Chapter 4: The First Forge
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."