NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 51: The Merit System
Chapter 51: The Merit System
Twenty-three unicorns, including one at the peak of the second tier—such a bounty brought a smile to Thor Dresrosa's face.
"Everyone will receive merit points for this success: one point for each reserve trainee knight, three points for each apprentice knight, ten points for each official knight, and thirty points for Steve," Thor announced.
The mention of merit points made everyone visibly happier. The concept of merit points was now well known throughout the entire Eagle's Ridge. According to the system devised by their lord, possessing enough merit points was essential for acquiring anything of value.
For slaves, thirty merit points were needed to gain freedom and become a freeman. Only freemen could join the reserve trainee knights, and typically, fifty merit points were required for a freeman to qualify for the reserve trainee knights. Once a member of the reserve trainee knights, one could exchange merit points for items from the lord, with more valuable items available to apprentice and official knights.
For example, the "Eagle Breathing Method" was available to official knights for three hundred merit points. Similarly, silver armor could be acquired by grand Knights for two hundred merit points.
Over the past few months, this system had been refined and perfected, driven by Thor’s consistent gathering of valuable resources, making merit points highly sought after.
However, earning merit points wasn’t easy. A reserve trainee knight typically earned one point per month, apprentice knights three points, and official knights ten points. Freemen earned merit points by assisting in territory development, while slaves received one point per year, barring exceptional circumstances like war or significant achievements.
Thus, the distribution of merit points for the successful capture of the unicorns—one point for reserve trainee knights, three for apprentice knights, and ten for official knights—was significant, equaling about a month's worth of their earnings.
Smiles spread across the faces of the knights.
"Alright, let's return to the city!" Thor ordered.
They began their journey back to Eagle's Ridge with the captured unicorns.
Upon returning, Thor had Steve and his men return to the mines to prevent any unforeseen issues. He then led the unicorns to a prepared stable, where Allen was already waiting anxiously.
"Master!" Allen prostrated himself before Thor.
"Stand up," Thor commanded, "These unicorns are your responsibility now. I'll assign ten slaves to assist you. You'll receive three merit points per month, with bonuses for breeding success—ten points for each successful breeding and additional points for tier advancement."
"Yes, Master!" Allen was excited, aware that his monthly merit points were significantly higher than those of other slaves, and the potential for more points could help him and his family escape slavery.
"Ryan, arrange for guards here to prevent any incidents," Thor instructed.
"Yes, sir!" Ryan promptly began organizing the tasks.
After settling the unicorns, Thor resumed his administrative duties, noting the increasing complexity of managing Eagle's Ridge as it grew. He realized the need for a steward or administrative officer to handle affairs like food supply, merit point accounting, and resource distribution.
After some thought, he decided to seek help from his father, believing it safer and more trustworthy than hiring outsiders. Thor wrote a letter, explaining the situation and asking for assistance in finding a suitable steward.
He sent the letter to Loren City to be mailed. Despite his initial intention to manage independently as a pioneering knight, Thor recognized that some issues required experienced help.
As the night deepened, Thor completed his tasks, and at the stroke of midnight, the daily information update arrived.
[Daily Information Update]
1: A herd of boar beasts will pass 500 miles north of your territory, led by a boar beast that seems close to advancing to tier three.
2: In the western part of your territory, a serf in Baron Wells's domain discovered that grafting root ferns onto fire spirit trees increased the trees' yield.