Chapter 108: The Rotation

Jacoub approached with evident excitement. “My Lord, with regular material income, construction timelines become much more manageable.”

Ethan nodded, his mind already calculating tactical arrangements.

Time to establish proper operations.

He turned toward his subjects, studying the mixed group of archers and warriors. Thirteen capable fighters with varying specializations—enough for comprehensive coverage if deployed efficiently.

“Listen carefully,” his voice carried across the desert wind. “You’ll divide into three teams for continuous operations.”

The subjects straightened, recognizing the shift from casual coordination to military structure.

“Two teams will rotate at this spawn point. Handle the three scorpions that emerge every hour—your ranks match theirs perfectly.” Ethan gestured toward the burrow entrance. “When your rotation ends, transport all bodies back to territory. Nothing gets wasted.”

Renewable resources demand proper harvesting.

Jack stepped forward. “Rotation duration, my Lord?”

“Four-hour shifts. Fresh teams prevent fatigue-induced mistakes.” Ethan’s gaze swept across eager faces. “The cores from your kills? Keep them for the first day. Increase your power levels.”

Several warriors exchanged pleased glances. Personal advancement opportunities motivated troops more effectively than simple orders.

“The third team handles scouting operations,” he continued. “Map surrounding territories. Identify threats, resources, potential allies or enemies. Intelligence wins wars before battles begin.”

Marcus raised his hand tentatively. “Team compositions, my Lord?”

“Mixed units. Each rotation team gets warriors and archers—balanced offense and ranged support. Scouting team travels light but maintains combat power capabilities.”

Elena looked uncertain. “What if the spawn rate changes?”

“Adapt accordingly. If output increases, call for reinforcements. If it decreases, maintain vigilance anyway.” Ethan’s expression hardened. “Complacency kills faster than any monster.”

The subjects nodded with understanding born from experience.

“Jack, organize rotation teams based on combat compatibility. Marcus, coordinate with him on archer assignments.”

Division of labor according to strengths.

“Questions?”

Silence answered him, though every face showed focused determination.

“Then begin immediately. First rotation starts now.”

Jack moved with efficiency, sorting warriors and archers into cohesive units. His background showed in how quickly balanced teams emerged from seemingly random groupings.

Natural leadership capabilities.

Marcus contributed tactical knowledge about archer positioning and target priority. The two leaders demonstrated the cooperation Ethan had hoped for.

No ego conflicts. Good.

Within minutes, the first rotation team had established defensive positions around the burrow entrance. The scouting team prepared for departure while the second rotation organized supply management duties.

Ethan watched his subjects transform from individual fighters into coordinated military units. Each person understood their role within the larger framework.

…

As Ethan expanded his territory in the First Sanctuary, Han Wei stood in District Two’s research institute, staring at his hands in disbelief.

The awakening crystal’s glow had been blinding.

The awakening crystal’s glow had been blinding. More intense than anything Tiana had witnessed before, it was slightly more intense than even her crystal glow back when she awakened.

“Han… Wei. You—You awakened a B Rank talent?”

Tiana’s voice carried a mixture of shock and pride, her mind struggling to process what she’d just witnessed.

Her own B Grade talent had been considered exceptional, but this…

Han Wei’s smile was radiant, and years of disappointment finally lifted from his shoulders. “I can’t believe it either. After all this time…”

She stepped closer, lowering her voice despite the empty laboratory.

“Han Wei, listen to me carefully.”

“You cannot reveal your talent rank to anybody. Not yet.”

She’s right. It will draw attention. Although Ethan had made our lives much better and we were well-respected. Those people are still wolves, if they feel like he won’t return, they will devour us and leave nothing behind…not even bones.

“B-Grade talents attract the wrong kind of interest,” she continued. “You’re not ready for that level of scrutiny. Not with your strength. Ethan had remained undercover until he had enough power to change the tide.”

Han Wei’s excitement dimmed as reality set in. Power without protection was vulnerability disguised as strength.

“What should I do?”

“Get stronger. Use all the cores Ethan gave you—build your foundation while you still have anonymity.” Tiana’s hands moved to his shoulders, her grip firm. “But be careful. Don’t rush advancement.”

Foundation matters more than speed.

“After every rank increase, pause. Consolidate your power. Rushing leads to unstable foundations that crumble under pressure.”

“Better to advance slowly with solid bases than quickly with flawed ones. It will bite you in the back later on.”

Han Wei nodded, understanding the wisdom behind her words. He’d seen talented individuals destroy their potential through reckless advancement—power without control was worse than having no power at all.

Patience. Build correctly from the beginning.

“How long before I need to reveal anything?”

“It depends on how long it takes you to reach a level of power that will keep you safe from their plotting.”

The irony wasn’t lost on him—while Ethan fought unknown battles in distant realms, Han Wei had discovered power he’d never dreamed possible. Both orphans had found their paths to strength, though in vastly different circumstances.

Thank you, Ethan. Whatever gave you the insight to share those cores…

“I won’t waste this opportunity,” Han Wei said, determination replacing uncertainty.

…

A day had passed since Ethan had taken control of the spawn point. Everything had proceeded according to plan.

The systematic harvesting operation yielded impressive results. His subjects rotated regularly, eliminating scorpions as they emerged while maintaining constant resource flow back to the territory.

After careful calculation, the spawn point granted him daily resources totaling close to 650 units, plus water containers. The numbers spoke for themselves:

-> 210/100 units of wood

-> 300/100 units of stone

-> 150/100 units of sand

-> 14 large containers of water

Surplus everything. Time for expansion.

His current resources far exceeded immediate needs, creating opportunities for significant territorial development. The residential blueprint beckoned from his inventory, promising proper housing for his growing population.

[Residential Blueprint]

[Tier: 1]

[Function: Advanced housing construction guide for skilled professionals]

[Maximum Capacity: 0/1]

[Required Materials To Build: 10 units of Wood, 10 units of Stone, 10 units of sand]

[Construction Upgrade: 50 units of Wood, 50 units of Stone, 50 units of sand]

[Special Requirement: Architect-class Professional needed for construction]

Upgrade first, then build.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep