Chapter 571

Chapter 571: Recruitment Order

Nide County, Iron Anvil City.

Once a somewhat decayed city, it has now rejuvenated with new vitality over the past two years. Upon entering the city, one can hear the rhythmic sound of blacksmiths at work echoing through the streets and alleys.

The clanging noise is followed by the sounds of steel being quenched in oil and boiling. Rows of brick-red factories stand on the vacant land north of the city, with tall chimneys continuously emitting thick smoke day and night.

Despite the increase in noise, the city is now bustling with life and prosperity. Merchants, travelers, street vendors, women, and children all contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of this iron city.

Since Lolan Hill came here two years ago, a steel mill was established, and skilled craftsmen began to be trained on a large scale. Nearly every second household among the original residents had someone working in the factory.

Compared to the previous occupations such as miners and farmers, becoming a skilled worker in the factory offered significantly higher wages, along with various benefits and protections. If any employee was injured or encountered accidents, the medical expenses would be covered by the factory.

After working for a certain number of years, there was also a retirement mechanism, allowing employees to take up light duties like guarding warehouses or receiving annual payments.

Now, this county capital has attracted most of the residents from the surrounding mountainous areas, leading them to migrate into the city. Subsequently, various shops and industries flourished.

On the main street near the city gate, six horsemen rode swiftly down the road. People around them made way, and they skillfully maneuvered their horses to avoid pedestrians.

Finally, they arrived at the city lord’s residence and stopped. After presenting their identity tokens and documents, they were immediately welcomed inside by the personnel.

After another half hour, these individuals exited the residence with the city lord and came to the central square.

Dong—

The sound of the great bell stood out prominently amidst the bustling city. Many people heard it and gradually gathered at the center of the square, crowding together. They wore clothes mainly in shades of dark gray, watching the few people standing in the middle.

These几位正是如今铁毡城的城主和行政长官。

“Everyone, please be quiet,” the city lord bellowed, and the crowd fell silent.

“There is something important to announce today.”

“Many of you know that our nation is currently at war with the Frost Alliance. Most of the county’s garrison troops have been dispatched to the imperial capital to prepare for the southern campaign on the border.”

“Considering that the war will not end in the short term, and given that we are located on the border, with the Blackrock Duchy to the north remaining restless, the Unified Command Department has now issued a recruitment order.”

“The army needs more soldiers. All able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 40 are required to report for duty. Each man who joins will receive a monthly stipend, food, and other necessary supplies.”

“If you join and serve faithfully, there will be additional rewards and recognition. The city will also provide support for your families during your service.”

“Those who refuse to comply will face severe consequences, including fines and possible imprisonment. This is a matter of national importance, and everyone must contribute.”

“Please spread the word. Those who wish to enlist should report to the city lord’s residence tomorrow morning. You will be provided with further instructions and preparations.”

The city lord’s words resonated throughout the square, and the crowd dispersed, each person contemplating their next steps.

“I, starting today, we will launch a new round of conscription. The age range for enlistment is 18 to 36 years old, with requirements for physical fitness. Those who have received military training previously will be given priority.”

“Secondly, the trade of grain, cloth, steel, weaponry, and armor will be restricted. The government will take over and allocate the trading volume.”

“Thirdly, all residents aged 15 to 55 will take turns receiving basic military training as reserves, preparing for any potential crises ahead.”

“These difficult times are coming. The government understands that everyone has been working hard, day and night, to forge armor and weapons. In the first round of conscription, considering Nide County’s significant sacrifices during the revolution, we allocated fewer slots to our county to preserve more resources.”

“However, even so, I hope everyone does not forget the past hardships, and does not forget how precious everything good we have now is. With swords against swords, with battles to stop battles, only by picking up weapons can we protect what we have today.”

“Fight, keep fighting, advance, keep advancing—this is the will of Clancia.”

“Let us face this with pride and composure. These hardships will hone us like whetstones, and we shall surely triumph!”

As a revolutionary base and the origin of the uprising, the people of Nide County take pride in Clancia, and they feel a sense of honor that outsiders cannot comprehend. After the old Lord’s speech, this long-accumulated emotion erupted.

“Long live Clancia!”

The voices were filled with excitement and fervor, surprising and confusing some travelers and merchants from afar. Regardless, such calls spread throughout the city like waves, reaching every corner. Even those working would raise their voices in response upon hearing this cry.

“Long live Clancia!”

The street vendors, women drawing water at the well, workers calibrating at the steel mill, artisans threading armor, students attending military school within the city, patrol guards, cart drivers transporting wood outside the city, and many more.

Their faces were filled with genuine and sincere smiles and pride.

Since this nation was reborn, they had never felt such happiness and fulfillment, and they were willing to dedicate their lives to this nation.

Following the posting of notices around the city, riders bearing flags left on horseback, galloping through the mountainous roads, delivering messages to remote towns and villages. They informed them of the current state of the nation and the directives.

Because they are part of this nation, and one of its masters, they naturally have the right to know about its current situation and challenges.

Under the admiration of others for its administrative efficiency, Clancia was tightly united, far surpassing the former Westwind or any feudal nation in terms of speed of integration.

The war hammered this newborn nation like an iron hammer, tightly connecting the originally loose iron pieces. Along with this tempering by iron and fire, the concept of the nation would be deeply imprinted into everyone’s memory and spirit.

—

On the eastern side of Nide County, within the rugged mountains, a group of about a hundred people were riding horses through the mountain paths. They wore deep green cloaks, their bodies clad in neatly uniform plate armor, and rode horses with various shades of gray coats.

Each of them had a long sword at their waist, and short bows and quivers hung from their saddles, as if they were nimble rangers in the forest.

These were members of the Dawn Horn Knight Order. As founding members of the order, each member was ranked above Sequence 2, with nearly half being ranked Sequence 3. The young man leading them was a Sequence 5 existence.

At this moment, he was leading the knight order to clear out the demonic beasts in the nearby mountain area. As part of the newly established combat sequence in Nide County, they weren’t too old, and because their numbers were still limited, they hadn’t been dispatched to the frontline yet.

“Captain Bard, there is a letter from the county seat,” a member with a bow and arrow approached, a brown-gray feathered hawk perched on his arm.

“Open it and read it, Xeso.”

Bard turned to respond, but he continued to carefully observe his surroundings. Currently, their knight order was tasked with eradicating the remaining packs of dire wolves here. These Sequence 4 demonic beasts did not live alone but gathered together, posing a significant threat to the local populace.

“Alright.”

The young man named Xeso opened the letter and began reading aloud, while the surrounding members also listened intently.

“The Central Military Command has ordered large-scale collective training across all regions to strengthen the army’s reserves and prepare for battle at any time. The Dawn Horn Knight Order is instructed to return to Iron Anvil City immediately after completing their task and start training eligible individuals.”

“It seems the situation on the frontline isn’t looking good.”

Bard seemed to感慨, then he suddenly threw his longsword forward. A loud tearing sound came from the dense forest ahead, as if it had pierced some creature’s flesh. Soon, several wolf howls echoed, and some branches shook violently.

“We need to speed up.”

“Dismount and pursue! Finish the battle today.”

After issuing the command, this newly appointed knight captain led the crowd into the depths of the dark forest, engaging in a chase with several wolf-like creatures.

(End of Chapter)