[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-exiled-from-the-start-and-dominating-the-wastela":3,"chapter-exiled-from-the-start-and-dominating-the-wastela-exiled-from-the-start-and-dominating-the-wastela-chapter-9":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Exiled from the Start and Dominating the Wasteland with an Intelligence System",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1688609,2155,"Chapter 9 : Chapter 9","exiled-from-the-start-and-dominating-the-wastela-chapter-9",9,"\u003Cp>Chapter 9. Choosing a Territory\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After ten days of relentless travel, Eli and his party finally arrived, dusty and road-worn, at the heart of the western frontier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thorne City appeared at the end of their sightline, and atop its walls a massive banner embroidered with a roaring golden lion snapped loudly in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So we’ve finally arrived...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli reined in his horse and narrowed his eyes as he studied this legendary stronghold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The immense obsidian walls towered into the sky, their surfaces pitted and weathered after enduring wind, rain, snow, and the baptism of war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the party drew near the city gates, a sudden change erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Halt!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A furious shout tore through the heavy air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards at the gate, who had seemed somewhat lax a moment ago, instantly tensed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a clatter, a forest of spears was raised as one, their sharp points flashing coldly as they all leveled at this unusual party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are you? State your identity! Why are you bringing armed demi-humans into the city?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The squad leader at the front barked the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air instantly froze. The knights’ hands moved instinctively to their sword hilts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli swung down from his horse and walked calmly to the very front of the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His youthful face had gained a certain quiet steadiness after being tempered by wind and sand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Frontier Knight Eli Black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the authority of the kingdom’s Frontier Edict and by my family’s command, I have come to Thorne City to register and receive my frontier charter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, his gaze sweeping over the striking golden lion insignia on the soldiers’ breastplates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These Wolf-kin warriors are my lawful followers and guards. They are neither slaves nor bandits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Black? From House Black of the royal domain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The squad leader frowned deeply and examined the Black Raven Crest on Eli’s chest again and again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he confirmed it was genuine, neither he nor the soldiers behind him showed even the slightest hint of respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, their faces were instantly replaced by even stronger hostility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A noble young master from the royal domain?” another soldier could not help sneering under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not content to stay there enjoying himself, so he runs all the way out to our miserable corner of the world to build his glorious achievements? Ha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did you say?” the hot-tempered Bol demanded as he stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the confrontation reached the point where swords might be drawn at any moment, a series of hurried, heavy footsteps sounded from within the gate passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is going on here?! Lower your weapons!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A booming shout rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A burly man strode out in long steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His features were rough and rugged. He first swept a glance over both sides of the tense standoff, frowning deeply, before his eyes settled on Eli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Captain!” The squad leader immediately saluted and reported at rapid speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They claim to be a Frontier Knight from House Black of the royal domain, and they want to bring armed Wolf-kin into the city—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard captain raised a hand and cut him off, then studied Eli once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A Frontier Knight from House Black? Eli Black?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is correct,” Eli replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard captain stared at Eli for several seconds, as though confirming something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough. These are Sir Lucius’s orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remember this: any Frontier Knight who arrives to register with valid Frontier Edict credentials is to be admitted without exception. Let them pass!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers looked at one another, then lowered the forest of spears and opened a path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli gave a slight nod. “Thank you, Captain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He mounted again and led the way through the deep, cold gate tunnel, thick with the smell of saltpeter and rust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, without a word, he removed the raven badge that symbolized House Black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Develop quietly. Don’t get reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bol, Aika, and Brandon followed closely behind, the knights trailing in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wolfgang’s icy wolf eyes swept over the soldiers, who were still full of hostility. A cold, contemptuous snort escaped his throat before he led his clansmen forward as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once inside Thorne City, Eli pulled on the reins and felt his heart sink at what he saw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was nothing like the capital of the western frontier he had imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The roads were broad enough, but the paving stones were cracked and sunken, with signs of patchwork repairs everywhere and garbage that had not been fully cleared away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the pedestrians were sallow-faced and thin, their eyes empty and their steps hurried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally, patrols in worn leather armor passed by, only adding to the atmosphere of tension and oppression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli’s gaze moved over the scene without much emotional disturbance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the constant warfare now afflicting the western frontier, the fact that order could still be maintained at all was already no small feat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The party moved through the city’s oppressive atmosphere, drawing countless gazes—some curious, some numb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, they reached the city center: Duke La Roche’s castle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fortress was even larger and more forbidding than the Marquess’s Residence of House Black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its gates were forged from heavy refined iron, and upon them was carved the imposing golden lion crest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli dismounted, handed the reins to Estor, and instructed Brandon, Bol, and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze passed over Wolfgang, who gave a faint nod to show he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master, be careful,” Estor whispered nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli straightened his robe, took a deep breath, and walked toward the castle gates, which loomed like the jaws of some enormous beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave his identity, presented his family crest and Frontier Edict documents, surrendered his sword...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One strict inspection followed another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, under the guidance of a middle-aged man in a butler’s attire, his face entirely expressionless,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli passed through cold, shadowed corridors and heavily guarded courtyards before arriving deep within the castle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden lion crests could be seen everywhere, silently proclaiming the family’s glory and power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy oak door was opened without a sound, and the butler stepped aside in invitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room was spacious, though somewhat dim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were three people inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the central seat sat a boy of perhaps fourteen or fifteen. Youthful immaturity still clung clearly to him, though he was doing his best to maintain a steadiness beyond his years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore a well-tailored dark blue formal suit, with a small golden lion emblem pinned to his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he saw Eli enter, a trace of curiosity flashed through his blue eyes. Then he forced a gentle smile onto his face and gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Constantine La Roche, son of Grand Duke Federico La Roche of the western frontier, and the current heir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquess Marcus sat to his left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the right, before a huge arched window, stood a tall figure with a faint air of desolation, his back turned to the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eli Black.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marcus was the first to break the silence. There was no small talk—he went straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You certainly have a handsome face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Compared with your father, who earned the fearsome name of the ‘Black Crow’ in the kingdom’s northern frontier,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>you look... yes, much more like a proper noble young master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smile on Constantine’s face stiffened for a moment. He cast Marcus an uneasy glance, then quickly lowered his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli answered with a slight smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that’s it? You can’t even break my guard with that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for the Marquess’s assessment. As you say, my father’s military achievements are indeed something we juniors can only look up to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was calm, and he admitted his own “inferiority” without the least hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquess Marcus’s brow twitched almost imperceptibly. He did not waste any more words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Extending a callused finger, he tapped the enormous map of the western frontier spread across the middle of the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough nonsense. In accordance with the Frontier Edict and the duke’s command, every Frontier Knight may choose for himself an area no larger than a standard barony, located west of the western frontier’s current line of actual control—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>either in the former territory of the western frontier, or in unclaimed wasteland not yet occupied—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>to serve as his frontier base.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Choose. Once you’ve made your choice, sign the frontier contract, receive your documents, and then you may go realize your ‘grand ambitions.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The map was detailed, marking mountains and rivers, known abandoned villages, danger zones, and the few known mineral deposits that had been identified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli’s gaze swept across it quickly. He appeared to be studying it carefully, but in truth he had long since fixed on his target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heartbeat quickened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days earlier, during another pity ten-draw, the purple light of the system had flashed once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【In the southwestern part of the western frontier, on the outer edge of Nightsong Forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surface consists of barren red soil and sandstone, but approximately thirty meters underground lies a small yet extremely high-grade mithril vein.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mithril!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This rare metal, famed for its supreme malleability and physical strength, was a core material in the forging of top-tier equipment and weapons, and its value far exceeded that of gold by equal weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the day, House La Roche had risen to power through a gold mine, laying the foundation of its domination over the western frontier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli kept a thoughtful expression on his face, as if he were choosing cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His finger moved slowly over the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, it came to rest firmly on an inconspicuous gray-brown area in the southwestern corner, marked with the note: “Relatively fertile land, with magical beast activity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquess, I would like to choose this area.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquess Marcus followed the direction of his finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here?” Marcus’s voice carried open doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boy, are you sure? That godforsaken patch in the southwest corner?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It may be close to the edge of Nightsong Forest, so at least the woods can provide some timber, but there are also quite a few dire wolves and wild beasts active nearby!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Other than...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, seeming to search his memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Other than an abandoned small iron mine somewhere nearby from more than ten years ago. Perhaps it hasn’t been dug out completely yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Constantine also leaned over curiously to take a look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Eli remained as calm as ever. “Yes, Marquess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I studied the map carefully. This area is close to the forest, so timber will be easy to obtain. A tributary also runs nearby, which solves the issue of food and water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The land may not be especially fertile, but the terrain is comparatively open, which is favorable for establishing and defending a base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for that abandoned iron mine... perhaps there may still be some leftover slag that could be used to forge a few basic tools.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reasoning sounded perfectly fair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is at least a reasoned choice. Your eye... is not bad, I suppose.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquess Marcus let out a heavy snort and said nothing more. He picked up his pen, ready to mark the location on the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that very moment, the figure who had stood before the window like a cold statue all this time moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius La Roche slowly turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eli looked up instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a pale, handsome face, with certain similarities to Constantine’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the most striking thing about him was his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep gray-blue eyes, without the slightest ripple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no anger in them, no sorrow, no curiosity—only a deathly stillness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucius’s gaze fell slowly and precisely upon Eli’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not a sharp gaze, yet it carried a kind of detached coldness and scrutiny that seemed to see through everything. He did not ask a question. He did not voice any doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply looked.\u003C\u002Fp>",1960,"2026-06-06T13:50:45.567Z",1,"novelbin.me","1d197884de38a8beb7126df9221f45fe07adfd24d0efdadaacbbbe17863022e6","exiled-from-the-start-and-dominating-the-wastela-chapter-10","exiled-from-the-start-and-dominating-the-wastela-chapter-8",112,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fexiled-from-the-start-and-dominating-the-wastela-cover.jpg"]