Apocalypse Reborn: Demon Lord 21

Apocalypse Reborn: Demon Lord 21

…

With seven of the eight Citadels under my control and with the Forger’s movements being tracked, I had a choice.

Wait for them to find the Citadel, or assault them and get the Citadel Ring before they can raise it, and then take it for myself.

I considered the possibility of hunting them down but ultimately decided against it.

The defenses around the continent were faltering. The activation of the Citadels required tremendous amounts of power. The jumpstart needed for them to function and start producing was taken from the defenses that surrounded the continent. With seven of them activated, gaps were already appearing, and the eighth one will ensure that they’ll start to fall.

So, I chose to wait for the Forgers to find it and fight the neutral army that spawned because it would permit the defenses to last that much longer.

We’ll just wipe them out after they deal with the army.

With that in mind, I had my mind set on finding as many Wonders as possible through expeditions. It required that I send out my trained, professional military, but that was a small price to pay.

Ancient Wonders were meant to support us in conquering the planet.

The first one that came to mind was the Iterants. They were the only way to get the population numbers needed to win if the rest of the world was really taken by the crisis factions. One iterant being able to make two more every four months was ridiculous. Not only because the Iterants formed were fully grown, but they were also as strong as Citadel Guardians and capable of shapeshifting if they retained all their lore abilities. Getting the Iterants was my top priority, since they wouldn’t be as held back by game restraints.

The main problem would be handling their events, since an Iterant rebellion would be far more devastating than in-game.

The second that came to mind were any of the vengeance superweapons that were left behind. A factory that can churn out midgame elite units by the thousands, or spend a few turns creating another factory that can do the same? It was the perfect way to overwhelm an entire planet. The living laboratory would also be good. The research bonuses it provided were the best in the game, but the buffs it gave to all tiers of units would also be incredible. Finally, there was the crystal repository, which would provide us with weapons and assets that none of the crisis factions would be prepared for through the crystal tech tree, while also giving a decent research bonus.

Then, of course, there were the goddesses.

Three of twelve interfaces that were meant to work together to create a pantheon that would rule over reality itself. It was no wonder that the rest of reality ganged up on the Ancients and decided that a war that would annihilate galactic civilization was a good idea. Even if you were allied with the Ancients, if you had separate policies or beliefs in any shape or form, you’d have to go against them. Alliances are temporary and a result of mutual interests. When one of your allies is about to shackle reality itself to their will, you need to act against them.

My intention was to find them and seal them away until they could be awakened carefully in a deep, underground vault with multiple kilometers of insulating material, arcane wards, and more.

So, my focus was on getting the Iterants, finding weapons and research upgrades, and finally, the Divine Engines.

While my expeditions were doing that, I was going to put the continent to work.

…

Interlude: Morgan

…

The continent changed drastically with every passing season.

The village that I passed mere months ago was now a town. From a thousand inhabitants to ten thousand, the region was now full of life from all corners of the new empire. Guardian nobility and academy clerks formed the backbone of command and administration. Conquerors patrolled the streets as guards while supported by Descendants. A few Children of the Elm were present while under guard, and they tended to farms and forests. Wardens were everywhere, filling streets with songs and ensuring all desires were sated.

Now, even merchants were included, and they plied their trade deeply and hungrily for coin, meanwhile bringing in goods from across the continent to a hungry populace.

I sat at the front of a café that hadn’t existed when I left and looked upon a land that was supposedly under the rule of a tyrant.

And I saw only peace and tranquility.

“You seem well, granddaughter.” Grandfather arrived like a shadow. One moment, I had glanced at the bustling streets. The next he was seated across from me. My guards moved, but I stopped them by raising my hand. They only relaxed when Grandfather lowered his hood. I ordered him a small meal, and he gave me his thanks. “Any issues taming the new lands?”

“Keeping our new people from getting themselves killed, mostly. They’re too willing to die for our cause.” I gave him a nod and drank my ‘coffee’; it was a stimulant. A drink that kept one’s hunger at bay while also keeping them awake. Alchemists turned its concentrate into a potent pill bound in a sugar casing for soldiers. The drink suited my taste, and I allowed myself the luxury of imbibing it instead of taking the energizing pill. Steamed milk and concentrated coffee were incredible… and all had access to it for a pittance. “Are you not supposed to be supporting Harper with the Merchants?”

“I did, but new orders came. Those watching the defenses surrounding the walls have confirmed our king’s theorem. The Citadels have taken power from our defenses, and now there are gaps. Gaps we can scout through and see the outside world from.” With his experience as a warlord, my grandfather was well suited for the task. He and his men travelled across the whole continent scouring for a Citadel control ring. “Riegert, myself, Sirena of the Wardens, and Smasher of the Conquerors will be setting forth soon.”

“Leaving the realm four short of Champions.” Grandfather nodded at my words. The same coffee that I drank was placed before him, along with freshly baked bread with butter and jam. A kingly breakfast was now available for all to purchase for a midday snack. The bread was enriched with butter and even had sugar. Almost a cake, and with the butter and jam, it probably was. Slices of cake were available for purchase in any bakery as well. The amount of wealth our new nation had was truly staggering. “You fear for his majesty’s hold over the continent?”

“He is strong, and wherever he goes, whatever rises has no answer, but he cannot be everywhere at once. The Citadel Guardians swarm and patrol the lands, but what if Champions hold a town or village hostage? Or are they skilled enough to hide in the wilderness and forage between assaults?” Grandfather made a good point. He almost used his hands to eat his bread but elected to use utensils. Stamped steel forks, spoons, and knives. Most had to learn how to use it, as they had used their hands to eat their whole lives. Steel was reserved for weapons. Not tools, let alone conveniences. “I came here to see if you had the strength to replace us four. I’m not disappointed.”

His unsaid question hung in the air, and I considered it.

“Being unknown had its benefits, especially with how remote our location was and how no one knew we were part of a warband.” I sat back slightly. The chair I was on creaked as I put some weight against its back. The small motion attracted glances, then double-takes, and stiffened spines. Grandfather allowed himself an exhaust of amusement. “Forgive me, I’m indulging in my talents and efforts being recognized after hiding them for so long. Consider it making up for lost time.”

“Forgive you? That would be overstepping myself, my lady.” Grandfather chuckled and shook his head. For a moment, he aimed a glare at me but stopped when I saw through it and just smiled back. His features returned to a mask. “I won’t be able to help you while I’m away. I’m glad to see that you don’t need it.”

“I’d rather help you, but all the mercenary companies that remain are untrustworthy or simply aren’t strong enough.” Grandfather nodded. He must have taken measure of the mercenary companies that remained after the Academy’s fall. Many had tried to become warlords, but in the end, they tried to take lands that were filled with innumerable Guardians. Those that remained lacked the ability to be self-sufficient. Those who had potential largely chose to reach for that potential and died. “However, I do have a few things that our king had no interest in, which would be of great use to you.”

Grandfather raised an eyebrow.

“And what sort of things does he have no interest in, exactly?”

I chuckled.

“Several cloaks of invisibility. Jars that refill with water over the course of a day. That sort of thing.” Priceless treasures extracted from dungeons through the efforts of the military and budding champions watched by the trustworthy. “Worry not, Grandfather; you and the others will not be lacking as you travel beyond these lands.”

…

Grandfather left after giving his thanks.

That was when my new shadow rose up from her hiding place, while the rest of my guards at the cafe continued to eat on my dime. Grandfather noticed that some of them were mine, but not all of them. His people most definitely located all those watching in adjacent buildings.

What mattered now, though, was if my people could do the same.

“Did you identify all of his agents in the area?”

“I only found fifteen. You suspected twenty, my lady.”

“Hm, if you and the others followed my search pattern to the letter, then he must have used less to have me doubt you.” I shook my head before standing and stretching. The sun was bright but not harsh. A nice spring breeze drifted through the town. The scent of the town was clean, as all were bathed, their clothes washed, and sewers took away the refuse to be treated by machines from the Citadel. “Recruit more. Just in case.”

“As you wish, my lady.” She sank back into the shadows, and after a few steps, I was greeted by my adjutant.

A former Champion of the Children of the Elm is reborn covered in one of the invisible cloaks and wielding an ancient treasure retrieved from her former people.
“Were you found?”

“I was. He had a fourth sweep.” Rita confirmed with a bow of her head. I made a note of that. The cloaks were useful and powerful, but one could not move while using them. The blur they created would attract the attention of any warrior with ease. They were more suitable for ambush than for espionage, but still useful. “I will return to actively training, rather than just maintaining, my abilities in espionage.”

“No. That would be a waste of time. Grandfather is specialized in it. If you could beat him in surveillance, you’re ill-suited for the field.” Rita readily accepted my statement. It was a blessing. I could only wonder if all Champions became so willing to listen and improve after their death. The loss of all their skills and abilities gained in life made taking them in and convincing them to fight for us a better course of action, but if they died in battle and were quickly trained? They would provide us with much-needed power. “Return to your duties. Crush more monsters’ nests and delve deep and hungrily for artifacts. I will be recruiting more Champions.”

Rita bowed at my words and left my presence.

Leaving me to walk alone towards the mayor’s address.

Most of the denizens of the town lived in apartments with communal kitchens, baths, and living areas. Homes were typically just for sleeping and privacy with a desk. Only those of the Academy blanched at the typical living quarters, but most who came from villages with mud huts? They may as well be palaces. Those of higher standing and merit were rewarded. They could use that reward to move up. Homes with three rooms, baths, and dining areas stacked atop one another could be acquired, though they had to maintain their homes or hire help.

Those who didn’t wish for any of their pay to live in apartments could live in bunkhouses. The privacy was minimal, but everything was accounted for. Clothes were always the same greys, but they were washed for you and placed neatly into your wardrobe. Meals only had meat every ten days, but three meals were guaranteed every day that were hot, plentiful, and free. You bathed at specific times with your fellows, but you never needed to worry about a lack of soap, water, or means to dry yourself.

All you needed to do was provide proof that you worked, and you had food, shelter, warmth, and cleanliness.

Those who were content to not strive for more were accounted for.

Those who wished for more could reach for more.

Those who yearned for power could only do so by becoming part of his extended retinue.

And they were all watched, tallied, and known. Not one soul in this town was unaccounted for. Each one was part of a register. We knew who their relatives were, where they lived, and what they did for work. Every coin they made was known to us, and so we could tax them properly. Those who had the potential to be mages were found as physicians searched for aptitude while they searched for disease.

Those who had the potential to become champions were reported swiftly to us, and we gathered them swiftly.

For now it was just half a continent, but soon it will be the whole of the continent, and I could not wait to see it.

There will be differences between each town. Different cultures, traditions, and industries. The people will be bound together by core laws that can be enforced by Citadel Guardians in just a moment. If they were not enough, there were those who had mansions, retinues, and power that were bound to our king. The mayors of each town were of the Guardians of the Moon, who were slavishly loyal to him… for giving them the chance they always dreamed of having.

He fulfilled their dreams, so their honor demanded they do the same.

To a continent filled with chaos and violence, order and peace were both returning.

It was not some meek and horrid thing built off idealism that would falter within a single man’s death, but a system that reinforced itself.

The people who lived in the system adored it, while its keepers enjoyed their place in it.

All the while, they worked to protect it just by living and pursuing their own goals.

Magnificent was insufficient as a word to describe it.