The seventh dawn unfurled over Kael El's domain, a serene blend of violet and gold bathing the fortified settlement in an almost mocking tranquility. The manor towered at its core, surrounded by triple-layered stone walls that gleamed with Mara's handiwork. Barracks bristled with armed warriors, granaries swelled with cured meat, and the forest's edge bore the scars of relentless harvesting. Thirty thousand subjects moved with quiet precision, their Perks humming in unison. Kael stood atop the manor's balcony, hands in his pockets, a flirty smirk playing on his lips as he watched the calm before the storm.
Day 7. Last breather before the gloves come off. His dark eyes shimmered with unwavering confidence, a cool dominance radiating from his relaxed stance. Thirty thousand souls under his command, a fortress built in a week—most lords would've crumbled under the weight. Kael? He thrived, his resilience a steady pulse. Tomorrow, they'll come. Good. I'm ready.
A soft ding chimed, the system panel flickering into view.
"Day 7 of 7-Day Peace Period. Territory Level: 2. Population: 30,005 Subjects. Food Stock: 7 Days Remaining. Resource Yield: +10% (Lv. 2 Bonus)."
Kael's smirk widened, a playful edge to it. Seven days of food, huh? Perfect timing. His calm under pressure was ironclad—Day 8 would crack the world open, and he'd be the one swinging. The peace period's end loomed, but he didn't flinch. They'll test me. They'll lose.
Mara approached, her hammer resting on her shoulder, her dark hair streaked with quarry dust. "Lord Kael, the walls are done—gates reinforced, archer posts up. We're solid." Her voice carried a steely pride, her Wall Warden Perk still glowing from its 5,000% boost.
Kael stepped down, clapping her shoulder with a flirty grin. "Mara, you're a fortress yourself. Double-check the gates—nothing's slipping through tomorrow." She nodded, her resolve mirroring his, and turned back to her crew. Loyal and tough. My kind of woman.
He strode to the Summoning Altar, its Mana Crystal pulsing with a steady rhythm. Six summons left today. Let's make 'em count. He pressed a hand to it, voice smooth and teasing. "Alright, gorgeous, last call before the party starts."
The altar flared, and a sixth figure emerged—a lean man with sharp eyes and a staff tipped with a faint glow. He knelt, voice calm. "Lord Kael, I am Zorin. Perk: Mana Weaver – +50% magic efficiency, minor spellcasting."
Kael's grin turned protective yet playful. "Zorin, huh? A mage is perfect. Stick with Veyna—scout the perimeter tomorrow." Zorin rose with a nod, his staff humming softly, and Kael felt that bond lock in—loyalty flowing both ways. Magic's in play now.
The system blared, its tone sharp.
"SSS Talent Triggered: 100% Drop Rate. Additional Summon: 1 Subject. EX Talent Triggered: 10,000x Multiplier Applied. Quantity Enhanced: 10,000 Subjects."
The plot trembled as 10,000 more figures materialized—builders, healers, mages—spilling across the land. A woman with "Swift Healer" clutched a satchel, a man with "Stone Carver" hefted a chisel, and dozens more stared at Kael, awestruck. Forty thousand now, and the air thrummed with their presence.
Kael laughed, a deep, carefree sound that cut through the chaos. Forty thousand? This system's my cheat code. He raised a hand, his cool dominance silencing the crowd. "You're mine now. Healers, back Sylvi. Carvers, reinforce the barracks. Mages, train with Zorin. Move."
They scattered, purpose igniting the settlement. Kael watched, leaning against the altar, his posture relaxed yet commanding. Day 8's tomorrow. They'll hit a wall and a whole lot more.
By midday, he grabbed the Mastercraft Chisel and hit the quarry, stone splintering under his swings.
"Resource Gained: 17 Stone (+10% Lv. 2 Bonus). SSS Talent: Additional Drop – 1 Copper Ore. EX Talent: 10,000x Multiplier Applied. Quantity Enhanced: 10,000 Copper Ore."
A gleaming pile of ore crashed down, enough to arm an army twice over. Kael smirked, kicking a chunk aside. Torv's gonna love this. He hauled back 51 Stone, adding it to the stockpile.
Lira met him at the forge, her flames roaring as she handed over a stack of shields. "Lord, we're at three hundred shields, four hundred spears. Torv's smelting the iron now."
Kael took a shield, testing its weight with a wink. "Lira, you're my firestorm. Push for five hundred—tomorrow's no game." She nodded, her loyalty unwavering, and he turned to Veyna, who'd returned with another deer.
"Lord," Veyna said, her bow steady, "the wilds are quiet. Too quiet." Her Hawk Eye glinted, sharper than ever at 5,000%.
Kael's tone stayed flirty yet firm. "Veyna, you're my eyes. Take Zorin, scout tonight—spot any shadows." She nodded, and he glanced at Sylvi, tending a bruised mage.
"Lord," Sylvi said, her hands glowing, "no losses. The healers are ready." Her shy awe lingered, and Kael's voice softened.
"Keep 'em alive, Sylvi. You're my heart." She blushed, nodding, and he felt that protective edge deepens. They're mine to guard.
As dusk fell, Zorin approached, his staff humming. "Lord, the mages are prepped—basic barriers, small bolts. We'll hold."
Kael nodded; voice resolute. "Good work, Zorin. Rest up—tomorrow's war." He glanced at the Lord Chat, messages buzzing. "Lord Veyra: Mana lake's a fortress now." "Lord Draxis: Dragons ate a whole village—mine now." Kael smirked. Keep flapping your lips. I'll shut you down.
The violet sky darkened, stars winking like spies. Kael stood tall, calm and unflappable. Day 7 down. Tomorrow, we fight.
POV Shift: Zorin
He gripped his staff, a faint barrier shimmering as he tested his Mana Weaver. His lord stood there, smirking like the world was his playground. Forty thousand in seven days? He's unreal. Zorin had woven spells for petty mystics before, but Kael's cool confidence, that protective steel, hooked him. I'll shield this place for him. He's worth it.