The 10 Legendary Swords
Thorny Tameng

Two weeks before the meeting, this short time Arav used as preparation for anticipation in the face of the sudden attack of the Black Rose which was rumored to have spread throughout the Vinterm region including to the city of Zem.

In addition to security concerns, Arav also paid attention to the growing development of Vinterm trading thanks to Aiyla for playing an important role in all of this. If this girl did not help and chose not to engage anything with her territory, then maybe the economy of Vinterm takes longer to develop.

"They are all soldiers I have gathered and have undergone rigorous selection until they can be selected to join a special squad for your escort ..." Maya introduces each soldier now lined up neatly in front of Arav and Masket.

In addition to the news of Vinterm's progress in trade, the 4 rulers of the region were also shocked at the formation of a Vinterm military force that fully used firearms as their main weapon, the report said, there was also a rumor about 1 soldier armed with a firearm this was equivalent to 5 ordinary soldiers opponents.

The news had spread so quickly throughout Antasia, that even the duke of Qwentensa, Duke Qwentensa, responded with a faint smile upon hearing this shocking news from the western region.

"This Duke Vintem is endlessly surprising me ... After the Economy of his territory rose, he unhesitatingly attracted so much attention from various parties including His Majesty ..." Duke Qwentensa chuckled.

In addition to Vinterm who managed to form an army this tough, in fact Vinterm was in second position after Qwentensa is known to have first formed an army like this. The Qwentensa family, known as the military family, had obviously prepared similar troops from the beginning and became respected for its toughness, but there are still other things that cause this army is so feared even rarely known by many people.

"Their abilities are at least at the intermediate level, partly of the class of shooters and assassins ..."

Maya nodded her head in response, "They are the best team I have ever met ... I hope you can recruit them to join the special forces squad that you will soon form ..."

Arav smiled widely and thought about the reaction of the 4 dukes after knowing the development of his troops, he knew very well that with the increasing military strength of Vinterm, it would at least make the surrounding area increase alertness, especially in the border area.

"This team will be called the 'Born Tameng' I assign you to lead it in the future ..."

Maya nodded softly, "I am honored to accept such an important task ... I will do my best in the future and will not disappoint you ..."

Arav realized that most of even almost all of the members of this squad numbering in the tens were filled by women, the most surprising of which was a dozen of them were still around 15 years old.

Even so Arav appreciates Maya's hard work and there is no sign of objection to her choice. This is because considering it is quite difficult to find the existence of a large number of shooter class fighters in Antasia if not for someone's help.

"Arav, at least you should think of the large amount of money that would have to be spent to purchase equipment and combat armor specifically for them ..."

Arav let out a long sigh, behind him Aiyla suddenly appeared breaking her concentration. Different from most people who called her as 'Duke' only this girl called her that way. Aiyla just reasoned it was close enough to Arav. So he called her as if Arav was his friend at the moment.

"For that I count on you ... We still have enough money to build up military power, given our current economic conditions that are increasing rapidly then Vinterm needs a formidable army to protect it ..."

Aiyla grinned before extending her hand, "Is that all? Where's the money you promised me after all this time I worked hard to improve"

"This ..." Arav throws a bag full of money at Aiyla, "I hope after this you're more eager to work ..."

Arav sighed while shaking his head watching Aiyla's behavior, this was natural considering that Aiyla had been a fan of money until she had dreamed of having a large amount of personal wealth.

"Hm ... Can't you treat me like yesterday?" Aiyla rubbed her blushing forehead after receiving the jacakan.

"I think you deserve it ..." Maskets chuckled at Aiyla's condition. He was just silent so that his whereabouts were only known by the girl.

"Ah, I don't think Arav has told us about our closeness that started from last night ..."

The masket could feel a lightning bolt striking her at this moment. Aiyla grinned as widely as she could, even Arav choking his own breath at hearing those words.

"Mr ... Is ..." Masket did not believe it right away but she wanted to know the truth for sure.

"Ah, that's not how ... Actually we've been spending time together from night to morning even in a row for a few days, right Arav?"

At first glance Arav's view fell on the pale-faced middle Masket, but he could not argue that because last night it was true they spent the night together, he said, but not as Masket currently thinks because there is a misunderstanding of the saying.

Arav can feel Maskets cold gaze towards him making himself gulp, he then cast a similar cold gaze at Aiyla for having put him in trouble. Aiyla simply looked away without helping her explain as if there was not the slightest guilt she had.

***

Less than 3 days Arav took care of the formation of the Thorny Tameng squads, but Arav who is still unable to explain about the misunderstanding makes Masket's attitude towards Arav slightly different especially when this young man is quite close to Aiyla.

The first day before was Maya's investigation of the Black Rose assassin members in the capital as well as conducting a search for the secret branch headquarters that was rumored to have stood in the city of Zem a long time ago.

Maya manages to find one of the locations of the hideouts of this branch of the group, but there was still more that he had not found especially when the Black Rose immediately made a move making him have to prioritize security within the residence.

"These Black Rose Troops besides recklessly sent their members to the city of Zem they even gave us a warning ..."

Arav looked at all the assassins he had killed most of the members of the Black Rose branch in the city, but there were still less than a dozen who had managed to escape from it.

"There are more than dozens of other branches of the group's headquarters remaining in Antasia ... It's pretty hard to find them overall but with the help of Princess Melida I guess it'll be easier to find her ..."

Arav shook his head softly, "Teacher won't be involved in any of this unless I really need his help, after all he might be busy at the moment to become a future leader candidate ..."