Chapter 23: The First Inferno
The twenty-third dawn roared over Kael El's domain, a fiery violet-gold sky blazing across the citadel and its seven territories. Fifty-five dragons soared above, their scales glinting under EX: Dragon Sovereign, while 170,000 subjects marched northwest—warriors gripping scale shields, mages charging mana, and bruisers hefting clubs. Kael strode at the fore, the Stormforged Blade in one hand, EX: Dragonflame Reaver blazing in the other, Stormhide Armor crackling with power. His flirty smirk gleamed, a cool dominance radiating from his relaxed stride as he eyed Syris's forest stronghold, ten miles out, its wooden walls ripe for burning.
Day 23. Eight of ten—Syris goes down today. His dark eyes burned with unwavering confidence, a quiet pride simmering beneath his chill exterior. One hundred seventy thousand souls, seven territories, and a Rising Lord's might—most would've hesitated at a forest fortress. Kael? He thrived, his resilience a steel blaze. Wood's just fuel for my fire.
A sharp ding pierced the march's rhythm, the system panel flaring up.
"Day 23: Post-Peace Period. Territory Level: 3. Population: 170,021 Subjects. Food Stock: 5 Days Remaining. Resource Yield: +20% (Lv. 3 Bonus)."
Kael's smirk widened, a playful edge cutting through the tension. "Five days? Enough for a victory roast." His calm under pressure was unshakable—war was his grind, and he'd stacked the deck. The Lord Map glowed: Syris's stronghold—Level 24, two hundred troops, weak northern walls, B-tier talent. Mira's intel's gold. Let's torch it.
He rallied his crew—Lira, Sylvi, Veyna, Mara, Elys, Nyra, Tora, Lysa, Seryn, Borv, Vira, Rhea, Korr, Thryn, Elyra, Mira, Gorv—mid-march. "Syris's forest is next—Level 24, two hundred grunts, wooden walls. Elys and Rhea burn north, Tora and Gorv smash, Jace traps, Seryn ambushes, Borv tanks, Korr and dragons dive. I'm on Syris. Clear?"
Elys grinned, her staff sparking. "Wood's my kindling—Rhea and I'll light it up."
Kael winked. "Elys, you're my storm. Make it loud." He turned to the Summoning Altar, hauled along by builders, its Mana Crystal pulsing. Five summons left. Let's add speed.
He pressed a hand to the crystal, voice smooth and teasing. "Alright, gorgeous, give me a runner."
The altar flared, and a twenty-second figure emerged—a wiry woman with lightning-fast legs and a short blade. She knelt, voice quick. "Lord Kael, I am Zyra. Perk: Swift Strike – +50% speed, rapid attacks."
Kael's grin turned protective yet playful. "Zyra, huh? A blur's perfect. Flank with Nyra—hit 'em fast." She rose with a nod, her blade flashing, and the system blared.
"SSS Talent Triggered: 100% Drop Rate. Additional Summon: 1 Subject. EX Talent: 10,000x Multiplier Applied. Quantity Enhanced: 10,000 Subjects."