The next day, Aaron stood before the gathered crowd, his voice firm and clear.

"Everyone, you saw how the wolves attacked last night. 

But we defended ourselves, thanks to the brave soldiers who protected you. Of course, the highest credit goes to Torvald. And those who contributed will be rewarded."

His words stirred mixed reactions.

The villagers looked confused, unsure of what kind of reward he meant. Meanwhile, the freed slaves, those Aaron had granted liberty, watched with quiet envy.

They whispered among themselves:

"Ah, I was rewarded last time too… but I didn't join the training camp. I'm just a carpenter." 

"You got a reward? I wonder what Lord Aaron will give this time."

"You didn't know? Lord Aaron always rewards his people." "Only since he came to Green Fort."

One man sighed deeply, "If Lord Aaron hadn't chosen us, we'd still be living a life worse than death. We slaves, forced to work endlessly, barely fed. I heard it from a another slave who was returned after his leg broke… just so they could replace him."

Another nodded, "Yes… the fate of slaves is truly tragic."

Aaron stood before the crowd, calling out names one by one.  Beside him, Kelly recorded each entry in the credit ledger, each marked with Aaron's signature to prove its worth.

He explained the credit system clearly: 

for now, it was just paper, but in a year, when the traders' guild was formed and began circulating, people could exchange credits for coins or goods of equal value. In simple terms, it was a paper currency, where 1 credit equaled 1 silver coin, and the minimum credit given was 0.1, equivalent to 10 copper coins.

Time passed as Aaron read the contributions aloud:

.

.

.

Jake – 2 contribution points 

Blake – 2 contribution points 

Rumba – 50 contribution points 

Khumba – 100 contribution points 

Torvald – 1000 contribution points

After announcing the totals, Aaron added, "I'm not free to answer every question for free. Think for yourselves first. If you still need help, you'll need to spend 100 or more contribution points, depending on the complexity."

Torvald stepped forward, "Aaron, I want to know how to modify the Ballista so it can fire multiple shots.Is there a way?"

The crowd leaned in, intrigued.

Whispers spread:

"Isn't that the weapon that killed the Gray Wolves?" 

"If Sir Torvald improves it, our safety will increase." 

"Let's see how much it'll cost him to buy the answer."

Aaron looked at Torvald with approval. He had already considered the issue, but hadn't expected Torvald to take the initiative.

He replied calmly, "Torvald, this knowledge benefits everyone. So I'll give you a discount. Otherwise, it would cost 1,000,000 credits, or 10,000 gold coins."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Torvald's eyes narrowed, he sensed something big was coming.

Aaron continued, "Once I share this knowledge, you'll be tied to the territory. You won't be allowed to leave for the next ten years."

Torvald waved his hand, "I don't care, Aaron. I'm already committed to living here. Besides, last night's battle was so thrilling, I want to experience that feeling again."

Aaron gave him a blank look, then nodded, "Alright. Since you're so eager, it's time to form a secret place. It will be of great importance to us, and forbidden to ordinary people. There I will tell you the secret."

Khumba immediately understood. He knew that in a few years, outsiders would come. Having a hidden facility would be wise.  Some things were better left unknown to the public.

Torvald nodded, "Okay then, I'll wait for you to tell me about it."

Aaron turned to the crowd, his voice firm and inclusive, 

"Those who wish to register for guard training may report to Kelly. It's open to girls as well. This time, it's free, but from next time onward, it will cost 10 contribution points to join."

He paused, letting the message sink in.

"After joining, you'll need to give up your current knight method. I'll provide a superior Knight Breathing Technique, one that can elevate your realm to Earth Knight. But to access it, you'll need contribution points."

The crowd stirred with excitement.

"To earn contribution points, I'll soon post tasks. That's one way. Another is to think of ideas if your idea works, you'll be rewarded during the evening gatherings."

The villagers began to grasp the value of contribution points. The mention of Aaron's advanced Breathing Technique made many breathe faster with anticipation.

Kelly, ever diligent, raised a question, "Lord Aaron, is there an age requirement for practicing the Breathing Technique?"

Aaron nodded, "Yes. Children aged ten and above, and adults up to fifty years old."

Khumba's eyes dimmed with a hint of regret. But then a quiet smile formed, he had already done his part. If he met his ancestors in the afterlife, he'd have stories to brag about.

Meanwhile, the villagers whispered among themselves:

"Hey, how old are you?"

"How should I know?"

"Does that mean we can't participate?"

"No, Lord Aaron said middle-aged men. We still have black hair, so we're fine."

"Exactly."

Aaron's eye twitched at the confusion. He turned to Kelly, "Kelly, explain the age requirements in detail."

Fortunately, the Verdia Kingdom had a calendar system

based on moon cycles and seasonal rotation, a useful tool for age tracking.

Kelly sighed. Being intelligent meant being the one to handle all the odd tasks.

Just then, Aaron raised his voice, "Kelly, you're rewarded with 500 contribution points, for all the work you've done."

He added warmly, "I'm satisfied with your efforts. Keep it up."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Kelly smiled, finally, she was rewarded without having to ask. She stepped forward, ready to teach.

Torvald followed Aaron, and Khumba quietly joined them, his heart steady and proud.

Aaron stood in the quiet clearing, the trees rustling gently around him. He turned to Torvald and Khumba, his tone serious but calm.

"For the secret place we discussed," he said, "we need to find a suitable location first. It must be some distance from here, far enough to avoid attention, but close enough to reach quickly if needed."

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