The sixth dawn broke over Kael El's domain, a shimmering veil of violet and gold draping the sprawling settlement. The manor stood like a sentinel, flanked by towering stone walls that now encircled the core of his territory. Barracks sprouted alongside granaries, their roofs freshly thatched, while the clang of Torv's forge and the rustle of Veyna's hunters filled the air. Thirty thousand subjects moved with purpose, their Perks weaving a web of progress that stretched the land's limits. Kael leaned against the manor's balcony railing, a spear resting casually on his shoulder, his flirty smirk as unshakable as ever.
Day 6, and this place is a fortress. His dark eyes glinted with pride—quiet, resolute, the kind that came from knowing he'd forged this from nothing. Thirty thousand souls under his banner, and he carried it like it was light as air. Most lords would've cracked by now. Me? I'm just warming up.
A crisp ding sounded, the system panel flickering into view.
"Day 6 of 7-Day Peace Period. Territory Level: 2. Population: 30,004 Subjects. Food Stock: 7 Days Remaining (+3 from Hunt). Resource Yield: +10% (Lv. 2 Bonus)."
Kael's smirk widened, a playful edge to it. Seven days of food again? Nice. His calm under pressure held steady—Day 8 was tomorrow, and he could feel the tension brewing beyond his walls. The peace period's end would unleash chaos, but he'd be ready. They'll come for me. Let 'em try.
Veyna approached, her bow slung low, a fresh kill—a deer—dragged behind her. "Lord Kael, another haul. Meat's curing now." Her sharp eyes met his, steady and loyal.
Kael stepped down, clapping her shoulder with a flirty grin. "Veyna, you're a damn legend. Keep the hunters sharp—tomorrow's the real test." She nodded, a flicker of a smile breaking through, and he turned to the Summoning Altar. Seven summons left. Time to stack the deck.
He pressed a hand to the Mana Crystal, voice smooth and teasing. "Alright, gorgeous, who's next?"
The altar flared, and a fifth figure emerged—a broad-shouldered woman with dark hair and a steely gaze, a hammer in hand. She knelt, voice firm. "Lord Kael, I am Mara. Perk: Wall Warden – +50% fortification strength, enhanced durability."
Kael's grin turned protective yet playful. "Mara, huh? A wall's just what I need. Get those defenses up—nothing's breaking through." She rose with a nod, her resolve mirroring his own, and he felt that bond snap tight. Another keeper.
The system blared, its tone almost frantic.
"SSS Talent Triggered: 100% Drop Rate. Additional Summon: 1 Subject. EX Talent Triggered: 10,000x Multiplier Applied. Quality Enhanced: Subject Perks Upgraded."
The air shimmered, but no flood of bodies this time. Instead, the 30,000 subjects glowed briefly, their Perks spiking again. Mara's Wall Warden jumped to +5,000% fortification strength, her hammer pulsing with power. Veyna's Hawk Eye sharpened to +5,000% accuracy, her arrows practically homing. Torv's forge roared louder, his Iron Forger now at +5,000%. Kael's laugh rang out, deep and carefree. Quality again? This system loves me.
"Alright, crew," he called, his cool dominance cutting through the hum. "Mara, reinforce the walls—make 'em unbreakable. Veyna, train the archers. Torv, more spears. Move."
They scattered, purpose igniting the air. Kael watched, leaning back with a smirk, his posture relaxed yet commanding. Day 8's coming. They'll hit a wall—literally.
By midday, he grabbed the Mastercraft Axe and hit the forest, wood splintering under his swings.
"Resource Gained: 22 Wood (+10% Lv. 2 Bonus). SSS Talent: Additional Drop – 1 Resin Glob. EX Talent: 10,000x Multiplier Applied. Quantity Enhanced: 10,000 Resin Globs."
A sticky avalanche of resin buried his boots, enough to seal a city's worth of walls. Kael chuckled, kicking it aside. Mara'll love this. He hauled back 66 Wood, adding it to the stockpile.
Lira met him at the gate, her flames flickering as she handed over a stack of spears. "Lord, we're at three hundred spears, two fifty shields. Torv's pushing hard."
Kael took one, twirling it with a wink. "Lira, you're my fire. Double the shields—Day 8's no joke." She nodded, her loyalty unshaken, and he turned to Sylvi, who'd been tending a bruised carpenter.
"Lord," Sylvi said, her hands glowing, "no serious injuries. The Vital Sap's holding." Her shy awe lingered, and Kael's tone softened.
"Keep 'em strong, Sylvi. You're my rock." She blushed, nodding, and he felt that protective edge deepen. They're mine to shield.
As dusk fell, Mara approached, her hammer resting on her shoulder. "Lord, the walls are triple-layered now. Nothing's getting through."
Kael nodded, voice resolute. "Good work, Mara. Rest up—tomorrow's war." He glanced at the Lord Chat, messages buzzing. "Lord Veyra: Mana lake's fortified." "Lord Draxis: Dragons ate another scout party." Kael smirked. Keep talking. I'll shut you up soon.
The violet sky darkened, stars peering down. Kael stood tall, calm and unflappable. Day 6 down. One to go. Then we show 'em who's boss.
POV Shift: Mara
She drove her hammer into a stone block, the wall rising higher, stronger—unbreakable, thanks to her boosted Wall Warden. Her lord's voice—smooth, teasing, commanding—echoed in her mind. Thirty thousand, and he's still chill? She'd fortified for petty warlords before, but Kael's cool confidence, that protective steel, hooked her. I'll make these walls his shield. He's worth it.