For the next couple of hours, Thalric engaged in an extensive discussion about various aspects of the world known as Arvis. One of the key details revealed was that they were currently located in the southeastern border region of the Korus Kingdom. It was a relatively weak kingdom in the grand scheme of things, a fact that was well known, even among the lowest rung of society. Despite this, it was emphasized that the kingdom still had individuals who could be considered elites in terms of Level and Class Tier.

  Rex elaborated on the concept of Class Tiers, explaining that Classes, along with everything else, are categorized by what is known as the System. The System represents the will of the world for all beings, and it quantifies everything, using Levels, Attributes and the Tiers. The tiers are organized in a ranked order from weakest to strongest: F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, SSS, and X. He also further clarified that the attributes granted with each level exponentially increases with each tier, which is why those that have a Tier B Class and above are labeled as Rare Classers, due to the likelihood of attaining such a class and the power disparity they cause.

  The trio did not know much when Thalric asked what level range would be considered formidable. The highest level Rex had seen was a level 205 soldier when he visited the capital as a kid. But he can only assume it’s of a higher standard within other nations. This piqued Thalric’s interest, and they shared what they knew about the two neighboring countries in the North and the South.

  In the North was the Astana Republic, a nation that prides itself as the only place where people can be genuinely free. It supposedly holds elections for government officials and is the safest place for other civilized nonhuman races to live on the continent without the fear of widespread discrimination. Additionally, their leader is not a king but a consul who acts as the head representative of the nation but has limited authority. Other than that, their information on the Republic is sparse.

  In the South is the Vririth Empire, an empire that controls the entirety of the continent's southern region. Vern and Rex were less knowledgeable about the Empire than Paul, whose father had been a retired adventurer. From what Paul’s father had told him, the empire is oppressive to its citizens, with constant hidden eyes everywhere. His father repeatedly warned Paul never to travel to the empire unless he absolutely had to. The empire’s military is recognized as one of the best on the continent. Furthermore, the empire was not always as large as it is now, but ever since the latest emperor took the throne, the empire has been expanding. Many believe that it is only a matter of time before the Republic and the Empire come into direct conflict.

  Thalric could already guess that the two nations have been conducting covert operations against each other and conducting numerous small proxy battles within this nation. After all, this is a common practice and a prelude to war—something Thalric might be able to take advantage of, but only time will tell.

  Moving on, Thalric changed topics, returned to the earlier mention of attributes, and found out what they represented. It was like this:

  STR: (Strength) Physical Power, Muscle Density

  DEX: (Dexterity) Speed, Reflexes and Perception

  CON: (Constitution) Health & Stamina Regeneration

  INT: (Intelligence) Mana Potency, Mana Capacity

  WIS: (Wisdom) Mana Regeneration, Memory

  CHA: (Charisma) Mental Resistance, Influence

  It was close to what Thalric had guessed on his own, but it was good to know the difference between conjecture and the truth.

  Beyond that, Thalric learned of various other commonly known things of the world such as Pantheons, Adventurers, Dungeons and other humanoid races. All of which were similar but distinct from his old world.

  Nothing resembling Pantheons existed in his old world. They were collectives of similarly aligned deities represented and worshiped through their mortal organizations on the Mortal Realm. According to Vern, who seemed to have a prior history with religion, the world of Arvis was divided into three Realms: the Mortal Realm, the Heavenly Realm, and finally, the Demonic Realm.

  As such, those of the Heavenly Realm were angels and the gods they served. While in the Demonic Realm, there were demons that were said to originate from the nightmares and suffering that occur in mortals' minds. While Vern did not have a lot of knowledge on Demons, he did speak at length on the various pantheons and their religious institutions. This nation's most significant religious faction was the Sanctum of Celestial Breath, which worshipped the Firmament Pantheon that governs the skies and air. He stated that generally, religions aim to steer clear of political and military involvement, although there have been several crusades throughout history. And they have been just as unforgivable as any disasters caused by the demons in Vern’s eyes.

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  It was an interesting departure from how he experienced religion as a former god. In Skarnos, all gods were of the same family, at least in the eyes of the mortals. Any factions that formed were based on the aspirations of a better tomorrow rather than self-interest. However, given that there was a fair share of betrayals near the end, Thalric supposed it was not that different from what he knew.

  Transitioning away from religion, Paul went on to explain that Adventurers were those licensed by the Adventuring Guild to delve into Dungeons and take on missions for pay. These Dungeons were portals to pocket worlds that held multiple floors and monsters. Clearing a floor would grant the party rewards based on its difficulty.

  This was different from the Dungeons that Thalric knew of. In Skarnos, they had Dungeons, but they were large monster nests that needed to be cleared for the safety of a region, not something to gain from. He could still remember the catastrophes that were caused when a Dungeon was left unchecked in his old world. In contrast, in this world, it seemed as though Dungeons were reliable resources for nations to support the growth of their soldiers and elites. They were ageless small worlds that could provide indefinitely as long as someone did not destroy its core.

  It was clear that Thalric would eventually need to look into securing a Dungeon in order to pursue his goals. Reading between the lines, he understood that delving into Dungeons was much more efficient in terms of leveling and resource gathering than venturing out in the wild.

  After pondering for a moment, he decided it was time to make his intentions known fully. He raised his hand to forestall any further talk.

  “With all transparency, my plans involve global conquest.”

  “What?” Rex muttered, taken aback as the others looked at him curiously.

  “It is as I said. That was my role in my old world. A Conqueror. And I plan on forging everyone in the camp into soldiers that will execute my designs for this world.”

  Their mouths fell open in astonishment, and Rex started to trip over his words.

  “B..But that’s impossible! We only have around thirty men, and the strongest of them is barely above level 15, excluding myself! That is hardly enough to combat the Duchy, let alone the Kingdom!” He argued in a panic.

  Thalric nodded to these words, a faint smile on his face.

  “You’re correct. As we are now, it would be a suicide mission...”

  “Then—”

  “..But I don’t plan on rushing into a war anytime soon. We will build our forces, train, gather resources and stay hidden as long as possible. In the meantime, I will ensure that we have plans set in place to strike and defend.” Thalric stated in a measured tone.

  Rex vehemently shook his head, clenched his hands into fists, frustration bleeding through his voice.

  “My men are not soldiers, sir. They cannot be expected to do any of this! Especially without any justification...”

  To this, Thalric quirked an eyebrow.

  “Like the justification for ambushing people traveling between the empire and the kingdom on the road nearby?” He asked rhetorically.

  Rex gritted his teeth but remained silent at that.

  Thalric sighed.

  “War will happen, whether you want it or not. From what you told me, I predict this kingdom will fall into civil war soon. Maybe a few years, possibly sooner.”

  “What!?” The trio had baffled faces at this proclamation.

  “It’s a classic tale. Two powerhouses neighboring a vulnerable nation and instead of conquering chunks of the nation through military might, they influence their leaders and take control of them as pawns. Then the pawns do the fighting for them. It’s a standard proxy war. I can imagine quite a few of the nobility have secret dealings with either the Republic or the Empire. ” He said this as his eyes scanned over the trio, their nerves visibly showing and their faces turning pale as they were lost in thought.

  “Besides that, in the eyes of its people, the kingdom had already abandoned them long ago. A fractured nobility that is too focused on schemes against rivals is not going to be very supportive of its people. I am certain that the men in this camp have no favorable views on the kingdom. At least in its current form.”

  After a moment of silence, Paul was the first to get a hold of themselves, let out a sorrowful sigh, and respond. He turned to Rex and Vern.

  “He’s right. Many people despise the nobility, not out of jealousy but from the mistreatment. They view us as disposable, and it’s only gotten worse in recent years. The taxes are too high, and there’s barely any food in the villages because they would rather send stockpiles to the larger towns and cities instead. They prioritize their image instead of everyone as a whole!” Paul said passionately.

  Rex’s face wore a mixture of sadness and anger, his brow furrowed and lips pursed into a line until he no longer held in his emotions.

  “I know! I’ve known for a while how bad it has been! It’s just…war is chaotic and brutal. I doubt many of the men even have the courage to fight in a war that could be their last time on this world. If any of us did, we wouldn’t be targeting lone caravans and carriages.”

  Noticing the troubled look on his friend’s face, Vern landed a firm hand on Rex’s shoulder.

  “That is why they will be trained. And so will we, I assume?” He looked at Thalric.

  To this, Thalric nodded in affirmation. Why would he not train all men under his banner?

  Rex smiled slightly at Vern’s support and then met Thalric’s gaze head-on, his eyes glistening with pain that Thalric recognized immediately. It was the pain of loss. The loss of someone close to them.

  “I cannot predict the future, but I will do my utmost to protect my men. I cannot guarantee that none will fall, but I will always make the necessary steps to avoid pointless death for those under my care.” Thalric said honestly.

  This made Rex close his eyes, take a deep breath, and exhale. He then faced Thalric again.

  “Understood, Supreme Commander.”

  The two beside him chuckled at the sudden change, and Thalric smiled and then waved his hand to the exit.

  “With that settled, you three are dismissed. Make sure to get plenty of rest. Training will begin at dawn tomorrow.”

  “Yes, sir! " they declared and departed the tent in stiff movements that made their lingering worries apparent.

  As Thalric watched them leave, he drummed his fingers on the armrests and considered the various factions and the broader world he found himself in. He knew the information was superficial and would need more in-depth details later. For now, it was sufficient to start phase one of his plans. And even if it was not, it was understood that adaptation is crucial when dealing with the unknown. His thoughts landed on the sole Class Perk he held: Simulated Planning.

  He activated it.