Chapter 154: The Army of Tomorrow

The military district of Althoff had become one of the busiest construction sites in the County.

From early morning until sunset, workers transported timber, stone, iron fittings, and construction equipment through the district while engineers supervised the expansion of existing facilities.

Carpenters assembled wooden frameworks, masons reinforced foundations, and teams of laborers cleared additional land beside the training grounds.

Raymond stood upon a raised observation platform overlooking the activity, accompanied by Boris, Jonathan, and Mara Kest.

"Good grief, we’re building so many things that I’m beginning to wonder whether Althoff will ever experience a day without construction," Raymond remarked, watching another wagon arrive with building materials.

Mara glanced at him with her usual unimpressed expression and replied, "Your Excellency, considering that you approve another development project almost every time we finish one, I wouldn’t expect that day anytime soon."

Raymond placed a hand against his chest.

"That sounds suspiciously like an accusation, Mara."

"It’s an observation supported by extensive evidence, Your Excellency," Mara answered, consulting the construction documents in her hands.

Boris concealed a smile while Jonathan examined the expanding training grounds below.

The military development program had been organized into several interconnected projects, each intended to support the County’s growing armed forces.

The existing training grounds were being enlarged to accommodate additional soldiers, while separate areas were designated for conventional combat exercises and supervised Mana cultivation.

New barracks would provide accommodation for future trainees, and expanded equipment storage facilities would protect weapons, armor, and other military supplies.

Defensive improvements were also underway around important military installations.

Mara unfolded a detailed construction plan across a nearby table.

"The eastern training yard will receive additional space for formation exercises and mounted training," she explained, indicating the relevant section. "We’ve also approved reinforced storage buildings and improvements to the drainage channels surrounding the barracks."

Raymond examined the drawings.

"How soon can the new facilities become operational?"

"Some improvements will be available within weeks," Mara answered. "Others will take longer, particularly the permanent buildings. We’re using existing workshops and labor teams wherever possible, but I won’t compromise structural quality simply to satisfy an ambitious schedule."

Raymond nodded approvingly.

"Good. I’d rather wait a little longer than discover our new barracks collapse during the first heavy rain."

Mara gave him a pointed look.

"Then please remember that when the next progress report reaches your desk."

Their discussion continued as they descended from the platform and inspected the construction areas.

At the expanded training grounds, several soldiers practiced coordinated formations under Cassian’s supervision.

Nearby, Bram Havel directed strength exercises while Silas Vane prepared another group for reconnaissance drills.

The twelve founding members of the Knight Training Corps continued their instruction alongside the ongoing construction, although their cultivation sessions remained confined to the quieter existing training hall.

Jonathan watched the trainees for a moment before addressing Raymond.

"Your Excellency, the additional space will be useful, but the training schedule must remain carefully organized. Mana cultivation requires concentration, and excessive physical exhaustion can interfere with a beginner’s ability to maintain control."

Raymond nodded.

"Then we’ll make sure the new facilities allow proper separation between physical training and cultivation instruction."

Boris added, "We’ve already begun adjusting the daily schedule, my Lord. The trainees will continue their conventional military exercises, but their cultivation periods will be supervised independently."

Raymond was pleased with the arrangement.

He had no intention of creating a military institution that neglected ordinary combat fundamentals simply because its trainees had awakened Mana sensitivity.

A Knight still needed discipline, battlefield awareness, weapon proficiency, and the ability to cooperate with other soldiers.

The elixirs had provided an opportunity, not a substitute for training.

Their next destination was the equipment workshop, where Roderic Vann had been coordinating the production of training weapons and protective equipment.

The Master Metallurgist greeted them beside a workbench covered with metal fittings, unfinished practice blades, and several pieces of reinforced training armor.

"Your Excellency, we’ve completed the first batch of equipment requested by the military instructors," Roderic reported, gesturing toward the assembled items. "Most of the wooden practice weapons are being produced by our carpenters, while my workshop handles metal components, reinforcement, and quality inspection."

Raymond picked up a practice sword and examined its construction.

The weapon possessed a sturdy wooden body with carefully fitted protective components designed to withstand repeated training sessions.

"Looks durable," Raymond observed. "How does it compare with the equipment we’ve been using?"

Roderic folded his arms and answered, "The older weapons were adequate for ordinary drills, but some deteriorated quickly under heavy use. These replacements should last longer, and damaged components can be repaired without discarding the entire weapon."

Bram, who had joined them during the inspection, examined another practice sword.

"The balance is better," Bram remarked, testing its weight. "That will help the trainees develop proper technique without relying upon poorly made equipment."

Roderic nodded appreciatively.

"We’ve also prepared several weighted training weapons according to your specifications, Commander. However, I recommend introducing them gradually. Excessive weight can encourage poor movement habits."

Bram smiled.

"Agreed. Strength training should improve technique, not destroy it."

Raymond listened with interest.

The workshop’s ability to produce reliable training equipment represented another small but important step toward military independence.

Previously, Althoff had relied heavily upon purchasing specialized materials and equipment from outside merchants.

Now its developing workshops could gradually satisfy more of those requirements locally.

Nevertheless, Raymond understood the limitations.

Roderic’s facilities were still expanding, and the territory had not yet established a large-scale military manufacturing industry.

For the moment, producing dependable training weapons and maintaining existing equipment was already valuable progress.

"Coordinate with Corvin Rusk regarding materials and storage," Raymond instructed. "I want the workshops supplied properly, but don’t consume resources already committed to essential construction projects."

Roderic bowed respectfully.

"Understood, Your Excellency. We’ll maintain separate production records and submit additional requests through the appropriate Department."

The inspection continued through the barracks construction site.

Workers were assembling additional accommodation blocks with proper ventilation, sanitation facilities, and secure storage areas for personal equipment.

Raymond was particularly satisfied to see that Mara had included drainage improvements before approving the surrounding roads.

Edric Sorn’s repeated warnings about water management had evidently made a lasting impression upon the Construction and Public Works Department.

Boris explained that the new accommodation would eventually allow trainees to remain near their instructors without overcrowding existing military quarters.

"At present, the Knight Training Corps contains only twelve soldiers," Boris remarked. "But if the program proves successful, we’ll need space for additional candidates and the personnel responsible for supervising them."

Raymond studied the unfinished buildings.

"Then we should design for gradual expansion rather than trying to accommodate hundreds immediately."

"That is precisely our recommendation, Your Excellency," Boris answered. "We can expand recruitment according to the availability of instructors, equipment, and suitable candidates."

By late afternoon, Raymond returned to the manor with a considerably clearer understanding of the military development program.

Alaric was waiting in the administrative chamber with updated expenditure estimates.

"Your Excellency, the military improvements are proceeding within the approved allocations," Alaric reported. "However, expanding the program further will require additional funding and careful coordination with the other Departments."

Raymond accepted the documents.

"That’s reasonable. We can’t abandon agriculture, sanitation, and housing simply because the army has acquired an exciting new project."

Alaric looked visibly relieved.

"I’m pleased to hear you say that, Your Excellency."

Raymond narrowed his eyes.

"You sound as though you expected me to demand an enormous fortress before dinner."

Alaric calmly turned another page and replied, "I have learned to prepare for possibilities, my Lord."

Raymond laughed before returning his attention to the financial estimates.

The numbers were substantial, but the investment served a long-term purpose.

Until recently, Althoff’s strongest warriors had come primarily from the System’s summoning rewards.

Those Knights had provided extraordinary assistance, allowing Raymond to strengthen the territory’s defenses far more quickly than conventional recruitment would have permitted.

However, relying exclusively upon summons presented obvious limitations.

The System did not provide unlimited summoning tickets, and Raymond could not build a sustainable military institution around rewards whose availability depended upon future milestones.

Developing Knights from Althoff’s own population offered a different possibility.

A disciplined soldier who successfully learned to cultivate Mana could eventually become an experienced warrior, an instructor, or even an officer capable of training future generations.

Over time, the County might establish its own traditions of Knight cultivation.

Raymond leaned back in his chair, considering the implications.

"Imagine it, Alaric," he remarked thoughtfully. "One day, Althoff might possess entire generations of Knights who began as ordinary soldiers from our own villages."

Alaric considered the statement before answering, "That would be an extraordinary achievement, Your Excellency. Although I imagine it would also require an extraordinary amount of money."

Raymond grinned.

"Naturally. You always know how to make my dreams sound expensive."

That evening, after completing his administrative work, Raymond returned to his private chambers.

He had barely settled into his chair when a familiar notification appeared before his eyes.

Ding!

[Infinite Clan Treasury System]

[Major Family Mission: The Rise of a Count’s Domain]

[Military Development Objective Update]

[A functioning Mana cultivation training program has been established within House Althoff’s military structure.]

[Knight Training Corps recognized.]

[Foundational instruction, supervised cultivation, military training, and supporting infrastructure development confirmed.]

[Military development milestone requirements under final assessment.]

Raymond straightened immediately.

The System had officially recognized the Knight Training Corps.

And judging from the notification, Althoff’s efforts were approaching another important milestone.