One Shot, One Soul

"Why call it the Empire Defense Army, my lord?" Franciska still couldn't help asking.

This enormous army belonged entirely to Rayne as a private force. Its weapons and equipment, military pay, training bases, supplies, and everything else were all provided by Rayne. Although he was the Empire's regent, this army had nothing to do with the Empire.

"Heh..."

Rayne gave a meaningful laugh. His chief maid was very clever; she had already guessed a few things just from the army's name.

However, he didn't want to explain everything just yet, so he said with a smile, "It's only a provisional name. We won't be using it for now."

Franciska nodded and tactfully stopped asking questions.

Rayne continued, "I'll recruit soldiers in the name of the Duke's Guard in Osian Province, Gotham City, and the Duchy of Augustus, while establishing three entirely new military camps. You'll be responsible for the one in Gotham City. Choose a location that's relatively far from the city proper but strategically important, and have the camp built within a month."

"Yes, my lord."

Franciska's expression turned serious as she accepted the task.

"I'll send a batch of Rayne's Heavenly Soldiers to assist you." Rayne continued, "As soon as the camp is completed, begin recruitment immediately. Any male between eighteen and twenty-five years old may sign up. In principle, we only want ordinary people with potential, whom we'll screen and cultivate into Transcendents."

The chief maid was somewhat puzzled. It was extremely difficult for ordinary people to become Transcendents. If they failed, all the resources invested in them would be wasted.

Besides, how would Rayne determine whether the applicants had potential?

And how would he train them?

Rayne saw her confusion and smiled inwardly. This was the powerful effect of combining the Soul Eye with the Dark