*System Alert:Global Broadcast – Day 30 of the Lord Trials.
[Lord Arjun of Dawnwatch] has defeated a Shadow-Class Commander.
His Territory Level has increased to Tier 3 Fortress.
All nearby lords are now eligible to request an alliance or initiate a challenge.Warning: Enemy Lords will be notified of your rise.*
When Arjun opened his eyes the next morning, the sun was finally shining—clear, bright, and unburdened by shadows. But the moment was short-lived. As he walked out of the command tent, a new flood of notifications bombarded his vision.
You have gained:– Title: "Regional Warden"– Effect: +20% Defense to all Fortifications– Skill Unlocked: Tactical Relay (Passive Communication Web for Officers)
Territory Upgrade: Tier 3 Fortress Achieved.New Buildings Unlocked:– Grand Beast Hall– Trade Embassy– Command Pavilion– Mystic Forge
Global Notification: 11 Lords have marked you for elimination.
Alliance Invitation: [Lord Aditya of Iron Hollow] | Status: NeutralAlliance Invitation: [Lady Miraya of Verdant Song] | Status: Guarded
Arjun's fingers curled slightly as he absorbed the influx of data. The world had just grown much, much bigger.
The council table was more crowded than usual. Shayra, Meera, Tarun, and Priya all sat, joined now by two newcomers—emissaries from other Lords.
The first was a tall, broad-shouldered man in dusky iron-plated armor, his expression gruff but not hostile.
"I'm Javed, emissary of Lord Aditya," he began. "He sends greetings… and a proposal. Trade, mutual defense, and access to our steel foundries."
Arjun leaned forward. "Why now?"
"You've done what no Tier 2 territory could. Killed a Shadow Commander. Aditya believes there's something special about your land… and your System." He paused. "And if the Hollow Saint is targeting you personally, it means you're closer to the truth than any of us."
Arjun didn't respond immediately. Instead, he glanced at the second emissary—a woman with flowing jade robes and glowing green eyes.
She bowed lightly. "Lady Miraya sends a different offer. She's willing to grant your village rare herbs and elixirs… in exchange for a beast alliance. She is aware of your sister's gift, Lord Arjun."
At that, Priya looked up sharply.
"She wants our eggs?"
"No," the emissary replied. "She wants access to the evolved beasts born of your care."
Priya glanced at Arjun, uncertain.
He met her eyes and gave a subtle nod. "We'll consider both."
That night, Arjun and Priya sat atop the village tower, overlooking the fields. Torchlight flickered below where villagers patched walls and sang quiet victory songs.
"You trust them?" Priya asked.
"No," Arjun said honestly. "But we need allies. The System's scale is increasing. That last battle wasn't even a true army. Just a probe."
Priya leaned against him. "I don't want to give our beasts to strangers."
"We won't," he said. "But we might lend their strength in battle. Under terms we control."
Priya nodded, then dug into her satchel and pulled out a small, spotted egg with a violet shimmer.
"I used a new combination," she said with a smile. "Thunderclaw Drake and the Windfox from the north cliffs."
Arjun looked at it with admiration. "You're becoming a better summoner than some Lords."
"I don't want to be better," she said softly. "I just want to protect our home. And… you."
Arjun squeezed her hand. "You're doing more than enough."
Later that night, in his private quarters, Arjun was visited by Meera.
She moved with the ease of a predator who had nothing to hide. Her dark hair was loose, her armor gone, replaced by a simple cotton wrap that clung to her curves. Her eyes held mischief and something more—curiosity, maybe affection.
"You've been avoiding me," she said, stepping into his space.
"I've been busy," Arjun answered.
"So have I. Killing assassins, training villagers, sparring with Shayra. Still managed to find time to think of you."
He met her gaze, his voice low. "You're not making this easy."
"I'm not supposed to," she replied, brushing her fingers along his jaw. "You think too much. I'd rather you feel more."
Then she kissed him.
It wasn't soft. It was fire and force and a declaration.
Arjun didn't resist.
And for one night, he allowed himself to feel again.
*System Notification:Companion Affection Increased – [Meera, Blade Sentinel]Status: Bonded
New Ability Unlocked: Battle Synchrony– Effect: 20% Combat Efficiency Boost when fighting beside Meera
Chance of Offspring: 6% – Locked pending confirmation.
Arjun stared at the message with a mixture of surprise and something like guilt. But before he could think on it further, the next alert flashed.
Alliance Response Received – [Lord Aditya of Iron Hollow]: ACCEPTEDConditions:– Joint Fortress Construction in 10 days– Resource Pooling System (50/50)– Emergency Mobilization Clause
Lady Miraya has sent a Gift Package:– 3x Greater Beast Elixirs– 10x Rare Healing Fruits– 1x Contract of Spirit Beast Trust
Tarun barged into the room, his eyes wild.
"We just intercepted a lord broadcast," he panted. "Three Northern Lords were wiped out overnight. Their settlements… burned down. No survivors."
"By who?" Arjun asked grimly.
Tarun's lips thinned.
"Not the Hollow Saint. A new player. One with red banners and bone chariots. The System only gave one name: The Scorched Crown."
Deep in the deadlands, a fire burned without fuel. At its center stood a man clad in bone-gold armor, his eyes molten red.
He watched as his troops scoured the ruins of a former village, picking apart the remains.
"Weaklings," he murmured. "Their Systems barely reached Tier 2. This world isn't meant for the soft."
A soldier knelt beside him. "New intelligence. A rising lord in the southeast—Arjun of Dawnwatch. Tier 3 Fortress. Killed a Shadow Commander."
The armored man smiled.
"Good. A worthy enemy… or a worthy conquest."
He turned to his banner, the red sigil of a burning crown flapping in the death wind.
"Let the next phase begin."