The mountain wind cut like a blade across the endless mineral ridges along the northern edge of Snowpeak Commandery. Thick snow had yet to melt, but the mountains already exposed layer upon layer of mottled stone, like iron beasts lying dormant.
Louis stood above a mountain hollow, wrapped in a thick cloak, overlooking the bustling scene below.
The sound of axes and chisels echoed between the rock faces, full of rhythm and force.
Craftsmen swung picks and hammers before the mine tunnels. Rows of partially underground wooden houses nestled neatly into the earth, with cooking smoke curling from their ventilation shafts.
Several Snowhorn Cattle slowly emerged from their stalls, pulling sleds laden with stone toward the dispatch area.
A small channel drew clear, sparkling water from a gap in the rocks, guiding it through a water purification device and into drinking-water cisterns.
The entire mining camp had already begun to resemble a fledgling fief.
This was the new territory he had named Starforge Fief.
Unlike Wheatwave Fief, where Louis had built everything from nothing, this strategic tract on the northern edge of Snowpeak Commandery had mineral-bearing ridges stretching thirty li and veins that had been abandoned long ago.
Now, under his direction, it was awakening once more.
Flint marrow oil, qi vein stone, demon marrow ore, emberdeep iron... Each vein seemed like a seam of wealth chosen by fate itself, crisscrossing beneath his feet and waiting to be awakened.
He could tell at a glance that these minerals would become the bones and blood of Red Tide's future arms industry.
Wearing a gray-white coat, Louis stood on the snowfield and breathed out softly.
This was not the end, but the beginning of fire.
He could almost see a future city forged in flame, a vital foundation for his domination of