By the time I left the Dwarf and her forge and returned to my office in the Infernal District, I was somewhat confused about what to do next.
First of all, although I was a bit disappointed about the fact that a true growth spear couldn't be made, it was still great to hear that I would be able to have one for the Nascent Soul Realm as well.
That should cover me for a few decades? A few hundred years? Maybe even a thousand? I have no idea, but unless I somehow lost it, or it breaks, then the fact is it I'll be good for some time.
She also mentioned that she would require my presence towards the end of the process so that the spear could be tempered by my flames. The problem came when she told me the timeframe required.
Roughly three years, likely more.
I couldn't believe it.
I would need to wait a minimum of three years for the completion of the spear.
Of course, I knew it wouldn't be done overnight, but I thought maybe a few months or something. It goes to show just how ignorant I was of the blacksmithing trade. Either way, I was now at a crossroads of sorts.
My whole plan was to get my near spear than dive into the underground to fight a bunch of giant ants, but it will be at least three years before that becomes a possibility. To make it worse, she made sure to remind me that three years would be considered fast.
Perhaps if I needed to rush her for some reason or another, then she might be able to make something to satisfy my requirements, but it wouldn't be the best spear possible for the materials I gave her.
So here I am now having to wait probably 5 years for my spear to be made. Then there is also the fact that Elder Zal will be leaving in 10 years. I do not want to waste the remaining time I have with her.
Not only is it form of protection to have an Immortal present, but it is also a source of advice and proper supervised training. That's not something I can just pass up on.
But the ants. I want to fight them too.
I knew there was no need for me to have this new spear to go and fight the ants. I could go do it right now, but it all just felt off now. Plus, I didn't plan on fighting against them for long. A few months at most then it was off to Elder Zal.
Sigh.
Now more than ever I understand all the benefits of having a Clan.
Alright, I've made my decision. I don't like it, but it's a necessary choice.
"Vrusha."
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
As always, the man entered my office respectfully.
"You called, Patriarch."
"Bring Lidaz and the boys here."
He acknowledged my order and disappeared. It didn't much longer for them to appear after that.
"Alright, Lidaz how is the forming of my first Conflagration coming?"
"It is nearly complete Patriarch. As you can expect, there were a lot of applicants, but as per your word it is limited to 1000 slots maximum."
"Good, then expedite. I want to officially commence the formation of the unit before the day is over. Then they will officially be given their first mission. Next, I want Ozal to be in charge of the Orphan Project from now on.
"It will be his responsibility to ensure the next few years are dedicated to raising and developing a force this Planet and its people can be proud of.
"Next, make sure to keep a close eye on our new guests. I'm sure you all have already begun implementing things toward that goal but do not slack off. Watch them, ensure they keep to their respective agreements, and most of all do not allow them to have free reign across the Planet and its resources.
"They are only allowed in the System Cities. That is it. Do not be afraid to put them in their place if they cross a line. That goes for anyone. We are not in the business of being bullies and purposefully seeking trouble, but we do never show mercy to our enemies.
"Next, continue expansion efforts as planned. I don't really care about what is it you all want to do, just make sure it is thought out and planned properly. In that same vein, I will leave a good chunk of my Spirit Stones here. Use them to buy resources for members of the Clan and fund future projects.
"There are also the gains to be had from the spirit stone mine, form the merchants, and from whatever else you all implement. Do not touch the income generated by Black Cove City. Leave that to Richard, he can do as he pleases.
"As you all can surely guess by this speech, I will be going away for a bit. Elder Zal will be leaving this Planet in a few years, and I need to take advantage of that while I can. If there is an emergency, then I expect the people in the office to handle it.
"But of course, should you all deem it necessary, then do not hesitate to contact me. Especially if it concerns the lives of my Clan members. Are there any questions?"
None of them had any.
"Good, dismissed."
It was only an hour later when Lidaz finally sent word that my first Conflagration was ready. This was the term used by Infernals to describe the official armies of a Clan. It was kind of like having different Knight Orders in a kingdom. With that thought in mind I had to think of a name for them.
I walked outside to find 1000 Infernals lined up in perfect ranks. Not a single one out of place.
"I hereby commence the creation of my First Conflagration. If there is a war to fight, it will be up to you to announce the presence of the Clan on the battlefield. To destroy whatever stands in our way in a way that ensures they do not come back.
"From this moment onwards, you will all be known as the Black Dawn. When someone rises up against us, it is the members of the Black Dawn who they will see the next time they open their eyes.
"Do you accept?"
Of course that was a rhetorical question, but it gave them moment to show their convictions, and the sound of 1000 Infernals slamming their fists against their chest while letting out a deep shout will never get old.
"Good! Then receive your first mission. I order the Black Dawn to enter the underground of the Planet and destroy the pests who call it their home. I expect good results."
By the time I left the group, they were all fired up and ready to go. I would be letting Lidaz handle that from here.
Instead, I simply returned to my office and sat down.
There is a good chance that I will not be showing my face for the next five years at minimum. That is a long time. A very long time.
Alright. Let's begin.
"Elder Zal."
That was all I had to say, and I immediately heard a voice in my head.
'Patriarch Raizen.'
'I would like to spend the next few years training under your tutelage. Thoroughly.'
'Understood.'
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