Chapter 36: Pulse of the Summoned Tide
The thirty-sixth dawn erupted over Kael El's domain, a violet-gold tempest swirling above a 2,406-square-kilometer empire—sixteen territories pulsing with life, from tundra's frost to crypt's shadow. The Gate of Summoning flared at the citadel's edge, Mist Cores embedded in its arches glowing as the Ritual Event sparked. Kael stood before it, the Stormforged Blade in hand, EX: Dragonflame Reaver blazing, Stormhide Armor humming with power. His flirty smirk gleamed, a cool dominance radiating as 288,000 subjects gathered—smiths, hunters, and mages chanting his name.
Day 36. Ritual's live—time to stack the deck. His dark eyes burned with unwavering confidence, pride simmering beneath his chill exterior. Two hundred eighty-eight thousand souls, 2,406 sq. km, and a Champion Lord's might—Zara led at 58, but Kael's 75,234 stats and Devourer Blood made him a predator. They're fast—I'm unstoppable. Thirty grand to Lv. 5, then 100's mine.
A sharp ding rang out, the system panel blazing with the Nexus leaderboard ticking up.
"Day 36: Post-Peace Period. Territory Level: 4 – Dominance Phase. Territory Size: 2,406 sq. km. Population: 288,000 Subjects. Food Stock: 11 Days. Resource Yield: +40% (Tactical Insight Bonus). Resources: 90,000/100,000 for Lv. 5 (Nexus Trade: +20,000). Summon Limit: 15/Day. Ritual Event Active: Summon efficiency tripled for 24 hours, rival attention heightened. Territory Lv. 5 Conditions: Control 15 territories [16/15], 100,000 resources [90,000/100,000], Daily Summons at 15 [Met]."
"Lord Nexus Leaderboard: 1. Zara (59), 2. Vorr (57), 3. Sylth (56), 4. Kryn (55), 5. Elynn (54), 6. Torva (53), 7. Rynne (52), 8. Kael El (50), 9. Vex (50), 10. Myra (50)."
Kael's smirk sharpened, a playful edge glinting. "Zara's at 59? She's hungry—but I'm ravenous." The Ritual Event pulsed, the Gate of Summoning crackling—tripled summons meant a flood of power, but Vorr's alliance loomed. Nexus chatter buzzed: "Zara's got SSS: Resource Lord—her yield's insane,""Vorr's coalition's at 600,000 troops—Kael's toast."
Thora approached, hammer sparking. "Lord, Gate's ready—45 summons today if you push it. Resources hit 90,000 with Lena's trade. One more haul for Lv. 5."
Kael winked, voice teasing. "Thora, you're my forge—45's a storm. Let's break 'em." He pressed both hands to the Gate, EX: Mana Ocean surging, and barked, "Give me warriors!"
The Gate roared, forty-fifth figure emerging—a towering man with a glaive, scars crisscrossing his chest. He knelt, voice a growl. "Lord Kael, I am Drayce. Perk: War Surge – +50% attack in groups."