Zairon raised a hand, signaling silence among his gathered leaders.
**"First, we finish what we started—this city must be brought under complete control. No underground networks, no black markets, no hidden crime lords. We wipe the slate clean."
The Legion mobilized with precision. Patrol teams swept the slums and alleyways. Former criminals now working under the Legion's banner helped dismantle remaining trafficking rings. Streets were organized, markets stabilized, and protection offered to those who had once feared walking out at night.
In the span of a week, the city began to change.
With order secured, Zairon summoned the C-rank and above commanders.
"You've done well," he said. "Now it's time to raise our ceiling. We'll head into a B-rank dungeon—together. I won't interfere unless necessary. I want to see how far you've come. This raid will be your trial, your opportunity to grow."
Inside the B-rank Dungeon…
The terrain was brutal—jagged black stone, a heavy mist, and monsters lurking with calculated aggression. Packs of C and B-rank beasts attacked with more coordination than lower dungeons.
Zairon watched from above, arms crossed, his piercing gaze tracking every movement.
"They're strong," he muttered, "but still… they're missing something. They need more versatility, more techniques… I can't just feed them brute strength."
After the dungeon, the group returned with minor injuries but massive experience gains. Zairon, deep in thought, addressed the high ranks:
"From now on, we open a new wing in our base. A Combat Library. It will house skill scrolls—offensive, defensive, support, mobility, stealth, even utility-based. Everyone with potential will have access, based on compatibility and rank."
He turned to the treasurer.
"Survey the treasury. Buy skill scrolls from guilds, markets, or rogue sellers. I don't care how—we build the largest, most versatile arsenal of techniques this land has seen."
Zareth replied, "Understood. We'll allocate a portion of our funds toward elite skills and combat manuals immediately."
Zairon nodded.
"Good. Prepare them. The conquest of the next city won't be fought by brute force alone."