In the old world, Cedric was well-versed in politics and governance. Syleric handled matters of economy and trade. Torric managed the infantry and physical training, Selara oversaw archery and medicine, and Rhydan led woodwork and construction.
Cedric tasked Torric with chopping wood and bringing it to Rhydan to construct better storage barns, granaries, pulleys, carts, wagons, beds, and chairs. Rhydan and his new apprentices worked quickly, using knowledge from the old world to craft superior designs. The villagers were pleased and fascinated.
Within a week, nearby villagers gathered for drinks and saw Dalmora's rapid progress. Word spread throughout the region, and as rumors of danger grew, Cedric leveraged the situation to acquire five more villages.
The total population rose to around two thousand, farmers, hunters, builders, weavers, brewers, and other professions. With Rhydan's carpentry skills, the builders learned improved woodworking methods and began trading their services to neighboring villages in exchange for grain. They also sold their goods in Dalmora, now becoming the hub of both domestic and foreign trade.
The hunters were trained in advanced archery techniques by Selara, while the wrestlers focused on building strength. Among them was Varron, the man Cedric had once defeated, a broad-shouldered, 6'2" warrior with a lined face and great physical prowess. Among the archers was Fenric, the hunter who lost the bet, sharp-eyed, lean-faced, and precise. Together, they were taught combat maneuvers, discipline, and combined arms tactics under Syleric's supervision.
But the next day brought grim news. They had missed the biggest prize on the board, Orvon, the former chief advisor of a major kingdom from the old world. He had established himself in the region just south of Dalmora, with an estimated force of one hundred soldiers and four hundred local militia. Reports indicated that General Alviz, stationed to the southwest, was clashing with Orvon, a sign that war was coming soon.
Cedric grasped the gravity of the situation. Alviz was near the regional gate, and if he moved north, he would reach the sanctuary. Orvon was most likely fighting Alviz for control of that gate, and whoever prevailed would claim both the sanctuary and the passage to the next region.
That would mean the gap between them and Cedric would be worlds apart, and by extension, conquering the inner gates would remain a dream.
And so, Cedric had to make his move. He called for a meeting with his group and presented the situation they were in. He suggested they make a deal with Brenik in the east and tell him about the regional gate and the sanctuary.
Syleric immediately rejected the idea, arguing that Brenik was not to be trusted and that The New Crown had no leverage to secure such an alliance. Selara and Rhydan agreed with Syleric, reasoning that such an undertaking could only worsen their position, no one could predict what Brenik might do. Torric suggested they attack Brenik and usurp his throne, but that was not a viable option since Brenik's economy and military were both far stronger.
At present, The New Crown had only 300 militia, hardly enough to take on someone like Brenik. Their first plan of action, then, was to secure the five villages surrounding them, the ones not too close to any other faction's borders. They swiftly set out to do so. This time, Cedric sent their militia along with envoys from Dalmora. Those who refused to join voluntarily would be pressured by force; these were Cedric's direct orders.
Rhydan opposed the use of violence, but Cedric persuaded him with the argument that if they didn't bring those villages under their banner, others would, and the people would be enslaved. "For the greater good, one must compromise," said Cedric.
The following day, they managed to secure four villages without resistance. But the fifth, the second largest in the region after Dalmora, stood firm. This village was different. It had something none of the others possessed: metalworkers. It was also more isolated than the rest.
Cedric decided to visit the village personally. This time, he was greeted with spears tipped in iron, swords of the same make, and arrows gleaming with iron points. Cedric shouted, "I come in peace! But harm one of my men, and I'll make sure none of you walk away." The elders quickly ordered their defenders to lower their weapons, they knew they couldn't win against sixty armed and trained men.
Cedric offered them a proposal. He invited the influential members to visit the other villages and see the progress and lifestyle under his leadership. They hesitantly agreed. After witnessing the improvements and prosperity in the neighboring villages, they began to reconsider. Cedric presented a large amount of grain as a gift for their cooperation and promised protection, equality, and opportunities for growth.
Weighing their options, defending themselves from barbaric forces and living in constant fear, or joining Cedric's banner for safety and progress, they chose the latter. Thus, the village of blacksmiths came to be known as Drouca.
Now Cedric's population had grown to around 4,000, of which 600 were selected as militia. Among the new recruits was a peculiar man named Corven, quiet, narrow-eyed, tall-faced, and towering at six foot five. He had been found injured by the villagers of Drouca. His skill with a spear was extraordinary, too refined to belong to someone from this world.
"Warrior, are you from the old world?" Cedric inquired.
The man gave a simple nod.
"What position did you serve, and under which army?" Cedric pressed.
Corven replied in a flat, emotionless tone, "Major of Heavy Cavalry under General Alviz."
Cedric was startled but quickly composed himself. "And where do you think your general is now?" he asked.
Corven replied that he didn't know.
Soon, the villagers from Drouca brought Corven his armor and spear. He demonstrated his skill in horsemanship and spear combat; the men were deeply impressed. But Cedric knew this man was a double-edged sword, he could be the key to defeating Alviz, or the very reason for The New Crown's downfall.
In the following days, Corven was tasked with teaching the men spearmanship and cavalry tactics, though they currently lacked horses. Meanwhile, Cedric introduced a more structured legal system based on old-world laws and appointed fifty individuals to enforce it. The system was strict and decisive, it reduced petty crimes and made society more cohesive. However, tensions began to grow. Some whispered that Cedric sought absolute control, and that The New Crown might soon turn to tyranny.