The Shifted Throne (Overlord)

Chapter 14: Foundations of Strength and Ambition

One year had passed since Edmund began his reforms, and the results were evident across his kingdom. His army had transformed into a disciplined and efficient force, while the nobility and commoners alike regarded him with a newfound respect. The improvements in governance, military structure, and infrastructure had gradually earned him a reputation as a capable and determined ruler.

A recent confrontation with a group of 15 beastmen further cemented his kingdom's strength. These beastmen, driven more by instinct than intelligence, posed a real threat to the surrounding villages. However, the warriors and archers, trained meticulously under Sir Cedric Thorne Vallis, executed their duties with precision. Using the new tactics instilled by Edmund, they engaged and eliminated the beastmen with minimal casualties. For many in the kingdom, this was proof that their army could defend their borders effectively.

Edmund ensured the rotational training for warriors and archers remained consistent. Both units were constantly refining their skills, adapting to new tactics designed for versatility and surprise on the battlefield. Drawing inspiration from the Mongols, Edmund implemented strategies that kept the archers mobile and unpredictable.

Archers were drilled to harass the enemy with quick, powerful volleys, retreating before retaliation. This constant movement made it difficult for the enemy to form a counteroffensive. They learned to use terrain—trees, hills, and other natural cover—to conceal themselves before launching devastating surprise attacks. Staged retreats became an integral tactic, luring enemies into vulnerable positions before turning the tide with concentrated volleys. Training also emphasized coordination with infantry and cavalry, ensuring that retreating archers were supported by other units to prevent breaches in their lines.

To refine these tactics further, archers practiced with moving targets like rolling carts, swinging dummies, and mock enemies. They honed their precision at varying distances and angles, preparing for real-world scenarios. Edmund also introduced new formations for flexibility in battle. They practiced firing in unison in a straight line for precise volleys, spreading out to saturate enemy ranks with a loose arrow formation, and rapidly forming defensive circles to fend off attacks from all directions. These strategies, combined with relentless drills, elevated the archers' proficiency to levels previously unseen in the kingdom.

Amidst the military improvements, Edmund discovered something remarkable about himself. Through routine sparring sessions with the soldiers, he realized he had retained the muscle memory of the body's previous owner. His movements with a sword were fluid and instinctual, a skill likely ingrained by years of rigorous training as a prince. This revelation added to his confidence, and he began sparring more frequently, gradually integrating himself into the culture of his reformed army.

With the army running smoothly and the council of nobles stabilizing political matters, Edmund began to turn his attention to another frontier—magic. The stories from his past life about Overlord flooded his mind, reminding him of the incredible potential that magic held. He recalled the hierarchy of Tier Magic:

1st to 6th Tier Magic was known and practiced in this world, with the 6th Tier being the pinnacle of most magic users' abilities. Beyond that, 7th Tier and higher were regarded as myths, rumored to exist but beyond the grasp of ordinary casters. Super Tier Magic, capable of devastating armies or altering landscapes, was essentially divine. Yet what intrigued Edmund the most was the existence of 0th Tier Magic, a concept exclusive to this world and absent in YGGDRASIL.

This form of magic was akin to minor tricks or conveniences, often dismissed as insignificant. Despite its simplicity, it was a foundation for aspiring magic users, akin to a child learning letters before forming words. To Edmund, it represented a potential stepping stone—a way to begin his journey into the arcane.

Edmund resolved to study magic in earnest. He understood that mastering even the basics would require time, effort, and resources. However, the prospect of uncovering forgotten or legendary tiers of magic was too enticing to ignore. He envisioned a future where his command of magic, combined with his army's strength, would make his kingdom a force to be reckoned with.

For now, Edmund focused on gathering information. He began consulting scholars, purchasing ancient texts, and encouraging the development of an academy where magic and other disciplines could be studied. His ambition was clear—to harness both the physical and magical elements of this world to secure his kingdom's prosperity and his legacy as a ruler.

As the year came to a close, Edmund stood at the precipice of a new chapter, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The kingdom was stabilizing, the army was thriving, and his aspirations were growing. Now, it was time to delve into the mysteries of magic and unlock the potential hidden within this world.

End of chap.