The fifth dawn crept over the horizon, a soft glow of violet and amber washing over Kael El's thriving domain. The manor loomed at the heart of a bustling settlement—stone walls now ringed the perimeter, granaries brimmed with early harvests, and the clang of Lira's forge echoed through the air. Twenty thousand subjects moved like a living tide, their Perks weaving a tapestry of progress. Kael stood atop the manor's second-floor balcony, arms crossed, a flirty smirk tugging at his lips as he surveyed his work.
Day 5, and this place is mine in all but name. His dark eyes gleamed with unwavering confidence, a cool dominance radiating from his relaxed stance. Twenty thousand souls under his command—most lords would've buckled under the strain. Kael? He leaned into it, his resilience a quiet fire. They're not just numbers. They're my people.
A sharp ding cut through the morning hum, the system panel flaring up.
"Day 5 of 7-Day Peace Period. Territory Level: 2. Population: 20,003 Subjects. Food Stock: 5 Days Remaining. Resource Yield: +10% (Lv. 2 Bonus)."
Kael's smirk didn't falter. Five days left on the rations. Time to hunt. His calm under pressure held firm—panic was for fools, and he'd never been one. The peace period still locked rival territories, but the wilds beyond were fair game. He'd stretch his food, arm his warriors, and keep pushing.
Lira climbed the steps, her crimson hair tied back, a bundle of spears slung over her shoulder. "Lord Kael, we've got two hundred spears, a hundred shields. Torv's smelting more ore now." Her voice carried that fierce edge he liked, her flames still burning bright.
Kael stepped down, taking a spear with a playful grin. "Lira, you're outdoing yourself. Take a dozen warriors—hunt some game. We're not starving on my watch." He twirled the spear, then handed it back with a wink. She nodded, a spark of pride in her eyes, and turned to gather her team. She's a damn force.
He strode to the Summoning Altar, its Mana Crystal glowing brighter with each use. Eight summons left today. Let's see what's next. He pressed a hand to it, voice smooth and teasing. "C'mon, gorgeous, don't hold out on me."
The altar pulsed, and a fourth figure emerged—a wiry woman with sharp features and a bow slung across her back. She knelt, voice crisp. "Lord Kael, I am Veyna. Perk: Hawk Eye – +50% accuracy, enhanced tracking."
Kael's grin turned flirty yet protective. "Veyna, huh? A hunter's just what I need. Join Lira's crew—bring me back something big." She rose with a nod, her gaze steady, and he felt that bond snap into place—loyalty flowing both ways. Another piece for the puzzle.
The system blared again.
"SSS Talent Triggered: 100% Drop Rate. Additional Summon: 1 Subject. EX Talent Triggered: 10,000x Multiplier Applied. Quantity Enhanced: 10,000 Subjects."
The plot shuddered as 10,000 more figures materialized—builders, weavers, warriors—spilling across the land. A man with "Swift Carpenter" hefted a hammer, a woman with "Herb Seeker" clutched a basket, and dozens more stared at Kael, awestruck. Thirty thousand now, and the air thrummed with their presence.
Kael laughed, a deep, carefree rumble. Thirty thousand? This system's my personal genie. He raised a hand, his cool dominance cutting through the noise. "You're mine now. Carpenters, build barracks. Herb Seekers, scout the fields. Warriors, gear up. Move."
They dispersed, purpose igniting the settlement. Kael watched, leaning against the altar, his posture relaxed yet commanding. This is how you rule—big, bold, unbreakable.
By noon, Lira's hunting party returned, dragging a massive boar—its tusks glinted, its hide thick as armor. Veyna stepped forward, an arrow still lodged in its skull. "Lord, this one's ours. Enough meat for days."
Kael clapped her shoulder, voice flirty yet firm. "Veyna, you're a star. Skin it, cook it—feed the crew." She nodded, a faint smile breaking through, and he turned to Sylvi, who'd trailed behind. "Any wounds?"
"Minor cuts," Sylvi said, her hands glowing as she healed a warrior's arm. "The Vital Sap helped." Her shy awe lingered, and Kael winked.
"Keep 'em sharp, Sylvi. You're my lifeline." She blushed, nodding, and he felt that protective tug deepen. They're mine to guard.
He grabbed the Mastercraft Chisel and hit the quarry again, stone splintering under his swings.
"Resource Gained: 17 Stone (+10% Lv. 2 Bonus). SSS Talent: Additional Drop – 1 Quartz Shard. EX Talent: 10,000x Multiplier Applied. Quality Enhanced: Quartz Shard upgraded to Quartz Core."
A gleaming crystal dropped into his hand, pulsing with faint light. Kael smirked. Magic boost, maybe? We'll find a use. He hauled back 51 Stone, adding it to the stockpile.
As dusk settled, Torv approached, a stack of shields in tow. "Lord, we've got two hundred shields now. Spears are next."
Kael nodded, voice resolute. "Good work, Torv. Arm the warriors—Day 8's close." He glanced at the Lord Chat, messages flickering. "Lord Veyra: Mana lake's mine." "Lord Draxis: Dragons ate a rival's scouts—oops." Kael ignored them, his mind on his own play. Let them boast. I'll bury them.
The violet sky darkened, stars winking. Kael stood tall, calm and unflappable. Day 5 down. Two to go. Then we strike first.
POV Shift: Veyna
She skinned the boar, her knife steady, her Hawk Eye picking out every detail. Her lord's voice—smooth, teasing, commanding—rang in her ears. Thirty thousand in five days? He's a storm. She'd hunted for petty chiefs before, but Kael's cool confidence, that protective edge, hooked her. I'll track anything for him. He's worth it.