System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 940 - 283: Spy (10,000 Words)

Du An’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"Furthermore, just as the Lord proclaimed, we truly never go hungry anymore."

"The Lord is indeed an exceptional leader!"

Dorian could only nod in agreement, finding himself speechless.

As one of the very first guards recruited by Master Lynn, he had practically witnessed the entirety of the territory’s growth.

This was particularly evident in their military strength.

Who could have possibly imagined that a territory, which began with a mere ten-person guard squad, could blossom into a formidable force of four thousand soldiers?

The forces now included heavy cavalry, light cavalry, heavy infantry, and archers, among others.

Equipped to handle charges, close-quarters combat, and ranged attacks.

Such might.

While perhaps not on par with some of the Great Lords.

However, with natural defenses like mountain passes or the sturdy Manor Castle.

It was more than sufficient to withstand prolonged sieges without being overrun!

With planting as their primary agricultural method, the yield per acre of crops was inherently limited.

Consequently, most Manor Lords could support only a modest number of soldiers.

Even those Manor Lords with hundreds of soldiers.

Often spent their time farming during peak seasons and training during quieter periods.

This ensured the most efficient use of their labor force.

Cultivating a proficient soldier was an exceedingly difficult endeavor.

This applied to ordinary soldiers, let alone fully armed combatants who were removed from the production cycle.

But yet!

Master Lynn had stubbornly pushed the expansion of their initial ten-man guard squad to its current impressive size.

What’s more, they were nearly fully equipped!

Clad in armor and wielding iron armaments.

Even as light cavalry, they were mounted on horseback!

Though they couldn't quite match the heavy cavalry riding the formidable warhorses of the Badan Empire.

These ordinary steeds were perfectly adequate, allowing the riders, adorned in composite armor, to execute powerful charges!

Of course.

Dorian was well aware.

Master Lynn’s ability to bolster their military strength stemmed directly from the discovery of three crucial mines within the territory.

The exploitation of salt mines allowed for the production of refined salt, which was then traded to acquire other necessities.

The excavation of coal mines provided essential fuel for the territory’s diverse industries.

And the extraction of iron ore enabled the smelting of iron for forging armor.

Unearthing three distinct mineral deposits simultaneously in what was once a barren territory seemed almost miraculous.

Yet, it served as a perfect testament to Master Lynn’s capabilities.

His talent lay in discovering resources, organizing their extraction, and then ingeniously applying them to the territory’s development and construction!

Dorian felt.

Even if another Lord were to replace Master Lynn, that individual would never have been able to strategize and develop the territory to its current level of sophistication in such a compressed timeframe.

Let it be known.

Master Lynn’s territory now boasted not only tens of thousands of laborers and vast stretches of fertile farmland but also numerous armed soldiers!

In addition, systems for military merit promotion, established Territorial Law, functional hospitals, accessible schools, functioning courts, and communal canteens were all in place...

Whether in terms of legal structure or the daily lives of the populace, these initiatives had been genuinely implemented.

It could even be said, without a hint of exaggeration, that Master Lynn had completely eliminated their deepest worries.

Even if, one day, conflict were to erupt and they, as soldiers, were to fall in battle.

Master Lynn would ensure their families were well-provided for!

This was precisely why, whenever Master Lynn announced recruitment drives, all the townsfolk eagerly stepped forward.

Master Lynn had forged a homeland where they could live contentedly and securely.

And for this home, they were prepared to strive relentlessly.

Even the ultimate sacrifice of their lives would be deemed worthwhile!

A gentle night breeze, carrying a hint of coolness, swept past.

It penetrated the gaps between the armor plates of his composite armor, reaching Dorian’s own underlayers, and gradually soothed his somewhat agitated heart.

Pushing aside the lingering thoughts, Dorian’s gaze continued its sweep across the surroundings.

As they maintained their vigilant patrol, the night deepened.

Aside from the persistent, peculiar chirps of small creatures in the undergrowth.

And the gentle rustling of the night breeze through the ripening crops.

Occasional, piercing calls of exotic birds echoing from the distant woods.

No other disturbances were detected.

Just as Dorian was about to shift his attention, his eyes suddenly widened in alarm.

His head snapped around, fixing his gaze several meters ahead.

Du An, who was positioned closely beside him, noticed Dorian’s abrupt movement.

Du An inquired, a note of confusion in his voice, "Captain Dorian, you..."

He didn't manage to finish his sentence.

Dorian decisively extended a single finger towards him.

Upon seeing this gesture, Du An’s brow furrowed slightly, and he promptly fell silent.

It wasn't just him.

The three soldiers positioned behind them also wore expressions of bewilderment.

Following Dorian’s lead, the quartet urged their horses forward.

But it was clear that Dorian had perceived something of significance.

His demeanor turned grim, and unnoticed by others, his left hand instinctively tightened its grip on the reins, while his right hand firmly grasped the hilt of the Longsword at his waist!

The four men immediately grasped the implication, mirroring his action by placing their right hands on their sword hilts.

After their mounts had advanced a few more meters, Dorian gently pulled back on the reins, halting them.

Seated atop his horse, Dorian stared intently at the unharvested barley field stretching out before them.

What should have been a uniformly flat expanse of barley.

However, signs of trampled vegetation were now evident.

Coupled with the distinct impressions left by footprints on the disturbed earth...

Dorian’s eyebrows furrowed deeply, and he immediately and gravely addressed Du An.

"Hurry back to town and notify Lord Earl at once. We suspect espionage has infiltrated Morgan Town!"

"Instruct him to mobilize personnel without delay for a nocturnal sweep around the perimeter of the town."

Du An, too, had observed the marks left within the barley field.

As Dorian’s terse command reached his ears, his own expression grew grave, and he replied swiftly.