At the Hidden Village.

  "Look at this, Nexus," Joshua said, his voice filled with a mix of pride and wonder as he gazed out at the hidden village nestled behind the majestic waterfall.

  The once primitive settlement had been transformed into a bastion of innovation and technology. The roar of the waterfall now served a dual purpose, not only protecting the village from prying eyes but also providing a steady supply of power through the ingenious kinetic turbines he had installed.

  The village's layout had been meticulously reconstructed, with the waterfall's energy being channeled to turn massive wheels that powered the village's machinery.

  The clatter of metal and the whirl of spinning turbines were the new pattern of life here.

  Solar panels had been installed on the rooftops, absorbing the rare moments of sunlight that pierced the canopy, storing the energy for when the moon held sway over the sky.

  Joshua walked through the wide tunnels, his mind racing with new ideas to further integrate technology into their lives. The villagers had gone from revering him as a deity to recognizing him as a leader and teacher. They had learned to maintain the turbines and panels, and even some of the more complex devices that he had brought with him from Terra.

  As they approached a chamber where the 'Blood Wolf Knights' trained, Nexus pointed out various structural improvements that could enhance their living conditions and combat efficiency.

  His eyes were lined with screens displaying the various suggestions and other progress, which Joshua studied with a keen interest. It was clear that Nexus had been busy, ensuring that every aspect of their lives was optimized for maximum performance.

  As they approached the training chamber, the air grew thick with the scent of sweat and determination. The 'Blood Wolf Knights' moved with a precision that was awe-inspiring to behold. Each swing of their swords, each punch thrown, and shot fired from guns resonated through the very air like a sonic boom.

  Nexus's voice chimed in, highlighting the areas of improvement.

  [Identified some inefficiencies in the kinetic turbines' design]

  [With a few minor adjustments, we can increase their output by 15%]

  [Iden...

  Joshua agreed to the improvements Nexus offered and left it to order 'Blood Knights' to do it. As currently, he has found the person he was looking for.

  Entering the dimly lit chamber, the sound of metal clashing against metal grew louder. In the center of the room, a figure moved with a fluid grace that defied his massive size. It was Bek Su, once the village's most skilled hunter, now a fully-fledged 'Blood Wolf Knight'.

  Joshua's eyes lit up as he saw Bek Su's transformation. The man was now a towering specimen of a genetically altered super soldier.

  "Bek Su," Joshua called out, his voice echoing through the chamber, "I need your expertise."

  The 'Blood Wolf Knight' halted his training, turning to face him. His movements were so smooth and silent that it seemed as if he had simply stopped existing mid-action. The gold glow in his eyes gleamed with anticipation.

  "What is your will, my lord?"

  Bek Su used to call him by name, but after he turned into a 'Blood Knight', he was subjected to light brainwashing. He made all 'Blood Knights' be loyal to him, not like his clones where he had full control over them. He wanted them to be independent but still obey his commands.

  "Bek Su, I need to gather samples of the strongest beasts you know."

  Joshua said, his gaze sharp with purpose.

  Bek Su nodded, understanding the gravity of the request.

  "There are many such creatures in the wilds, my lord," he replied, his voice low and measured.

  "But if you seek the most powerful, the Demon Island is where you can find them."

  Joshua's interest was piqued at the mention of the place. He had heard of that place when learning the geography of this world, but the mention of strong creatures made his curiosity spike.

  "Tell me more about this Demon Island," he said, his voice eager.

  Bek Su's expression grew solemn.

  "It's not a place for the faint of heart, my lord. The island is shrouded in a constant mist that's rumored to be the breath of the mythical creatures that dwell there. The land itself is treacherous, with volcanic activity that can change the terrain in an instant."

  Joshua's eyes lit up with excitement.

  "This is exactly what I'm looking for," he exclaimed.

  "The more dangerous, the better."

  He knew that the genetic material of such powerful creatures would be invaluable in his quest for the ultimate soldier.

  "Demon Island is not for the unprepared, my lord," Bek Su warned, his gaze unwavering.

  "The beasts there are not just strong; they are cunning and fiercely territorial. Many brave warriors have ventured there and never returned."

  Bek Su also told him that the journey to Demon Island was no small feat.

  "It will take at least 27 days of non-stop running to reach the northern coast," he explained, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the task.

  This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

  "And once we're there, the sea voyage is another hurdle entirely. Maybe it will take 8 days, if the tides and weather are in our favor, and that's assuming we don't encounter any... unforeseen obstacles."

  Joshua nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin. The allure of Demon Island was strong, but he knew the risks.

  His forces were still growing.

  Building a proper defense and establishing a stronger base was a priority. He needed to consolidate his power and resources before venturing into the unknown.

  Joshua also knew that even if Demon Island was a treasure trove of genetic potential, the risks were too high.

  His 'Blood Knights' were powerful, but they were not invincible, and the island's mythical beasts were rumored to be unpredictable and lethal.

  "We must first secure large lands of land of our own and build a stronger force," he declared to himself.

  "Our current capabilities are impressive, but we cannot rest on our laurels. The world is vast, and there are many lands and creatures to conquer before we set our sights on such a distant and dangerous place."

  [ALERT!]

  [Caravan being attacked by bandits]

  Joshua's thoughts of expansion and growth were abruptly interrupted by a sharp, piercing alert from Nexus. The caravan they had sent out days ago was in trouble, and the situation was dire. A band of ruthless bandits had set their sights on the precious cargo and were closing in fast.

  Without wasting a moment, he projected his consciousness onto the 'Noble Knights', sharing their vision in an instant. Through their eyes, he saw the caravan under siege. The bandits, a ragged horde of over a hundred, were a mix of desperate men and fierce barbarians, their eyes glinting with malicious intent. Among them, two figures stood out, their aura radiating a palpable power that marked them as at least Core level martial artists.

  He ordered his 'Blood Wolf Knights' and 'Noble Knights' to engage the attackers with a decisiveness that left no room for doubt. The 'Blood Wolf Knights', now a formidable force of 25 genetically altered soldiers, leaped into the fray with a ferocity that sent the desperate bandits reeling. Their movements were swift and precise, a blend of the savageness of the wolf and the discipline of a seasoned warrior.

  "All knights form a team of 5!" shouted Wang Lichen, a former soldier now a 'BloodWolf Knight'.

  "Each group spread out in the positions I point out!"

  They charge out, attacking in arc shape formation.

  The bandits, though numerous, were no match for the 'Blood Wolf Knights'. Their enhanced strength and speed allowed them to cut through the bandits like a hot knife through butter. The clanging of steel and the grunts of battle filled the air as the knights tore into the enemy lines, their gold eyes gleaming with the thrill of combat.

  "Ahhhh!" a desperate man, a former farmer, now a lowly bandit.

  With one slash he was cut down in two.

  "I am sorry." Xie Jie, a former villager now a 'Blood Wolf Knight', answered softly with a cold stare.

  As more bandits rush to her, she charges through them, cutting each one of them with her team.

  The desperate men, driven by hunger and fear, threw themselves at the towering figures with a fervor that was almost admirable. Yet, the 'Blood Wolf Knights' remained unfazed, their movements precise and calculated. Each swing of their mighty arms sent men flying, their claws digging into the earth as they pounced on their prey.

  Xie Jie was distracted by the rush of cannon fodder when one of the barbarians hid within the waves of his men.

  "Die!" as a sword slash headed straight to her head.

  "OH NO!" Her sword was slashing at the cannon fodder, where it was hard for her to recall the sword to defend from this attack.

  CLANG

  One of the former soldiers turned 'Blood Knight' slashed at the barbarian who tried to sneak an attack.

  "Kid, watch the whole battlefield, not dwell on the deaths of these pitiful men!" reprimanded her for focusing on others and not on herself and her squad.

  Xie Jie trembled but quickly stopped it. As if she had woken up, she started to take command of her group, surveilling the battlefield more.

  "You get back in formation! And you support your comrade, his side being flank..." Xie Jie ordered one after another.

  As she focuses, she notices the real bulk of the enemies are showing up.

  Then the Barbarians, a head taller than their super soldiers, join the fight, armed with metal weapons and leather armor. The 'Blood Wolf Knights' took the brunt of the attack, their enhanced physiques allowing them to absorb blows that would have felled a dozen men. Yet, even with their superior strength and speed, the sheer numbers of the barbarians began to wear them down.

  "Charge! All the gold and silver are yours for the taking!" The barbarian bandit shouted out.

  "Charge! They are weakened from all that fighting!" One reasoned, making others agree to that, believing these knights should be tired.

  But with the second heart, the 'Blood Wolf Knights' had an uncanny ability to endure. They fought on, tirelessly, each beat of their dual hearts fueling their bodies with vitality that seemed almost supernatural.

  "What why are they this still strong!AHHH"

  "No! I SURRENDER!!!"

  "Kill! Don't stop or you will be killed!"

  The barbarians, though fierce, began to falter, their stamina no match for the engineered endurance of the knights.

  The two Core-level martial artists watched the carnage with growing unease. They knew they could not hold out forever, not against such relentless foes. Yet, as they saw the 'Blood Wolf Knights' continue to fight without pause, their fear grew to something akin to respect.

  The two Core-level martial artists, sensing the tide of battle turning against them, prepared to engage the 'Blood Wolf Knights'. However, their path was abruptly blocked by the sudden appearance of the five 'Noble Knights'. Their armor gleaming in the moonlight, the 'Noble Knights' exuded an aura of power that was both terrifying and majestic.

  The bandit leaders, desperate and outmatched, called out to the 'Noble Knights', hoping to appeal to any shred of mercy within them.

  "We yield! Spare us, and we will leave right now! We only sought to survive," one pleaded, his voice loud and clear. The other nodded in frantic agreement, his eyes darting between the towering figures that now surrounded him. They can sense that the five 'Noble Knights' are not mere fodder; they are powerful warriors, each one emanating an aura of Core level martial artists that are the same level as they are.

  But the 'Noble Knights' didn't speak. They didn't need to. Their silence was as deafening as the roars of the 'Blood Wolf Knights' had been. Their eyes remained cold and unyielding, their stance unwavering. They were the embodiment of the judgment that these bandits had brought upon themselves.

  Ignoring the pleas of the bandit leaders, the 'Noble Knights' swiftly initiated their counterattack. The first bandit, facing three 'Noble Knights', found himself in a dire situation as the clones' coordination might bore down on him. The second bandit leader, however, fared better against the two 'Noble Knights', showcasing his superior martial skill.

  Joshua observed the skirmish unfold with a keen eye, noticing the subtleties in their combat. The first bandit was indeed powerful, but the 'Noble Knights' had been engineered to be unyielding and relentless. Despite the leader's attempts to outsmart them with his cunning, he was no match for the knights' overwhelming force.

  The second bandit, however, was a different story. His movements were fluid, almost graceful, as he danced around the two 'Noble Knights'. His blade sang a deadly tune, leaving a trail of sparks and leaving marks on its targets. It was clear that he had reached a high level of martial prowess, one that could say he had reached intent level martial skill.

  Joshua watched with a mix of fascination and concern. This bandit was unlike the others, his eyes gleaming with a sharp intellect that matched the precision of his strikes. He parried and dodged, his blade a blur as he pushed the 'Noble Knights' to their limits. The clones were strong, but this man's speed and skill were unparalleled.

  The bandit leader facing three 'Noble Knights' was in a precarious position, but his years of experience had taught him the art of the battlefield, and he knew when to retreat and when to strike.

  He was barely holding on, then suddenly the two 'Noble Knights' who had been pressing him went after his partner. The bandit leader took a moment to catch his breath, his heart racing. He had faced many battles, but never anything like that. The remaining 'Noble Knight' in front of him was like a statue of unyielding power, its eyes cold and unblinking. The bandit knew he couldn't let his guard down, not even for a second.