Chapter 83: Rewarding Merit! Fifty Thousand Refugees, Two New Territories!

The news of the orc main force fleeing in total defeat spread rapidly across the entire Luoxing Pingyuan.

Several days later, the surviving troops of the New Wind Province coalition, along with the private armies of various nobles who had arrived later to provide support, gathered once again on the Luoxing Pingyuan.

Only this time, it was not for an impending bloody battle, but for the rewarding of merits.

The air was no longer filled with despair and blood; in its place was a sense of relief at having survived, along with confusion and anticipation for the future.

Outside the temporarily erected command camp, Rocco met his uncle, Count Leonard Colvin, whom he had not seen for a long time.

"Uncle."

Rocco stepped forward to salute, his voice carrying a hint of hoarseness.

Count Leonard looked at Rocco, his eyes full of gratification and admiration; he stepped forward a few paces and patted Rocco's shoulder firmly.

"Good lad, you truly didn't bring shame to the Raymond Family."

"If you hadn't held the castle to the death this time, delaying the advance of the orc vanguard, I'm afraid..."

Count Leonard did not continue, but both of them knew full well the dangers involved.

Rocco lowered his head slightly.

"I only did what I had to do."

Count Leonard laughed heartily.

"What you had to do?"

"How many people can't even do what they are supposed to do, and even desert in the face of battle."

"You lad, at such a young age, you actually have some of your father's demeanor from back in the day."

He took Rocco's hand, appearing exceptionally affectionate.

"Come, I will take you to meet a great man."

"Since you have rendered such great service this time, if there isn't a sufficient reward, let alone you, even I, as your uncle, would lose face."

Rocco's heart stirred, but he did not ask further.

He followed Count Leonard obediently toward the most prominent tent in the center of the camp.

At the entrance of the tent, the guards were clearly different from those at other tents; their armor was more refined, and the aura they exuded was more fierce and sharp.

That was the standard-issue equipment belonging to the Kingdom's "Obsidian" Legion.

Count Leonard spoke in a low voice to the officer on guard and displayed a badge representing his status.

After the officer inspected it, his expression became a bit more respectful, and he immediately bowed to let them pass.

"Lord Count, the Legion Commander is waiting for you inside."

Upon entering the tent, Rocco felt a pressure as massive as a mountain rushing toward him.

In the center of the tent, a burly middle-aged general wearing black heavy armor was sitting upright in the main seat.

He was merely sitting there casually, yet he possessed an aura that commanded respect without anger.

Those deep eyes flashed with a sharp light that made one afraid to look directly into them.

Without a doubt, this was the Legion Commander of the "Obsidian" Legion, Steven Raff.

A true Awakening Rank powerhouse.

"Your Excellency, Legion Commander."

Count Leonard bowed respectfully.

Steven nodded slightly, his gaze falling upon Rocco with a hint of scrutiny.

"Leonard, is this the Rocco Raymond you have mentioned repeatedly in your letters?"

His voice was low and resonant.

"That is correct."

Count Leonard replied hurriedly, while simultaneously giving Rocco a wink.

Rocco immediately stepped forward.

"Greetings, Master Legion Commander."

Steven looked at Rocco, a flicker of imperceptible emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Raymond..."

,

He pondered for a moment.

"Is that old fellow Levis doing well?"

Rocco's heart tightened; judging by the Legion Commander's tone, he seemed to be an old acquaintance of his father, Marquis Levis.

"Father is doing well, thank you for your concern, Master Legion Commander."

Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Steven's face, and that oppressive aura receded slightly.

"Rise."

"No need for such formalities."

"Come to think of it, your father Levis and I have met a few times."

"Back in the Royal Capital, we once drank together and fought side by side on the battlefield."

"It was only later that he inherited the title of Marquis and guarded Twilight City, while I was stationed outside leading armies for years, so we gradually lost touch."

"I never expected that his son would have grown to such a point today."

Steven's tone carried a hint of emotion.

Count Leonard spoke up at the right moment from the side.

"Master Legion Commander, you may not know, but this child Rocco rendered great meritorious service in the war against the orcs in New Wind Province this time."

"Oh?"

Steven looked at Roko with great interest.

"Tell me about it."

Count Leonard then recounted in detail how Roko led the Scout Battalion deep behind enemy lines.

How he held fast to Vanguard Valley, fighting to the death without retreating.

And how he bought precious time for the main army to assemble.

Of course, he inevitably added some embellishments, making Roko's achievements appear even more prominent.

Steven listened quietly, the expression on his face not changing much.

But the look of admiration in his eyes grew increasingly intense.

"To shake elite orcs with the strength of a Da Qishi Chuji is truly remarkable."

He nodded, giving an affirmative evaluation.

"Especially in such a desperate situation, to remain calm and command with composure—this temperament is far beyond that of his peers. Levis has indeed produced a good son."

He changed the subject and asked again.

"I heard that your territory, Vanguard Valley, was destroyed during this orc invasion?"

Roko's heart sank, and he nodded.

"Yes, Master Legion Commander."

"Vanguard Valley is now nothing but ruins."

His tone carried a hint of loss.

Although Vanguard Valley was the first place he truly established a foothold in after coming to this world, he had poured a great deal of effort into it.

Steven looked at him and was silent for a moment.

"War is always cruel."

"For every gain, there is a loss."

"However, young man, do not be discouraged by this."

"A descendant of the Raymond Family should not be defeated by such a small setback."

He paused, as if weighing something.

The atmosphere inside the tent was quiet for a moment.

Count Leonard stood to the side, a flash of anticipation in his eyes.

He knew that what Legion Commander Steven was about to say was likely the main event of the day.

Sure enough, a moment later, Steven spoke again.

"My Obsidian Legion came here under royal order to clear out the orcs; now that the war has initially settled, Xin Feng Province is in need of reconstruction."

"Although the orcs have retreated, the destruction they caused is immense."

"Countless villages have been destroyed, fields lie barren, and millions of subjects have been displaced, becoming refugees."

"If these people are not properly settled, I fear it will trigger new unrest."

Roko listened quietly, not understanding why the Legion Commander was telling him this.

Steven continued.

"Although Duke Auston is the ruler of Xin Feng Province, his energy is limited, and he does not have many people under his command to utilize."

"Moreover, Xin Feng Province is vast, and there are many places beyond his reach."

"Although my Obsidian Legion is an ace legion, our primary duty is warfare and killing; we are not skilled in local governance."

"Therefore..."

The Legion Commander looked at Roko, a hint of a smile appearing in his eyes.

"I intend to allocate a batch of these refugees to you."

"As for the number, it is about fifty thousand."

"You lad, do you dare to accept?"

Upon hearing this, Roko's pupils suddenly constricted.

Fifty thousand refugees!

This was not a small number.

One must know that his previous Vanguard Valley, all told, had only a few thousand subjects.

Fifty thousand refugees meant heavy responsibility, but also meant enormous potential for development.

Count Leonard was also full of surprise, clearly not expecting the Legion Commander to be so generous.

"This..."

Roko hesitated for a moment.

It was not that he dared not accept, but that this pie was simply too big.

"What? Afraid?"

The Legion Commander raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of provocation.

"Are you scared off by a mere fifty thousand refugees?"

"This is not the style of Levis's son."

0,

Roko took a deep breath, his gaze becoming firm.

"I am grateful for the kindness of Master Legion Commander, and Roko dares not refuse."

"I accept these fifty thousand refugees!"

"Good!"

The Legion Commander clapped his hands and smiled, his eyes full of admiration.

"What spirit!"

"However, having refugees alone is not enough."

"Without land, how will they survive?"

"Let's do this."

The Legion Commander mused.

"I will take the initiative to hand over two other territories to your jurisdiction as well."

"These two territories were originally both Baron Territories."

"As for one of them, the original lord was a coward; as soon as the war began, he was scared out of his wits, abandoned his territory and his people,"

"and fled for his life alone."

"Such scum naturally has no qualification to continue enjoying the glory of the nobility."

"As for the other territory, the original Baron actually had some backbone and unfortunately died in battle while resisting the orcs."

"Now, both of these territories have become ownerless lands, which is perfect for handing over to you."

"Although they are not large, adding them together should be more than enough to settle these fifty thousand refugees."

Roko was deeply shocked.

Another fifty thousand refugees, and two more Baron Territories!

This Legion Commander Master was being far too generous.

This was simply a pie falling from the sky, and two of them at that!

He looked at Count Levis with some disbelief, wanting to get some hint from his uncle-in-law.

Count Levis was also full of shock, but even more so, ecstasy.

He hurriedly gave Roko a wink, signaling him to agree quickly.

Such a heaven-sent opportunity would never come again if missed.

Roko suppressed the excitement in his heart and bowed again to pay his respects.

"Many thanks to Legion Commander Master for the cultivation!"

"Roko will certainly not fail the trust, and will definitely settle these refugees properly and develop the territories."

Steven nodded with satisfaction.

"Very good."

"I believe in your ability."

"I will have my adjutant discuss the specific handover matters with you in detail."

"For these few days, you may stay in the coalition camp first; it will not be too late to set off after your war merits are verified and your noble rank is promoted."

"Yes, Legion Commander."

Roko replied respectfully.

Emerging from the Legion Commander's tent, Roko still felt as if he were in a dream.

"Uncle-in-law, this Legion Commander..."

He could not help but ask.

The smile on Count Levis's face was practically stretching to his ears.

"Roko, oh Roko, you have truly had a stroke of great luck this time!"

He lowered his voice and said mysteriously.

"This Legion Commander, his relationship with your father, Marquis Levis, is not as simple as just having met a few times."

"Back then, when your father was still training in the Royal Capital, he once saved Master Steven's life in a dangerous situation."

"Master Steven has kept this favor in his heart all along."

"It was only later, as both their statuses and positions changed, that they gradually grew distant."

"The fact that he is willing to look after you like this today is certainly due to your own outstanding ability and meritorious service, but more importantly, I fear it is for the sake of your father."

Roko suddenly realized.

So there was such a connection.

No wonder this Legion Commander Master would be so caring toward someone he had never met before.

"It seems I have benefited from my father's light after all."

Roko gave a self-deprecating smile.

Count Levis, however, disagreed.

"You cannot say it like that."

"If you were not capable yourself, even if the Legion Commander wanted to promote you, he would find no excuse."

"You were able to obtain this opportunity because of your own excellence."

"Seize this opportunity well."

"Fifty thousand refugees and two Baron Territories—this is a massive foundation."

"If managed properly, your future achievements may not necessarily lose to your father's."

Count Levis was full of confidence in Roko.

Roko nodded heavily.

"Don't worry, Uncle-in-law, I understand."

His heart was filled with longing and drive for the future.

Several days later, the merit-rewarding ceremony for the New Wind Province coalition was officially held on the Luoxing Pingyuan.

Although Duke Auston was severely injured in the previous battle and lost an arm, he still braced himself to personally preside over this assembly.

His complexion remained pale, but his eyes were exceptionally bright.

The joy of surviving the disaster diluted the pain of his injuries.

At the assembly, every noble and soldier who had rendered meritorious service during the war received their due rewards.

There was money, supplies, equipment, and also promotions in rank.

When the name Rocco Raymond was read out, the entire venue fell silent for a moment.

Everyone's gaze focused on this youth who was perhaps too young.

"Rocco Raymond, in the war against the orc invasion, fought with valor and commanded with skill."

"In a time of crisis, he held Vanguard Valley, repelled the orc vanguard, and bought precious time for the coalition to assemble, rendering distinguished service."

An official responsible for reading the merits announced in a resonant voice.

"Verified by the Kingdom's Ministry of Military Affairs, and jointly recommended by Duke Auston and the Legion Commander of the Obsidian Legion, Master Steven Raff."

"Specially promoted Rocco Raymond to a hereditary Baron of the Bulake Kingdom!"

"Granted the fiefs of the former Vanguard Valley, Maple Leaf Territory, and Porter Valley!"

"Awarded one hundred thousand gold coins!"

Whoosh!

Once these words were spoken, the entire venue was in an uproar.

The nobles present all wore expressions of shock and envy.

Directly promoted to a hereditary Baron!

And he obtained jurisdiction over three territories all at once!

One must know that in the Bulake Kingdom, promotion in rank is extremely difficult.

Many Pioneer Nobles struggle their entire lives and may not even be able to promote from an ordinary Pioneer Knight to the lowest rank of Baron.

Yet Roko, being so young, ascended to the heavens in one step, becoming a noble hereditary Baron.

This honor is enough to make countless people green with envy.

This is simply a one-step achievement, directly pushing Roko to a new height.

Roko himself was also slightly stunned.

Although he had anticipated it, when this reward truly fell upon him, he still felt a sense of unreality.

He took a deep breath, suppressed the excitement in his heart, stepped forward, and knelt on one knee.

"Rocco Raymond thanks the Kingdom for the reward, thanks Master Duke, and thanks Master Legion Commander for the cultivation!"

His voice was firm and powerful.

Duke Auston looked at him, a complex smile appearing in his eyes.

"Rise, Baron Roko."

"This is what you deserve."

"I hope that in the future, you can continue to serve the Kingdom and protect your territory and your people well."

"As you command!"

Roko stood up, the Flame Griffin Emblem representing the Raymond Family on his chest shining brightly in the sunlight.

At this moment, he was no longer that newly arrived Pioneer Knight.

But a true Baron who possessed his own fief and private army.

After the merit-rewarding assembly ended, Roko found his two uncles, his seventh uncle Baron Leo and his twelfth uncle Baron Ban En.

Although the two uncles had also rendered some service in this war, compared to Roko, they seemed somewhat lackluster.

Their respective territories had also suffered significant losses under the ravages of the orcs.

At this moment, the expressions on both their faces were somewhat complex.

There was an element of happiness for Roko, but more of it was likely envy and a trace of loss.

"Roko, congratulations."

Seventh uncle Baron Leo spoke first, his tone carrying a hint of emotion.

"At such a young age, you are already a Baron; your future prospects are limitless."

Twelfth uncle Baron Ban En also nodded and said in a muffled voice.

"Indeed, compared to you, us old fellows have simply achieved nothing."

Roko hurriedly said.

"Uncles, you are joking."

"That your nephew has today is also due to luck."

"If not for Master Legion Commander's guidance, I fear..."

Baron Leo waved his hand, interrupting his words.

"Enough, don't be modest."

"We all know that you reached this step by your own ability."

"Master Legion Commander's guidance was merely the icing on the cake."

He sighed.

"Speaking of which, in this war, we nobles who have taken root in New Wind Province have all suffered no small losses."

"Territories destroyed, subjects dead or injured; it will likely take quite some time to recover our vitality."

Baron Ban En also showed a worried expression.

"Indeed, my Rock Territory had finally shown some improvement, but after being tossed about by the orcs like this, it has returned to square one."

"Although we received some rewards this time, compared to our losses, it is truly a drop in the bucket."

Upon hearing this, Roko felt a bit uneasy in his heart as well.

He knew that what his two uncles said was the truth.

Compared to his own stroke of luck in rising to the top in one leap, the situation for most Pioneer Nobles was far more difficult.

"The two of you need not worry too much."

Roko comforted them.

"Now that the orcs have retreated, the New Wind Province is waiting to be rebuilt; it is the perfect opportunity for development."

"As long as we work together, we will surely be able to rebuild our homes and make the territory more prosperous than ever before."

Baron Leo heard this and gave a bitter smile.

"That is easy to say, but doing it is quite difficult."

"Rebuilding the territory requires a massive amount of manpower, material resources, and wealth."

"Sigh, it really is a headache!"

After parting ways with his two uncles, Roko took Fula, Hart, Martina, and the others.

Along with that remaining remnant of the Vanguard Valley force, numbering fewer than four hundred, he set out on the road back to Vanguard Valley.

Along the way, the scene was one of devastation.

The once bustling villages and towns had now mostly turned into ruins.

In the air, a faint scent of blood seemed to still linger.

When the familiar silhouette of Vanguard Valley appeared before everyone's eyes once again.

Everyone's mood became incomparably heavy.

The main structure of the castle, under the destruction of the orcs, was still relatively intact, but the city walls were covered in marks from blades and axes, as well as scorched black stains.

The city gate was long gone, leaving only a dark, gaping entrance.

The interior of the castle was even more unbearable to look at.

Houses had collapsed, and the ground was a mess.

The once tidy streets were now piled high with rubble and debris.

The warehouse had been burned down, and half the roof of the council hall had caved in.

Apart from the heavy stones that could not be moved and the crudely made furniture that had been deliberately destroyed, almost nothing of value could be found.

This place had truly become a ruin in every sense of the word.

Looking at this territory, into which she had poured countless efforts, now reduced to such a state, a trace of unconcealable distress flashed through Martina's snow-white eyes.

"How detestable!"

She gritted her silver teeth and said bitterly.

Fula followed silently behind Roko, looking at the broken scene, feeling a bit sad in her heart as well.

Although she had not been in Vanguard Valley for long, this place was, after all, where she had cast off her status as a slave and gained a new life.

Hart directed his soldiers to begin clearing the ruins and setting up temporary shelters.

Roko stood at the highest point of the castle, gazing into the distance.

The afterglow of the setting sun illuminated the broken walls and ruins, making them look desolate.

His heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions.

There was disappointment, there was unwillingness to accept defeat, but more than that, there was a determination to build something new from the ruins.

"Vanguard Valley will not sink into oblivion because of this."

He muttered to himself, his eyes burning with a raging flame.

"One day, I will make it more prosperous and more powerful than it ever was!"