Chapter 129: 129. The Elite Troop Plan

The fortress at Huitu Village is very crude, and its area is not large either.

Luoning crowded in with over a dozen subordinates, making it seem somewhat cramped; moreover, because there were not many stools, some people had to stand behind the table, much like those unable to get a seat at a meal.

"Ruidar's battle this time was excellent, and I hope everyone can learn from him. Especially you Professional Knights, our commander is never stingy about guiding your progress."

Luoning sat in the main seat and said sternly: "However, we must also face one point: being able to avoid a direct conflict with Sain Territory this time relied on Ruidar's personal strength, and we cannot ignore the external threats that still exist."

Everyone present also understood that the territorial dispute would not disappear because of this small victory.

Especially since Leisen had set his sights on the wild tribes early on, only to have Luoning, a latecomer, end up with more management rights; the other party would absolutely not be willing to accept such a situation.

"Although we won this duel, we cannot immerse ourselves in a momentary victory and ignore our own disadvantages; apart from top-tier combat power, we still have a significant gap compared to Sain Territory in other aspects."

Luoning recalled the feeling he had when he first saw Leisen's Knight Squad; he felt a sense of oppression, and at the same time, envy rose in his heart.

He, Luoning, also needed a team like that.

"First of all, every knight in Leisen's Knight Squad was carefully selected, while there are still many newcomers among us."

Luoning's gaze turned toward Zhuweite, Ximu, Qiaozhi, Tuomashi...

Some of them had awakened their Battle Qi Seed less than two months ago, and some came from wild tribes with mediocre combat skills to begin with; compared to knights in a regular Knight Squad, they would certainly be a cut below.

"We must start drilling!"

Luoning looked at Ruidar, "Don't worry about injuries; I brought Aierlong over this time, and he will be stationed in Huitu Village from now on. If you get injured during sparring, you can find him for free treatment."

"I understand, my Lord!"

Ruidar nodded solemnly, "Starting tomorrow, the Professional Knights and Guards will begin drilling. I will formulate a corresponding training plan to improve their combat levels as quickly as possible."

What Luoning had taught before was only for training discipline and obedience; for actual combat, he needed people who had led teams before, like Ruidar and Maiken, to take the lead, while he provided support in other areas.

"A knight tournament will be held at the end of the year."

Luoning proposed his plan: "Let all Primary Knights participate and compete for the top three spots. I will provide the rewards: 10 gold coins for first place, 5 gold coins for second, and 1 gold coin for third."

All the Primary Knights present looked at each other, their eyes gleaming.

If Advanced or Intermediate Knights like Ruidar or Babulin participated, they would have absolutely no chance of taking the top three.

But now that the competition was only among Primary Knights, they had every chance, and even taking first place was not impossible.

Everyone had experienced the Lord's generosity. Over these past few months, there had never been a case of delayed wages. Since this prize money had been announced publicly, it was a done deal.

That was a 10-gold-coin reward, equivalent to a Primary Knight's annual pay!

All the Primary Knights present silently clenched their fists; the end of the year was coming soon, and they had to give it their all.

"The Guards will also compete, and I will sponsor 5, 2, and 1 gold coins for the top three."

Luoning continued to add: "Such competitions will be held twice a year, once at the end of June and once at the end of December. Aierlong, you will be responsible for the specific arrangements."

Aierlong smiled and said: "My Lord's tournament will definitely be able to mobilize the enthusiasm of the knights and guards."

Luoning was indeed doing this to increase the competitiveness of the knights; otherwise, relying solely on drilling was not quite enough. By creating a ranking and setting rewards, they would have more motivation.

After finishing this matter, Luoning began the second task—that is, forming the Shanlin Town Knight Squad.

Only a Baron who possesses a standard Knight Squad is a true Baron.

With Luoning's current strength, funds, and the strength of his main followers, he could consider this matter.

At present, the number of knights he had was sufficient, and including Ailin, he also had three Magicians.

Not to mention the true combat power of this group, at the very least, the number of Transcendental individuals fully met the requirements for a standard Knight Squad.

What he was currently missing were cavalry, infantry, and archers.

"During this time, Ruidar has trained dozens of militiamen in Huitu Village, but most of their physiques are still a bit weak."

Luoning said to Ruidar: "Survival of the fittest. Go back and pick them out, remove the ones who are worse, and have Maiken recruit the remaining number needed from Shanlin Town. Thirty-six cavalry, sixty infantry, and ten archers, configured according to a standard Knight Squad."

The two responded in unison: "As you wish, my Lord!"

However, Maiken had some concerns; he had followed Luoning from the very beginning and understood some things better than Ruidar.

"My Lord, we seem to lack enough warhorses."

From the time Luoning arrived until now, apart from the Tayunjv, there were three Fine Warhorses, five Ordinary Warhorses, and twenty-three Riding Horses, totaling thirty-one horses.

Besides these, he did have nineteen horses used for pulling carts, but they were different from Riding Horses and warhorses and were not very suitable for charging into battle.

In that case, he was indeed missing nearly twenty warhorses.

"I am aware of this matter."

Luoning pondered and said: "In the middle of next month, I will set off for Wushan Castle again, and on the way, I will detour to Muma City to purchase some from Viscount Mawen."

In fact, besides warhorses, there were also issues like equipment.

The Ironwood Workshop was currently operating, and these defensive gears were perfectly sufficient for ordinary cavalry and infantry.

As for the knights, because the enemies they faced had different strengths, Primary Knights could still use Ironwood Armor, but once they reached Intermediate or Advanced levels, they would still need to be equipped with iron ones.

Luoning currently only possessed seven sets of full-body armor, which was barely enough, but he would definitely need to supplement them later.

However, all of this could be supplemented later; prioritizing the determination of personnel and starting training was the real business.

"Although my current arrangements are only aimed at the Primary Knights and Guards, there are also Intermediate Magicians and knights present, as well as you three Senior Transcendents, Aierlong; you must also improve yourselves as quickly as possible."

At this point, Ruidar couldn't help but spread his hands and look at Luoning with a smile, as if to say, "I can't improve even if I want to."

Luoning could only give him a look that said, "Don't worry, it'll be soon."

"In the future, Shanlin Town will definitely have more than one Knight Squad; there will be space and positions for you to display your talents, so everyone, work hard!"

Everyone knew that Luoning himself had strength; although he had never revealed his specific level, it could be seen in many sparring sessions with Maiken and Ruidar that he was at least the best among these Primary Knights in Shanlin Town.

The Lord had strength, there were two among his subordinates comparable to Bronze-level, plus a Light Attribute Advanced Magician—this group gathered together was definitely not simple.

It was fine for Tom, Zhuweite, and the others who had followed Luoning from the start, but those Transcendental individuals from the wild tribes would only feel more and more that following Luoning was the wisest choice they had ever made in their lives.

Therefore, although Luoning was "painting a pie," everyone would happily eat it after the victory in this duel.

(End of chapter)