Chapter 1015: Favor

Proofread by Thomas F

Orok Uram

I walked out of the secret arena, feeling bone tired.

'She is getting better,' I thought, feeling the pain, cuts, and bruises all across my body, which Wildheart Healing is dealing with.

I come here every other day and see noticeable progress in her each time. She has been working very hard, even handing most of her responsibilities to General Jarvis for the time being.

Seeing her working hard, I am also working hard and making my men do the same; we need to, if we want to survive, the storm that is coming for us.

I pushed those away and moved, passing through all three security checkpoints.

All three needed charms connected to my blood to pass through. If someone wears my face using skill, they wouldn't be able to pass through.

I believe there are other defenses as well.

"Colonel," a young soldier greeted me and handed me my beast. I nodded, mounted it, and rode it toward my house.

It's early in the morning; I have come here before dawn. It's not always dawn when I come; sometimes it's late morning, afternoon, evening, or even late night.

I make the time each day.

Soon, I reached my house. It's a single-story house they allocated to me. It's the same size as the one I have in Greltheaven, but mine is two-story with a sizable backyard.

The prices have skyrocketed in the city and are rising even faster.

I didn't buy it as an investment, or with my future in mind, but because I had money and nothing to do with it. My senior officers suggested I buy one.

I am really glad I did, because now I find myself thinking more and more about family.

I opened the door and stepped inside; the moment I did, a smile appeared on my face. She hadn't left.

I walked inside and soon saw her in the kitchen making pancakes, wearing nothing but her mage robe.

"You arrived at the right time," she said without turning. I sat down at the dining table, watching her, saying nothing. She is an amazing woman. I feel like I didn't deserve her.

Soon, she placed two plates on the table; one had a sizable amount of syrup.

I don't know how she could eat that, or how anyone could.

"How was the training?" she asked. She was sleeping when I left. Although, she could tell things from my state. "Hard, but good."

"It seemed like you had your ass handed to you," she said, and I laughed.

I wanted to tell her, but there are many aspects of my job that I could not. It's frustrating sometimes, but it's a part of the job; the job I love so much.

Though not more than I love this woman. I froze.

"I am joking; I am sure you did well," she said consolingly. I forced a smile. Pushing those thoughts far down below; according to my officers, too early to use such words.

It might make her panic and drive her away. It's the last thing I want to do.

I don't think I could bear it if that happens.

"You have a big meeting today, right?" I asked, and she nodded. "Yes, the master is coming from headquarters, and the whole guild is stressed," she replied with a smile.

The chief magister of the Mage Guilds is her master. It is a privilege, but also a responsibility, since she needs to prove that she deserves it.

I could understand the pressure. I felt the same when General Stone trusted me with the responsibility of the first elite force; it hadn't gone away; I feel it every day.

"Don't worry, you will do fine," I replied.

She is specializing in encrypted communications, and today, she will show the recent progress she has made in it.

"Thank you for your confidence, babe," she said and leaned over to kiss me. Her lips are soft, and they feel amazing.

Soon, we finished breakfast, and she got up.

Her robe fell, and she turned to me. "Are you joining me?" she asked, and all I could do was nod.

An hour later, she walked toward her office, while I rode towards mine.

The time of war was coming closer, and one could feel it in the city. People were now more restrained; there was a worry in their eyes that wasn't there until a few months ago.

Nothing will happen to them. We will protect them.

I still remember the first time I saw this city. It was hell; nothing compared to the clean, beautiful, vibrant city it is now. Even in this environment, it's beautiful.

There is a belief among people that we will protect the city. I am not just saying it.

The people from City Hall say that a lot fewer people are leaving than they had been expecting.

Soon, I reached the military compound and rode inside.

"Colonel," greeted Donil as I dismounted. He seemed excited, and I could understand why. "Has it arrived?" I asked.

"Yes, in the early morning," he replied. I nodded and walked toward the armory; it is in a large, three-story building. It belongs to our unit.

We stepped inside and a minute later passed through the large white doors.

Everywhere we looked were weapons: swords, armor, helmets. This is the armory of the Wildheart. Every piece of weaponry here is a grade above what a regular unit has.

We are the elites; we get the best of what Greltheaven offers, but also the biggest responsibility.

Whether it is fighting unknown threats like a golem or piercing deep into the enemy's army, we are the first. My men deserve it, given the risk we take.

Though I have not come here for these weapons.

"Colonel," a blond woman in her mid-thirties greeted. "Captain," I acknowledged. She is the master of the armory. One of the most important people in the unit.

"They arrived early this morning; I had just finished setting them up," she informed me without me asking and began walking.

Soon, we reached the hall, and I immediately knew they were new weapons that had arrived from Greltheaven, or rather, Velvet Garden.

"In total, one hundred and three complete enchanted sets; each set has a weapon, armor, helmet, greaves, bracers, and shoes, all mist-forged in artisan's garden," she stated.

I nodded and walked to the sets.

They are beautiful and incredible. The footwear, helmet, and a few pieces I wore are mist-forged, given to me over a month ago, while my armor and ax are half-artifice.

I knew how much of a difference they made. They are more powerful than enchanted items of the same grade; their enchantments last much longer, and they are more efficient in energy.

"I have tested them, and it is incredible. I wish more of our people could get it," said Etran, and Donil laughed.

"Unlikely. Forget each set; the value of each piece is immense. People would kill for it. No other unit has gotten them in such numbers; only high officers are getting it."

"Our unit is the only one that got it," he said, and he is right, but won't be for long.

My contacts told me they will deliver about 50 to 60 sets to Lt. Colonel Bandstone's unit within a few days.

Uloth is sad that her friend had been transferred to Greltheaven. Whether she will be stationed there or sent elsewhere, I don't know.

Information about such things has been tightly regulated.

"I know, but it will help our unit a lot if we got even more of such great gear. Imagine, Lt. Colonel, the entire regiment with such gear; we will be a terror on the battlefield." Her eyes became distant as he imagined it.

Even I couldn't help but imagine it, with such gear on every person. We will truly be terrifying on the battlefield.

"Stop daydreaming, Captain. It will never happen," replied Donil sternly.

The woman nodded and sighed.

"You have the list; call the people and equip them today. I need them completely familiar with it," I ordered. This is not standard gear.

Each is forged for the specific person with their measurements, which is another thing that makes it powerful.

Custom gear is always powerful.

It was not easy to select people for the gear. Officers were easy; the direction came from above that all combat officers of the unit should be equipped first.

That still left a third of the sets. Here, I had discretion.

I first chose the ones with potential, as they are the future of the unit, and then the new, powerful recruits. Not all powerful people have rank.

Some of them are experienced recruits, and they have yet to earn the ranks. These people needed gear as well because of their strength.

I wish we could have more, at least double, but that will not happen very soon.

"It will be done, Colonel," she replied.

A few minutes later, I walked with Donil, who had also donned the gear that came for him and was nearly skipping with joy. His gear was among the best.

"Now, I just need a blade; I hope it will arrive soon," he said, with deep longing in his eyes. He got every piece of gear aside from the blade.

They are going to give him a half-artifice blade. It is on the way.

"Speaking of gear, you should call Barb Utsa. You hit it off quite well with her; she might help us get more gear," he said. She might have shot down Captain Etran there, but he wants more gear for the unit too.

That is one powerful woman; I remember the last spar clearly; it had left me singed all over. Uloth was quite angry about my state, nearly ready for battle with her.

Unfortunately, she is not a match for that woman. Even if she fought alongside Lt. Colonel Bandstone, she could not defeat that woman.

"Why don't you contact them? I believe you made many friends among her people," I asked back, and he rolled his eyes.

"They are not Grade II," he replied and sighed.

She is not just a mercenary but also a very powerful member of Velvet Garden, with massive influence. She is right below the triumvirate, equal in rank with the head of Artisan Garden and overseer of Twilight Hall.

"Okay," I agreed.

I don't like to ask for favors, but it is something that will save my men's lives.

For them, I will do anything, much less ask a favor.

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