Chapter 155: The Military Milestone

The morning inspection of Althoff’s military district began with Captain-General Boris presenting a report that had taken his officers nearly a week to prepare.

Raymond sat inside the military headquarters, examining the documents spread across the conference table while Jonathan, Cassian, Bram Havel, and Silas Vane waited nearby.

"So, gentlemen, are we finally ready to declare that our Knight Training Corps is functioning properly?" Raymond asked, turning the final page of the report.

Boris straightened and answered confidently, "Yes, Your Excellency. The Corps has completed its initial organizational requirements. We now possess an established command structure, designated instructors, approved training schedules, candidate assessment procedures, and functioning cultivation instruction."

Raymond nodded with satisfaction. "Excellent. And how are our twelve aspiring Knights progressing?"

Jonathan stepped forward and opened another document. "All twelve trainees have demonstrated sufficient Mana sensitivity to continue their instruction, my Lord. However, their progress varies considerably. Some can maintain controlled absorption for short periods, while others are still developing consistency."

Raymond examined the individual evaluations.

Private Ingrid Falk remained the most promising candidate, having demonstrated unusually stable Mana perception and absorption during the initial sessions.

Corporal Tomas Grell had shown steady improvement, particularly in physical conditioning, while Sergeant Elian Voss continued displaying excellent discipline and defensive technique.

Nevertheless, none had reached the level of a recognized Knight.

Raymond considered that distinction important.

"Good. I don’t want anyone rushing them through their training simply because we’re eager to see results," he instructed. "If becoming a proper Knight takes years, then we’ll give them the time they need."

Jonathan nodded approvingly and replied, "That is the correct approach, Your Excellency. A strong foundation will determine how far they can eventually advance."

Boris then explained that the training program had been incorporated into the conventional army’s administrative structure.

Candidate selection would remain supervised by military officers, while the Household Knights would provide specialized cultivation instruction.

The arrangement allowed ordinary soldiers to pursue Knight training without completely separating the institution from Althoff’s broader military organization.

Raymond was particularly pleased that the program did not depend upon a single instructor.

Jonathan oversaw foundational cultivation, Cassian supervised discipline and formations, Bram handled strength and close combat, and Silas directed reconnaissance and mobility training.

Additional experienced Knights could eventually assist as the Corps expanded.

"Then we’ve accomplished what we originally intended," Raymond remarked, closing the report. "We’ve created an institution capable of training future Knights, rather than simply handing twelve soldiers an opportunity and hoping for the best."

Boris smiled faintly. "Precisely, Your Excellency. The institution is still young, but its foundations are established."

Their meeting concluded with an inspection of the military district.

Several recently completed improvements were already operational, including expanded training areas, reinforced equipment storage, and additional accommodation for personnel.

Other construction projects remained underway, but the essential facilities required for the current program were functioning.

At the cultivation hall, Raymond observed the twelve trainees practicing controlled breathing beneath Jonathan’s supervision.

The room was quiet except for the occasional instructions issued by the supervising Knights.

Ingrid sat near the front, maintaining her concentration with remarkable consistency.

Tomas struggled briefly before correcting his breathing, while Elian demonstrated the patience that had impressed his instructors during selection.

Jonathan approached Raymond after completing his inspection.

"Your Excellency, we’ve begun recording each trainee’s progress separately," he explained. "That will allow us to adjust their instruction according to individual aptitude rather than forcing everyone to advance at the same pace."

Raymond nodded. "Good thinking. And make sure their health remains a priority. Selene should continue examining them regularly."

"Already arranged, my Lord," Jonathan replied. "We’ve also established restrictions against unsupervised attempts at advanced circulation."

Raymond smiled. "Excellent. I’d prefer our first generation of homegrown Knights to survive long enough to become our second generation’s instructors."

Jonathan chuckled quietly before returning to the trainees.

By afternoon, Raymond had completed the inspection and returned to the manor.

Alaric was waiting with updated expenditure records, including the latest costs associated with the military improvements.

"Your Excellency, the initial military development program has remained within its approved allocation," Alaric reported. "However, maintaining the Corps will require recurring expenditure for instructors, equipment, accommodation, and medical supervision."

Raymond accepted the documents. "That’s expected. We’re establishing a permanent institution, not organizing a temporary training exercise."

Alaric nodded approvingly. "I’m pleased you understand the distinction, Your Excellency. Sustainable institutions require predictable funding."

Raymond glanced at him suspiciously. "Why do you sound surprised every time I demonstrate basic financial responsibility?"

Alaric maintained an innocent expression as he answered, "I would never question your financial judgment, Your Excellency. I merely believe it deserves encouragement."

Raymond laughed before approving the next scheduled allocation.

The military program represented a significant investment, but its long-term value could be extraordinary.

For the first time, House Althoff possessed a structured pathway through which ordinary soldiers might eventually become Knights.

The System’s summoning rewards had given Raymond powerful warriors, but the Knight Training Corps offered something those rewards could not provide on their own.

Continuity.

Experienced trainees could eventually become instructors, passing their knowledge to future generations and gradually strengthening the County’s military without depending entirely upon outside recruitment or System summons.

That evening, Raymond returned to his private chambers after dinner.

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

[Ding!]

[Infinite Clan Treasury System]

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

[Military Development Milestone Completed!]

[House Althoff has successfully established the foundations of a sustainable military training institution.]

[Knight Training Corps officially recognized.]

[Foundational Mana cultivation instruction established.]

[Military training facilities and supporting infrastructure confirmed.]

[Milestone Rewards]

- Shop Points ×30,000

- Mage Summoning Ticket ×3

- Mana Awakening Elixir ×100

- Basic Mana Training Formation Blueprint ×1

[Rewards deposited into the Family Treasury.]

Raymond immediately straightened. "Now that’s what I’m talking about!"

His eyes moved across the rewards before settling upon the three Mage Summoning Tickets.

For several moments, he simply stared at them.

Then a broad grin spread across his face.

"Mages! Finally!"

Ever since arriving in this world, Raymond had witnessed the extraordinary abilities possessed by Knights.

Their enhanced strength, speed, endurance, and combat capabilities had already transformed Althoff’s military security.

However, Mages represented an entirely different field of supernatural power.

While Knights primarily relied upon Mana to strengthen their bodies and martial abilities, Mages could manipulate Mana through specialized magical techniques.

Their potential applications extended beyond combat.

Depending upon their abilities and expertise, Mages could contribute to construction, agriculture, defensive infrastructure, research, and numerous other industries.

Raymond had considered recruiting Mages through conventional means, but accomplished practitioners were expensive and frequently maintained obligations to noble families, academies, or established magical organizations.

Now he possessed three summoning tickets capable of bringing Mages directly into House Althoff.

He immediately opened the Family Treasury.

[Mage Summoning Ticket ×3]

Raymond examined the tickets with barely concealed excitement.

"Three Mages," he murmured. "That could change quite a few things."

He resisted the temptation to use them immediately.

Unlike the Knight Training Corps, which had developed around experienced warriors already serving House Althoff, the County possessed no established magical institution.

Summoning Mages without considering their responsibilities, accommodation, research requirements, or potential contributions would be unnecessarily careless.

Raymond wanted their arrival to become the beginning of something permanent.

His attention then shifted toward the remaining rewards.

The additional thirty thousand Shop Points would provide greater flexibility for future development, while the hundred Mana Awakening Elixirs considerably expanded his available supply.

He had originally accumulated one hundred elixirs.

After distributing twelve to the founding members of the Knight Training Corps, eighty-eight remained.

With the latest reward, his total supply had increased to one hundred and eighty-eight.

Raymond smiled thoughtfully. "That’s enough to support a much larger training program once the instructors are ready."

However, the final reward attracted his attention almost immediately afterward.

[Basic Mana Training Formation Blueprint]

Raymond selected the item, causing a detailed description to appear.

[Basic Mana Training Formation Blueprint]

[Type: Construction Blueprint]

[Description: A foundational Mana formation designed to support structured cultivation training within a designated area.]

[Primary Function: Improves the suitability of a training environment for Mana perception, absorption, and introductory cultivation exercises.]

[Requirement: Suitable construction site, designated materials, and proper installation.]

Raymond leaned forward.

Unlike the Mana Awakening Elixirs, which helped individuals begin sensing Mana, this blueprint offered a way to improve the environment in which they trained.

It would not automatically transform ordinary soldiers into Knights, but it could make their cultivation sessions more effective and consistent.

Combined with experienced instructors and a structured curriculum, the formation might eventually become an important component of Althoff’s military development.

Raymond studied the blueprint for several minutes before returning it to the Treasury.

"Jonathan is going to love this," he remarked with satisfaction.

Still, the formation could wait until the appropriate construction arrangements were prepared.

For now, something else demanded his attention.

Raymond returned to the three Mage Summoning Tickets.

He had spent months transforming Althoff through agriculture, infrastructure, trade, administration, and military development.

The County possessed experienced Knights, hardworking officials, expanding workshops, and an increasingly organized population.

Yet one important source of power remained almost entirely absent from its institutions.

Magic.

Raymond rose from his chair and walked toward the window overlooking the illuminated city.

Beyond the manor, workers were finishing their duties, merchants were closing their stalls, and soldiers continued patrolling the streets.

Althoff had already accomplished more than anyone would have expected from the territory once ruled by a notorious deadbeat.

But Raymond had never intended to stop at rebuilding a struggling County.

He wanted House Althoff to become powerful enough to shape its own future.

And magic could become an essential part of that ambition.

Raymond smiled as he considered the possibilities.

"Alright," he murmured, turning back toward the System interface. "We’ve built our foundations, established our Knight training program, and secured recognition from the Crown."

His gaze settled upon the three summoning tickets.

"Now it’s finally time to bring Mages into House Althoff."