52: Changes on Iron Sand Island

In the days that followed, Iron Sand Island passed in stability and busy activity. Linn's life was extremely regular; most of his time was dedicated to his own Cultivation and meditation, consolidating his High Silver Rank Realm and striving toward higher levels. For the rest of the time, he immersed himself in the breath of life space, diligently refining fourth-level potions with Dolia's guidance and his increasingly exquisite techniques. These potions, shimmering with magical luster, were not only crucial supplies for future battles but also the most stable source of enormous gold coins in his hands, supporting the territory's vast expenses.

Occasionally, he would also carefully conceal his whereabouts and wander around the secluded areas of Iron Sand Island with Dolia, who was curious about everything, letting her feel the sunshine, sea breeze, and vitality of the outside world. Dolia's cheerfulness and innocence brought a momentary relief to his strained nerves.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was March in the 31599th year of the dawn calendar. It had been one year and seven months since Linn landed on Iron Sand Island. The chill of the deep winter had completely faded, and warm spring winds swept across the sea, bringing a rare period of calm to the Storm Sea Region. However, Linn keenly noticed that compared to last year, this year's storm period seemed slightly shorter and its intensity weaker. He wondered if this was a normal fluctuation or a sign of some greater climate change.

On this day, accompanied by Elise, Linn inspected the shipyard located in a hidden cove. After half a year of diligent labor by Great Master Henry, numerous craftsmen, and Slaves, two behemoths suddenly appeared on the slipway! They were an entire size larger than the previous "iron sand no. 1" and "iron sand no. 2." The hulls were about 120 meters long and 35 meters wide, displaying sleek and mighty lines, divided into upper and lower decks. Most strikingly, the sides of the ships were densely fitted with crossbow ports, where one or two dozen large, powerful, and newly improved ballistae were installed! The menacing crossbow bolts extended from the hull, emitting a chilling Killing Intent.

"My Lord, these are the new main battle ships designed and built according to your requirements. Fully loaded, they can accommodate three hundred soldiers for long-term combat. Their speed, load capacity, defense, and firepower are far superior to the old ships," Great Master Henry said, pointing at the two massive vessels, his face filled with pride.

Linn stroked the cold planking with satisfaction, feeling the power contained within: "Excellent! Great Master Henry, your contribution is invaluable! These two ships shall be named 'sea wave' and 'wave chaser.' May they carry the will of Iron Sand Island, gallop across the sea, and ride the wind and waves!" (This name replaced the previous names inherited from the old cargo ships)

To commend Great Master Henry's outstanding contribution, Linn immediately bestowed several bottles of level three potion that assisted Cultivation, along with one hundred glittering gold coins. Great Master Henry received the reward with slightly trembling hands, his heart filled with emotion. He had originally planned to bid farewell to Linn and return to his homeland, the Ceris Kingdom, after completing the two ships. However, during his time on Iron Sand Island, he not only received unprecedented respect and the space to display his talents, but his strength, aided by Linn's resources, had also risen all the way from Bronze High Rank to Silver Intermediate Rank! This gratitude for the opportunity and tangible improvement gradually replaced the thought of leaving deep within him with a sense of belonging. Perhaps staying here, following this young and powerful lord, and witnessing the rise of a maritime power was also an excellent choice.

After inspecting the shipyard, Linn toured the army barracks and reviewed the soldiers' drills. Afterward, he returned to the study in the Lords Mansion, where the latest statistical list of the territory's strength, compiled by Morton, was laid out on his desk. Linn carefully reviewed it, gaining a clearer understanding of the forces under his command:

· Lynn Ellis: Lord, Gold Initial Rank Mage / fourth-level Apothecary.

· Morton: Logistics Manager, Silver Elementary. A loyal old servant, managing internal affairs and Slaves.

· Elise: Lord's Maid and Divine Arrow Army Instructor, High Silver Rank. Elf Race, responsible for Linn's daily life and archer training.

[Military Strength]

· Guard Army (102 people):

· Captain: Clay (High Silver Rank)

· Vice Captain: Alexander (Silver Elementary)

· Composition: 12 Bronze Junior members (all were the Young Soldiers who first followed Linn, recipients of resource allocation), 88 Apprentice Professionals.

· Assessment: All members are Professionals, equipped with the finest gear. They are the sharpest sword and the strongest shield in Linn's hands, capable of fighting against several times their number of ordinary enemies.

· First Combat Squad (302 people):

· Captain: Carl (Silver Intermediate Rank)

· Vice Captain: Spark (Bronze High Rank, one of the original followers of Linn recommended by Carl)

· Composition: 2 Bronze Professionals, 46 Apprentice Professionals, 252 Ordinary Soldiers.

· Assessment: Main Infantry Corps, experienced, undertaking primary assault and defense missions.

· Second Combat Squad (302 people):

· Captain: Ocean (Gold Initial Rank)

· Vice Captain: Hogan (High Silver Rank)

· Composition: 8 Bronze Professionals, 43 Apprentice Professionals, 249 Ordinary Soldiers.

· Assessment: Naval/water combat core. Captain Ocean has achieved the Gold Rank Breakthrough. Morale is high, and they are the absolute main force for maritime assault.

· Third Combat Squad (301 people):

· Captain: Shirei (Silver Elementary)

· Composition: 2 Bronze Professionals, 32 Apprentice Professionals (mostly veterans promoted from the First Squad), 266 Ordinary Soldiers. Stationed on Ironwood Island.

· Assessment: A new sharp unit. Captain Shirei is young and promising with great potential, handling both defense and mobility missions.

· Divine Arrow Army (102 people):

· Captain: Angus (Silver Intermediate Rank)

· Vice Captain: Evan (Silver Elementary)

· Composition: 15 Apprentice Professionals, 85 Ordinary Soldiers.

· Assessment: Professional long-range strike force, strictly trained by Angus, with precise archery skills aided by Elise’s guidance.

[Territory Population and Resources]

• Territory Area: Including Iron Sand Island and 150 square kilometers of Affiliated Islands.

· Freemen: 2,500 people (including all army soldiers and their families).

· Slaves: 5,800 people (mainly responsible for basic production such as farming, mining, logging, and construction).

· Food Reserves: Can meet the consumption of the entire territory (including Slaves) for about half a year.

· Finance: After deducting daily operations and military expenses, the National Treasury balance is about 600 gold coins.

Closing the list, Linn walked to the window, gazing at the busy dock and the vast blue sea beyond. This weighty report of strength in his hand was the fruit of over two years of painstaking effort. From the initial three ships and a hundred Scattered Soldiers, the territory had grown to possess four main battleships (sea wave, wave chaser, iron sand no. 1, iron sand no. 2), over a thousand elite soldiers, and a population nearing ten thousand. The period was filled with much blood, fire, and hardship.

At the same time, according to Morton's news, Iron Sand Island's already scarce iron resources were about to be exhausted. Linn had no choice but to accelerate his pace of expansion.

Now, arms and armor were ready, and the warships were standing by. All that awaited was the arrival of the Kingdom's Envoy to complete the final ceremony. Lynn Ellis would officially, under the title of Baron, begin a new expedition—marching towards the Shattered Star Archipelago to lay down his solid Foundation in that broader sea area as a springboard. The ultimate goal was to advance toward the Great Wilderness Forest in the eastern part of the Cydriote Western Continent.