Velin returned to Winson Manor to rest for two days, then began bitter cultivation under Kyle's supervision.
Meanwhile, within Viscount Abner's Territory, Locke Abner felt danger approaching and began to muster troops, gathering them toward the southern port city of Kabuna.
Inside the military camp on the west side of the port, Locke climbed the commanding platform and looked at the three thousand-plus soldiers assembled below. A trace of fluctuation appeared on his cold face.
Ever since he inherited the title of Viscount Abner, in order to pay off debts, he had sold everything useless, keeping only what was necessary.
Even so, he had still managed to cultivate an army loyal to himself.
Rising from the mud, he understood a principle: no matter how good a strategy was, without an army and martial power to support it, everything was a castle in the air.
Recalling the news told to him a few days ago by that unknown Bronze Warrior, the situation suddenly became clear.
That fleet of pirates coming from the sea was indeed, as he had thought, coming because of Count Naviki.
As for the purpose, that did not matter.
All he needed to do was survive this crisis and complete a trial!
Coming to the front of the platform, Locke scanned the orderly army below and declared in a loud voice, "I, Locke Abner, your lord, the one to whom you pledge your loyalty."
"The enemies come from the sea. They will plunder Abner, plunder the port of Kabuna... plunder everything they see, including your wives and daughters, your wealth, and everything you hold dear."
"Therefore, I need you to fight for yourselves with the weapons in your hands, and also fight for me."
"An army is raised for ten years, and the time is now."
"This battle