Dual Cultivation: Beasts and Women!

Liam settled into his Division Chief's chair, flanked by Toby on his right and another First Officer on his left. Before him, a group of seven Officers stood at attention, their posture military-precise.

Toby placed an open clipboard in front of Liam and began the briefing. "These documents before you are requests from the Guardians of Cities Twelve through Five. As a Division Chief hailing from City Thirteen, that's the only jurisdiction you can't influence for now. But rest assured, this restriction will lift in five years."

"That's not my primary concern," Liam murmured before inquiring, "Is it standard for a single Division Chief to be active across multiple cities like this?"

The unmasked woman to his left caught his gaze and responded, "Indeed, Chief. The Law Enforcement Hall's superiors typically receive requests from Guardians and Commanders. These are then allocated to Division Chiefs, often through a lottery system."

She continued, "Given the hall's traditional operational methods, it's quite common for those in your position to dispatch Officer groups across all nine cities in the outer area."

"I see," Liam acknowledged, absorbing this information.

Toby pressed on, "Today's agenda only includes Guardian requests, which means you won't need to send any of your personnel beyond headquarters. However, Chief Porter, it's crucial to always keep some of your most capable Officers nearby. Emergencies can arise at any moment, requiring their immediate involvement."

Liam nodded, mentally noting this advice. It would be vital for maintaining readiness during his tenure at Demon Gate. Discover hidden content at empire

Today was more about learning than action for Liam. He focused intently on the guidance from his two First Officers, carefully considering each of their directives.

The first item they discussed was a murder investigation in City Nine. A team of investigators was being summoned to handle the case over the next 24 hours. Despite its serious nature, both First Officers assured Liam that such investigations were routine. They advised him to expect dozens of similar cases in the coming months.

Drawing from the pool of experienced men at his disposal, Liam swiftly selected three individuals for the City Nine investigation, including Electa. Though she lacked specific expertise in the Law Enforcement Hall's investigative procedures, Liam saw an opportunity for her growth. Her seasoned companions could provide valuable mentorship, imparting skills crucial for their future.

With the City Nine matter settled, Liam delegated two additional tasks. One group was assigned to oversee the transfer of newly promoted disciples to the inner area, while another was dispatched to bolster the patrol forces in City Six.

As they moved through the agenda, the next request captured Liam's full attention.

The woman to Liam's left began her briefing, her tone grave. "Guardian Jasper is requesting the Division Chief's intervention in City Five's eastern sector. Officers have reported outer disciples returning to the city bearing a peculiar fragrance from a poisonous magical plant.

Subsequently, a fever has been spreading through City Five, overwhelming both Healers and Officers in the area. The Guardian has exhausted his resources in attempting to resolve this issue plaguing his jurisdiction."

Liam's eyes scanned the document before him, absorbing the details of this troubling development. "A poisonous magical plant, you say?" he mused, his mind already racing with possibilities.

Toby, recognizing Liam's relative inexperience in the magical intricacies of Twin Land, positioned himself to offer guidance. Despite Liam's innate talent, his brief tenure as a Spirit Master left gaps in his knowledge of potential threats.

"Chief," Toby began, his tone measured and instructive, "I'm not sure if you're aware, but we Spirit Masters are susceptible to illness. Even our Spirits can fall prey to sickness. These afflictions typically stem from specialized magical fungi and toxins, often originating in forests or from unique living entities. What's particularly concerning is that these maladies can be extraordinarily challenging to treat without access to the source for Alchemists, Herbalists, and Healers to study."

Toby's expression grew grave as he continued, "I strongly advise exercising extreme caution in this matter. If possible, your direct involvement would be prudent. This situation in City Five has the potential to significantly impact your career trajectory within the sect."

Liam nodded, absorbing the weight of Toby's words. After a moment of contemplation, he announced his decision. "Very well. I'll join the team investigating this issue. Jane, our recent addition, will accompany me along with Officers Anastas and Betan."

His choices were deliberate, based on his growing understanding of his subordinates' expertise. By selecting a Herbalist, an Alchemist, and a Healer, Liam aimed to assemble a well-rounded team capable of addressing the multifaceted nature of the problem.

"You two will also be part of this expedition," Liam added, gesturing to his First Officers. This decision stemmed from his acute awareness of the potential dangers lurking beyond the relative safety of Cities One and Two—threats that might extend beyond the mysterious plant they were pursuing.

"Certainly, Chief," the woman responded, a bright smile illuminating her face. Her eagerness to accompany Liam and demonstrate her capabilities was palpable.

As the meeting progressed, Liam assigned tasks to his subordinates, leaving only the three most formidable Officers available for urgent missions—a strategic reserve for unforeseen crises.

With the assignments complete, Liam watched as the female First Officer departed with the other Officers, leaving him alone with Toby. The latter seamlessly transitioned into the next phase of Liam's orientation, delving deeper into the intricacies of a Division Chief's daily responsibilities.

"Moving forward, Chief," Toby began, his tone both instructive and respectful, "you'll need to maintain vigilant oversight of each mission group's status. Many of these assignments have strict deadlines, necessitating that you occasionally prod Officers for results. This may involve facilitating access to additional resources or reinforcements as needed. In such cases, leveraging your relationship with Division Chief Mylla could prove invaluable."

Toby paused, ensuring Liam was absorbing the information before continuing, "Furthermore, you'll be tasked with prosecuting those who violate sect rules, distributing commendations among your subordinates, and, when necessary, recommending position changes.

Division Chiefs often serve as evaluators for Officers and First Officers. If you identify untapped potential or skills in your subordinates, you have the authority to recommend them to the General Records Hall for role adjustments."

As Toby spoke, Liam familiarized himself with the array of magical tools at his disposal. These arcane implements served various functions: evaluating subordinates, accessing sect resources, and managing complex issues, such as offender trials. Each item, he realized, was a key to navigating the labyrinthine power structures of Demon Gate.

From Division Chief Liam Porter's perspective, the Hall appeared to be a unique hybrid of administrative and judicial force. Its reach was extensive, constrained only by the authority of the sect's highest echelons: fellow Division Chiefs, Commanders, Guardians, and Elders. This realization both impressed and sobered Liam, as he grasped the extent of his newfound influence.

However, Liam also noted a significant limitation to his role. Division Chiefs, it seemed, wielded little to no sway over the sect's external affairs. Toby explained such matters fell squarely within the purview of Elders and Commanders.

It was no coincidence, Liam reflected, that Commanders were frequently absent from headquarters, not only recruiting new talent but also managing the sect's broader interests across the continent.

The path to involvement in Demon Gate's continental affairs, Liam learned, required ascending the ranks as a Division Chief and then vying with his peers for the coveted, albeit limited, Elder positions within the sect.

While Liam appreciated the wealth of information about the sect's responsibilities and hierarchical structure, he recognized that much of it held only short-term relevance for him. His true focus lay elsewhere—on his plans to eventually escape Demon Gate. With this ulterior motive in mind, Liam mentally sifted through his conversation with Toby, cataloging details that might aid in his future exodus.

As Liam walked alongside Toby, his mind raced. 'I need to get closer to the Commanders,' he thought, his face betraying nothing of his inner machinations. 'Understanding their routines, the deployment patterns to different areas of the continent, and the locations of the sect's experimental zones—all of this will be crucial when I'm inevitably pursued after my escape.'

A new strategy began to form in his mind, one that made him both eager and wary. 'Perhaps expanding my harem might be beneficial,' he mused. 'A well-placed female Commander could provide invaluable intelligence for my preparations.' This thought lingered as he exited the Law Enforcement Hall, heading for the General Records Hall to begin his duties there.

Toby continued his detailed explanation of Liam's role as they walked, unaware of the silent strategizing happening beside him. Liam listened with half an ear, his thoughts elsewhere.

'Mylla might be the key to this plan,' he considered. 'She could become a significant threat if I cannot meet her deadline, but until then, she could be an asset. Finding a Commander to join my circle would speed up my cultivation and potentially offer a way out of her.'

The pressure of his situation was forcing Liam to think several moves ahead, crafting strategies to navigate problems far more complex than those he faced in City Thirteen.

Hell, he wasn't even considering the third phase of the Secret Hunt and the fierce competition from within the sect!

But with little space to solve his problems right away, he arrived at the General Records Hall and spotted Joan. After brief introductions to his new subordinates, he dove into his responsibilities, all while, his mind continued to churn with plans.

'This afternoon, I'll focus on cultivation and studying my profession,' he mentally scheduled. 'I'll also explore the Library's free sector. Grace should arrive at my residence in the evening, and Electa should return from her mission later.'

He continued with the boring and political part of the routine of a cultivator in a sect like Demon Gate.