Heaven's Greatest Professor

As Warden remained in the aftermath of the skirmish, only bad news came his way.

First of all, he would only receive a fifth of the 820 contribution points he earned in the fight. So, 164 points. As for the benefit these points present, well, they have the same value as Arcane Credits, and could be used to get anything from the arcane society with them.

However, the War contribution points could be used to receive resources—which were expensive elsewhere—directly from the front lines as well.

Caleb told him to check the Emporium for what he would like to exchange those points for. He was told that many points would earn him a couple of intermediate Strength Elixirs, which could increase anyone's strength below 300 by 2 points.

Strength was the easiest attribute to grow for Warden, so that elixir didn't hold any sway in his mind, but he was looking forward to getting an elixir to improve his Spirit. After all, he was only 8 points away from achieving the 100-point mark. He wondered what kind of choices he would have.

Hmm, I should have asked June more about these when I had the time, he sighed in regret. Of course, she did mention listening to one's gut feeling on those choices was always the right decision. Still, it would have been better to learn more about them.

Next, Luis came back with more bad news. He was actually the sergeant of the sixteenth infantry, even though his deep silver rank power was enough to land him a captain's position if he were in any other circumstances.

Anyway, on to the bad news. While they were fighting, there was another party of goblins looting the ores the miners had piled up. They hadn't managed to loot it all, but it was a substantial amount for the Colonel to fuss over, as he was getting rebuked for the loss of men and resources.

On that note, 147 rankers died in total, a number that included the non-combatant miners as well. This was war, after all. The enemy didn't discriminate on classes, only on race.

Warden sighed. The numbers of heavily injured was over a couple hundreds, and many of them had been sent back, as they would probably never recover their full strength.

The last bit of bad news was that the 16th infantry would have to guard the ores as they would be deployed back to the main camp. The chances of another attack on the way were low, so it was merely a nuisance, considering most of them were still recovering from their exhaustion.

"I just want to have a bath," Warden cried with a whimper.

"Well, you can have that in the main camp," Luis said with a smile. There was a sharp cut on his cheek from the battle, which hadn't healed yet, though the wound had closed. "There are facilities for that there. Even better, a stream snakes by the main camp."

At last, some good news.

"We have to postpone the celebration for another date," Caleb said, slapping him on the shoulder as he stood up. They would have to prepare to leave with the load soon enough.

***

The way back was uneventful, other than a few packs of cursed creatures, which they dealt with swiftly. Most ran away, finding their ranks, however.

Even with the steamed carriage running at a relatively faster pace of twenty miles per hour, it took them about six hours for the journey. Warden meditated on his Intent for the most of it.

Darkness enveloped the humongous rift space, which was like another world in its eerie presence. The sky didn't seem broken in the darkness. There were no moons, but overhead Warden found countless twinkling stars. The view was unnatural and unreal... it made him feel how tiny their place in the universe was, no matter how much he grew his attributes or how far he advanced.

"Ahem!" Luis coughed deliberately, catching everyone's attention. "Our task is mostly over, but we were asked to remain here as the captain will arrive at the main camp shortly."

"Didn't she take leave for a whole week, it's only been five days," someone in the company said.

"We all are not free in the company, after all," Luis said. "Even with all her formidable strength and presence, the captain had to dance to the higher rank officers' orders."

"Even when it's a holiday she paid for," Caleb added.

Warden gave him a look, asking what was about.

"The sixteenth infantry, along with the rest of the convicted sent to the frontlines aren't given any holidays," Luis explained. "The only way to earn a break is to pay with contribution points."

Warden cursed audibly. This seemed like slavery, with a few extra steps to give these people hope for the future.

"Hahaha, they say we can buy back our freedom as well," Kevin added. He survived too and looked relatively uninjured compared to the rest. "Some work till their bones crack and their soul withered away in the hope of getting their freedom back."

"It isn't unheard of that someone regained their freedom," Luis smiled. "It mostly depends on the type of crime you're convicted for, and there are other complications, but yeah, I have seen a few gaining their freedom in my time."

Warden nodded. He turned to finally see the stream snaking its way beside the main camp, which stood like the only establishment in this awful place.

"Sergeant," Warden called. "Since our work is done, can I take my leave for now?"

"Where would you be?" Luis asked, raising an eyebrow.

"In the stream, relaxing," Warden said. I'd only take a couple of hours. He didn't add this part, however.

"I guess you have earned this," Luis nodded. He was kinder than Warden gave him credit for. "You're dismissed for the night, report early on the sunrise."

With that, Warden literally shot towards the steam from the steam carriage.

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There will be a bonus chapter later today... as the book received 5 reviews...