A week had passed since Veridian fell under Noah's command. The city had begun to breathe under his orders, but time was short—the system's mission timer loomed: just one week left to fully consolidate power in the province.
Noah began his day as always—standing on the balcony of the manor, robe fluttering lightly in the morning breeze. His silver-white hair caught the sunlight, framing a grin that was both unnerving and strangely charismatic. The Umbra lingered in the shadows behind him, their blacked-out forms reflecting the morning's calm.
"System, summon daily troops," he commanded, voice casual but firm.
The air shimmered. A hundred soldiers materialized, adding to the 2,100 troops he now commanded. Spears gleamed, swords caught the light, and disciplined formation shimmered faintly with the system's magic. Noah inspected them briefly, stretching his hands behind his head.
"Not bad… if only my old gaming self could see this, he'd rage-quit from excitement," he muttered with a small chuckle.
Turning to his council, Noah tapped the table. "Elric, Levy, Tessa—I want a full review. How's the city? Any unrest? How are the outskirts?"
Elric Thorne, his new Steward of Finance, adjusted his spectacles. "The city core is stable. Trade is recovering, taxes collected efficiently, and citizens' loyalty is improving. But the villages in the surrounding area—most are hesitant. "
Noah's grin widened. "time to conquer the surrounding village, how many villages are there?"
Calen Roarke, hands on the table, spoke next. "Seven village in total, Small populations, lightly defended—mainly militia-level guards. but the people are easy to sway with protection and fair taxes."
Noah tapped his chin, thinking. "Good. One week, seven villages. That's manageable. Elric, give me a map overlay—province-wide. I want every village, garrison, and patrol route marked. Tessa, cross-check with grain supply and trade routes. I want to know where money actually flows, not what the old lords said."
Tessa smiled faintly, her quiet confidence noticeable. "Already prepared, Lord Noah. Grain stocks are sufficient in the city, but villages rely heavily on seasonal trade. Taxes are inconsistent."
"Then we fix that," Noah said with a mischievous glint. "Trade roads need guards, tax collection needs fairness, and a system of incentives for honest farmers. Make farming profitable. People work for me if they see the benefit."
Lira raised an eyebrow. "Simple enough, but what about the Bulwark Duchy itself? They're watching."
Noah's expression hardened slightly, though the grin never left his face. "Right. Tell me about the duchy in detail—Rover Province, its neighboring provinces, geography, main routes, defenses… everything."
Elric produced a parchment and laid it before Noah. "Bulwark Duchy lies to the north. The duchy is divided by four province.Rover is in the southern sector of the duchy, mostly plains with scattered forests and the Ravelin River cutting through. Neighboring provinces are Norwick to the east—hilly terrain—and Westmere to the west, predominantly farmland. Main roads run along the river; minor roads wind through forested areas. And Glenmore to the north, mountain area, small population."
Noah traced the paths with a finger. "Good. This will help when we expand." He paused, studying the officials. "And the city's main income source?"
"Elric, speak plainly," Noah urged.
"Trade and agriculture, Lord Noah. Taxes on grain, timber exports, and river tolls for passing merchants."
Noah nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Then we increase security on the trade routes, offer incentives for honest merchants, and establish checkpoints to prevent smuggling. Let the people see profit and stability—and suddenly loyalty is cheaper than coercion."
---
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. Noah gestured, and two sharply dressed envoys entered—one from Governor Aldren Voss, the other a messenger from Duke Renard Damaris. Both carried themselves with practiced poise, but the moment their eyes fell on Noah, surprise flashed.
Noah was standing casually, sunlight bouncing off his pale hair, a faint grin curling his lips. His robe glimmered faintly with system energy, and two Soul-Forged Knights stood behind him, silent, immovable, eyes glowing faintly with inner fire. The Umbra lurked in the shadows, barely visible, yet somehow perceptible.
The envoys froze.
"Lord Noah," one stammered, bowing formally. "We come on behalf of Governor Voss and Duke Damaris. News of your… actions reached us. We seek clarification—loyalty, intentions…"
Noah tilted his head, amused. "Clarification?" His tone was light, but deadly calm. "Or a warning?"
The envoy's hand twitched near his dagger. Noah smirked. With a gesture, two Umbra assassins appeared behind them. Daggers pressed lightly against the envoys' necks, a whisper away from drawing blood.
The envoys froze completely. The other Soul-Forged Knights shifted subtly, blocking any retreat.
"Let me be clear," Noah said, voice low, almost conversational. "Veridian answers to me now. Your threats, your diplomacy—they're secondary to my soldiers' blades. One false move…" He let the sentence hang, and the assassins' daggers nudged a hair against the skin.
Both envoys paled, glancing at each other. "We… we only wish to maintain peace, Lord Noah," one said, voice trembling. "We… meant no disrespect."
Noah chuckled softly, sheathing the threat with a nod. "Good. Then let's speak as equals… for now." He dismissed the assassins. "Return with your message: Mirch—sorry, Veridian—is mine. And if Duke Renard wishes to speak, tell him I am open… under my conditions."
The envoys left, shaken, muttering under their breath. One looked back, his eyes wide at the disciplined and quiet terror of Noah's command.
---
Alone with his council, Noah turned to the system. "System, spend remaining SP on special troops. Let's prepare for the villages."
The system hummed.
[BLOODLINE / SPECIAL TROOPS STORE — LOW-TIER PURCHASE]
• 20 Umbra Assassins — 10 SP
• 20 Soul-Forged Knights — 10 SP
" Purchases, 40 umbra assassin and 80 soulforged knight" noah said.
[Do you want to confirm purchases]
"Confirm purchase," Noah said. Light shimmered as the new troops materialized. Umbra melted into shadows, Knights' armor pulsed faintly.
Noah grinned, rubbing his hands together. "Perfect. Take the bulk of the new troops. Sweep through the villages. Umbra will handle intel. Knights, lead 1200 low tier militia to capture the villages"
He paused, adjusting his cloak, silver hair catching the sun again. "And while you're at it… make sure everyone remembers who holds Veridian. Subtlety is for tea parties."
---
As preparations began, Noah surveyed Veridian from the balcony once more. Soldiers lined the streets, citizens whispered tales of his rise, and flags fluttered—the phoenix rising over the city, a symbol of renewal and warning.
"Alright, team," he muttered, smirking. "One week. Two villages. And the rest of Bulwark province? Well… let's see how fast we can turn whispers into obedience."
The system chimed softly.
[Quest Update: Consolidate Power – Progress 85%]
[Sub-Objective: Expand Influence to Surrounding Villages – Active]
Noah leaned back, laughing softly to himself. "Not bad… from rage-quitting strategy games to ruling cities. I'd say that's a level-up."