Chapter 141: New Subordinates

The herb garden construction concluded ahead of schedule, Jacoub’s crews demonstrating the expertise they’d developed through continuous magical construction projects. The enhanced structure gleamed with sophisticated crystal networks that promised doubled cultivation capacity.

[Magical Herb Garden Blueprint]

[Tier: 2]

[Function: Construction guide to building a garden that nourishes magical herb seeds and lets them grow.]

[Maximum Capacity: 2/2]

[Required Materials To Build: 20 units of Wood, 20 units of Stone, 20 units of sand]

[Construction Upgrade: 200 units of Wood, 200 units of Stone, 200 units of sand]

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

Two gardens are operational. Time for the next evolution.

Ethan activated the Tier 3 upgrade without hesitation. Resources flowed from his substantial reserves into the magical blueprint, architectural specifications reshaping themselves for enhanced capability.

[Magical Herb Garden Blueprint]

[Tier: 3]

[Function: Construction guide to building a garden that nourishes magical herb seeds and lets them grow.]

[Maximum Capacity: 2/3]

[Required Materials To Build: 20 units of Wood, 20 units of Stone, 20 units of sand]

[Construction Upgrade: 300 units of Wood, 300 units of Stone, 300 units of sand]

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

Three gardens maximum. Another construction slot unlocked.

The upgrade provided access to building a third garden facility, tripling his herb cultivation capacity from the original design. Thirty simultaneous specimens would create advancement opportunities that bordered on the ridiculous.

From scarcity to abundance through enhancement.

Jacoub approached as the upgrade integration completed, his professional eye studying the enhanced magical arrays with obvious fascination.

“Remarkable evolution, my Lord,” he said, wiping stone dust from his hands. “The crystalline support matrix has become incredibly sophisticated.”

“Timeline for the third garden construction?”

“An hour and a half with current crew efficiency. The teams have mastered these particular construction techniques.”

Experience acceleration. Standard pattern.

“Begin immediately. Priority allocation.”

Jacoub nodded, already organizing his workers for the expanded project. “Should we also prepare for the residential building upgrades?”

Territorial advancement requirements. Need all buildings at maximum tier.

“Absolutely. I need everything upgraded before initiating the territory evolution.”

Complete the infrastructure foundation. Then advance the entire system.

As construction resumed around the third garden site, Ethan turned his attention to the immediate harvest opportunity. Six mature herbs awaited collection from the existing gardens, their magical signatures pulsing with accumulated advancement potential.

Six specimens ready. Three untested varieties.

The harvest proceeded with careful precision. Each herb required specific handling to preserve its magical essence while maximising advancement benefits. Thomas provided running commentary on optimal processing techniques.

Ethan collected all six herbs systematically, their varied magical signatures suggesting different advancement benefits. Three varieties he’d devoured to increase their tier before, but three remained undevoured—promising new tier.

He selected the three unfamiliar specimens for immediate consumption Each herb carried distinct energy patterns that suggested specialised benefits.

<You have devoured Tier 2 herb>

<Tier 2 herb evolved to tier 3>

The second specimen provided similar results.

<You have devoured Tier 2 herb>

<Tier 2 herb evolved to tier 3>

<You have devoured Tier 2 herb>

<Tier 2 herb evolved to tier 3>

“The evolved specimens should be replanted immediately?”

“Absolutely. Tier 3 seeds will produce tier 3 harvests with potential for further evolution.”

Compound advancement through successive generations.

The replanting process demonstrated the garden’s sophisticated automation. Enhanced soil accepted the evolved specimens while crystal networks adjusted environmental conditions for optimal growth.

Six tier 3 herbs planted. Substantial advancement pending.

“My Lord,” Elena called out, “the perimeter teams are reporting increased wildlife activity to the north. Nothing threatening, but the patterns have shifted.”

Ecosystem responding to my territorial expansion. Natural progression.

“Any specific concerns?”

Elena shook her head, but her expression remained professionally alert. “The scouts believe something significant happened in the deep jungle. Predator behaviors have changed across multiple species.”

The Apex Mane’s death created a power vacuum. Other creatures are adapting.

“Maintain surveillance protocols. Document any unusual developments.”

“Understood.”

Marcus appeared from the spawn point operations, his archer’s leathers showing the familiar stains of recent combat. The systematic scorpion elimination continued providing steady resource streams while his teams gained valuable experience.

“Status report?” Ethan asked.

“Smooth operations, my Lord. Three more harvests completed since your last visit.” Marcus gestured toward supply stockpiles that continued growing steadily. “The crews are requesting permission to explore potential spawn points deeper in our territory.”

Expansion of resource gathering. Initiative from subordinates.

“Denied for now. Maintain current operations until external threats are resolved.”

Marcus nodded understanding. “The teams expected that response. They’re eager to contribute more, but they understand security priorities.”

Good discipline. They’re thinking tactically.

Ethan strode toward the Gate of Summoning, its Tier 3 enhancement radiating power that made the air itself hum with potential. The enhanced archway had become a monument to systematic advancement—elegant architecture that promised access to increasingly capable subjects.

Twelve more specialists. Time to see what quality improvements the upgrade provides.

The summoning activation sent cascades of white energy through the gate’s crystal matrix. Power intensified until reality itself seemed to bend around the magical construct, space warping as dimensional barriers thinned.

Maximum capacity deployment. Let’s see what we get.

Twelve figures materialised within the blazing archway, their forms solidifying as magical energy shaped reality according to his territorial needs. They stepped forward in practised unison, immediately dropping to one knee in respectful submission.

Larger group than before. The upgrade’s effects are immediate.

Ethan studied their equipment and postures with calculating eyes. Ten showed the familiar patterns of warriors and crafters—Bronze-rank capabilities that would integrate smoothly into existing operations. But two figures drew his immediate attention.

Two professionals. The guaranteed allocation is working perfectly.

The first professional carried himself with the confident bearing of someone accustomed to turning theoretical knowledge into practical results. His tools and measurement devices marked him as a construction specialist of significant experience.

[Subject: Henrik]

[Profession: Master Architect]

[Rank: Peak-Bronze]

[Talent: Advanced Construction (D)]

[Loyalty: 74]

Another architect. And with D+ rank talent—superior to Jacoub’s current capabilities.

The second professional wore the practical attire of someone who dealt with complex logistics and resource management. Her organizational tools suggested administrative expertise that his growing territory desperately needed.

[Subject: Catherine]

[Profession: Resource Manager]

[Rank: High-Bronze]

[Talent: Efficiency Enhancement (D-)]

[Loyalty: 68]

Resource management specialist. Perfect for coordinating our expanding operations.

“Rise,” Ethan commanded, his voice carrying across the territorial boundaries. “Welcome to our community.”

Twelve voices responded in unison. “Thank you, my Lord!”

Professional quality across the board. The summoning system continues improving.

Henrik stepped forward, his architectural eye already analyzing the territory’s existing structures with obvious professional interest. “My Lord, these buildings show excellent craftsmanship. Who designed the magical enhancement integration?”

He recognizes quality work. Good sign.

“Architect Jacoub leads our construction efforts. You’ll be working together to accelerate our development timeline.”

Henrik’s expression brightened with genuine enthusiasm. “Collaboration between specialists often produces superior results than individual effort.”

Cooperative attitude. Even better.

“Jacoub!” Ethan called toward the herb garden construction site.

The original architect approached with curious anticipation, his clothes still bearing stone dust from ongoing projects. Recognition flickered in his eyes as he studied Henrik’s professional equipment.

Two masters meeting. This should be interesting.

“Jacoub, meet Henrik—Master Architect with Advanced Construction capabilities. I want you to work together on accelerating our building projects.”

Jacoub extended his hand immediately, professional respect overriding any territorial concerns. “Welcome to our team. What’s your specialisation?”

“Magical infrastructure primarily, though I have extensive experience with defensive fortifications.” Henrik accepted the handshake with equal warmth. “Your herb garden designs show sophisticated understanding of enhancement matrices.”

They’re already analysing each other’s work. Perfect.

“Excellent,” Ethan interrupted before they could disappear into technical discussions.

“Jacoub, bring Henrik up to speed on our current projects and territorial requirements. I want the residential buildings upgraded to maximum tier immediately.”

“Of course, my Lord.” Jacoub gestured toward the construction sites. “We have multiple projects requiring immediate attention.”

Henrik nodded eagerly. “Show me everything. Combined expertise should reduce construction timelines significantly.”

Collaboration multiplies efficiency. Exactly what I hoped for.

The remaining ten subjects stood at attention, awaiting assignment to roles within the expanding territorial structure. Their Bronze-rank capabilities would provide the workforce necessary for accelerated construction.

“Catherine,” Ethan addressed the resource manager. “You’ll coordinate supply logistics and workforce allocation.”

Administrative backbone. The missing piece of our operational efficiency.

“Understood, my Lord. What are our current resource priorities?”

“Residential building upgrades and herb garden expansion. In that order.”

Catherine’s analytical mind immediately began processing the logistical requirements. “Alright, I will handle it, sir.”

“Work with Marcus and Elena for current operational status. Thomas can provide insight into our magical infrastructure needs.”

Integration across all departments. Build the foundation properly.

The ten remaining subjects represented diverse capabilities—craftsmen, laborers, and those whose skills would fill gaps in their developing community. Each addition strengthened their overall operational capacity.

“Everyone else,” Ethan addressed the group, “you’ll work with Jacoub and Henrik on construction acceleration. We need maximum building progress in minimum time.”

The new subjects nodded understanding, their professional attitudes suggesting genuine commitment to territorial development rather than mere compliance with orders.

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