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Chapter 18 - Chapter 18 - The weight of Command

Chapter 18 – The Weight of Command

The morning sun crept over the ruined hills, casting pale light on the battered fortress that now served as the foundation of Kael's future. Smoke rose from forge fires and the scent of freshly cut timber filled the air as dozens of freed slaves—now his followers—worked under the guidance of the general.

Kael stood silently atop a half-repaired watchtower, arms crossed, eyes surveying the land. The system pinged again.

[System Notification]

Command Milestone Achieved: 1st Layer of Structure Formed

Task Unlocked: "Appoint Division Leaders (0/3)"

Reward: +1 Stat Allocation, Leadership Aura (Tier I) Unlocked.

He exhaled sharply. "It's really guiding me step by step," he murmured.

Descending the stairs, he gathered his general and three promising individuals he had personally observed. Each had unique traits—one a former scout, one a smith, and the third a quiet but brilliant tactician.

"I'm not here to command sheep," Kael said, voice calm yet authoritative. "You've survived like I have. But from this point forward, survival isn't enough. I need soldiers. I need minds."

With careful thought, he gave the Scout, Doran, control over Logistics and Terrain. The Smith, Brakka, was assigned Weapons and Fortification Oversight. The Tactician, a sharp-eyed woman named Sura, was placed under the general, tasked with Training and Battle Planning.

[System Update]

"Role Assignment Accepted."

"Minor Stat Boost Applied to Appointed Units."

Kael's power stirred. A faint golden shimmer briefly surrounded his form as his aura solidified. Something unseen but deeply felt—a leader's weight—descended upon the camp.

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