Building An Empire Starting From The Labor Camp In Exile-Chapter 253: Finally

"Lord Eamon. I did not know that you would be bringing guests to welcome us." Vorath’s voice was like his shape; it was sharp and pointed.

Atrox watched it all with interest. ’...Was he surprised because he was only expecting Eamon? Or is there more? Maybe he thought Eamon would be the final authority...’

Eamon turned and bowed to Atrox. "My Lord, Clan leader of the Soryu Clan. This is the mercenary company, the Black Sun Company. They have come to help us."

Atrox tapped his fingers on the chair first before saying anything. His first impression of the warlord was not good. He did not like that man. No, it was more than that. Had they met under different circumstances, perhaps things would have been different, but as it was, he did not like him. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

And he was sure the feeling was mutual. The reason for it, from Atrox’s side, was because he could smell and point out those who were just as ambitious as himself.

’...This guy... He’s going to cause trouble... His eyes tell me... and the way he looks... as if we do not deserve to be here... And what’s the nonsense about needing help when it was paid for... Eamon is wary of him? Interesting... I’ll be sure to listen to his story later... if there is a later...’

Vorath’s next words made his eyes widen. "Clan leader? How is that possible, Eamon of Rikon? You told me another has taken the position and you need my help to remove him."

Eamon rubbed his hands together, but his words were firm. "This is Atrox Soryu, the only true heir to the seat, and he has claimed it. We will be removing his brother."

It was then that Vorath finally turned to look at Atrox again. His eyes were shadowed and unreadable, but he could not hide the calculation within.

He bowed his head but did not say anything to him.

’...Let the measurement begin...’ Atrox was not about to let that slide. "Welcome to my land."

Vorath stiffened. He hesitated as if internally debating with himself, but then he straightened, and instead of addressing Atrox directly, his eyes flickered to Pomora before moving to Eamon. "Where I come from, only those who have power can sit above others."

He was not speaking quietly, and his voice echoed, sinking into the air. His tone was filled with just the right amount of mockery and curiosity, as if he were simply inquiring about something.

Eamon flinched and looked at Atrox, but he did not say anything. When he realized that Atrox would not be speaking, Eamon sighed. "The culture of the land is different. Those who have the blood will claim the power that comes with it."

Vorath shook his head. "Interesting indeed. But I think those who are powerful should not care about blood. It should be the lesser tool. Let those with power prove their worth!"

Pomora raised her brows and turned to Atrox, who just shrugged and yawned.

This seemed to anger Vorath because he turned fully to Atrox. "How can Master Knights follow a mere Errant Knight?"

Atrox leaned forward. He made his voice low and uncaring. "Is there a problem with it?"

Vorath took two steps forward. "Yes. It is abnormal. It is like putting the hands where the legs should be!"

Atrox snorted. "Well, that was disappointing. Is this how it is done now? You are nothing but a hired hand. Why do you think I care about your opinion? You are hired to point your sword, not tell us... whatever it is you are trying to do. Shut up and do your job."

Vorath was shocked, but not as shocked as Atrox when the man faced him fully and bowed. "Of course, my lord."

Atrox only huffed at the display. ’...So he is testing me too... trying to see if I am a pushover... to see how long his chain would be... Sorry, but I am making it very short for you...’

After that, things went fast as everyone knew where they belonged. Atrox sat at the highest seat with the final authority while others listened, gave suggestions, and did as he wanted.

The first thing was to find a place for the new forces. Atrox did not want them to remain too deep inside the south, so he sent them to the border, the likely place where Thrain would attack from.

The other thing was to ask Eamon to raise the shield of the chasms again. There was no need to leave the place unguarded for some random warlord who might want to try their chances. They had enough on their plates already.

All the while, tension kept mounting in the army. They were expecting movement from the capital, but strangely, Thrain had not done anything.

It was driving Atrox insane one day at a time, and even though he tried his best not to show it, the constant patrols he was doing could not hide how anxious he was. It was his first war, after all.

Even the exchange of information had been suddenly cut off so tightly that even spies and informants had no market to sell. That only made things worse because it seemed Thrain was watching what Atrox was doing while he could not do the same.

He had thought about it. The best form of attack is to defend. Especially in this war where Thrain had the advantage, there was no way Atrox was going to add home advantage to it. Let them come to him; he would not go to them.

But after the first week, Atrox did not remain idle either. He gave orders for the first branch to move out. His army was split into three main branches—one made up of his army, the second made up of Rikon’s forces, and the third a combination of both Black Sun and Borderland Knights.

He moved the Black Sun branch out first. Not all of them at once. Atrox told them to form into fast-moving units and to begin raiding the surrounding towns and villages.

Maybe his actions acted as a signal, or Thrain finally finished his plans, but the man began to move as well. But the curious thing was that he did not use the army. His forces were made up of the combined forces from Chief Ryvlan Chox and Chief Helena Varrow, together with the capital’s standing force.

Maybe, finally, it had begun.