Gou is a dark elf in Warhammer

As Darkus moved, he walked slowly and leisurely, like a king inspecting his territory, calm and unhurried, and finally approached an open tent that had already been set up.

This time, he couldn't appear out of nowhere like a ghost, silently showing up when everyone was off guard.

There was simply too many people gathered inside the tent at that moment.

In fact, from the moment he embarked on this path, the guards outside the tent, the officers and sorcerers inside, as well as the staff of the Wanminyuan responsible for logistics and paperwork, had already noticed his approach.

"salute!"

At the command of the officer, the Duruci men, who had already stopped what they were doing and stood in straight lines outside the tent like well-trained machines, solemnly accepted the inspection.

"continue."

Dakos stood still, expressionless, extending his right hand in response. His movements were slow, but his composure exuded authority.

He recognized the leading officer; he was the current patriarch of the Blood Devouring Clan and the commander of the 54th Legion, a seasoned veteran who had made the "correct" choice in the previous rounds of purges and battle royale competitions, successfully surviving and not only preserving his life but also leading the Blood Devouring Clan to rise against the odds and achieve its current glory.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he stepped into the tent, sat down in the spot that had been prepared for him, and took the plan from the Blood Devouring Clan Chief, which he handed over with both hands, and began to read it.

The proposal revolves around the strategic planning and demand analysis of the Port of Elisabeth, a strategic node. It clearly states the objectives and functional positioning at the beginning, and includes detailed information such as the target customers, main types of cargo, transportation modes, and expected cargo volume. The proposal is logically rigorous and well-organized.

To put it simply, it's about how to build buildings and railways, not whether to build them at all.

Port Eleste, as one of Durucci's strategic nodes, holds a different position than Lorthern and Angrel. The port city itself is not particularly illustrious, but the inland region it connects to possesses immense potential.

Who made the port of Elisthe lead to the Windswept Plain, a land rich in resources, with vast terrain, suitable for agriculture, animal husbandry, and the gathering of supplies?
Therefore, it is certain that a railway must be built, and it needs to be done as soon as possible.

This strategic planning and needs analysis document was actually found in the archives of Tariendan.

As is customary in Tarrendan, various possible plans and contingency plans are prepared in advance, regardless of whether they will be used or not; preparation is essential.

Once Windswept Plains is fully occupied, maximizing the transportation potential of the Port of Eleste and building a transportation system that radiates inland is naturally one of the things that Taliendan had long included in his plans.

Therefore, this document has now been brought out as the basic blueprint for the current work.

Unfortunately, there is only this core document, which is similar to a general outline, at present. The details are completely blank and need to be improved.

This is why the officers, sorcerers, and staff of the Wanmin Academy are busy day and night inside this tent. What they are doing is filling in and expanding this outline, turning it into a complete construction plan that is executable, operable, and can be directly promoted.

Dakous glanced through the document briefly, skimming over a few key paragraphs before handing it back to the Blood Devourer Chieftain. He then looked up, his gaze fixed on the still-under-construction sand table model of the Port of Elisthe in the center of the tent.

If we were to gamify the reality he was in, then the emphasis that the Duruci culture placed on architecture and military engineering at this stage could definitely be called the "Roman architecture" tradition in the CK3: Eagle Fall MOD.

This tradition provides bonuses to traits such as architects and military engineers, as well as bonuses to troop movement speed, attack weapon efficiency, construction time, and development progress.

For Darkus, this was a manifestation of cultural power and an extension of the path of conquest. He understood that force alone could not sustain long-term rule, and that only by taking root in the land, transforming the land, and utilizing the land could a conqueror achieve true victory.

The type of sand table is not a strategic sand table, but an architectural sand table, and there are not just one sand table, but two, one of the present and one of the future.

Unfortunately, he came at the wrong time. The current situation is still being finalized, and in the future, only the dock area has completed the full planning and modeling.

There's no way to solve this problem by working behind closed doors.

In standardized terms, planning involves a series of parameters, including geological structure, soil properties, bearing capacity, groundwater level, and distribution of adverse geological conditions. Each step requires rigorous on-site exploration, and most importantly, it requires the right tools, precise mapping, and repeatable experimental verification.

If this massive project were to be handled by a spy system, it would be quite a challenge for the spies.

Each profession has its own expertise. Even if spies have conducted the surveying, the army will conduct a second survey after they arrive. This is why Tariendan currently only has the general outline document of strategic planning and demand analysis.

Only after the planning phase is fully completed will the next step, namely the formulation of plans for roadbed design, drainage design, and foundation treatment, be undertaken. These are all practical operational issues, and without data and a solid foundation, progress cannot be made.

Finding nothing particularly interesting, Dakos, hands behind his back, turned slightly and slowly walked to a table. There, officers were intently summarizing, calculating, integrating, and designing topographical survey data reported from various locations. They sat side-by-side, collaborating seamlessly like a group of actuaries, transforming complex coordinate and elevation data into practical blueprints.

Their goal is to create a high-precision topographic map that includes all elements such as contour lines, existing buildings, structures, underground pipelines, water systems, and vegetation, providing the most solid foundational data for subsequent route planning, alignment, curve radii, longitudinal slope, and earthwork calculations.

Perhaps it was because he was standing there watching, or perhaps the officers were simply too professional; in any case, in this atmosphere, the officers operating the slide rule made the slide rule seem almost magical. Meanwhile, the officers using compasses and rulers to draw produced smooth lines, precise rhythm, and every stroke executed without hesitation, as if they weren't drawing, but rather playing a symphony of engineering.

Another group of officers were writing rapidly, engrossed in sketches and instructions, seemingly knowing everything by heart. They didn't even need to look up to communicate; the sound of their pens moving and scratching blended into a low-frequency symphony.

What did you say?

"It'll be fine once you get to junior high."

Why? Because parents don't understand junior high school questions and can't provide guidance, or rather, they interfere.

Of course, you can also choose to live on campus.

Dakos, as a parent, happens to fall within this range.

He stood behind them, glanced at them, and immediately determined that many of the officers writing were working on the overall design of the pipeline system. They were outlining the complete water supply and drainage pipeline routes from scratch, and also reserving space for possible expansion interfaces and underground space planning in the coming decades.

Another group of people were comparing and optimizing route options. They made comprehensive comparisons from multiple aspects such as technical feasibility, engineering investment, operational efficiency, minimization of impact on port operations, future development adaptability, and environmental impact, listing the advantages and disadvantages one by one, gradually narrowing down the selection range until the optimal route was determined.

The last group of people were drawing up a design draft for the station and its ancillary facilities. The station layout, freight yard arrangement, traffic transfer system, location of the dispatch room, safety exits, traffic flow and evacuation routes... These contents filled the entire large drawing, and every stroke appeared steady and solid, carrying a quiet power beyond war.

"A precious treasure."

As the leader, Dakous ultimately gave his evaluation.

He didn't exaggerate or flatter; he simply told the truth.

In his view, these officers, along with the entire technological system and planning mindset behind them, are indeed one of the most valuable assets of this civilization.

Unlike other cultures, almost without exception, the architecture of the new era by Duruci was built by Duruci's army.

They were not just soldiers, but also the empire's most professional and reliable construction team—a truly versatile force, proficient on both the battlefield and the construction site. With the army and navy fully involved, their responsibilities were clearly defined and their efficiency was truly admirable.

Typically, the navy is responsible for the construction of ports and their subordinate buildings, including hydraulic works, docks, shipyards, warehouses, seawalls, and so on. The army, on the other hand, is more comprehensive, undertaking the construction of everything from massive land barracks, railways, highways, and warehousing systems to buildings such as the Iron Heart Stadium in Naga Lund and even the Naga Lund Prison.

In this system, dispatched labor is only responsible for the simplest and most repetitive manual labor, making it the final component of the entire construction process. Since arriving in Ulthuan, this type of manual labor has been entirely handled by the civilians of Asur.

But there's always a "but".

This time, the construction work at the port of Elrest was undertaken by the Army under the command of the Truc army, a task originally planned to be taken over by the navy. The reason was simple: the navy was currently too busy, with frequent fleet movements and tight schedules at various ports, while the army units on the Windswept Plains were temporarily free of work, so they naturally took on the task.

It is worth mentioning that there are no cross-industry barriers to this kind of transfer. Even if it is a switch from port engineering to large-scale urban construction, as long as there are Duruci's standards and templates, any well-trained troops can handle it.

All processes have been standardized, all components can be assembled modularly, and all steps are documented and institutionalized. By simply following the construction specifications and timelines step by step, a brand-new port city can rise from the ground at an astonishing speed.

Compared to the heroes who stand on high platforms wielding sharp blades and fight to the death on the battlefield, these sorcerers and officers working at their desks are the cornerstones that transform the chaotic world into order, the true skeleton that supports the stable operation of the war machine, and a force that determines victory or defeat.

They may never have the chance to set foot on the battlefield, yet their decisions—from the route of every railway line, the thickness of every foundation, to the depth of every water supply and drainage pipe—determine whether supplies can arrive on schedule throughout the entire theater, whether the wounded can be evacuated in time, and whether shipboard supplies can be transferred smoothly. Their thinking time is often measured in weeks or months, but its impact extends for years or even decades. It is they who can potentially transform strategic ideas into reality, turning them into physical tangible realities.

Some of these people were young, while others had calloused faces. Some still retained the caution of academics, while others had long since honed their skills to the point where they could draw with unwavering precision even in field conditions. They were low-key and silent, yet their professionalism was awe-inspiring.

They won't gain fame for going to the battlefield, nor will they receive flowers and cheers at the Arc de Triomphe. Their work is hidden in blueprints, data, sand tables, and construction drawings; their honors are often quietly bestowed only after the project has passed acceptance.

That is why Dakotas said it was a valuable asset.

Because he understood that what was more valuable than a temporary victory was the ability to sustain mobilization, the national will built brick by brick of strategic infrastructure, and the capacity to replan and rebuild even from ruins. This ability did not belong to any one person, but to the system, to the collective, and to this group of unsung heroes who were irreplaceable.

They are not artists wielding carving knives, yet they are carving history just as well.

After making a comment, Dakota walked over to a long table next to him.

Working around this table were a group of officers specifically responsible for project planning and budget calculation. Their task was the first phase of construction preparation: preliminary design and construction drawing design, which were then reviewed and filed by Taliendan, and finally a detailed bill of quantities and budget control price were compiled.

This is one of the most crucial and core aspects of a massive project.

Why is it that in Trudeau's army, the points system is closely linked to monetary benefits?

Before officially commencing construction, every process, every material, and every hour of manpower must be accurately calculated and clearly marked. This will facilitate subsequent point calculations and project completion time estimations, ensuring that the distribution of rights among the contracting teams is open, fair, and just.

As for who will take over the contract?

That depends on the luck of each of the Fear Lords. The internal rules of the Duruch society are unique, and ownership is determined entirely by luck, rather than by any appointment.

Next, Dakos moved to another table, where a group of port engineering officers were busy at work. Their duties were similar to those at the previous table, but their work was more focused, concentrating on the design of the port itself and the maritime system: the number of berths, the width of the breakwater, the centralized container dispatch flow, fuel reserves, dock protection, etc. Every detail was related to subsequent strategic advancement and supply efficiency, making them the nerve center of the entire front line's lifeline.

Inside the tent, there was also a table, which was specially prepared for the officials of the House of Ten Thousand People.

These people are not directly involved in engineering design or military command, but their work is equally important, and in some ways even more trivial yet indispensable. Their responsibility is to accurately calculate the estimated labor demand of the civilian population of Asur based on the data compiled and reported by the officers, combined with the construction schedule and daily construction volume.

Subsequently, it is necessary to formulate wage standards for hired workers, the daily food supply structure, transportation routes and consumption rates, and finally calculate the total expenditure in order to report financial consumption to the rear and prepare for the next round of funding and material allocation.

These seemingly trivial matters are actually all directly related to whether the project can be completed on schedule, whether the maximum benefit can be obtained at the lowest cost, and whether there will be hidden dangers such as labor disputes, work slowdowns, and material interruptions.

With the arrival of war, many commercial activities and daily social operations have come to a standstill, most handicraft workshops have closed down, and the lives of ordinary Asur people have suddenly fallen into hardship.

But regardless, they still need to eat, to live, and to make a living. Since these Asur are now under Duruci's rule, Duruci has to take care of them. Not only out of benevolence, but also out of consideration for order and efficiency.

Besides providing the minimum standard of daily necessities, organizing work is the most suitable and reliable arrangement at present, and exchanging work for wages is the most reasonable and sustainable way.

The employment system adopted the labor dispatch regulations from Trucchi's integrated military and political system, with the House of People coordinating the allocation of labor, specific tasks being issued by officers, and management being supervised by soldiers.

In terms of benefits, a meal service is provided for two meals a day, namely breakfast and lunch. Dinner is not provided and is the responsibility of the citizens to arrange themselves.

The Manminwon (People's Court) has established several officially registered fixed sales points in the civilian district, offering fair prices and fixed goods to avoid price gouging and panic buying.

As Dakos walked past the table at the People's House, he casually flipped through the reports they had submitted and glanced at the menu for the civilian workers. He hadn't had high expectations, but he raised an eyebrow slightly.

These Asur seem to be eating quite well? At least, it's not just coarse food to get by, but rather a ration quite up to elven standards.

This included white bread, a wide variety of fruits transported from Ashriel, and plenty of dried fish and meat for the physically demanding work. There were also beverages that tasted like low-alcohol wine, mild in flavor and good for maintaining energy.

"That's very thoughtful."

Dakous silently made a comment.

He respected the precise operation of every gear in the system. The emotions, physical strength, and work efficiency of the civilians in Asur directly affected the progress of the project, which in turn affected the overall pace of military and political advancement.

In this respect, the management thinking of the new era of Trudeau is fully reflected. Eating is never just about filling one's stomach; it is a means, a tool for governance, and the most calm yet solid mobilization behind a war.

Inside the tent, everything was well-organized, with everyone fulfilling their duties efficiently and maintaining perfect order. It can be said that the Truc society, based on militarization, had developed a complete and highly efficient military-industrialized organizational structure.

After all, their cultural tradition includes "Roman architecture."

The pursuit of standards, precision, and efficiency is self-evident.

Dakos didn't need to personally get involved in any actual work, nor did he need to give any leadership speeches to boost morale. Just standing there, quietly watching and listening, was enough.

He could sense that the construction of the Windswept Plains was progressing steadily and solidly.

On his way here, he passed a high ground and looked out into the distance. The large army stationed between Port Eliss and the Tower of Hosse, led by Alisa and the others, was also conducting exploration work, measuring arable land, planning the location of military camps, the direction of roads, and railway connection points, all in a neat and orderly manner.

The current plan stipulates that the troops withdrawing from the front lines will not return to Lorthern to avoid further increasing the maritime burden on the port of Lorthern, nor will they travel to Angrel. The reason is simple: although Angrel is well-developed, its geographical location makes the voyage longer and the resupply cycle more arduous. Moreover, the development potential of the inland areas connected to it is significantly less than that of the port of Eleste.

Everything is progressing steadily and orderly. On this land that no longer belongs to Asur, a new empire is growing in its own way.

When Dakos stepped out of the tent and ventured into the port area, he stopped halfway there. It wasn't because of any threat ahead, nor because anyone was calling him, but because a group of Asur civilians were standing not far from him, waiting to be assigned work.

These people were all ordinary citizens living in the city. They were once an ordinary and insignificant part of the Ausuan system, paying taxes in peacetime and serving as soldiers in wartime. Now, however, they have embarked on a different path.

A complex, unspoken emotion was faintly visible in their expressions: shame, pride, fear, and a hidden expectation intertwined, like the rolling clouds in the sky, unwilling to succumb yet daring not to hope.

It's as if the newly grown dust swept across the plains by the wind holds the opportunity for them to reshape their lives. Like spring grass after a wildfire, given a little water, it can sprout and grow rapidly.

Dakos is a seasoned research enthusiast with an extreme sensitivity to the emotions of the lower classes. This sensitivity, in the alternation of his roles as strategist and ruler, is no longer just a simple interest, but an instinct.

He certainly wouldn't let go of this sample group easily.

These people are the first experimenters in the reshaping of future society, or rather, the initial cornerstones of the new world order he envisions building.

"Did you just arrive today?" His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a natural sense of control and warmth, like a sudden breeze in the wilderness that couldn't be ignored.

The common people tensed up immediately; they hadn't yet adapted to the new power dynamics in this land. An elderly man stepped out of the line, his back slightly hunched, his fingers trembling as he bowed, whether from old age or nervousness, it was unclear.

“Yes…yes, sir.” He spoke cautiously, his tone tinged with a subtle uncertainty and a hint of expectation. “We have completed the registration process, and today is our first day officially incorporated into the labor service system.”

The elder didn't know who Darkus was, but he could instinctively sense an extraordinary sense of authority from Darkus's posture and aura. Not to mention Mandir, standing beside Darkus, clad in his signature armor and with a solemn expression.

After speaking, he carefully showed the card he was holding tightly in his hand and presented it with both hands. It was a symbol of their new identity—an ID card.

"How come you're in the sequence too?" Darkus didn't take the card, but looked directly at the elder's face, his tone calm and devoid of any emotion.

The elder chuckled dryly, a slightly embarrassed expression on his face. Just as he was about to say something, Dakota raised his hand to stop him.

Dakotas didn't say much. The elder said nothing, but in fact he said everything. It would be awkward to ask any further questions. The past and choices hidden behind the wrinkles didn't need to be revealed.

He looked past the elder and swept his gaze across the entire group of civilians. He saw children peeking out from behind their mothers, saw some clenched fists concealing anxiety, and saw others with furrowed brows but sharp eyes. He saw a reality where hope, fear, confusion, and fighting spirit coexisted, and he also saw countless potential fragments of the future slowly unfolding along the lines of this group of people's destinies.

“Very good.” After a moment, he nodded slightly, his tone steady yet penetrating. “You will be carrying out initial land preparation and canal clearing next. It will be tiring at first, but as long as you do a solid job, you will be rewarded.”

As soon as the words were spoken, a deep, rumbling sound came from afar, like some sleeping behemoth slowly opening its eyes. A fleet of agricultural machines unloaded from merchant ships was crossing the main road from the port area. The massive vehicles gleamed with the distinctive metallic sheen, and their rolling tracks churned on the ground, producing a breathtaking rhythmic sound.

Those are machines from the Krakarond factory.

Many civilians in Asur unconsciously turned their heads to look in that direction, their eyes filled with surprise, confusion, and even longing. It was not only a direct shock to the power of industry, but also a spiritual upheaval.

Darkus, of course, noticed the subtle shift in their emotions—the contradictory feelings of wanting to get closer yet instinctively retreating. He knew this was the perfect window to implant his beliefs.

"See? Those machines won't always be driven by Duruchi. As long as you pass the test, I guarantee that the driving rights will be granted to the outstanding Asur, making him a technician needed in this new era."

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

A young man finally couldn't hold back any longer. His eyes suddenly lit up, like rain falling on parched land. He mustered his courage, looked up at Dakota, and spoke in a suppressed but excited voice.

"Really... really? Can we do it too?"

“Yes!” Darkus did not hesitate. His gaze was fervent and firm, like a red-hot sword. “If you want to break free from your old fate and gain a foothold in the new world, you must rely on yourselves. If you want to operate these machines, then you must earn them through labor and perseverance.”

At that moment, the air seemed to change. Even the oldest and most silent Asur couldn't help but straighten his back.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Dakotas turned and left, satisfied.

He didn't say much, nor did he rely on lengthy speeches to establish authority like many traditional rulers. He knew that in the game of power, the most powerful force often comes from subtle influence—from letting people draw their own conclusions and gradually approach his vision through contemplation.

He didn't need them to believe immediately, but he knew that the seeds had been sown and would eventually blossom into a new order on the ancient land of Ausuan.

And all of this is not just empty promises.

He didn't just make empty promises; he was genuinely and step by step pushing for the reconstruction and reshaping of the entire order.

Mandir's 11th Army, as the elite of the elite, is the sharpest spearhead of the fighting machine. It cannot remain in the safe rear forever and is destined to be pulled to the most dangerous and critical front.

The development of agriculture could not rely on these troops; their duty was to fight, not to cultivate the land.

The true cultivators of the land will be the common people, especially the civilians of Asur. They are better at farming than taking up arms to fight, and under the new order, they will also receive structured organizational arrangements, a labor points system, and related land quotas.

Darkus, now in motion again, saw Aurelian and Karanos walking slowly from the direction of the docks, their pace unhurried. Between them, a somewhat unfamiliar figure walked silently alongside them.

He didn't recognize the man, but based on his familiarity with the political landscape of Asur and his accurate grasp of the power network, he could roughly guess who he was.

The urban class rule in Ausuan was both chaotic and orderly, a near-contradictory state that was maintained in a distorted yet effective manner.

For example, Angrel in the Kingdom of Ithaa is firmly controlled by the Angrel family, who have cultivated their influence in the Kingdom of Ithaa for generations, and their position is unshakeable.

For example, there's Tal Denor in the Kingdom of Kosqui, ruled by the White Wave family, while neighboring Elicia is controlled by the Kosqui family. Tal Corelli, the capital of the Kingdom of Kosqui, is an even more complex entity, its administration managed by a seven-member council, a highly centralized yet mutually constraining system of power.

When they arrived at the port of Elisthenes, the situation was different again.

The power structure here consists of a council of five, which includes two highly prestigious Asur nobles by blood—relatives of Fennubar, namely Aurelian and Kalanos—and the other three are Ferrian, Hosa Fay, and Mitherion Silverstag.

To put it bluntly, the reason why Port Eleste appeared on this still undeveloped Windswept Plain was not because of the accidental discovery of a natural harbor, nor because of a prince's sudden inspiration, but because the various families that ruled the Windswept Plain really needed such a port node.

They needed it as a gateway for foreign trade and as a hub for internal operations. Thus, the port of Elrest was planned, funded, built, and eventually jointly managed by these families with their own interests, becoming a rapidly growing town.

As for Ferran, a member of the Council of Five, with his dazzling birth and boundless wealth, he naturally lived a life of extreme luxury. His residence was filled with ivory and gold leaf, and his banquets were lavish with flowing wine. However, this daily indulgence in extravagance did not bring him true satisfaction; instead, it gradually sank him into emptiness, making him yearn for a more intense and real thrill.

One deserted afternoon, he sailed alone in a small boat, slowly entering the misty depths of the inland sea. There were no attendants, no entourage, only himself and the whispers of the sea.

Many hours passed, and the wind in the fog carried him back to Port Elisthenes.

Upon returning ashore, the first thing he did was purchase a larger and more robust ship, which he named the Wavebreaker. He selected a group of his most loyal followers from his court to build a private crew, and sailed across the Lorthene Strait, following a route that was not yet marked on a map.

No one knows what happened in the fog that day, and no one dares to ask what prompted him to give up everything he had and devote himself to this kind of life at sea with no return.

But one thing is certain: from that moment on, everything changed completely, or rather, the curtain was slowly rising that afternoon. (Vampire Pirates DLC: Sea Monsters)
Of course, that's another timeline, or something in the future.

Now, instead of venturing to the sea, the prince turned his attention back to the Windswept Plains. Owning a vast territory between the port of Elisthe and the Tower of Hosse, he found a new way of life, a more pragmatic and realistic direction. He proactively cooperated with the Duruch Legion stationed in that region, assisting them in undertaking comprehensive new construction projects, building roads, surveying land, and gradually perfecting the operational foundation of this strategic hub.

Daxius had already met Ferrien on his way here and accepted Ferrien's lavish banquet, drinking and making merry in the court.

As for the other senator, Josa Fay, he relinquished his territory, his authority, and even his seat in the Hoss White Tower Council, and then disappeared without a trace; his whereabouts remain unknown to this day.

So, now, the being who walks between Aurelian and Karanos… (End of Chapter)