Chapter 31: Fixing the food problem (I)

"I will give you an honest answer if you first answer this. For whom do you fight?"

General Anglius' eyes narrowed as he heard the question. It was simple in regular times, but in this new world, it became profoundly complex. This new era, where individuals wielded the power to slay hundreds and where technology had become obsolete, was ripe for warlords to rise.

He remained silent for a few seconds before determination shone in his eyes.

"I am a General of the Military Forces and fight for the Constantine Country."

His words and the conviction behind them were clear. He would not merely follow a powerful individual and renounce his military pride, regardless of Vlad's strength or knowledge.

"What is Constantine Country?"

Just as General Anglius thought his resolve was absolute, he was taken aback by Vlad's question.

"What is... the Constantine Country?"

The general's eyes flashed with shock as he repeated the question, his mind filling with doubt as Vlad continued.

"Whom do you follow? Which orders will you take? The military? The politicians'?"

Each word struck General Anglius' mind and soul. These weren't philosophical questions but direct inquiries that a military general should be able to answer, yet he found himself at a loss. There was a clear chain of command within the military, and the Prime Minister would usually take charge. But even if that person survived, how could they communicate with the countless bases and millions of soldiers?

If destruction had spread across the entire country, then the current government system would be in ruins. Of course, General Anglius would lean towards military leadership in such a state, but which general, which orders?

"I... don't know."

Vlad smiled at that answer, pleased to see General Anglius acknowledge his uncertainty. He preferred an honest "I don't know" to a misguided attempt at an answer.

"I came looking for two things: capable people and a place that can easily be defended and accommodate enough civilians."

As General Anglius heard Vlad's last word, a meaningful light appeared in his eyes. Anyone seeking to exploit the chaos typically wouldn't consider the well-being of civilians, focusing only on soldiers and mercenaries.

"Civilians? Are you thinking of initiating rescue operations?"

"Absolutely. While soldiers are crucial right now, it is foolish to think a stable and sustainable force can be formed with them alone. Not everyone is cut out for the battlefield; some lack the physicality, others the mentality. Forcing them into conscription would only yield cannon fodder or, worse, liabilities that endanger the entire military force.

Besides, civilians also carried a significant role, even in a world with powerful people, taking care of all sorts of tasks and jobs, keeping the base of the civilians afloat."

Vlad spoke calmly, not just theorizing. His understanding of the new world order came not only from Asmael's memories but also from his Second Past Life. There, hegemons capable of shattering stars ruled the worlds, yet there were also common people living ordinary lives and with common jobs.

General Anglius observed Vlad for a long time, not letting the young man's appearance deceive him. Beneath those youthful eyes lay wisdom developed from years of experience, both as a civilian and a soldier.

Many questions lingered in his mind, and he sensed Vlad held the answers. Yet, pursuing that path meant understanding the implications, as there was no free meal in the world. The general struggled internally for a few seconds before he finally spoke.

"One of my soldiers tried the meat of one of those monsters and ended up with severe diarrhea and dehydration. If he hadn't been a Level 1 Warrior, I fear he might have died. Can your method really make it safe for consumption by ordinary people like us?"

"Firstly, they're not monsters, but demons from the Abyss. You can't simply eat their flesh as is due to corruption from demonic energy, which is toxic for humans. However, I have a method to cleanse it, making it safe for consumption. That way, we will have a nutritious source of food that can enhance the constitution of weaker individuals."

General Anlgius maintained his composure, but a keen intent shone in his eyes upon hearing Vlad's explanation. This method could be a game-changer, allowing the massive fortress to be utilized to save thousands.

"What do you want in exchange for that method?"

In regular times, General Anglius might have compelled Vlad to share this knowledge. While it might seem rough and tyrannical, with thousands of lives at stake, there was no room for half-measures.

However, that approach was unfeasible now, as attempting to coerce the young man into anything would equate to suicide.