Chapter 111: Assessment system? The parasites of Vanguard Valley!

"The situation, I presume, is already clear to everyone."

Roko sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

"The Temple of Light will not give up until they destroy us."

"They are closing in on us step by step."

"We don't have much time left."

Hart clenched his fists and said in a deep voice: "Master, let's fight them to the death!"

"At worst, we'll go down together!"

"Now is not the time to fight to the death."

Roko shook his head.

"The strength of the Temple of Light is far from what Vanguard Valley can contend with."

"In a head-on collision, we have no chance of winning."

Martina spoke up: "Roko, what is your plan?"

Her voice was as calm as ever.

But deep in those white eyes, there was also a hint of worry that was hard to detect.

Roko looked at Martina and said: "Martina, the defensive system of the territory must be further strengthened."

"All defensive facilities must be upgraded and reinforced."

"All adult males in the territory must undergo militarized training and be organized into a reserve force."

"Weapons and equipment must also be updated as soon as possible."

"I will have the Stone Hammer Tribe accelerate the supply of 【Obsidian Gold】 equipment."

Martina nodded.

"I will arrange these matters immediately."

Roko looked at Hart and Falco.

"Hart, Falco, the training of the Storm Knights cannot be slackened in the slightest."

"I need you to raise their combat power to the next level in the shortest time possible."

"At the same time, start preparing to expand the scale of the knight order."

"I will select a batch of people with potential from the reserve force to supplement the knight order."

"Yes, Master!"

Hart and Falco responded in unison, their eyes filled with battle intent.

Finally, Roko's gaze fell on Bake.

"Bake, your task is the heaviest."

"I need you to use all your power, at any cost, to find out the detailed deployment of the Temple of Light in New Wind Province, including their number of personnel, strength composition, stronghold distribution, material reserves, and their next action plan."

"At the same time, find a way to identify the weak points in their intelligence network and any internal conflicts that might exist."

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated."

A look of determination appeared on Bake's face.

"Master, rest assured; your subordinate will dig three feet into the ground if necessary to expose the Temple of Light's foundation!"

"Very good."

Roko nodded.

"Everyone, although the Temple of Light is powerful, Vanguard Valley is not a lamb waiting to be slaughtered."

"As long as we are united and work together, we will definitely be able to overcome this difficulty!"

"The fate of Vanguard Valley is in our own hands!"

After the meeting ended, everyone immediately acted according to Roko's deployment.

The entire Vanguard Valley entered a state of high alert and tension.

Roko returned to his study alone.

He looked at the pitch-black night sky outside the window, his eyes deep.

The threat of the Temple of Light was like a sharp sword hanging over his head, ready to fall at any moment.

He had to improve his own strength and the overall strength of the entire territory as soon as possible.

Only then could he have a glimmer of survival in the coming storm.

"Must break through to the Silver Rank as soon as possible!"

Roko thought to himself.

Only by reaching the Silver Rank and condensing Battle Qi armor could he truly possess the power to protect himself.

And the second form of 【Great Sun Blazing Slash】, 【Blazing Slash】, also needed to be mastered as soon as possible.

Although 【Flame Slash】 had reached the Great Accomplishment Realm and its power was not bad.

But facing a true expert, it was probably still somewhat inadequate.

"It seems the days ahead will be busy."

Roko rubbed his temples, feeling the burden on his shoulders grow heavier.

He walked to the window and pushed it open.

The cold night wind blew against his cheeks, clearing his chaotic thoughts quite a bit.

He looked toward the direction of the Orc Wasteland, which was faintly visible in the darkness in the distance.

A thought suddenly popped into his mind.

"Perhaps, I can think of a way from the Orc Wasteland side?"

The Bulake Kingdom and the Orc Wasteland were mortal enemies.

The Temple of Light also regarded orcs as heretics and mortal enemies.

The enemy of an enemy is a friend.

If he could reach some degree of cooperation with certain powerful forces in the Orc Wasteland.

For example, jointly resisting the Temple of Light.

That would undoubtedly be a huge help for Vanguard Valley.

Of course, this idea was very bold and also very dangerous.

To be with orcs, once exposed, would lead to being spurned and hunted by the entire Bulake Kingdom.

But wealth is sought in danger.

In these chaotic times, if one wants to survive, one must use any means necessary.

"This matter needs to be considered in the long run."

Roko shook his head and temporarily suppressed this unrealistic thought.

The top priority was still to improve his own strength and stabilize the territory's defense.

As for the Temple of Light, let the soldiers come and the generals block, let the water come and the earth cover.

He, Roko, was not so easy to bully!

Just then, a slight commotion came from the backyard of the Lord's Mansion.

It seemed to be mixed with some low-pitched orc roars.

Roko raised an eyebrow.

"Is it that little guy Tain?"

His heart stirred, and he immediately turned and walked toward the backyard.

The backyard of the Lord's Mansion, in a quiet corner.

A simple beast pen had been built here, specifically to house Tain.

At this moment, some unusual movements were occurring inside the beast pen.

Tain, who had originally been curled up in soft beast hide and sleeping quietly, had woken up at some point.

Its eyes, which had been closed for many days, were now completely open.

What was revealed was a pair of dark red pupils.

Those pupils were deep and mysterious, as if they contained endless flames.

Unlike the ignorance and weakness from before, Tain's eyes were now filled with agility and curiosity.

Its small body had also grown a bit larger than before, and the scale patterns on its skin surface were clearer.

The two small horns on its forehead also tilted upward slightly, flickering with a faint red light.

"Ming, ming..."

"..."

Tain let out bursts of low-pitched roars that carried a hint of intimacy.

Its gaze was firmly locked onto a familiar figure outside the beast pen.

Roko had just walked near the beast pen when he saw this scene.

A look of surprise appeared on his face.

"Tain, you're finally awake!"

He walked quickly to the beast pen, squatted down, and carefully examined this little guy.

Tain was exceptionally excited to see Roko.

It shook its little head, trying to squeeze out from the gaps in the beast pen to pounce on Roko.

Those dark red pupils were filled with reliance and affection for Roko.

【Name: Tain】

【Race: Ancient Bloodline Variant Orc (Juvenile Stage)】

【Level: Juvenile Stage (Healthy)】

【Talent: S+ (Preliminary Awakening)】

【Status: Life force vigorous, bloodline power active】

【Favorability: 100 (Life and death together)】

【Loyalty: 100 (Never betray)】

【Ability: Primary Flame Control (Not fully mastered)】

When he saw that Tain's favorability and loyalty had both reached the full value of 100 points on the system panel.

A warm current surged in Roko's heart.

It seemed that his previous actions of saving it with the 【Golden Vein Dragon Blood Grape】 and later helping it stabilize its bloodline power had completely won the recognition of this little guy.

"Little guy, how are you feeling?"

Roko reached out and gently stroked Tain's little head.

Tain squinted its eyes comfortably, making a "purr purr" sound, rubbing its head against Roko's palm.

Its body radiated a faint warmth.

Just then, a sudden change occurred.

Perhaps feeling Roko's closeness, Tain's emotions became somewhat agitated.

It waved its little claws unconsciously.

"Whoosh!"

A small cluster of dark red flames suddenly appeared out of thin air from its claw tips.

Although the flame was not large, it radiated a scorching aura.

The surrounding air distorted slightly because of this.

Roko's pupils contracted.

"This is... flame ability?"

He clearly felt that the flame power released by Tain was surprisingly similar to the flame Battle Qi produced by the 【Flame Griffin Breathing Method】 he practiced.

Even, in some aspects.

Tain's flames seemed purer and more primitive.

"Meow!"

A soft cat meow came from the side.

Fula had also come to the backyard at some point.

Her heterochromatic pupils curiously examined Tain and the flame dancing on its claw tips.

She seemed to have developed a strong interest in this little thing.

Mike also followed behind Fula, peeking.

When he saw the flame on Tain's claw tips, a look of surprise appeared on his face.

"It, it can actually control flames?"

Tain also seemed to notice the gaze of Fula and Mike.

It tilted its little head, looked at them, and then cast its gaze toward Roko, seemingly waiting for Roko's praise.

Roko was both surprised and happy.

An S+ grade talent was indeed extraordinary.

It had just woken up and already displayed such astonishing ability.

"It seems Tain's bloodline power is related to flames."

Roko thought to himself.

"This is simply a perfect match for my 【Flame Griffin Breathing Method】!"

If the power of the two could be combined, perhaps it could erupt with even greater power.

"It seems there will be plenty to do in the future."

"This little guy's potential far exceeds my imagination."

"Must formulate a detailed training plan for it as soon as possible."

The lights of the Lord's Mansion were once again brightly lit all night.

Roko sat behind the large oak desk in the study, his fingertips tapping the table lightly.

The parchment scrolls on the table were piled up like a mountain, each representing a problem that Vanguard Valley urgently needed to solve.

The pressure brought by the surging population was like waves, one after another.

Martina pushed the door and entered, her snow-white long hair casting a soft halo in the candlelight.

Her white eyes, which always carried a hint of arrogance, were also difficult to hide their fatigue at this moment.

"Roko, you called for me."

Her voice carried a hint of hoarseness, clearly also having not slept all night.

"Martina, sit."

Roko pointed to the chair opposite.

"Regarding the selection of grassroots management personnel for the territory, what specific ideas do you have?"

Martina did not answer immediately; she walked to the table and poured herself a glass of clear water.

The cool liquid slid down her throat, making her chaotic thoughts slightly clearer.

"The population of Vanguard Valley has currently exceeded three hundred thousand."

"The original management system has long been unable to bear the burden."

"We urgently need a batch of capable and virtuous people to fill the grassroots management vacancies."

Roko nodded.

"This is exactly what I'm worried about."

"With a population of three hundred thousand, if management cannot keep up, it is very easy to breed chaos."

"Especially in this sensitive period, any small commotion could be infinitely magnified."

Martina put down the water glass, her eyes becoming sharp.

"I suggest implementing a strict assessment system throughout Vanguard Valley."

"Open selection, merit-based recruitment."

"Regardless of whether they are original residents or new refugees, as long as they have ability and virtue, they can pass the assessment and obtain corresponding positions."

"And, establish a clear promotion channel so that they can see hope."

Roko's eyes lit up.

"This proposal is excellent." 【111-176

"Fairness is the best way to unite people's hearts."

"Have you thought about the specific assessment criteria?"

Martina seemed to have been prepared; she pulled a document she had already drafted from the folder she carried with her.

"This is the plan I have initially drafted."

"The assessment content is mainly divided into three aspects: basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills; the level of understanding of Vanguard Valley's laws; and the ability to actually solve problems."

"For different positions, the focus of the assessment will also be different."

"For example, clerks responsible for household registration will focus more on reading, writing, and attention to detail."

"Patrol captains responsible for maintaining public order will focus more on familiarity with the law and adaptability."

Roko took the document and began to read it carefully.

Martina's plan was very detailed, having considered almost every aspect.

"Very good."

Roko put down the document, a look of approval appearing on his face.

"Martina, your ability always manages to bring me surprises."

Hearing Roko's praise, the tips of Martina's snow-white ears turned slightly red, but she still maintained a calm expression.

"This is just my duty."

"However..."

,

Her tone shifted.

"Implementing this set of systems will likely encounter no small amount of resistance."

Roko's eyebrows raised slightly.

"Oh? Tell me about it."

Martina explained, "The existing grassroots management personnel in Vanguard Valley are mostly stewards sent by those former small nobles, or individuals who have some influence locally."

"They are accustomed to the loose management style of the past and are also used to profiting from it."

"The new assessment system will undoubtedly touch upon their interests."

"Although they wouldn't dare to openly oppose you, it is very likely they will cause trouble in secret or pay lip service while acting differently."

Roko sneered.

"A bunch of short-sighted fellows."

"If Vanguard Valley is to develop, these parasites must be cleared out."

"Martina, I entrust this matter entirely to you."

"Go ahead and do it; don't have any reservations."

"I will give you my full support."

"If anyone dares to obstruct the implementation of the new policy or engage in fraud during the assessment, punish them severely without leniency!"

A strange luster flashed in Martina's eyes.

Roko's trust and delegation of power gave her an unprecedented sense of motivation.

"I understand, Roko."

"I will definitely not let you down."