The sun had barely risen when Kael was already awake. He stood on a rocky outcrop, observing the camp below. The men who had survived the previous day's trials were still sleeping on the ground, exhausted. Their endurance had been pushed to its limits, and yet, this was only the beginning.

  He descended slowly, waking the early risers with just a look. Those who had endured in silence had understood one essential truth: Kael was not looking for men; he was forging warriors.

  "Get up."

  A few groans rose from the group, but no one protested. They knew that resistance would be futile.

  Kael pointed at the old ruined fort.

  "This pile of stones is a symbol of our current weakness. If we want to build an empire, we need a true stronghold. Today, we begin reconstruction."

  A perplexed silence fell over the gathering. Some exchanged hesitant glances. They were not builders, but warriors in the making.

  "You think an army can survive without shelter? Without defenses? Without organization?" He paused. "Every stone you lay today will strengthen our power tomorrow."

  The murmurs faded. Some nodded, others rose with newfound determination. Without further delay, Kael assigned tasks. Some began clearing debris, others cut wood to reinforce the standing structures. The work was grueling but essential.

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  By noon, sweat dripped from their brows. The fort was slowly taking shape, and with it, a sense of belonging grew among these once-scattered men. Kael watched, noting those who displayed particular talents. A former carpenter naturally led the construction efforts, another managed the distribution of resources.

  He approached a small group working on the main entrance. One of the men, a former mercenary named Garrik, wiped his forehead before looking at Kael.

  "I’ve fought in dozens of wars, but I’ve never rebuilt a damn wall," he said with a laugh.

  Kael smirked in response. "And yet, this is what will set us apart. We are not just fighters. We are the founders of a new order."

  Garrik slowly nodded, a new light in his eyes.

  By nightfall, they had made more progress than they had expected. The fort, though still in ruins, showed signs of life. A campfire lit up the central courtyard, and for the first time, the atmosphere felt different. This was no longer just a gathering of individuals trying to survive. It was the beginning of a brotherhood.

  Kael sat on a rock, facing his men, and spoke in a deep voice.

  "Today, you have laid the first stone of our empire. But a single stone is not enough. Every day, we will strengthen our defenses, our discipline, our strength."

  He paused for a moment, scanning each face.

  "The clans that rule these lands still underestimate us. They see us as outcasts, as shadows with no future. They do not realize that we are the storm that will sweep away their world."

  A murmur of approval spread through the group. Some clenched their fists, others nodded, galvanized by his words.

  "But before that, we must prove our worth. Tomorrow, we march on a mission. It is time to test our strength against a real enemy."

  Silence fell, heavy with excitement and tension. Kael knew that a first real battle would be the true test.

  The shadow of the wars to come was already upon them.