"System, open the commander-type troops store section," Noah murmured.
The air thrummed with a low hum as blue light flickered before him. A translucent system screen expanded across the study, lines of glowing text unfolding like a royal decree.
> [COMMANDER-TYPE TROOPS STORE SECTION]
[Troop Commanders]
• Spiritbound Marshal (of Soul-Forged Knights): 10,000 SP
• Umbra Shadowmaster (of Umbra Assassins): 10,000 SP
• Legion Marshal (for Militia / Infantry): 6,500 SP
• Ranger General (for Archers): 6,500 SP
• Vanguard Marshal (for Cavalry): 8,500 SP
[Unique Commanders]
• Battlefield Strategist — A commander capable of analyzing terrain and adjusting formations to exploit enemy weaknesses. Slightly increases troop combat efficiency: 9,500 SP
• Iron Commander — A seasoned veteran able to coordinate infantry, archers, and cavalry with precision. Greatly increases synchronization between mixed units: 12,000 SP
• Grand General — A myth-tier command unit capable of leading entire campaigns.
Passive ability: "Will of Dominion" — boosts army morale by 25%, reduces fatigue, and enables synchronized maneuvers across divisions: 20,000 SP
Below the list, a smaller note appeared.
> "While troop commanders lead their specialized units, the Iron Commander unites them into one cohesive force. To lead multiple armies as a single front, a Grand General is required."
Noah's lips curved upward.
"Huh… this has gotten interesting," he murmured, eyes glinting. "With this, I won't have to micromanage everything. I can finally fight on multiple fronts — like a real ruler."
He leaned back in his chair, tapping a finger against the armrest.
"System, purchase one of each unique commander—the Battlefield Strategist, the Iron Commander, and the Grand General. Also, twenty of the standard troop commanders."
The system responded with a melodic chime.
> [Purchase Confirmed]
• 1× Battlefield Strategist – 9,500 SP
• 1× Iron Commander – 12,000 SP
• 1× Grand General – 20,000 SP
• 20× Troop Commanders – 137,000 SP
[Remaining SP: 3,500,000]
Light flared across the marble floor as the summoning circle expanded. Figures began to emerge from the blue radiance — solidifying from energy into flesh, armor, and will.
The Battlefield Strategist appeared first — a lean man with a sharp jaw and calculating eyes, a rolled map clasped in one hand. His cloak was ink-dark, lined with silver thread, and his very stance radiated intellect. "Lord Noah," he said with a small bow, "show me the terrain, and I shall show you victory."
Next stepped forward the Iron Commander — a towering figure clad in scarred, dented armor that bore the marks of a hundred battles. His voice was rough but steady, like gravel underfoot.
"Lord Noah, reporting for duty. Your enemies will break before our discipline."
Then came the Grand General. The temperature in the room seemed to drop. His armor shimmered faintly with runes, a crimson cape trailing behind him like flowing blood. His eyes, cold and focused, locked on Noah as he knelt.
"Your will is my command, my lord," he said, voice deep enough to silence the air.
Behind them, the twenty troop commanders materialized, each distinct — the Ranger Generals in leather and fur, the Legion Marshals in polished bronze, the Vanguards astride spectral steeds, and the Shadowmasters cloaked in living shadow. They dropped to one knee in perfect unison, the sound echoing like thunder through the hall.
Noah rose slowly, looking over them — his creations, his instruments of conquest.
"Welcome to the fold," he said, his tone regal and controlled. "Each of you has a role in the rise of Veridian. The Iron Commander will coordinate our mixed armies, the Grand General will oversee campaigns, and the Strategist will ensure we never fight blind."
He began assigning orders with mechanical precision.
"Prepare for the expansion of Rover Province and the securing of all surrounding territories. I want full readiness reports within forty-eight hours. Supply lines, resource caches, defensive terrain — map it all."
The commanders saluted, their movements sharp and perfectly synchronized. When the room cleared, Noah turned toward his officials, who had gathered in quiet awe.
"Our city is recovering," he said, his voice low but unshakable. "But recovery isn't enough. We're expanding. I want officers trained to govern new lands and administrators ready for integration. We're not rebuilding a city — we're founding a kingdom."
His words settled over the room like a divine command. The officials bowed and hurried to obey and so, they left the room.
When silence returned, Noah leaned back, eyes flickering toward the blue glow still faintly lingering in the air. For the first time in weeks, his expression softened.
"System," he said quietly, "stop giving me quests."
The room froze — even the air seemed to still.
"I'll use your store, sure," he continued, "but I want to lead my empire by my own will. Not because your missions told me to. If I'm building a kingdom, it'll be my kingdom. Not one written by someone else's code."
For a heartbeat, there was nothing.
Then the system responded.
> [Acknowledged.]
[Congratulations, Host. You have proven yourself worthy of sovereign autonomy.]
[System Quest Functions Locked.]
[System Store and Upgrade Mechanics Remain Active.]
[New Feature Unlocked — Soldier Pool Evolution.]
"Host may now upgrade troop quantity and quality based on empire status, rather than mission completion."
[May you rise, O King of Veridian.]
Noah's breath caught — and a small, genuine smile crossed his face.
"…Thank you," he whispered. Then, almost laughing under his breath, he added, "Truly… thank you. For letting me chase the dream of becoming a king."
He gazed at the empty space where the holographic panel had faded, eyes gleaming with quiet fire.
"Now," he said softly, turning toward the map of his dominion, "let's see how far this empire can go."
---
Meanwhile, in the Capital of the Bulwark Duchy ,Verengrad
The grand chamber of House Damaris shook with fury.
Duke Renard Damaris slammed his fist on the marble table, the echo cutting through the air like thunder.
"How did Noah survive?" he roared. "How did he crush Voss and his eighty thousand men?!"
His advisors flinched. None dared meet his eyes. One man, trembling slightly, spoke. "Your Grace, Governor Voss relied on outdated formations. The enemy's tactics—unpredictable, unorthodox. His men lost morale before they even reached the city walls."
Renard's eyes burned with fury. "Then I will not rely on fools again. My coronation is near once the ceremony is done, I will personally erase that upstart from the map."
The chamber fell silent. None dared remind him that Noah now commanded a force as mysterious as it was deadly.
---
Meanwhile, in Veridian
Night cloaked the city in calm. Inside his study, Noah sat alone — the blue glow of the system still flickering faintly on his desk.
He stared at his reflection in the window, a faint smirk forming.
"Let's see, Duke Renard… let's see how long your crown lasts."
Outside, beneath the stars, the newly summoned commanders were already marshaling their divisions.
The Empire of Veridian had begun to breathe and soon, it would march.