The group of apprentices were all curious about the points Li De had mentioned, but he didn't elaborate further. Now wasn't the time to explain it to them.
Since this round of research had been successfully completed, it was time to get back to his main tasks.
The land distribution in Dawn City was still awaiting his final decision, and Laurent's procurement of supplies was ready, waiting for his next command.
Researching magic had put many things on hold. Although Harrison reported daily via Whispering Bats on the situation in Dawn City, Li De still needed to return to handle matters personally.
"The points system will be a very important aspect of the Crimson Mage Tower in the future. I'll have Vina explain it to you in detail later.
For now, you may all leave. Cohen, go fetch Laurent."
"Yes, Master Li De."
The group of apprentices left with excited expressions, their hearts filled with anticipation for the improved version of the Small Fireball spell that Li De had just demonstrated.
To think that it could melt an Anti-magic Stone that was immune to Tier 4 spells—how powerful was that magic? The thought that they might one day learn it themselves filled them with excitement.
Not long after, Laurent, who had been frequently visiting the mage tower these past few days, eagerly arrived before Li De.
After completing the acquisition tasks assigned by Li De, Laurent had been anxiously waiting for new instructions. But the mage lord had buried himself in the lab, paying no attention to him, leaving Laurent tormented.
Seeing Li De finally emerge, Laurent let out a sigh of relief.
"Master Li De, the previous batch of supplies has been fully stored in our warehouse. When do you want us to transport them out of the city?"
The news that Li De intended to rebuild the Kachar family's town on the border had spread through the noble Rom. Upon hearing this, Laurent no longer had any doubts about the large-scale procurement of supplies.
Rebuilding his family's territory—wasn't that a normal thing?
"No rush. I'll make a trip out of the city today. After I return, we'll transport them out. Have the ships been arranged?"
Laurent nodded.
"They're ready. The boatmen are single men from Green City with no families. They'll go as long as they're paid."
"Good. Did you encounter any obstacles during this acquisition?"
"No, Master Li De. The Alex Merchant Guild cooperated fully with our procurement. Lord Rom even personally met with me and asked me to convey his greetings to you."
"Well done. After this batch of supplies is acquired, your team can take a break for a while.
What's most important now is expanding the Golden Wheat Merchant Guild. I hope that by next spring, the Golden Wheat Merchant Guild will become a medium-sized guild with over 150 members."
The Crimson Mage Tower, as the sole external liaison for Dawn City, bore significant responsibilities.
The Golden Wheat Merchant Guild would shoulder some of these responsibilities. In the future, it would be an essential tool for Li De to acquire resources.
Currently, the scale of the Golden Wheat Merchant Guild was far from sufficient to support the development of a city. For a long time to come, Dawn City would need to rely on Green City's production system.
The larger the Golden Wheat Merchant Guild grew, the easier it would be to negotiate with the major guilds in Green City, and the more it would ensure the smooth acquisition of the resources he desired.
Laurent was thrilled.
This meant his power would continue to grow.
"I will strive to complete your orders."
"Go now. Wait for my return."
"Yes, Master Li De."
Watching Laurent leave, Li De summoned Vina, gave her some instructions, and then departed from the mage tower. He was returning to Dawn City.
Though Vina felt reluctant to see Li De leave, she quietly prepared his carriage for him.
The girl watched until the carriage disappeared down the winding street, lingering for a long time before reluctantly returning to the mage tower.
It had been eight days since the second batch of residents arrived in Dawn City, and during this period, a third batch of over five hundred residents had also arrived.
At this point, the human population in Dawn City had reached over 2,200 people.
With the increasing number of people, the previously calm Dawn City began to show signs of instability.
An invisible undercurrent was quietly flowing.
"Hedgehog, has your Security Squad received any news? When will Lord Kachar return?"
"That's right! The land surveying has been going on for half a month already. Are they still measuring? Why haven't they distributed it yet?"
"Hmph! Didn't I tell you those vampires can't be trusted? You didn't believe me, and now look!"
Hedgehog, as a member of the Security Squad, listened to the complaints from the former residents of Eric Town. His face flushed with anger.
"What did you say? Say it again?!
Does Lord Kachar need to explain himself to you just because he's away?!
Hmph! What do you commoners have that the Saintlight Vampires would deceive you for? If the Saintlight Vampires harbored ill intentions towards us, what could you possibly do?
You're eating free food, living in free housing, and you still have the nerve to complain here. I swear to the Goddess, if I hear such words again, I will throw you into the dungeon!"
The surrounding people's faces changed. During this period, due to the increase in humans, there had been quite a few incidents of theft.
In the end, all the culprits were caught by the Security Squad. Not only were they stripped of their rights to land allocation, but they also had to complete a large amount of labor as punishment.
They weren't willing to lose everything they currently had.
"Sorry, Hedgehog. We didn't mean it."
"Yes, yes, yes! These guys were talking nonsense. We'll leave now."
Hmph. Watching the retreating figures, Hedgehog disdainfully curled his lips.
The Saintlight Vampires wouldn't deceive them. Lord Kachar's words had never been false. This was his firm belief.
Not only had he received an additional five Silver Pucks as salary at the end of the month, but also, having spent a long time with the Saintlight Vampires, he understood what kind of beings they were. These powerful mage lords never stooped to lying.
But as the population in Dawn City grew, many newly arrived humans didn't know much about the Saintlight Vampires, leading to various rumors spreading.
Hedgehog held these rumors in utter contempt, refuting them whenever he encountered them.
However, over time, he began to feel some concern.
Lord Kachar's absence had stalled many tasks, causing idle civilians to secretly slander the Saintlight Vampires, claiming everything was a scam.
Because of this, Hedgehog had severely punished several troublemakers. But with Lord Kachar's prolonged absence, these rumors continued to circulate.
Hedgehog was extremely frustrated but powerless, hoping fervently for Lord Kachar's swift return.
He had absolute confidence in the city lord who hadn't mocked him and had solemnly promised them a future in front of hundreds of people.
He believed that upon the man's return, all the unrest would dissipate like foam.
In just over half a month, he had grown fond of this city.
If given the choice between staying in Dawn City or returning to Eric Town, he would choose Dawn City without hesitation—a thought unimaginable just half a month ago.
But that was how he felt. He had found hope here, something that the border town, always at risk of being destroyed by Beastmen, could never offer.
Therefore, he hoped Dawn City would prosper, just as the great city lord had promised.
He was full of confidence.