Spirit Game

However, Izumi insisted it was imperative to assert dominance over the southern territory. Besides, whether Rain liked it or not, the Hobgoblin King would eventually find out what had happened. It was best to send a clear message to the king: Rain was not to be trifled with.

With one of their generals defeated and the Ebizo and Zuwais allied against them, the Hobgoblin King would surely think twice before marching south. This strategy would give Rain and the others the time they needed to fortify their territory and devise a plan to deal with the Hobgoblins once and for all.

Even the Hobgoblin King wouldn\'t be reckless enough to challenge the seadwellers, and they would be too cautious to approach the south after what had transpired here.

Rain trusted Izumi\'s judgment. After all, Izumi had centuries of experience in warfare.

On their way back home, Izu swam alongside his father and asked about the decision to pledge allegiance to a player.

"Father . . . I don\'t mind giving him a thousands of our soldiers and the warships, but pledging allegiance to a player? Do you know what that means?"

Izumi ignored his son\'s rumblings, but answered anyway, his voice carrying centuries of wisdom. "I know what it means, boy. I have lived far more than you do, after all."

Unlike players who could pledge allegiance and break it on a whim, the inhabitants of the Spirit Realm were different. Their oath was their life, bound by the universe itself, punishing them severely if they ever reneged.

Of course, Izumi knew this fact well. He wasn\'t the type of lord to give his allegiance without deeper purpose.

"Then why? I don\'t see any merit in pledging allegiance to that player at all! If he calls us to fight, we can\'t refuse. Besides that, we have to help them in anyway!"

"I know that."

"Then why?"

Izumi patiently explained to his young son the profound reason behind his decision.

"That curse that has plagued us for centuries . . . It all began with your reckless brothers. They angered . .

. a being they shouldn\'t have. A far older being even I cannot match."

Izu was stunned. He knew the story, but to hear that even his father couldn\'t defeat that mysterious being was unsettling. In his eyes, his father was invincible, a force of nature that couldn\'t be bested. This revelation shook that belief.

"A curse wrought by such a powerful being has no cure," Izumi continued. "I was prepared to sacrifice everything, even my life, to appease that entity and lift the curse. But that child, Rain . . . If he has managed to ally or even placate such a being, if such a person is on our side, then .

. . imagine the possibilities."

The frown on Izus face vanished when he finally understood his father\'s judgment. "Oh, father, you\'re truly a genius!"

"You must always consider the future in your decisions, not just the present. You still have much to learn, child. Perhaps less time causing trouble and more time in your studies would do the trick."

Izu lowered his head, embarrassed. "Y-yes, father."

"Allegiance goes both ways, remember that. If we honor this pact, I\'m certain that one day, young Rain will come to our aid if we need him. But for now, our first priority is to restore our clan to its former glory and crush our enemies!

"Many clans have risen in our absence, challenging our dominion over the ocean. It\'s time they learn who truly rules these waters. Listen, men! Let us hasten back. Our home awaits!"

~HuUrrRaAgGhH!~

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After a few days, peace returned to the port town. Druger and the others swiftly exposed the greedy merchants and citizens responsible for the unjust taxes. They were banished and barred from ever returning, while Druger ascended as Lord of the Port Town, with Lyncon as his trusted advisor.

Meanwhile, in Rain\'s territory, his Novice Lordship was just around the corner. But, having survived the near massacre of the sea dwellers, striking a deal with a dangerous woman named Eve, and overcoming the Hobgoblin\'s attack, Rain\'s confidence and morale were soaring high. He was more than ready to embrace the challenges of his lordship title!

What\'s more, the once primitive camp had now transformed into a thriving village, thanks to the efforts of Druger, Lyncon, and everyone. The Aqualume that Izumi had gifted Rain played a crucial role, providing a steady source of pure drinking water.

Meanwhile, the rainwater they collected was utilized in construction, significantly speeding up the development of their settlement.

Rain was happy with the outcome of his territory. The small village was a cozy haven made of sturdy bricks, nestled where their makeshift shelter were situated before. Rain\'s house stood at the very back, a modest yet welcoming home surrounded by the smaller houses of the townsfolk who chose to live in his village.

The arrangement of the homes created a sense of community and protection, with Rain\'s dwelling serving as the heart of the village.

To the side of the village were the barracks, a well-fortified building where Rain\'s troops resided. Their presence provided a sense of security and readiness for any attacks that might arise. Adjacent to the barracks was a barn, a pig house, and a mud pit for the pigs, as well as an ash pit for the chickens.

These livestock were gifts from the townsfolk in exchange for living in Rain\'s village, symbolizing their gratitude and desire to contribute to the community. The citizens played an active role in running the village, ensuring it thrived despite the harsh environment.

Still in the process of being constructed were Rain\'s greenhouses. He had initially tried bringing soil from Earth and planting seeds, hoping they would survive. Unfortunately, they failed to sprout. The only crop that could grow in the barren wasteland was the hardy and resilient frostroot, a staple crop known for its ability to thrive in difficult conditions.

However, these crops were not suitable for consumption. Instead, they were used as materials for clothing, becoming the number one export product of the Port Town.

Despite the setbacks with the greenhouses, Rain didn\'t stop constructing it. He had another idea in mind and believed that with persistence and innovation, he could make the greenhouses work. The villagers shared his optimism, helping with the construction and looking forward to the day when they could grow a variety of crops.