Chapter 40: Iron Tide Rising (Part 1)
The fortieth dawn roared over Kael El's domain, a violet-gold inferno blazing across a 3,606-square-kilometer empire—seventeen territories fused into a chaotic sprawl of forest, plains, mesa, desert, swamp, jungle, tundra, crypt, and magma wastes. The small city pulsed, castle walls gleaming with Mist Cores, 1,688,000 subjects sharpening blades and chanting war cries. Kael stood atop the ramparts, 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 as he flexed EX: Stormwing Prime, speed surging—Kryn's iron tide loomed 500 km south.
Day 40. Kryn's got guts—let's bleed 'em dry. His dark eyes burned with unwavering confidence, pride simmering beneath his chill exterior. One-point-six million souls, 3,606 sq. km, and a Champion Lord's might—Zara led at 63, but Kael's 109,034 stats and hidden EX: 10,000x Multiplier were his storm. They're coming—I'm ready.
A sharp ding cut through the wind, the system panel flaring with Nexus warnings.
"Day 40: Post-Peace Period. Territory Level: 3 – Mighty Lord. Territory Size: 3,606 sq. km. Population: 1,688,000 Subjects. Food Stock: 14 Days. Resource Yield: +50% (Lv. 3 Bonus). Resources: 85,000/250,000 for Lv. 4. Summon Limit: 12/Day. Territory Lv. 4 Conditions: Reach Level 65, Major City (100+ buildings) [80/100], Conquer Rival Nation (10,000 stats) [Met], 250,000 Resources [85,000/250,000], 10,000 Gold/Month [3,000/10,000], Army of 500 Elite [Met]."
"Lord Nexus Leaderboard: 1. Zara (63), 2. Kryn (59), 3. Elynn (58), 4. Torva (57), 5. Rynne (56), 6. Vex (55), 7. Myra (54), 8. Kael El (51), 9. Dorn (52), 10. Lyra (51)."
Kael's smirk sharpened, a playful edge glinting. "Zara's at 63—Kryn's 59 with a spine now. Eighth's my perch—for now." Nexus chatter spiked: "Kryn's rallied Elynn—400,000 inbound,""Kael's a summon glitch—Zara's still ahead." His talents stayed locked—rumors of numbers swirled, but the multiplier slept.
Veyna vaulted up, bow dripping sweat. "Lord, Kryn's 500 km south—200,000 steel-clad, Elynn's 200,000 with wind riders. They're pushing fast—three days out."
Kael winked, voice teasing. "Veyna, you're my eyes—400,000's a feast. Slow 'em." He triggered EX: Arctic Packmaster, frost wolves howling—scouts raced south. "Drayce, frontline. Thora, arm 'em. Lena, walls to 90 buildings by dusk."
The horizon shimmered—steel glinted, wind riders soared. Kael laughed, raising his reaver. "Girls, war's here—Kryn and Elynn, 400,000 strong. Let's carve 'em up."