WebNovels

Chapter 66 - Frost and Flame

A few months after the first world champion tournament

The crystalline spires of the Eternal Dominion gleamed under the artificial starlight generated by the estate's enchanted dome. Suspended above Nephilheim's icy expanse, this floating sanctuary stood as a testament to Velkharion's vision and meticulous craftsmanship. Six months had passed since the First World Champion Tournament, where strategies clashed and legends were born. Velkharion had claimed his glory in that chapter of history, and now his focus shifted to something grander—a legacy.

Seated atop his Frostfire Throne, Velkharion surveyed the central chamber of his castle. The throne room was immense, designed to dwarf any who entered with ceilings that stretched into the heavens and an intricate circular design that allowed his voice to carry naturally through the vast space. Etched runes glimmered on every surface, interwoven with ancient scripts that pulsed faintly in response to his presence.

This was the heart of the Eternal Dominion—a sanctuary built not only to reflect his power but to prepare for the unknown challenges awaiting in the new world.

At first glance, the Eternal Dominion could be mistaken for a singular floating castle, but it was far more than that. Velkharion had envisioned a self-sustaining, multi-purpose stronghold capable of adapting to any scenario in a foreign realm. It was a seamless blend of fortification and artistic elegance, balancing beauty with ruthless practicality.

- The Central Castle: At the core of the estate was a massive castle fashioned from frostfire crystal, obsidian, and enchanted metals. The central structure housed Velkharion's throne room, treasury, library, and other essential facilities. The main castle was layered with powerful magical defenses, including auto-repairing wards and a reflective barrier that absorbed hostile magic.

- The Sprawling Estate: Surrounding the main castle were interconnected platforms and pavilions, each serving a distinct purpose. Lavish gardens filled with bioluminescent plants and enchanted fountains decorated the outer grounds, blending tranquility with the power of controlled nature.

- The Floating Platforms: Suspended below and adjacent to the central estate were several floating platforms connected by arcane teleportation circles. These platforms included the Arena of Eternity for combat drills and tournaments, the Halls of Refinement where artifacts were created and maintained, and the Observation Spire, a towering structure equipped with enchanted telescopes and scrying orbs for surveying the surrounding area.

Each component of the estate radiated magic, interconnected by a network of enchanted runes that allowed for seamless communication and energy flow. The Eternal Dominion's very existence defied the laws of the physical world, floating weightlessly through the skies of Nephilheim like a gleaming beacon of power.

Velkharion had spared no expense in creating the Eternal Dominion. Every inch of the estate reflected his foresight and strategic planning, with its purpose stretching far beyond personal vanity. This was a stronghold designed for adaptability, for experimentation, and for domination.

"A castle isn't just walls and towers," Velkharion had once said to himself during the estate's creation. "It's a reflection of its master. If I am to step into a new world, I won't merely adapt to it—I'll make it adapt to me."

The Eternal Dominion needed more than aesthetic appeal or tactical value. It needed to become a thriving system of its own, complete with divisions and specialists capable of handling every conceivable challenge.

While most NPC creators focused solely on combatants and strategists, Velkharion wanted his estate to function like a self-sufficient nation. He envisioned a system of divisions, each specializing in a specific field essential to survival and dominance. By empowering his NPCs with unique roles and expertise, Velkharion ensured that the Eternal Dominion would thrive regardless of the circumstances in the new world.

R&D Division (Research & Development):

The cornerstone of adaptability, this division was tasked with analyzing magic, resources, and technologies from the new world. Their enchanted laboratory was filled with alchemy stations, advanced Grimoire repositories, and experimental machinery capable of synthesizing new materials.

- Leader: Zelefar, the Rune Weaver (Dark Elf). An enigmatic genius with an unparalleled understanding of runic enchantments and magical energy.

Tactical Division:

Responsible for formulating strategies and adapting to battlefield conditions, the Tactical Division was housed within The Strategic Archives, a sprawling hall filled with maps, tactical Grimoire, and scrying tools. They coordinated with scouting operatives to ensure the estate was always a step ahead.

- Leader: Sythera, the Frostscale Tactician (Dragonkin). Known for their sharp mind and expertise in long-range battle tactics.

Guard Division:

This was the backbone of the estate's defenses, staffed with heavily armed sentinels, assassins, and combat-ready maids. Their primary task was to ensure the Eternal Dominion remained an impenetrable fortress.

- Leader: Kroxar, the Umbra Vanguard (Shadow Demon). A hulking figure with unmatched skill in melee combat and unyielding loyalty.

Scouting Division:

Specialized in reconnaissance, infiltration, and intelligence gathering, the scouting division operated covertly in both enemy territories and unexplored regions. They operated from The Phantom Wing, a stealthy outpost with teleportation circles and illusion wards.

- Leader: Miryss, the Veil Dancer (Nightshade Fae). Their ethereal agility and mastery of stealth were unmatched.

Treasury Division:

Tasked with safeguarding the vast wealth of the Eternal Dominion, including magical artifacts, enchanted currency, and rare materials, this division oversaw The Vault of Eternity, a labyrinthine chamber layered with unbreachable wards.

- Leader: Valnor, the Gilded Bloodkeeper (Dwarven Vampiric Hybrid). A meticulous record-keeper and shrewd manager of resources.

Velkharion's vision extended beyond these core divisions, introducing newer teams as part of the estate's expansion:

Medical Division:

Specialized in healing and restorative magic, this division ensured that Velkharion's NPCs could recover from battle. Their facilities included advanced medical wards and regeneration chambers.

Diplomatic Division:

Created to master diplomacy, cultural etiquette, and negotiation, this division was equipped with enchanted Grimoire containing every known custom, language, and ritual of Yggdrasil Online.

Crafting Division:

Focusing on weapon, armor, and artifact creation, the Crafting Division worked tirelessly to maintain and improve the estate's armory. Their workshop, The Forge of Eternity, gleamed with the heat of enchanted fires capable of smelting magical alloys.

Overseeing all divisions and reporting directly to Velkharion was Isaril, the Crimson Warden—his ultimate creation and most loyal servant. As a vampiric entity clad in regal crimson armor adorned with frostfire engravings, Isaril commanded authority with every word and movement. Her sharp intellect and meticulous nature made her indispensable, managing the generals and ensuring the estate operated with military precision.

Standing beside Velkharion in the throne room, Isaril's ruby-red eyes gleamed with unwavering loyalty. Velkharion smiled faintly, leaning back on his Frostfire Throne. "Magnificence is only the beginning. When the new world comes, this place will become the fulcrum upon which kingdoms rise and fall."

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