While assigning the graduates, Duke Jansen grows curious about why these young talents are so fiercely sought after.

  After digging deeper, he realizes just how crucial Henwell’s cultivation of talent really is.

  Taking some time, Jansen returns to his own territories and doubles down on protecting the hospitals and schools Henwell helped build.

  He also squeezes out 100,000 gold coins from every family member in the Phoenix cn to fund several new schools.

  Just like Henwell, he starts subsidizing students’ meals.

  Jansen knows this isn’t a short-term investment, it requires long-term, steady commitment.

  It’s been nearly ten years since Henwell took over Peace Haven.

  Over that decade, Henwell has poured massive financial and material resources into education, resulting in fewer than ten thousand school graduates today.

  Jansen insists on following this path to keep his territories connected with Peace Haven and avoid falling too far behind.

  Otherwise, the Phoenix family risks becoming Henwell’s stumbling block.

  Honestly, Jansen envies the graduates on Henwell’s side.

  But seeing the heated arguments among Henwell’s subordinates, Jansen knows he can’t just poach their people.

  Now that Henwell is back, this problem naturally falls on him to solve.

  Even with Henwell present, the factions quickly erupt into chaotic bickering again.

  Henwell taps the table, finally quieting everyone down.

  After scanning the room, he says, “Jax, you pick the people first.”

  Jax, now head of the Technical Research Institute, grins broadly and waves to the department heads around him.

  Before he can bask in his moment of pride, Henwell continues, “Next year, allocate ten percent of the Technical Research Institute’s budget to the Education Department.”

  Jax tries to argue, but Henwell shoots him a sharp look. “If you take the best talents, you have to give something in return. The more you invest in education, the better the talent pool grows, which benefits the Technical Research Institute in the long run.”

  Henwell then ys out the pn: “The other departments divide the remaining graduates proportionally, but not for free. Three hundred thousand gold coins will be split among your dozen departments, paid to the Education Department according to how many people you take.”

  “Also, reserve five hundred graduates for the Education Department itself. These will enter the education system to help train future students.”

  “For now, don’t push these people too hard in your departments. Let them get familiar with your operations, then have them analyze your department’s weaknesses and strengths.”

  “They’ll compile teaching materials and help train faculty for each department’s academy.”

  Henwell speaks earnestly, “This simple six-year talent training program will st for at most four more cohorts. After that, we move on to nine-year programs. We need more talent, better talent, not to stop where we are now.”

  ”Focus on improving your departmental academies. In a few years, the new graduates might come back to study in your schools. Don’t always expect to get something for nothing. Lay a solid foundation. Cultivating talent within your own system is part of your responsibility as leaders.”

  Everyone agrees to prioritize this area of development.

  After the graduation allocation meeting, people start privately reporting confidential updates to Henwell.

  Jax reports on recent progress at the Technical Research Institute: alloy smelting has made good strides.

  The alloy named No. 35 now performs almost on par with Greensteel.

  Some even call it an extraordinary alloy, with performance basically matching Mountainsteel.

  Its production cost is ten times lower than Mountainsteel, yet it still far exceeds ordinary steel.

  Henwell has invested heavily over the past few years, and finally sees promising results.

  But having seen the Western Federation’s advancements, he’s naturally not satisfied.

  This time, Henwell brings back several extraordinary alloy formus, though some raw materials are scarce.

  Still, as always, Henwell focuses on research, not mass production.

  No matter how rare the materials, as long as they exist on the continent, Henwell can get his hands on them.

  Jax assures him that the extraordinary alloy project will see more breakthroughs soon.

  Beyond extraordinary alloys, the Technical Research Institute also makes new progress on extraordinary potions.

  It’s not that they’ve cracked mass production yet. Rather, they have a bold new hypothesis.

  Whether it’s extraordinary alloys or potions, these breakthroughs are linked to Galgher, whom Henwell brought back.

  The Peace Tavern owner arrived in Peace Haven two months ago.

  Simon, Lord Iron Guards’ captain, personally oversees everything reted to Galgher.

  The Technical Research Institute team was the first to engage with him, asking many questions about extraordinary knowledge, including materials science.

  Now, the Potion Analysis department has a daring theory: those so-called extraordinary body-strengthening potions are actually a special kind of poison.

  They don’t kill but instead awaken the body’s potential, and combined with specific training, enhance human physical abilities.

  Henwell pauses for a moment after hearing the conclusion. It really could be possible.

  He then asks, “So, what does the Potion Analysis Department need?”

  Jax replies, “They need human trials, but there might be casualties among the test subjects.”

  Henwell frowns, thinking it over. “I’ll have Chick handle this and do everything possible to ensure enough volunteers.”

  Henwell isn’t a saint. He knows that without being ruthless, unlocking the secrets of the body-strengthening potion is near impossible.

  He can only promise that those who die won’t be meaningless losses. Every failure, every death brings them one step closer to success.

  Once the Technical Research Institute deciphers the potion’s secret, it means Henwell can soon mass-produce extraordinary potions.

  At the very least, he can ssh production costs by several times, maybe even dozens of times.

  Then, with a rge force of knights at his disposal, all his future pns will hinge on this breakthrough.

  Henwell personally signs a confidential order. He doesn’t deny the blood on his hands, he takes full responsibility for his decisions.

  After Jax leaves, Chick from intelligence arrives.

  This time, Henwell speaks first, sharing everything he learned about the Western Federation.

  Apart from some sensitive details, Henwell tells Chick most of what he knows.

  After listening, Chick frowns. “Sir, the situation is too complicated. I think I must personally go to the Western Federation.”

  Henwell nods. “Good. After my wedding, then. Make preparations, go early next spring. I have spots for annual training; pick some promising talents. Get a clear picture of the situation there, establish an intelligence outpost, then return to Peace Haven.”

  Chick takes notes and begins reporting recent intelligence on nearby powers.

  First up is the Vorry Kingdom. In just over six months, they’ve formed three new legions.

  Pns call for six more legions to be raised. Clearly, they’re gearing up for rge-scale expansion.