toll childbirth had taken on her. "Jenny, you''ve worked so hard," Alden said softly, his voice filled with tenderness. Jennifer managed a faint smile. "It''s not hard at all," she replied, her tone warm despite her obvious exhaustion. The couple exchanged a few sweet words, their love evident even in this moment of fatigue. Then Alden turned his attention to their newborn child. This time, it was a girl. Unlike most newborns, who came into the world wrinkled and red, this little one was extraordinary. Perhaps due to her mid-level physical aptitude, her skin was smooth and fair, her cheeks rosy, and her features delicate as if carved from jade. "Wuwu!" The baby made soft noises as Alden reached out to touch her tiny hand. She responded by grabbing his finger and kicking her little feet, her laughter filling the room. Jennifer, watching this tender interaction, couldn''t help but smile. Despite her tiredness, the sight of Alden bonding with their daughter filled her heart with warmth. "Alden," she said after a moment, "you haven''t named her yet." Alden paused, then said thoughtfully, "Let''s call her Adelina. Adelina Ashleigh." Jennifer nodded, the name fitting perfectly. Adelina¡ªgraceful and noble¡ªwas a name that carried both beauty and strength. It suited their daughter well, especially given her promising talent. The system had given Adelina evaluation of D-Level with mid physical aptitude, far surpassing Alden''s own. She was destined to become a powerful guardian of their family. Hearing her father''s voice, Adelina let out a cheerful giggle, as if approving of her new name. ... C4 - Expanding the Family Business, Nightbloom Villages Crisis! ... Several months passed. While Alden and Jennifer doted on Adelina, it was clear that nurturing a child with D-Level evaluation came with unique challenges. The toll of childbirth had been much harder on Jennifer this time, leaving her physically drained. Determined to help her recover, Alden spared no expense. He spent half a year''s income from the territory on an advanced magic potion designed to restore vitality. The cost¡ªseveral hundred gold coins¡ªput a strain on their finances, but Alden didn''t hesitate. To losen up the financial burden, he took to hunting monsters in the nearby forest during his spare time. With his strength as a peak 6th Rank Intermediate Knight and his mastery of the Gale Sword Technique, Alden could easily slaughter low-level monsters. In just two weeks, he hunted a variety of low level demonic beasts near Nightbloom territory. Each kill brought valuable materials¡ªfur, bones, meat, and magic cores¡ªthat could be sold for gold. By the end of his hunts, Alden had earned over a hundred gold coins, easing the family''s financial strain. Encouraged by the gold pouring in, he made monster hunting a regular activity, balancing it with his duties as a father and husband. ... A year passed by in this manner. At Jennifer''s insistence, Alden reluctantly agreed to use protective measures during their intimate moments, giving her body a chance to fully recover. Without a new child, the system rewards ceased, and Alden''s cultivation stagnated. But he didn''t let this stop him from improving their lives. He may have been a useless transmigrator for the past few years, but not any more! Drawing on his knowledge from his previous life, Alden established a brewery in his territory, Nightbloom Village. The beer he produced was affordable, unique in flavor, and well-marketed. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. While wine was in highly sought for by the nobels, The beverage industry for the common populace was poorly developed. Calling the native beer horse piss wouldn''t be an exaggeration. It quickly gained popularity in nearby towns, bringing prosperity to the region and significant income to the Ashleigh family. In less than a year, their wealth had multiplied, and the Ashleigh barony rose in status among the local nobility. However, Alden knew better than to hoard this success and attract trouble. Solely operating such a high profit, high demand business was bound to attract some greedy hands, so he formed partnerships with influential nobles in surrounding areas, giving them sales rights. This alliance of shared interests solidified the Ashleigh family''s position and influence while avoiding possible trouble. Even a count would have to think twice before going against a group of barons. Despite these achievements, Alden''s focus never strayed far from his ultimate goal: expanding the family. Jennifer, having rested for over a year, finally agreed to try for another child. Alden spared no effort in preparing for this pregnancy. From purchasing high-level magic potions to nourish both Jennifer and the future baby, to ensuring the best possible conditions for another talented offspring. Several months later, Jennifer finally became pregnant again. This time, Alden''s determination to raise an even more gifted child was stronger than ever. ... Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, another half a year went by. Jennifer''s belly had grown significantly during this time. Alden spent his days accompanying his wife and playing with his children. The life at Nightbloom was peaceful and carefree. But this peace didn''t last long. Earlier that day, a hunter spotted an advanced demon beast, a Flaming Gorilla, lurking in the forest to the west of Nightbloom Village. As soon as the news spread, the entire village was thrown into panic. After all, on the Ondoria Continent, it wasn''t uncommon for demon beasts to destroy entire villages. People feared the Flaming Gorilla might attack at any moment and start hunting the villagers. This growing fear disrupted the village''s daily life and production. "We must deal with this as soon as possible," upon hearing about it, Alden immediately made up his mind. The Flaming Gorilla had to be eliminated. Its presence near the village was too dangerous, and was an unstable factor affecting his and his family''s growth. The constant threat of an attack made it impossible to ensure security. Merchants would be hesitant to visit, and the villagers were already on edge, ready to abandon their homes. Alden couldn''t allow the territory his family had worked so hard to develop to fall into ruin because of this monster. The Flaming Gorilla had to go. But killing a high-level demon beast was easier said than done. You have to know that demon beasts were inherently stronger than knights/mages of the same rank. As a high-level fire-attribute demon beast, the Flaming Gorilla had a wide array of fire-based magic along with exceptionaly strong strength. Its battle prowess were known to be astonishingly strong. Once it reaches maturity, its power rivals that of a 7th-rank advanced knight. With Alden''s current 6th-rank strength... If it had been some other 7th rank demon beast, Alden could have dealt with it. But for a flaming gorilla, Even with the aid of a destructive 5-star combat technique, defeating the it alone would be nearly impossible. Even in the best-case scenario, victory would likely come at a steep cost, leaving him gravely injured. "It looks like I''ll need some help," Alden muttered, so he contemplated the situation. After organising his thoughts and without wasting any more time, he set his plan into motion. He had the butler head to the Adventurer Association and post a mission for the advanced rank demon beast extermination. To ensure quick results, Alden even offered an exceptionally high reward of five thousand gold coins. This was but a small sacrifice as the losses would be unimaginably more than this, if the demon beast were to let be. The promise of such a hefty sum was undeniably tempting. It must be said¡ªthis strategy worked brilliantly. Within two days, a small adventurer team called "Purple Lilac" accepted the mission. Upon hearing the news, Alden wasted no time. He welcomed the adventurers to his estate to discuss the details. ... C5 - Setting off, Ambush!? ... Ashleigh Manor, reception room. "Greetings, Lord Baron!" The members of the adventurer team stood up as Alden entered. Though their strength was commendable, they were still commoners who had to show respect to nobility. "No need to be so formal," Alden said, waving a hand. After exchanging pleasantries, Alden learned the basics about the team. The captain Freya, a half-elf with a graceful demeanor and pointy ears was a 6th-rank intermediate knight who specialized as a magic archer. The vice-captain, Ada, was a sturdy muscular shield warrior, also at 6th rank. The remaining three members¡ªa warrior, a healer, and a hunter¡ªwere all 5th rank. Despite their lower ranks, the group''s all-female lineup was impressively well-balanced, covering scouting, melee, ranged, and healing roles. With such a well organised team, Alden felt it was worth the gold he was paying. Though he had not seen their skills for himself, they had built quite a reputation over the years in surrounding areas. He had already been informed of some of their past ventures. Although nothing too remarkable, this was not their first time hunting a high level demon beast. He discussed the details with them and then had the butler show them to their quarters. Since the day was almost over, Alden decided it would be better to start the mission early the next morning. Night in the dense forest was dangerous, with lower visibility it was much easier for demonic beasts to ambush. ... That evening, in one of the guest rooms provided by Alden, the adventurers gathered and wispered among themselves. "Baron Alden plans to join us tomorrow. I just hope he doesn''t slow us down," Kara, the female warrior, remarked.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "He looks delicate and pampered. Don''t expect much from him. It will only get us in trouble" Ada said bluntly. Freya, the captain, remained composed. "Let''s be prepared. No matter his strength, it''s our job to protect the employer. We''re being paid well, after all. Besides, who will pay us if something happens to him?" The group agreed to focus on keeping Alden safe and discussed possible strategies for the upcoming battle before retiring to their rooms for the night. ... The next morning, Alden and the Purple Lilac team gathered, prepared, and set out for the forest. The hunter who had previously spotted the flaming gorilla in the forest led the way. As they entered the dense woods, the adventurers grew more alert. Ada took the lead with her massive shield, holding the front, paving the way, while the healer and hunter stayed in the middle. Freya and the remaining members guarded the rear, following Alden. It was a typical formation of using the strong to defend the weak. They moved cautiously for about twenty minutes. Ten kilometers in, signs of the flaming gorilla''s presence ¡ªcharred trees and strands of flame-like hair scattered on the ground finally appeared. They were now within the Flaming Gorilla''s territory and had to stay even more alert to avoid potential ambush. The guide confirmed they were near the beast''s last spotted location. "Be ready for battle," Freya said, gripping her bow tightly. There was rather no need for these words. As adventurers, when were they not ready for Battle? Perhaps it was an intentional alert for Alden the ''useless burden'' to get ready to protect himself. "Understood!" her teammates replied, further raising their vigilance. Another kilometer in, Alden, who had been walking quietly, suddenly froze. His ears twitched, and his face tensed. Without hesitation, he grabbed Freya by the waist and pulled her back. At the same moment, he drew his sword and unleashed his most powerful technique: Gale Sword Technique - Storm Slash! Alden gripped his large sword tightly and brought it down in a swift arc. In the next moment- Woo! Woo! Woo! Crescent-shaped waves of green sword energy tore through the air like a fierce storm, slashing toward the crown of the towering tree behind them. The group stood frozen, puzzled by Alden''s abrupt move. Before they could even process his actions- Amid the onslaught of sword energy, a massive gorilla, over three meters tall, was forced into view as it clung to the treetop. Its fur blazed a dark orange-red hue, its molten-red eyes glowed fiercely, and its fists were wreathed in searing flames. The creature radiated a majestic and intimidating presence. This was none other than their expedition''s target - the Flaming Gorilla. "Roar!" The energy waves from Alden''s sword were razor-sharp, slicing through the air with devastating force. Caught unprepared by the sudden assault, the Flaming Gorilla had no time to defend itself. Even this advanced beast couldn''t escape unharmed. It let out a pained scream. Yet. Bringing it down with a single strike was impossible. The beast, though injured, endured the searing pain. In a desperate counter, it used its wind-element concealment magic - Gale Veil and vanished from sight once more. The process sounded complex. But in truth, it took less than two seconds. The group stood rooted in place, cold sweat dripping down their backs. Had they not waited last night, who knew what would have happened. It was too dangerous! ... C6 - Flaming Storm Gorilla, Risky Plan? ... Who would have thought that the Flaming Gorilla possessed wind-based concealment magic and would cunningly wait in ambush atop the tree, ready to strike from behind? If Alden hadn''t spotted the Flaming Gorilla''s traces earlier, Freya and those at the back of the group might have been in grave danger. "How can this Flaming Gorilla have wind-attribute concealment magic?" Recovering from her shock, Lily, the female hunter from the Purple Lilac Adventure Team, looked both astonished and confused. According to the Adventurers Association''s demonic beast compendium, Flaming Gorillas were not known to possess wind attributes. They used fire attribute magic! In theory, it should have been impossible for it to use concealment magic. "This Flaming Gorilla must have consumed a wind-element transcendent herb, mutating into a Flaming Storm Gorilla," Alden explained casually, his eyes scanning their surroundings for signs of danger. As a highly rare and mutated subspecies, the Flaming Storm Gorilla possessed both wind and fire attributes. Its strength far exceeded that of an ordinary Flaming Gorilla. Alden''s words made it clear: the battle ahead would be no simple fight. "Flaming Storm Gorilla?" Hearing this revelation heightened the group''s sense of danger. They immediately shifted into a defensive formation, standing back-to-back to guard against the Flaming Storm Gorilla''s concealed sneak attacks. "Thank you for saving me." Freya, the half-elf captain, blushed and timidly expressed her gratitude. She had initially assumed Alden would be a burden on the team. Yet, against all odds, this so-called "burden" had just saved her life. As an archer, she could only imagine the horrific outcome of being caught off-guard by the Flaming Storm Gorilla. The thought alone made her shiver. "It''s nothing," Alden replied nonchalantly. "Um¡­ um, can you¡­ let go of me?" Freya''s pointed ears flushed crimson as she stammered out the words.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. She was still held securely in Alden''s arms, and due to their height difference, his arm pressed awkwardly against a sensitive area. The unexpected contact sent a strange heat coursing through her. "Oh! My apologies." Alden quickly pulled back, clearly embarrassed. He had been so focused on keeping an eye out for the Flaming Storm Gorilla that he hadn''t realized the position of his hand. "It''s¡­ fine!" Freya stepped out of his protective embrace, exhaling a quiet sigh of relief. But deep within, she couldn''t help but feel a faint twinge of disappointment. This small incident created an unusual tension between the two of them. Fortunately¡ª The atmosphere was broken when one of the other team members spoke. "Lord Alden, how were you able to detect the concealed Flaming Storm Gorilla earlier? Was it some special skill? Can you do it again?" It was Bonny, the team''s healer, her voice tinged with urgency. Since the Flaming Storm Gorilla had vanished into its concealed state once more, no one could find any trace of it. This situation couldn''t continue. "There''s no special technique," Alden replied with a slight shrug. "I just have a sharper sense of perception than most." He hesitated briefly before continuing. "Now that the Flaming Storm Gorilla is keeping its distance, I can''t pinpoint its exact location anymore." The truth was, Alden''s mastery of the Gale Sword Technique allowed him to feel subtle changes in the air currents around him. However, his current strength limited this ability to a range of about ten meters¡ªtoo small a radius to be of use now. The earlier attack had clearly hurt the Flaming Storm Gorilla. Having experienced such a significant setback, it was unlikely to come near him again. Given this situation, he couldn''t repeat the same trick to detect its concealment through airflow disruptions. "What are we supposed to do, then?" The uneasy question left everyone in silence. Their expressions grew grim. It''s easy to act as a thief for a thousand days, but far harder to guard against one for even a single day. The group was on edge, every nerve stretched taut. But time would wear down their vigilance, draining their stamina and resolve. If the Flaming Storm Gorilla chose that moment to strike again, the consequences could be disastrous. "We''ll draw the snake out of its hole," Alden said calmly. He elaborated, "Advanced demonic beasts like this one are incredibly vengeful. After taking such a heavy blow from me, it won''t let things slide so easily. Its pride won''t allow it." He then outlined his plan: "We''ll create a deliberate weakness, baiting it into launching another attack." Hearing this, the team''s eyes lit up. They nodded in agreement. Immediately, Alden began issuing instructions. After the earlier incident, the Purple Lilac Adventure Team no longer saw Alden as a burden. The young noble, once dismissed as a hindrance, now commanded their full respect and trust. Still, to lure out this cunning and dangerous Flaming Storm Gorilla, someone needed to act as bait. This was an extremely perilous task. If it were possible, Alden would have volunteered himself without hesitation. He was not too eager to sacrifice his life but he had confidence in his defence. He could feel it that holding back this demon beast won''t be too hard for him. If he went all out then he would probably even have an upper hand. But the gorilla had already suffered at his hands. It was intelligent enough not to make him its target again. Although advanced demon beasts were vengeful, they were not stupid enough to walk to their deaths. Being experienced adventurers, the rest of the team understood this as well. In the end, Ada, the team''s deputy captain, stepped forward to take on the risky role. As a shield warrior, she trusted her ability to withstand an attack. Even if the Flaming Storm Gorilla managed to strike her, she was confident she wouldn''t sustain serious injuries in the initial encounter. With their roles assigned, the group swiftly moved into position. To make the bait convincing, everyone lowered their weapons and feigned a relaxed posture. Ada went further, setting her shield aside before striding confidently ahead of the team. Ten meters. Twenty meters. Thirty meters. ... C7 - Crisis Averted!? ... When Ada was more than 100 meters away from the group, the concealed Flaming Storm Gorilla could no longer suppress its rage. "Roar!" The beast, hidden in the shadows, unleashed a ferocious roar before casting an acceleration wind magic spell. With this burst of speed, it charged at Ada with startling velocity. Having been wounded by these humans earlier, the gorilla''s fury burned fiercely. Taking down the lone woman who had seemingly strayed from the group was the first step in its revenge. "Gotcha!" Though Ada appeared calm and unsuspecting, she had been on high alert the entire time. Sensing a sudden surge of wind at her back, she swiftly spun around, raising her shield. At the same moment, she channeled her inner qi to activate her most formidable defensive technique. Two-star combat skill - Earth Shield Barrier. Almost immediately, an earthy-yellow, semi-transparent shield of energy rose from the ground, enveloping her protectively. But even such a defense had its limits. The Flaming Storm Gorilla¡¯s raw power, enhanced by its massive size and the momentum from the acceleration Spell, was nothing short of devastating. Especially so for a 6th Rank knight like her. The collision was akin to a battering ram slamming into stone. The energy shield resisted, but within moments, cracks spider-webbed across its surface. It had shattered in less than two seconds. The force of the impact sent Ada hurtling backward, tumbling more than ten meters across the ground. However, the Earth Shield Barrier had done its job, absorbing half of the impact. Though shaken, Ada¡¯s injuries were not severe. As a 6th Rank knight, her trained body and muscle were not for show. This portion of impact could only shake her at best. Quickly regaining her footing, she stuck to the plan, assuming a defensive stance while provoking the enraged beast with a taunt skill. "Roar!" Her taunt worked. The Flaming Storm Gorilla, which had been preparing to retreat and try another sneak attack, was instead consumed by anger. Without hesitation, it began casting spells in rapid succession. Fireball! Wind Blade! Explosive Fireball! ... The Flaming Storm Gorilla unleashed its might, bombarding Ada in a relentless frenzy. In response, Ada employed an array of shield techniques to hold her ground. She needed to buy her teammates enough time to set up their ambush. But...The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Ada misjudged the devastating power of the Flaming Storm Gorilla. "Roar!" Frustrated that its persistent attacks hadn¡¯t yet ended the fight, the beast prepared to unleash its ultimate move. In the next instant... A massive, blazing azure fireball, nearly five meters in diameter, began forming above the creature¡¯s head as it raised its hands toward the heavens. With a powerful downward motion, the Gorilla hurled the scorching orb toward Ada. As an advanced spell, Flame Burst, packed a force more than tenfold that of an intermediate spell Explosive Fireball. The sheer heat of the attack scorched everything in its path, nearly capable of reducing all to ash. Ada knew she can''t take the hit directly. Even her Earth Shield Barrier, though formidable, would disintegrate under the fireball¡¯s intensity. Just as a disaster seemed inevitable... Alden and the others appeared, surrounding the demonic beast and cutting off its escape routes. Reacting instantly, Alden channeled his Inner Qi, activating an acceleration secret technique of his Gale Sword Technique. Like a swift gale, he surged forward, placing himself between Ada and the incoming fireball. With a mighty swing of his large sword. Gale Sword Technique - Wind Barrier! The wind barrier fully materialized just in time. The scorching fireball collided with the barrier of concentrated wind, but... It was futile. The fierce and swirling wind redirected the fiery projectile, sending it veering off course to a vacant area nearby. Boom! The fireball detonated, its force akin to a small missile. A deep crater, several meters in depth and stretching ten meters across, marred the earth, while the surrounding terrain turned into smoldering wasteland. Without missing a beat. "Die!" Alden, having shielded Ada from certain death, immediately charged toward the Flaming Storm Gorilla. His giant sword, now enveloped in a powerful gust of wind, aimed directly for the beast''s head. Gale Sword Technique - Storm Slash! The strike was lightning-fast and brutal. The Flaming Storm Gorilla, who had just used a powerful move, didn''t even have time to react before being struck. If it hadn''t instinctively tilted its head, its entire head would have been cut off by the sword. However, Even if it luckily didn''t die, The Flaming Storm Gorilla was also seriously injured. There was a deep sword mark visible down the right side of its head. Blood gushed out. "Roar!" It let out a painful roar. At this moment, the ferocity of the Flaming Storm Gorilla was also aroused. It lost all reason opening its blood-filled mouth and pounced towards Alden, ready to rip him into shreds. Gale Sword Technique - Swift Wind Step. Alden didn''t dare to directly confront it. With a flash, he dodged the attack. Turning around, he swung his sword at the waist of the Flaming Storm Gorilla. It must be said that Demonic beasts, especially higher-level ones, have truly tenacious bodies. Exceptionally fierce. While Alden was fighting with the Flaming Storm Gorilla, Freya and the others also took action. They joined the battle one after another, restraining and harassing the Flaming Storm Gorilla. Creating opportunities for Alden. With the tacit cooperation of everyone, The injuries on the Flaming Storm Gorilla''s body accumulated. Its aura became increasingly weak. Feeling the threat of death approaching, a hint of madness flashed through the bright lava-like eyes of the Flaming Storm Gorilla It squeezed out all the magic power in its body and unleashed its strongest attack, an advanced fire-type magic - Meteor Decent. Magical force surged, forming a huge firey cloud with a diameter of a hundred meters above the head of the Flaming Storm Gorilla. In the next moment, blazing fireballs began to form within the fiery cloud, cascading down like a meteor shower. Facing such a fierce counterattack from the Flaming Storm Gorilla, Alden and the others were caught off guard. It was impossible to doge such a large are attack in such short notice. However, fortunately, the Flaming Storm Gorilla had little control over it as this 9th Rank magic was way beyond its level. The majority of the fiery meteors crashed harmlessly into open ground. Alden and the others took turns defending against the remaining fireballs. They barely managed to hold on. A few moments later, the fire cloud dissipated. Alden and the others, who were covered in soot and dirt from the explosion, finally breathed a sigh of relief. They had endured the Flaming Storm Gorilla''s final desperate counterattack. The Flaming Storm Gorilla, depleted of magic power, had little strength left. Alden rushed over and easily beheaded the Flaming Storm Gorilla with his sword. The Flaming Storm Gorilla had successfully been killed! "It''s finally dead." Seeing this scene, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. After enduring the barrage of fiery meteors, their condition had worsened significantly. If this demon deast didn''t die soon, they really wouldn''t have been able to hold on. The battle ended. The group briefly tended to their injuries. Then, happily, they dismembered the body of this demon beast for easier transport. As an advanced mutated demon beast, Its entire body was a treasure trove. Its magic core, fur, bones, and even the blood were all valuable. Not stopping there, it was not until they had spent an hour searching for the beast''s lair, stripping it clean did they finally decide to return. ... C8 - Payday, Another Baroness!? ... Returning to Nightbloom Village. Alden immediately called the villagers together to share the news¡ªthe Flaming Storm Gorilla that had been lurking near their village had been slain by his own hands. "That''s great!" "Long live Baron Alden!" As they saw the massive, bloodied head of the beast that Alden brought back, cheers erupted from the crowd. Excitement filled their faces. Finally, it was over. The terrifying monster that had threatened their peace was gone. Now, they could live without fear, their homes safe once again. In an instant, the tension that had gripped the village over the past days vanished. Calm returned. Life resumed its normal rhythm, and even the brewery, which had its business affected in other territories, began running smoothly once more. Thanks to this incident, Alden''s reputation in the territory soared. Word of it even reached the neighboring territories. But, of course, that¡¯s a story for another time. After sharing the news of the Flaming Storm Gorilla''s defeat, Alden headed back to his family estate with Freya and the rest of the Purple Lilac Adventure Team. Once there, he prepared the reward Purple Lilac had been promised. Given how much stronger the Flaming Storm Gorilla had turned out to be than originally expected, Alden had decided to increase their payment by 20%. "Thanks to your Purple Lilac Adventure Team, this mission was a success. Please accept this as a token of my gratitude." Smiling, Alden handed a small chest to Freya and her team. When the chest was opened, numerous gold coins gleamed under the light, their radiance dazzling. "Thank you, Lord Alden!" Freya said, joy evident in her voice. Her team members, equally delighted, immediately began counting the coins. However, their happiness soon turned to confusion. The originally agreed-upon reward was five thousand gold coins, yet the box contained six thousand.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. "Lord Alden, did you make a mistake?" Freya asked, a puzzled look on her face. The rest of the Purple Lilac Team appeared equally perplexed. "I didn¡¯t make a mistake," Alden replied with a small wave of his hand. "The situation was far more dangerous than expected, and this is the reward you deserve." "But..." Freya started, hesitant. In her mind, the team¡¯s contributions weren¡¯t enough to justify such a large reward. After all, Alden had been the one who located the Flaming Storm Gorilla, crafted the hunting strategy, and did the heavy lifting in battle. They had only provided assistance. Receiving this much felt like too much. "But there¡¯s no need for buts," Alden interrupted, cutting off her words. "I don¡¯t take back what I¡¯ve already given. And without your support, taking down the Flaming Storm Gorilla would¡¯ve been impossible for me alone." "Besides she risked her life to be the bait. Healing costs are no small matter," Alden remarked, looking towards the muscular deputy leader of the team. Before Freya could respond, Alden turned and walked away. Seeing no other option, Freya and her team reluctantly accepted the unexpectedly generous reward. Later, Alden instructed the butler to prepare accommodations for Freya and her team. He wanted them to take the time to recover properly before they left the estate. After all, the expedition had taken a heavy toll on everyone. Ada, the team¡¯s muscular shield warrior who had served as bait, had suffered the worst injuries¡ªseveral broken bones and internal bleeding. Even with the healer Bonny¡¯s help, her full recovery would take over a month. Despite this, Freya and the others, having just received such a generous reward, felt uneasy about accepting further hospitality. After a quick freshening up at the estate, they decided to leave without delay. ... After departing from the Ashleigh Manor, the Purple Lilac Adventure Team climbed into a rented carriage and began their journey to Cardis, a city roughly 120 kilometers away. Cardis wasn¡¯t just their operational base; it was also their home. It was where their business was located. "Baron Alden is really generous," Lily, the huntress, remarked while admiring the small box of gold coins in her hands. Her delight was plain to see. After all, who could resist the charm of glittering gold? "He truly is," another teammate agreed with a nod. The group had been completing missions for years, but never had they encountered an employer as generous as Alden. Most employers wouldn¡¯t bother adjusting payments when a mission became unexpectedly difficult. If they did, it would usually be no more than a slight increase of 5% or 10%. But Alden had raised their reward by 20%, no questions asked. The payout from this single mission was almost equal to what they usually earned over half a year. "A baron willing to hand out such a reward must be incredibly wealthy himself," someone said thoughtfully. "Handsome, strong, and rich¡ªhe¡¯s the ideal man! If only I could..." Lily trailed off, her cheeks suddenly tinged with pink. "You little fox!" another teammate teased. "We¡¯ve been through so much together, swearing to stick by each other forever, and now you want to go off and marry a baron? Traitor!" "Exactly! How shameless!" Their teasing only made Lily blush harder. Their playful banter filled the carriage with laughter. Meanwhile, Freya, the half-elf leader of the group, was silent. Her thoughts drifted back to the moment Alden had saved her during the battle. The memory of his strong arms around her still lingered. That feeling of safety, coupled with their brief closeness, made her heart beat faster just thinking about it. Was she starting to feel something for him? Shaking her head, Freya forced herself to focus, though her gaze wandered briefly back in the direction of Nightbloom Village. ... C9 - Border War, Proposal!? ... Meanwhile, Alden was at home, talking with his wife. "Alden, you¡¯re back! Were you hurt during the hunt?" Jennifer¡¯s face was full of worry. She had been anxious the entire time he was away, knowing how dangerous demon beasts could be. If Alden hadn¡¯t insisted on going, she would never have agreed to let him undertake such a risky task. "Of course not!" Alden said, feigning confidence. He didn¡¯t want Jennifer to worry unnecessarily. Stress was the last thing she needed, especially with the baby growing inside her. To avoid giving her any reason to doubt him, he quickly diverted the conversation. With a mix of truth and embellishment, he recounted the events of the expedition. Jennifer, who had little experience with the world beyond their territory, listened with rapt attention. Lying against Alden¡¯s chest, she remained silent. The two of them stayed close, sharing this peaceful moment. The day passed swiftly. After dealing with the Flaming Storm Gorilla, Alden¡¯s life returned to its usual rhythm. He spent his days playing with his children, supporting Jennifer, and attending to his duties. When time allowed, he went hunting in the nearby forests, earning some extra gold coins. Life felt good. As for the territory¡¯s development, Alden had already laid a strong foundation. The Nightbloom Brewery was steadily gaining renown, with its shipments increasing by the week. Trade flourished, drawing more visitors to the village. The prosperity began to reflect in the lives of the villagers, who now lived more comfortably than ever before. This newfound prosperity also brought in a wave of settlers. The village¡¯s population, which had been just over four thousand, had grown to more than seven thousand and continued to rise steadily. By mid-next year, projections suggested that Nightbloom Village would officially evolve into Nightbloom Town. Of course, Alden had ways to accelerate this growth. The knowledge he carried from his previous life could help establish new business ventures in various fields. The knowledge he carries was nothing short of a gold coing mint. But such actions came with risks. In this world of magic and power, a pot full of gold without sufficient strength to protect it could invite trouble. Alden wasn¡¯t willing to jeopardize his family or his territory due to his greed. For now, his priority was Jennifer¡¯s health and the safe arrival of their child.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. ... Time passed, and Jennifer¡¯s due date approached. The Ashleigh family began preparing to welcome the new member of their household. But just as they were settling into this joyous anticipation, an unexpected event disrupted this calm. Three nobles, accompanied by over a dozen guards, arrived in Nightbloom Village. The visiting nobles were Lukas, of the Cardis Baron family; Ivan, of the Tan Baron family; and Cinders, from the Mint Baron family. The Ashleigh family shared strong ties of mutual benefit with the Cardis, Tan, and Mint Baron families. They worked together on beer distribution, and their cooperation over the years had fostered a close relationship. "The development here is remarkable," Lukas said, looking at the hustle and bustle. Nightbloom Village had changed drastically since his last visit. Half a year ago, he had come to negotiate beer distribution rights. Back then, the village had been little more than a collection of rundown thatched cottages and wooden shacks, connected by uneven dirt paths. It had looked like an unassuming, impoverished mountain settlement. Now, the scene was entirely different. The old, ramshackle houses had been replaced with sturdy stone buildings that looked both functional and elegant. The dirt roads were gone, replaced by smooth cobblestone streets. Public facilities like toilets and market areas were visible, and bustling commercial streets were alive with activity. Street vendors called out their wares, while villagers moved about in cheerfully. Prosperity. "If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d think I was in the wrong place," Lukas murmured, still taking in the sights. "Admire it later," Ivan said, in a steady tone. "We should focus on visiting Baron Alden first." Lukas and Cinders nodded in agreement. They weren¡¯t here for sightseeing. Arriving at Ashleigh Manor, the group handed over their calling cards. The butler, understanding the significance of their status, wasted no time and promptly led them to the reception room. He then went to inform Alden of their arrival. A few minutes later, Alden entered the room. "Baron Ivan, Baron Lukas, Baron Cinders," Alden greeted them, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "I didn¡¯t expect to see the three of you today. What brings you here unannounced?" Ivan¡¯s expression was serious. "We have come to discuss an important matter, Baron Alden." Alden¡¯s curiosity was piqued. "What matter might that be?" Ivan exchanged a glance with Cinders before speaking. "Have you heard about the tensions of war brewing on the western border, Baron Alden?" Alden¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. "The western border?" He had been so focused on Jennifer¡¯s impending delivery that he hadn¡¯t been keeping up with the latest political developments. Skipping recent noble gatherings had left him somewhat out of the loop. Cinders, stepped in to explain. "Two months ago, a massive iron ore deposit was discovered on the western border. Both our Kingdom of Frosthaven and the Kingdom of Tusea are claiming the deposit as their own." "The situation has grown increasingly volatile," Ivan added gravely. "Our kingdom believes the vein lies within its territory, and the Tusean Kingdom thinks the same. Both sides are refusing to back down." "And now," Cinders continued, "it seems our king is preparing for war." Alden¡¯s frown deepened as he absorbed the news. "And how does this affect us here?" What did the western border conflict have to do with smaller nobles like them in the southern region? Unless this was going to escalate into a full-blown war of annihilation, it was unlikely to affect them directly. "This war presents an excellent opportunity!" Ivan said, his tone charged with excitement. "We came here today to propose a alliance, Baron Alden. Lets join in and take part in the war." He paused briefly before continuing, "By combining the military forces of our four families, we can surely achieve significant military merits. Such achievements will not only elevate our noble titles but expand our fiefs." Both Lukas and Cinders nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting the same enthusiasm. Listening to their plan, Alden quickly pieced everything together. However, Ivan¡¯s enthusiasm left him unmoved. As a former soldier of the Goldenshield Legion, Alden had firsthand experience of what war truly entailed. He knew better than most that war was not a game¡ªit was a merciless grinder that consumed lives without hesitation. And when it came to wars between nations, the stakes were even higher. The combined forces of their four baronies would be a mere speck in the grand scale of such a conflict. A single unlucky encounter could lead to catastrophic losses, wiping out their entire armies in an instant. He was not too eager to die an early death. As for elevating his title, expanding his feif? Once he became an Earth Knight, he would be eligible for promotion anyway. So why take the risk? "Such a large scale war carries far too much danger. I¡¯m afraid I must decline your proposal," Alden said politely. He wasn¡¯t willing to gamble his future or the safety of his family on the battlefield for the sake of something he didn''t even need. His path to prosperity was already clear to him. ...