The fourth dawn painted the sky in hues of molten gold, casting long shadows over Kael El's burgeoning domain. The manor stood proud at the center, its stone walls gleaming with fresh mortar, while granaries and seedling fields stretched outward, tended by a tireless army of 10,000. Smoke curled from a makeshift forge where Lira's flames danced, turning iron ore into spears and shields. Kael lounged on the manor's steps, a half-eaten piece of dried meat in hand, his dark eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and resolve.
Day 4, and this place is starting to look like mine. His smirk was lazy but edged with that "don't mess with me" steel. The sheer scale of his operation—built in three days—would've broken lesser men. Kael? He thrived on it, his confidence as unshakable as the stone under his boots. Let the other lords scramble. I'm already steps ahead.
A soft ding sounded, the system panel flickering into view.
"Day 4 of 7-Day Peace Period. Territory Level: 2. Population: 10,002 Subjects. Food Stock: 6 Days Remaining. Resource Yield: +10% (Lv. 2 Bonus)."
Kael chewed thoughtfully, unfazed. Six days of food, huh? We'll stretch it. His calm under pressure was a weapon—panic was for the weak, and he'd never been weak. The peace period still held, but he could feel the clock ticking. Day 8 would bring blood, and he'd be ready.
Lira strode up, sweat beading on her brow, a freshly forged spear in hand. "Lord Kael, the first batch is done—fifty spears, twenty shields. Iron's holding strong." Her voice carried a quiet pride, her crimson hair glowing in the forge's light.
Kael stood, taking the spear with a flirty grin. "Lira, you're a damn miracle. Keep that fire hot—I want a hundred more by sundown." He twirled the weapon, testing its balance, then handed it back with a wink. She nodded, a faint blush creeping up her neck, and hurried off. Loyal and fierce. My kind of girl.
He turned to the Summoning Altar, its Mana Crystal pulsing softly. Time for more hands. Territory Lv. 2 bumped his limit to 10 summons a day, and he'd only used two. He pressed a hand to the crystal, voice smooth and teasing. "Alright, gorgeous, let's see who's next."
The altar flared, and a third figure emerged—a tall, wiry man with calloused hands and a sharp gaze. He knelt, voice gruff. "Lord Kael, I am Torv. Perk: Iron Forger – +50% smelting speed, enhanced durability."
Kael's grin widened, his tone playful yet commanding. "Torv, my man, you're a gift. Get to Lira's forge—double our output." Torv nodded, rising with a craftsman's focus, and Kael felt that protective tug again. Another piece in place. They're mine to build up.
The system chimed, louder this time.
"SSS Talent Triggered: 100% Drop Rate. Additional Summon: 1 Subject. EX Talent Triggered: 10,000x Multiplier Applied. Quantity Enhanced: 10,000 Subjects."
The air crackled, and the plot shuddered as 10,000 more figures blinked into existence. Builders, farmers, warriors—each with a Perk—flooded the land, their eyes locking on Kael with instant loyalty. A woman with "Swift Weaver" clutched a spindle, a man with "Beast Tamer" flexed his fists, and dozens more spread out, awestruck.
Kael laughed, a deep, carefree sound that rolled over the chaos. Twenty thousand now? This system's begging me to break it. He raised a hand, his cool dominance silencing the crowd. "You're mine, got it? Builders, reinforce the walls. Farmers, expand the fields. Warriors, train with those spears. Move."
They scattered like a well-oiled machine, purpose igniting the air. Kael watched, leaning back with a smirk, his posture relaxed yet radiating power. This is how you build a kingdom—fast, strong, mine.
By midday, he grabbed the Mastercraft Axe and hit the forest again. Trees fell like dominos, wood piling up as the system sang its tune.
"Resource Gained: 22 Wood (+10% Lv. 2 Bonus). SSS Talent: Additional Drop – 1 Sap Essence. EX Talent: 10,000x Multiplier Applied. Quality Enhanced: Sap Essence upgraded to Vital Sap."
A vial of golden liquid shimmered in his hand, radiating faint warmth. Kael arched a brow. Healing boost, maybe? Sylvi'll love this. He tucked it away, adding 66 Wood to his haul before heading back.
Sylvi met him at the manor, her silver hair catching the light. "Lord Kael, minor injuries from the forge—burns, mostly. I've healed them." Her voice was soft, but her hands glowed with that +5,000% Vital Pulse, a testament to his last summon's boost.
"Good work, Sylvi," he said, tone flirty yet protective. "Take this—see if it helps." He handed her the Vital Sap, and her eyes widened as she tested it, a cut on her finger vanishing in a blink.
"It's… incredible," she murmured, glancing at him with shy awe. "Thank you, my lord."
Kael winked. "Anything for my healer. Keep 'em standing." She nodded, clutching the vial, and he felt that bond tighten—loyalty flowing both ways.
As dusk fell, Torv approached, sweat-streaked but grinning. "Lord, we've got a hundred spears, fifty shields. Lira's pushing for more."
Kael clapped his shoulder, voice firm. "Solid work, Torv. Rest up—we're not done." He turned to the manor, the violet sky darkening overhead. Day 4 down. Three to go. Then we see who's brave enough to test me.
POV Shift: Torv
He wiped his brow, the forge's heat still clinging to his skin. His lord stood there, smirking like he owned the world—and maybe he did. Ten thousand more, just like that? Torv had smelted iron for petty chiefs before, but Kael's presence—cool, unshaken, commanding—hit different. He's forging more than weapons. He's forging us. Torv gripped a spear, resolve hardening. I'll make him proud.