My Evil System

[BONUS]

"How did Perry know we're here? And this fast?" I asked no one.

Jin answered, "I don't know how you rope a merchant into your side that not even nobles could do, and I don't know about these lamp, but the merchant guild helping us is certainly to our advantage.

"And regarding your question, that thing is called a [Magical Raven]. As long as the sender remembered your name and face, he could send you the Raven anywhere in the world. The Raven would automatically know where you are, but the sender wouldn't, and once it delivered its message, it would burst into nothingness leaving without any trace of its existence.

"Magical Ravens are used for spying to sending secret messages. Though they're very expensive and only very rich household can afford one. It's untraceable, and the only thing that could hinder it is by setting up a magical barrier in your territory."

"I see . . . these things are pretty handy," I said. Maybe it was time to set up magical barriers as well.

I would make sure to check the HAVEN's shop later for the weapons available to equip on my territory.

"And who are these Bugbear Brothers?"

Jin's face darkened. "They're a group of mercenaries, though they're only made up of four bugbears. They're a popular mercenary group that had more than 80% success rate and are known for hunting players."

Amara looked at me worriedly. Megu was silent. Thomas and Lina didn't care while Florin was ranting nonstop about how she would kill these bears and turn them into bear soup.

I stifled a laugh. "It looks like they wanted to know where we are. Don't worry, let them come. Sooner or later, they would find about our location anyway. Like Jin said, the southern path only leads to here. But in the meantime, let them think that this is where we live. Let's not divulge the base on the mountains."

"Does that mean we're going to live here?" Megu asked and purred, "I kind of like it in the hills. It had hot springs."

"You girls should go to the mountains. It's safe there while Thomas, Jin, and I stay here."

Megu didn't have any problem with the idea, while Florin and Amara had complaints.

"No way! Where My Lord is, is where Florin is," she declared.

"Cross . . . I will stay here with you and fight by your side," Amara said with finality.

While Jin was convincing Lina to go with Megu and Angelica. "You should go there where it's safe."

"I can fight," Lina answered simply.

Jin looked to the side and angrily said, "You'll just be a hindrance."

What a tsundere.

"All women, we'll go to the mountains by tomorrow," I said in finality. "It's not because you're a hindrance or weak. It's because we need you to defend that mountain. It will serve as our last base if this village ever gets destroyed. So your role is to make sure that our retreat route and base of operations are safe. Am I clear?"

"Bummer." Florin sighed, ruffling her fringe.

Megu was satisfied, while Amara and Lina no longer commented.

"With that out of the way. Let's discuss our options," I said to Athena. "What are the races that you think we should recruit?"

"I could tell you about the readily available races, My Lord."

I nodded, and Athena started, "Before we start with the races, let me first explain the different types of units, as this would greatly impact your decision on which race to choose.

"The first type is the [Militia] which represents the least discipline, poorest equipped, and least experience of your soldiers. Oftentimes, militias are called upon at the last moment to take arms and defend their homes with whatever weapons are available. In large numbers, militias can act as an overwhelming horde, but more frequently, they serve as an expendable line of defense to provide time for your more experienced troops to get into an advantageous position. A militia is cheap and plentiful.

"The next is [Light Infantry]. They received whatever your realm considered basic training and are adequately equipped to hold their own in combat. Though lightly armored, they can turn the tide of battle if used efficiently.

"Next is [Heavy Infantry]. They are the armored troop of your soldiers. Heavily armed, they excel at holding the line and frequently are the last standing among your traditional fighters.

"Next, we have the [Ranged Soldiers]. They are soldiers equipped with bows, javelins, throwing daggers, crossbows, poison darts, magic, and other range weapons. Range units are generally weaker than light infantry but make up for it with their ability to stave off an advance from a distance.

"Next is the [Mounted Units]. This may be members of your light or heavy infantry-class soldiers who ride beasts, or are war beasts themselves. Many mounted units, in addition to being heavily armored, have the ability to crash into the enemy's line and separate their forces.

"The next, we have the [Siege]. This unit represents large, often mechanical, war machines capable of lobbing massive damage to individual soldiers and structures. They are usually slower, but they pack a stronger punch and may be more vulnerable when engaged by melee units.

"And the last is [Fantastic] units and represents the most powerful creature your race can summon, ally, bind, recruit, or coerce into battle. These Fantastic units are the most expensive and usually have unique traits that make them fearsome opponents."

Athena paused for a minute and spoke to us. "Do you have any questions so far?"

The rest of us shook our heads, while the others didn't bother caring.

It was pretty straightforward, and Athena's explanation was easy to understand as well.

"Then . . . let's talk about the races. I will only explain the bare minimum since once you acquired an NPC. You will attain all its specific information, the benefit it brings to your territory, and the skills and spells that make them unique to battle. And if you built your [Research] facility, then you can upgrade their level and unlock spells and skills unique to them."

"Got it." I just wanted to know my options here. Pressed with time, we have to recruit those races that would benefit us the most in this war.