[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system":3,"chapter-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-91":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Exiled Duke's Lottery 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},1366799,1809,"Chapter 91 - 85: The Iron Regiment","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-91",91,"\u003Cp>Snow fell heavily across the plains outside Fortress Elarion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet despite the freezing wind sweeping across the northern valley—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five thousand soldiers stood motionless in formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark winter uniforms stretched across the snow-covered field in enormous organized lines while rifle barrels reflected pale morning light beneath the gray sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty field cannons rested in reinforced firing positions beside steam-heated ammunition wagons while artillery crews performed final inspections with disciplined precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground itself seemed transformed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Months ago these plains had held:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>scattered militias,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>exhausted survivors,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>frightened recruits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An army stood there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at its center stood Malen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peak knight remained atop a black warhorse near the command line while his gaze swept silently across the regiment beneath the snowfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike traditional knights dressed in ornamental armor, Malen wore practical military equipment now:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>reinforced winter officer coat,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>steel chestplate beneath dark fabric,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>command saber at his waist,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>rifle secured beside the saddle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old warfare and new warfare combined together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And somehow—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It suited him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far above the fortress, an enormous golden shape moved slowly through the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient golden dragon circled lazily overhead while pale winter sunlight reflected brilliantly across scales that resembled molten gold beneath the snowfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even against the storm clouds— he looked radiant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Massive wings cut through the northern sky with slow powerful movements while the soldiers below tried very hard not to stare upward every few seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One artillery loader accidentally saluted the dragon instead of his officer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His captain looked deeply offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You salute me first!\" \"The dragon is not in your chain of command!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The loader looked horrified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Should he be?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby soldiers immediately started coughing to hide laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Malen’s expression twitched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above them, Aurethar’s laughter rolled across the valley like warm thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rich. Deep. Amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently he had heard everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which honestly only made the artillery crew more nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the upper observation platform overlooking the training grounds, Lucien stood beside Cedric and Lucas while officers finalized deployment reports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scale of the regiment became clearer from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not scattered troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not feudal levies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Organization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Industrial military power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas adjusted several production ledgers beneath one arm while staring toward the formations below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It still feels absurd.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric glanced sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We actually did it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The administrator pointed toward the massive regiment beneath them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Five thousand riflemen.\" \"Twenty field cannons.\" \"Dedicated logistics.\" \"Winter supply support.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he looked toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most northern territories struggle to organize tax records.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien calmly continued observing the field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Organization scales.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric sighed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There it is again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That sentence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas nodded immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He says things that sound harmless until you realize kingdoms collapse because of them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fair observation honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below the platform, signal whistles suddenly echoed across the training grounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately the regiment moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thousands of soldiers repositioned simultaneously across the snowy field while battalion formations shifted with mechanical precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No shouting. No confusion. No noble cavalry theatrics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only drilled movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They improved.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rifle lines rotated again while artillery teams repositioned beside the rear formations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even through snowfall, the discipline remained obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because these men trained constantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not seasonal levies. Not temporary recruits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive golden shadow suddenly swept across the valley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar descended through the snowfall before landing atop a huge stone ridge overlooking the training grounds with enough force to shake snow from nearby watchtowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon folded his enormous wings slowly while golden scales shimmered brilliantly against the gray winter landscape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steam drifted faintly from his nostrils as ancient golden eyes observed the regiment below with visible curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Interesting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric crossed his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You always say that before either wisdom or chaos.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sometimes both.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar’s tail shifted lazily through the snow behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon’s gaze followed the artillery crews carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They no longer move like human armies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien looked toward him briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is the point.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar lowered his massive head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most human warfare relies on courage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warm vapor drifted upward around his jaws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This relies on repetition.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a low amused rumble escaped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Far more reliable honestly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below them, signal flags rose again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen drew his saber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The regiment halted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five thousand soldiers stopped moving simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the cannons locked into position with practiced precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence swept across the snowy field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Malen’s amplified voice echoed outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Inspection positions!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rifles shifted upward uniformly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bayonets glinted across the valley like steel frost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar tilted his massive head slightly while watching the formations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon sounded deeply entertained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If humans had organized themselves like this centuries ago...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric sighed already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden eyes narrowed slightly with amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dragons would have invested heavily in mountain fortresses with thicker walls.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Was that a joke about strategic retreat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was a joke about surviving concentrated artillery.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The administrator stared at the dragon for several seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are disturbingly adaptable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am ancient.\" \"We become practical eventually.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly difficult to argue with that logic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below, Malen guided his warhorse slowly along the front rifle lines while inspecting the regiment personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every battalion commander followed close behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newly expanded structure had already reshaped the army completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>1st Elarion Rifle Regiment\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Total Strength:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>5,000 Soldiers\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Structure:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>5 Operational Divisions\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each commanded by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>one Vice Commander,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>senior rifle officers,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>support detachments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attached Support:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>logistics corps,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>engineering teams,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>medics,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>marksmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Artillery:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>20 Field Cannons divided into dedicated batteries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And unlike traditional armies—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every division trained together continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malen finally stopped near the center formation before turning his horse toward the elevated observation platform where Lucien stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peak knight saluted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five thousand soldiers struck rifle stocks against the frozen ground simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THOOM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound rolled across the valley like distant cannon fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the fortress walls seemed to vibrate slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow fell from nearby rooftops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One younger noble observer nearly jumped backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric smirked faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That never gets old.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No honestly— it didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien observed the regiment silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five thousand disciplined soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Artillery support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Industrial supply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Permanent organization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Months ago Elarion fought desperately to survive winter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It possessed one of the strongest standing military forces in the north.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar watched the regiment quietly for several moments afterward before speaking in a surprisingly thoughtful tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The south fears your rifles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient golden eyes shifted toward the endless formations below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They should fear your discipline more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because rifles could eventually be copied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cannons could eventually be replicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But systems—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Systems were harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Much harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below the platform, Malen raised his saber again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The artillery batteries prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crewmen moved rapidly between cannons while loaders positioned shells with practiced efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar immediately leaned backward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cedric noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You’re moving away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have excellent hearing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Coward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is called strategic retreat\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very fair honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A signal flag dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOOOM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty field cannons fired together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The valley exploded with thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow erupted across the plains while smoke rolled outward beneath the gray northern sky in massive waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several observers physically flinched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One almost fell over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aurethar watched the artillery barrage silently while smoke drifted across the battlefield below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the ancient golden dragon slowly grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh the south is absolutely going to panic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1194,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","5dd512b8e646f30a8ad3649fbd96d26f0b49d96d76fb48ab38d1e43a10edd9bc","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-92","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-90",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]