55: Expanding military trade deployments

He efficiently directed the manpower, categorizing, registering, and properly settling the 3,000 Slaves, mountains of grain, cold-gleaming armor and weapons, and heavy gold coins handed over by Viscount Nocturne into the planned areas of Iron Sand Island and Ironwood Island.

The territory's population swelled instantly; although most were still Slaves, the surging crowd heralded more abundant labor and future sources of soldiers.

Standing on the high platform of the Lords Mansion, overlooking the vibrant territory below, brimming with infinite possibilities, Linn's heroic spirit surged like the boundless sea before him.

The solid Foundation had been laid; it was time to further forge the sword and shield in his hand and accumulate enough strength for the future voyage!

He called everyone to the Council Hall for a meeting, including Barton, the earliest sailor.

Barton had made great contributions during the initial voyages and served as a squad leader under Ocean Jack, as well as one of the few Bronze High Rank professionals in the Second Squad.

Linn did not waste any words and directly gave the order:

Military orders were like mountains and were communicated quickly.

Apart from the dedicated guards, the elite Guard Army (maintaining a force of 102), and the highly specialized Divine Arrow Army (maintaining a force of 102, focusing on archery and Ballistae coordination), the original three combat units would be fully upgraded and expanded!

The First Combat Unit was expanded into the First Battalion, with a full complement of 500 men.

The original captain, Karl (Silver Intermediate Rank), was promoted to Battalion Commander, assisted by Deputy Captain Spark (Bronze High Rank).

The Second Combat Unit was expanded into the Second Battalion, with a full complement of 500 men.

The original captain, Ocean Jack (Gold Initial Rank), was promoted to Battalion Commander, assisted by Deputy Captain Hogan (High Silver Rank).

As the core of the future navy and the vanguard of the expedition, it would prioritize recruits familiar with water, strengthening amphibious operations and ship coordination training.

The Third Combat Unit was expanded into the Third Battalion, with a full complement of 500 men.

The original captain, Shirei (Silver Elementary), was promoted to Battalion Commander, remaining stationed on Ironwood Island while acting as the territory's strategic reserve.

Everyone who received the order was exceptionally excited; the strength of the Star Sea Territory also elevated their status.

No one had expected that one day they would be able to lead so many troops.

They also marveled at how Linn could pull together a force rivaling that of a noble Family with decades of operation in such a short time.

This further solidified their conviction to follow Linn.

With this, the permanent combat main force under Linn (excluding the Guard Army and Divine Arrow Army) reached a scale of 1,500 men!

Although the proportion of new recruits was high and they had not yet been integrated and tempered, the backbone of the team was supported by veterans tested in the fires of war, supplemented by full armor and weaponry, and an increasingly perfect training and promotion system.

It was believed that it would not take long for them to immediately form combat effectiveness.

The dust of the military expansion had just settled, but Linn did not rest; he knew that a powerful military force needed an equally solid economic Foundation to support it.

He turned his attention to internal affairs and trade.

At a core meeting, he made a new appointment.

"Barton!"

"Subordinate is here!"

Barton stepped out, his expression respectful with a hint of excitement.

He vaguely sensed that he might have a greater opportunity.

Ever since meeting Linn, his life had gotten better and better; he had obtained the status of a Freeman, became a squad leader, and was allocated farmland.

"I appoint you as the President of the Star Sea Merchant Guild, fully responsible for all future trade matters of the territory!"

Linn's voice echoed in the Council Hall.

"I will transfer Hebrew, Carlson, and other clever and trustworthy personnel from your original subordinates to assist you."

"The start-up capital for the guild is 1,000 gold coins!"

Barton took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the responsibility: "Subordinate accepts the order! I will definitely not fail your trust, My Lord!"

"Your primary task is to go to the large port city closest to Shattered Star Island — Haige City — and establish a guild stronghold."

Linn instructed, "The current main business is to sell the potions I refine to accumulate funds for the territory."

"At the same time, you must actively network, especially with those nobles and merchants who hold large Slave resources."

"If you encounter any difficulties, go find my good friends Payson and Lilith for help."

Linn's gaze swept over everyone present, his tone deepening: "Gold coins are important, but talent is the true future and Foundation of the territory."

"We must find ways, through various channels, to obtain more population!"

"Understood!"

Barton nodded solemnly, already understanding the heavy responsibility on his shoulders — the merchant guild was not only a tool for making money but also an important pipeline for delivering blood to the territory.

With internal arrangements settled, the next focus fell on the pressing matters of the Shattered Star Archipelago.

Linn gathered all core members again, including Aivi, whose injuries had healed and whose aura was even better than before.

"Everyone, the military reorganization is complete, and the timing to head north to the Saru Archipelago and open up new lands is becoming ripe."

"And our first stop is Young Miss Aivi's hometown, the Shattered Star Archipelago!"

Linn got straight to the point, "According to the intelligence brought by Aivi and our previous discussions, this operation relies on speed and surprise."

He turned his gaze to Ocean Jack: "Ocean Jack, your Second Battalion has the richest experience in medium and long-distance sea navigation and combat."

"This time, you will personally lead the elites of the Second Battalion — select 300 well-trained officers and soldiers familiar with water, take the 'sea wave', 'wave chaser', and some supply ships, and set off with me and Young Miss Aivi, sailing directly to Shattered Star Island!"

Ocean Jack stood up abruptly, excitement and Battle Intent flashing in his eyes: "Yes! My Lord! The Second Battalion can set off at any time!"

Linn looked at Karl, Shirei, Angus, Clay, and others: "While we are away, the territory's defense and military training will be left to you all!"

"Karl, Hogan, Shirei, you must intensify the integration and training to form combat effectiveness."

"Angus, the long-range strike capability of the Divine Arrow Army must continue to be strengthened; Clay, as the ace unit, the Guard Army must maintain the highest alert!"

"Understood!"

Everyone responded in unison, their voices filled with a sense of responsibility.

"Linn..."

Aivi, hearing the news that she was about to return to her hometown, felt excitement and anticipation burst forth in her sea-blue eyes.

Having been away from her tribe for nearly half a year, she was extremely worried about their situation.

At this moment, she finally saw the dawn of hope, "Thank you! When can we set off?"

Linn could feel her eagerness to return home, and said in a deep voice: "Loading supplies and selecting personnel will take a few days."

"Three days later, we march to the Shattered Star Archipelago."

Aivi nodded vigorously, her hands clenching involuntarily, her heart filled with worry for the safety of her kin.