The battlefield in front of the bar was soaked in blood. The Iron Fang mercenaries lay scattered, their corpses lifeless, their reign of terror in Redbrook ended in a single night. Yuuto stood amidst the carnage, his black-steel longsword still dripping crimson as the last remnants of the enemy fell before him.
The townspeople, who had lived under the oppression of the Iron Fang, stepped out cautiously from their homes and hiding places. Their gazes flickered between the bodies of their former oppressors and the man who had single-handedly slaughtered them.
Yuuto wiped the blood off his blade before sliding it back into its sheath. He knew what they were thinking—who was this man, and what did he want?
An elderly man, draped in tattered robes, stepped forward. He had the air of someone who had seen much in his years, but even he regarded Yuuto with a mix of awe and caution.
"Who... are you?" the old man finally asked.
Yuuto met his gaze, his crimson-red eyes glowing faintly under the dim torchlight. "The man who just took control of this town."
A ripple of unease spread through the crowd. Murmurs broke out, some uncertain, others hopeful.
"He killed them all…"
"Is he going to take over now?"
"Better him than Iron Fang…"
Selene approached, wiping her daggers clean. She had fought alongside him, proving her worth. "You just eliminated Redbrook's biggest power. That makes you the new ruler, whether you planned for it or not."
Yuuto smirked. "Then I won't have to waste time convincing anyone."
The whispers grew louder.
"Is he any better than them?"
"What if he's worse?"
"We don't have a choice, do we?"
Yuuto raised his hand, and the murmurs died. His voice was calm, yet unyielding.
"I didn't come here to play hero. I came to build something greater. If you serve me, I will make this town stronger than it has ever been. If anyone wishes to challenge me for leadership—" he gestured to the corpses of the Iron Fang mercenaries "—you are welcome to try."
Silence.
Then, the old man kneeled. "We serve, my lord."
One by one, the townspeople followed.
Selene chuckled, whispering to Yuuto, "You really have a way with people."
Yuuto turned his gaze towards the Iron Fang stronghold at the northern edge of town. "This is just the beginning."
---
The fortress loomed before them—thick stone walls, reinforced gates, and armed guards patrolling the perimeter. Even though their leader was dead, the remnants of the Iron Fang wouldn't go down without a fight.
Yuuto, Selene, and a handful of able-bodied townspeople approached under the cover of darkness. The guards were unaware of the slaughter that had taken place in town, giving them the element of surprise.
A lone guard stood by the entrance, yawning. He didn't even have time to scream before Selene's dagger pierced his throat.
They dragged his body aside and slipped inside.
The inner courtyard was dimly lit, the stench of alcohol and unwashed bodies thick in the air. A dozen mercenaries sat around a fire pit, drinking, laughing, oblivious.
Yuuto's crimson gaze flickered.
"Kill them."
Selene struck first, her daggers flashing as she cut down two before they could even react. The townspeople rushed forward, driven by desperation and rage.
One of the mercenaries—a towering brute—grabbed a war axe and charged at Yuuto. He was fast, but Yuuto was faster. He sidestepped, his sword slicing through the man's ribs. Blood sprayed, and the mercenary crumpled.
Another enemy lunged at Yuuto, a shortsword aimed for his throat. He deflected the blow with a flick of his wrist, then drove his blade through the attacker's gut.
The remaining mercenaries panicked. Some tried to fight, but most tried to run. They didn't make it far.
Within minutes, it was over.
The Iron Fang fortress belonged to Yuuto.
---
Yuuto stepped into the former leader's chambers. The room was lavishly decorated, a stark contrast to the filth outside. A large wooden chest sat against the wall, overflowing with gold, weapons, and scrolls.
Selene whistled. "Jackpot."
Yuuto's fingers traced over the hilt of a black-steel longsword, its surface etched with ancient runes. It pulsed with faint energy—enchanted. A fitting weapon for his growing power.
Then, his eyes fell upon a stack of documents detailing trade routes, bribes to nobles, and alliances with crime syndicates.
"This…" he murmured.
Selene peered over his shoulder. "Looks like Iron Fang wasn't just a band of thugs. They had powerful backers."
Yuuto smirked. "Good. That means we already know our next targets."
[CP Available: 20]
He opened his Creation Menu, channeling his CP into the fortress itself.
[Reinforcing Fortress Walls…]
[Upgrading Barracks…]
[Enhancing Storage Capacity…]
The entire structure shook as golden energy coursed through it. The stone walls thickened, the barracks expanded, and the storage rooms grew to hold even greater supplies.
Selene took a step back, wide-eyed. "You can do all this… just like that?"
Yuuto smirked. "This is only the beginning."
---
By dawn, the fortress had been transformed into the heart of Yuuto's growing power. The people of Redbrook worked tirelessly, strengthening defenses, gathering supplies, and preparing for what was to come.
Yuuto stood atop the fortress walls, gazing out over his new domain. Redbrook was his.
But he wasn't satisfied.
"This town is only the first step," he murmured. "Next… we take the kingdom."
Selene leaned beside him, a sly smile on her lips. "And after that?"
Yuuto's eyes burned with ambition.
"Everything."