Varnyx gave a firm nod. "Then I will begin the selection process right away. Weâll prioritize those with combat experience, but even the weak can serve in other ways."
Damon smirked. "Good. Turn as many as you need.
Varnyx then opened up another system interface in front of Damon. "As for the second matter, my lord, this is..." The guy hesitated.
Damon could already guess what it was about. "Are you getting reports of the holy faction and divine faction preparing for another war?"
Varnyxâs expression darkened, the red in his eyes flaring faintly. "Yes. Our scouts intercepted communication between the Divine Church and the Radiant Hand. Theyâve formed a temporary alliance. Their goal is to âcleanse the dark tide before it spreads any further.â" He scoffed. "Typical zealots."
Damon stepped closer and stared at the interface, which now displayed several war reports and alliance updates. A new timer had appeared in bold gold script:
[Holy Crusade Countdown: 6 Days, 13 Hours]
Damon let out a low breath. Of course, he already knew something like this was going to happen. It was not going to be easy to maintain a vampire base on a continent surrounded by kingdoms and empires that absolutely loathed the race.
Especially not after the siege he just won almost single-handedly. The humans had been humiliated, and their pride was bleeding. A retaliation was inevitable. This "Holy Crusade" was just a fancy way of declaring another war.
This was simply a system-sanctioned event that was going to keep on coming back again and again. At least he had one week to prepare for the first war. It must be because of that mutated wyrmâs actions.
Damonâs gaze hardened as he stared at the timer. Six days. He wasnât worried. Not really. But this time, the scale was different. They werenât sending a raid party or a few elite teams. This would be a full-blown assault.
It would be as if he were fighting against an entire kingdom. After all, what he was doing right now was nothing short of kingdom building. It was an impossible task for any player, and the quest was designed for failure. This was why even if he failed, there would be extremely generous rewards.
But Damon had no plans of failing. Ultimately, everything boiled down to resources, and he knew of many ways to quickly fill up those war coffers. "Tell me, Varnyx. How much do you need to get help from the main clan? I need backup that ensures complete victory in this battle."
Varnyx paused for a moment, then his fingers danced across the interface, pulling up a new screen. Several lines of text, symbols, and currency requirements appeared before Damonâs eyes, each line representing a different tier of reinforcement from the main vampire clan.
"For basic supportâreinforcement troops, some supplies, and low-tier magesâweâll need around 500,000,000 Gold Coins," Varnyx said, his voice calm but precise.
"But if you want elitesâhigh-ranking nobles, warlocks, flying units, siege beastsâthatâll cost you at least 2500,000,000. And thatâs just the upfront fee. Theyâll expect tribute after the war too. Blood, territory, or something of equal value."
Damon studied the screen, his expression unreadable. 2500,000,000 wasnât a small number. Not in this game. But it was still far less than what heâd imagined. If he pushed hard, he could definitely make it, especially if he cracked that territory.
"Fine," Damon said. "Iâll get it done. Prepare a contract with the main clan for the elite backup. Iâll transfer the funds once I hit the number."
"Are you sure, my Lord? Once the contract is signed... You will be accountable for that number."
Damon bitterly smiled. He knew that much already. If he was not careful, this single action could possibly end his life and future, but at the same time, if he did not take this risk and see how far he could go in this kingdom-building quest, then he would be missing a golden opportunity that had fallen right in his lap.
"The number is fine with me. Donât worry about that. Just get the contract done." Damonâs voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
Varnyx gave a slow nod, respect filling his crimson eyes. "As you command, my Lord. I will personally oversee the terms and ensure there are no hidden claws in the deal. The main clan doesnât always play fair."
"Iâm counting on you." Damon smiled. "Iâll do my part and get the gold. You handle the rest."
Varnyx bowed and was about to leave when the old vampire suddenly stopped on seeing three figures walk towards Damon. The manâs face immediately changed. "My Lord, these three..."
Damon looked at the three from top to bottom and nodded in satisfaction. It looked like Ellora did not hold back and took out the best stuff for all three of them. "They are my new followers." Damon introduced them, which made Varnyxâs frown deepen.
The old vampireâs eyes narrowed as he took in the sight before him. A traitor, a seductress, and a fool?
"My lord..." He opened and closed his mouth many times before shaking his head and dismissing himself. He did not say anything, but the look on his face said it all. The new lord was batshit crazy!
Damon just chuckled at Varnyxâs reaction. He could feel the old vampireâs doubt, practically hear the words the man didnât dare speak aloud. But Damon wasnât interested in approval, not from Varnyx, not from anyone.
Ellora came to stand beside him, looking smug and satisfied, her new armor hugging her curves like a second skin. Kaelthorn was a walking wall of menace now, dressed in blood-forged plate that radiated killing intent with every step.
And Riven... well, Riven looked cleaner, sharper, slightly more awake. He still looked very out of his depth, but that was fine.
Ellora walked forward and hooked her arm into Damonâs with a lazy confidence, smirking up at him, and flashing her assets. "So, my Lord," she purred, "what is this I am hearing about elite backup? Do you really have two and a half billion gold coins with you?"
***
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