One whole month had passed and the recruits for the town militia were no longer a bunch of rabble, they were more organized and although there were still some flaws, Max could still see them turning into a force to be reconed with.
Crossbow prototypes had already been produced and the use and maintenance of these weapons .
Max personally taught them kendo so they could properly use the katana. He also practiced his rune magic on the swords and surprisingly he was quite good at it.
To conserve magic, he made it so that sword would be both stronger and sharper than when it was produced at least two times more.
This was just after rune application but if magic is injected into it, the strength and sharpness would increase more than twice the original but was relative son the amount of power injected.
Within that month, he no longer looked like he did before coming to Valum, he dressed simple and trained his body hardas well as his magic.
Maybe it was because of that or because he was an already mature soul but he seemed to walk around with an air of authority.
Even the knights assigned to him by the Duke were now less unkind, few knights like sir Kyle has come to even respect his ingenuity.
Two months later, training was finally over and Maximilian was standing on a podium to address them.
" Gentlemen of the first militia company, congratulations on your accomplishment and your discipline.
Many people who started with you are here no more, you who remain should feel pride just as I am proud of you.
There are many people who are stronger than you individually but under me, I will make and form you all to be men capable of summoning the mighty of a thousand suns."
The crowd immediately erupted in cheers.
Max continued," Before I let you go to your families,there is something that I must do ." He brought out a folded piece of paper from his pocket.
" This paper contains a list of people who had been exceptional during their training and as their reward they are being promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
These men have earned this rank and as such must be respected, an insult to them , a refusal to follow orders would be punished with extreme prejudice."
Max then called out the names as they came out , a Sergeants insignia made of bronze was pinned on their uniforms as the rest of the militia looked in envy.
This role meant higher pay, leadership position and most of all respect. It also proved to be a goal for the other soldiers to set their sights on.
It was also Maximilians attempt to create a well structured military.
Back at the Valum Manor, twenty knights stood around waiting for Maximilian, few minutes later her was there riding on a black stallion with fur that looked like it had been glossed over.
He rode alone, and held no weapon not even a dagger .
He paused few feet away from them and began,
" Few months ago, you were assigned to help me maintain order in this territory until a time where I could do so independently.
That time has come and in two days you will be bound to leave for the capital but it doesn't have to do. "
He paused and took a deep breath while observing their facial expressions.
" Bend the knee to me and swear loyalty, but be warned, you could leave now wth no consequences but if you do swear this oath and later choose betrayal and disloyalty know that you will die slowly and that you will die screaming. "
Just then he heard someone scoff loudly and the group seemed to part making way for Maximilian to notice the man.
He wondered if all douchebags had the same facial structure.
" Don't tell me that you are listening to this...this bastard with nothing to his name other than this backward shithole of a town.
To swear loyalty to a healer , who is nothing but a tool , someone closer to being a migicless worm than a mage. " He spat.
Max looked at him for almost a minute, the air was heavy. He was angry but he didn't allow for his facial expression to show that.
But still the magic energy leaking from his body radiated pure killing intent so much that the space around him seemed to warp a little but then suddenly it stopped, as if nothing happened.
He then climbed off his horse and started walking towards the man.
" You are Sir Ude yes? "
" What does it matter what my name is? "
By now Max was already standing in front of him.
" I would like to thank you Sir Ude. " Maximilian said with an unusual wide smile on his face, his hand placed on Ude's chest.
" I would like to thank you for offering yourself as an example of what happens to those who dare to slander the name Scorpia."
" What do you...."
And then it happened the myocardium, the part of the heart responsible for the pumping or beating of the heart became rigid and was unable to perform its function.
In other words Sir Ude suffered from an immediate cardiac arrest, he dropped to the floor clutching his chest.
He died within ten minutes, his face no longer bearing the smug look he had seconds ago instead he looked sad and pitiful, tears in his eyes and his trousers stained with his piss.
The knights were silent, what they saw was impossible, death with a touch they had only felt a flicker of magic in the area but here Ude, a knight in his prime just lay there the light snuffed from his eyes.
" Such potential, wasted . If only he had kept his vile opinions to himself. " He paused and looked at the men standing around him and asked again.
" You are free to leave or you can swear allegiance and loyalty to the name Scorpia, your choice. "