Mushoku Tensei: Reincarnated as a Beast Race

The city buzzed with unusual commotion, even though the sun had just risen. The hurried footsteps of guards echoed through the streets as civilians watched from a distance, murmuring among themselves. Nights in Zant were typically quiet, but today, tension was everywhere.

Rygar moved across the rooftops. He didn't need to listen to understand that news of the attacks on the bases had spread. Combined with the large explosion outside the city, it had caused fear and concern, leaving Zant on high alert. His eyes quickly scanned his surroundings, searching for signs of the two groups led by Taes and Kidar, who were supposed to be completing their missions.

After a few minutes, he heard familiar sounds from one of the main streets. It was Taes' group. He quickened his pace, moving like a blur until he positioned himself on a nearby rooftop, from where he could observe everything clearly.

Taes led the group with authority, followed by a crowd of freed people. Some of the slaves, tears streaming down their faces, knelt at the warrior's feet, offering their profound gratitude. Others, quieter, stayed with the group, hesitating to part from their rescuers.

Rygar watched as Taes organized the freed individuals into small groups before guiding them to a safe location. He didn't approach. He didn't lead the Iron Legion alone and needed them to handle this on their own. Instead, he turned and set out to find Kidar's group.

It didn't take long to locate them. They were heading toward the outskirts of the city, their group slightly smaller but just as efficient. Kidar also seemed to have completed his mission without significant problems, with the freed slaves being guided in an orderly line by his comrades. Rygar counted silently, satisfied to see that the number of rescued individuals was significant.

He stayed hidden, as before, merely a shadow observing from the darkness. The mission was nearly complete, but there was still one more thing to do.

The lord's mansion in Zant was a monument to opulence, illuminated even at night. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, and the movement at the gates reflected the unrest brought on by the recent events.

Rygar approached silently, scaling the outer walls until he reached a vantage point where he could see the main courtyard clearly. That's when he spotted him: the lord of Zant, hurrying out of the mansion. His expression was a mix of fear and anger, his eyes focused on something distant on the horizon. The sky still bore remnants of the flames and glow that marked the attack on the base.

Surrounded by a dozen guards, the lord appeared to be giving orders, but Rygar didn't care about his words. He jumped from the shadows, appearing in the courtyard as an imposing figure, his presence overwhelming.

"I advise you not to get involved."

His voice cut through the air like a blade, carrying an intensity that made even the most seasoned soldiers step back. The bloodlust emanating from Rygar was suffocating, a reflection of the accumulated fury from the night's events.

The lord stumbled backward, nearly falling, as he stared at Rygar with wide eyes. "W-What do you want?"

Rygar stepped forward, and the guards, frozen, didn't move to protect their master. "Tomorrow, we will leave this city with a large number of freed slaves. If you wish to avoid the fate of the traffickers, return to your mansion and pretend you saw nothing."

Before the lord could respond, Rygar vanished. One moment he was in front of him; the next, only a sharp wind remained, leaving a superficial cut on the lord's throat. The man clutched his neck as blood trickled lightly, his body trembling.

The guards looked around desperately, but Rygar was already gone, like a shadow that had never been there.

As the lights of the mansion faded behind him, Rygar made his way through the deserted streets toward the tavern.

---

The tavern buzzed with activity, though the atmosphere carried a palpable tension. People came and went, some carrying crates of supplies, others delivering hurried messages. At the center of it all, Peikak stood at a table covered in papers and lists, orchestrating the commotion like a conductor leading a chaotic orchestra. Rygar was thoroughly impressed—this man was truly efficient.

"No, no! The wheat goes straight to the tavern's kitchen, not the warehouse! And you—" He turned to another group. "—bring me the receipts. If I can't keep track of the expenses, we'll be bankrupt before we even get started!"

In the middle of his rant, a shadow appeared beside him. "I see the preparations are going well."

"AH!" Peikak jumped, knocking the papers off the table and clutching his chest. "Could you stop appearing out of nowhere?! I'm too old for these surprises!"

Rygar smiled, crossing his arms. "Sorry, but I don't waste time with introductions." He glanced at the scattered papers. "You seem busy."

"Of course, I am!" Peikak huffed, quickly gathering the papers. "I've already spoken with the main suppliers. They can provide everything you need, but as I said, it's last minute. This will cost a fortune!" He shot Rygar a pointed look. "Do you have the money to pay for this?"

Rygar nodded confidently. "I do. Prepare enough supplies for 300 to 400 people." He estimated this number based on the freed slaves and how many he expected to join the Iron Legion. Many would have places to return to, but a significant number would likely stay with them.

Peikak's eyes widened, nearly dropping the papers again. "Three hundred to four hundred?! Are you insane?! What are you going to do with so many people?"

Before Peikak could continue, Rygar raised a hand to interrupt. He leaned slightly forward, continuing, "I suggest you warn your merchant friends that there will be a significant increase in demand for travel supplies. Many people will be looking for work or leaving the city soon."

Peikak blinked, processing his words. He began connecting the dots—the explosion at the slavers' base, the city's current unrest, and now an influx of new members to the Legion. A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead as the bigger picture became clearer.

Seeing Peikak's discomfort, Rygar gave an enigmatic smile. "Besides that, Peikak, I have an invitation for you."

Peikak raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "An invitation?"

"I want you to join the Iron Legion."

The surprise on Peikak's face was evident. "Me?!"

"Exactly. You would be our Logistics Manager. Before you respond, I suggest you investigate and understand what we accomplished tonight. But this is just the beginning. We're going much further."

Peikak seemed torn between shock and curiosity.

"I extended this invitation because, from what I understand, you value interests above all else," Rygar continued. "Think carefully—at 50 years old, you still have the chance to achieve something great. This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger."

Peikak opened his mouth to respond, but Rygar raised his hand again. "I'll only make this offer once. Consider it carefully."

Before he could say anything else, Rygar disappeared into thin air, leaving only the rustling sound of papers falling to the ground.

Peikak stood still, confused and stunned, his hands instinctively clutching the papers. Rygar's words echoed in his mind as he struggled to process the unexpected proposal.

---

Outside Zant, a clearing bustled with activity, resembling an improvised small village. Tents lined the area, filled with people engaged in various tasks. The air was rich with the smell of fresh food as makeshift cooks stirred large pots over open fires. Healers used magic on injured and weakened ex-slaves, while others trained with rudimentary weapons. Wagons laden with supplies were parked near the forest, and the clanging of hammers and tools echoed as workers prepared for a long journey.

Bringing everyone into the city for a day would have been wasteful, and here they could learn how to set up camp more securely.

Inside a large central tent, Rygar was meeting with Taes, Kidar, and Joseph—the human mercenary who had spoken to him the previous day. Although Joseph still seemed somewhat out of place among the Legion's warriors, he had already earned a degree of trust with his straightforward demeanor and efficient reports.

Taes began his report: "Boss, we had some delays, but everything will be ready for departure tomorrow." He glanced at the sheet in his hands. "There's still one issue to resolve. One of the bases I attacked had a large number of animals and monsters in captivity. What should we do with them?"

Rygar crossed his arms, considering the matter. "Kill the adult monsters and sell the adult and young animals. As for the monster cubs, are there any noteworthy ones?"

Taes quickly scanned his notes before replying. "Yes, there are three ebony wolf cubs that survived. They're cubs now, but when fully grown, they become Rank A monsters."

Rygar smiled, clearly pleased with the news. "Excellent. Bring one to me—I'll try to raise it. Keep one for yourself, and the third... Kidar, you take care of it."

Kidar folded his arms and shook his head. "Sorry, but I don't want to take care of any monster."

"Then give the third to Rufus. He'll appreciate it," Rygar replied without hesitation. "Our goal is to tame them. Additionally, encourage others to choose monster cubs to raise. For those left unclaimed, either kill them or use them as food for the ones that are."

Rygar's gaze shifted as he reflected. The history books Verdia had shown me described how people tamed monsters as allies in ancient times. I've always kept that idea in mind, but other priorities have kept me from pursuing it. Now that the opportunity has presented itself, I won't let it slip away. If this works, the Iron Legion could take our vision even further in the future.

Taes nodded, though he still found the idea of taming monsters a bit strange.

Kidar seized the moment to continue his report: "As for final numbers, 450 have decided to join us."

Rygar raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Four hundred and fifty? That's more than I expected."

Kidar gave a faint smile and elaborated, "Many were impressed and inspired by the display of power you gave."

Rygar contemplated this. It helps create a temporary sense of unity. Even without a clear chain of command, at least they have an absolute leader to follow. Of course, this will only work as long as I remain overwhelmingly stronger, which I plan to be for a long time.

He nodded, seeing the logic. "This will be useful until we fully establish the hierarchy."

Kidar continued, "We've already begun the screening process you suggested, dividing everyone into the divisions you created: Training and Education, Internal Control and Security, Commerce and Diplomacy, Exploration and Reconnaissance, Medicine and Alchemy, Communication and Intelligence, Administration and Human Resources, Research and Development, Logistics and Support, and Combat and Tactical Operations. But it'll take a few days to finish. We're assessing their skills and figuring out where they fit, as you instructed."

Kidar let out a sigh. "But it's confusing, and most of them have no idea what their roles will entail. Is Kilian applying the same system in the Great Forest? Because even I don't know what some of these divisions are supposed to do."

Taes couldn't suppress a laugh, which drew a faint smile from Rygar.

"It doesn't matter if they don't understand for now—just call them first, second, third, etc., to simplify things," Rygar replied. "I'll explain gradually during the journey what each division is responsible for. And yes, Kilian is implementing the same system in the Great Forest."

He then turned his attention to Joseph, who was waiting to speak. The human began as soon as Rygar looked at him. "All the children without parents or guardians chose to stay—that's the majority of them. I spoke with Peikak and managed to integrate most of the freed slaves into temporary jobs. They plan to save some money and then travel to their homes. Many decided to travel with us for safety."

Joseph paused briefly before concluding, "We're finalizing the last details now. Everything should be ready by nightfall."

Rygar nodded, satisfied with the progress. Looking at Taes, he asked, "What about the lord? Any movement?"

Taes shook his head. "After some guards investigated the traffickers' base ruins and made their reports, he hasn't left his mansion."

Rygar smiled. "Good. We'll leave at dawn."

At that moment, a warrior entered the tent with a message. "Boss, Peikak is here. He wants to see you."

Rygar gestured with his hand. "Let him in."

Peikak entered with firm steps, his posture brimming with pride. He crossed his arms and looked directly at Rygar. "I accept your proposal."

Rygar grinned broadly, clearly pleased. He glanced at the others in the tent and made an enthusiastic announcement: "Meet our new commander of Logistics and Support!"

The others exchanged surprised looks as Peikak tried to maintain his composure under the sudden attention. Rygar, however, seemed more than satisfied with the decision.