Chapter 107: New Subjects

Sand crunched behind him as his archers finally returned, their arms laden with scorpion carcasses. Marcus led the procession, sweat staining his clothing despite the approaching evening’s cooler temperatures.

“My Lord!” Elena called out, dropping her burden near the expanded barrier’s edge. “The territory… it’s grown!”

Time to introduce them to their new capabilities.

“Territory upgrade complete,” Ethan announced, gesturing toward the enhanced structures. “We now have room for proper development and improved summoning capacity.”

His subjects exchanged excited glances, their earlier exhaustion forgotten in the face of visible progress. The expanded space, upgraded buildings, and obvious defensive improvements painted a picture of rapid advancement.

….

[Do you want to summon (8)?] [Yes| No]

Ethan pressed “Yes” without hesitation.

The Gate of Summoning blazed with white radiance. Light intensified until it became almost blinding, forcing his archers to shield their eyes.

Eight subjects this time. And one guaranteed professional.

Eight figures materialised within the archway, their forms solidifying as the magical energy dissipated. They stepped forward in unison, immediately dropping to one knee upon seeing Ethan.

“Greetings, my Lord!”

Impressive.

Seven of them wore the leather armour of experienced warriors, their weapons well-maintained and their postures radiating competence. These weren’t fresh recruits—they carried themselves like veterans who’d seen real combat.

But it was the eighth figure that made Ethan’s eyes brighten.

An architect. Finally.

The man wore simple robes marked with geometric patterns, his hands stained with ink and stone dust.

A leather satchel hung at his side, presumably filled with drafting tools.

“Rise,” Ethan commanded.

Information flowed into his awareness as he focused on each new subject.

[Subject: Jack]

[Profession: Head Warrior]

[Rank: Peak-Bronze]

[Talent: Sword Mastery (E+)]

[Loyalty: 64]

Peak-Bronze. That’s a sub-tier stronger than Marcus’s team.

The remaining six warriors showed High-Bronze rankings with various combat specialisations—spearmen, shield bearers, and scouts. A balanced military unit that would complement his existing archers perfectly.

But Noah’s attention remained fixed on the architect.

[Subject: Jacoub]

[Profession: Architect]

[Rank: Peak-Bronze]

[Talent: Builder (D-)]

[Loyalty: 66]

He’s going to be incredibly valuable for territorial development.

Jacoub stepped forward, his intelligent eyes surveying the upgraded structures with professional interest. “My Lord, I see you’ve recently enhanced your domain.”

He knows his craft.

“Indeed,” Ethan replied. “And I have immediate need of your expertise.”

The architect’s face lit up with anticipation. “What would you have me construct, my Lord?”

Ethan withdrew the Residential Blueprint from his storage, the rolled parchment gleaming with enchanted ink. “Housing for our expanding population.”

Jacoub accepted the blueprint with reverent care, unrolling it to examine the detailed specifications. His eyes widened as he absorbed the magical construction techniques embedded within the design.

“Fascinating work,” he breathed. “This blueprint incorporates advanced techniques I’ve only theorized about. The structural integrity spells alone would take weeks to research independently.”

Exactly what I needed to hear.

“How quickly can you implement it?”

“With the materials ready and labourers?” Jacoub calculated quickly. “Two days for the first structure. Subsequent buildings would be faster as my team gains experience with the techniques.”

Jack stepped forward, his hand resting on his sword hilt. “My Lord, where would you have us quarter tonight? My warriors are ready to establish patrol rotations.”

“Marcus will brief you on current security arrangements,” Ethan replied. “Elena’s team handles archery support. Coordinate with them for perimeter defence.”

The existing archers approached the newcomers with curious expressions. Marcus extended his hand to Jack, professional respect evident in his posture.

“Welcome to the territory. Glad to have more experienced fighters.”

They’re integrating well.

As his subjects began organising themselves, Ethan felt satisfaction warming his chest. Eight new subjects in a single summoning, including the architect he desperately needed.

The guaranteed professional summons had delivered exactly what his territory required.

“Elena,” Ethan called out, gesturing toward their expanded group. “Serve the food and prepare fresh bread. We need to welcome our new subjects properly.”

And reward the hard work from earlier.

Elena nodded immediately, her team moving to assist with food preparation. The scent of baking bread soon filled the air, mixing with the aroma of cooked scorpion meat from their earlier cooking.

The new warriors gathered around the communal fire with easy camaraderie, sharing stories with Marcus’s archers. Jack’s leadership qualities showed as he naturally facilitated introductions between the two groups.

Jacoub studied the territorial blueprints while eating, occasionally sketching in his personal notebook. His dedication to his craft was evident—even during meals, his mind worked on construction problems.

Good. Everyone’s settling in well.

After the meal concluded, Ethan stood to address his expanded force.

“Time for a practical exercise. We’re returning to the scorpion nest.”

Warriors flanked the archers in protective formation while Jacoub observed their movements with professional interest. He wasn’t a fighter, and it was interesting to see.

At the nest site, three new scorpions had emerged from the burrow system.

Right on schedule.

“New targets have spawned,” Ethan announced. “Jack, coordinate with Marcus. Eliminate them.”

The Peak-Bronze warriors moved with efficiency. Jack’s sword work was particularly impressive—clean strikes that found gaps in chitinous armour with surgical precision. His team provided support while the archers delivered covering fire.

Same rank opponents. Perfect training scenario.

The scorpions fell within minutes, their coordinated attacks no match for his subjects’ organised tactics. Black ichor stained the sand as the creatures’ death throes subsided.

“Excellent work,” Ethan observed. “Now we wait.”

I need to confirm their spawn rates.

They established a perimeter around the nest entrance, weapons ready for additional threats. Ethan’s enhanced senses monitored the underground passages for movement or sound.

One hour passed.

Three more scorpions emerged right on schedule, their movements following the same patterns as before.

Predictable. Three per hour, like clockwork.

“Same response,” Ethan commanded. “Quick elimination.”

His subjects repeated their tactical success, dispatching the creatures with even greater efficiency. Their experience in working together earlier was translating into improved coordination.

“The pattern holds,” he announced after confirming the area was clear. “Three scorpions every hour. We will use this for training and resource gathering daily.”

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