The atmospheric pressure from the core finally stabilized as the evolution reached its peak. The translucent shield surged outward, claiming a radius of 250 meters and forcibly shoving the snarling monsters back into the dark woods.
Leo watched the expansion with a wide, satisfied grin. 'Every new tier gives me goosebumps. This is the excitement of building something, I guess,' he thought, pulling up the new Guardian Blessing.
[Cold Blood: Units within the territory boundaries will ignore pain, mental pressure, and mortal injuries, fighting to their absolute limit until death.]
''Not bad. This buff makes them fight without the fear of death,'' Leo murmured. He scanned the new blueprints, noting the transition from wood to stone walls, the military barracks, and the tannery. He then turned his attention to a unique management feature: the Sentinel Assignment System.
This system allowed him to appoint a specific subordinate to oversee territory security. Leo didn't hesitate to select the newly evolved Hobgoblin. 'Let's see if your new brain can handle a bit of responsibility, Captain.'
Near the edge of the camp, Captain Goblin was resting beside his bloodhound, tossing it scraps of meat. Suddenly, a visible wave of authority washed over him, linking his soul to the territory's perimeter.
The Hobgoblin straightened his back, a look of extreme self-importance crossing his rugged face. ''Guhh... I wonder what the Lord would do without me to watch his back,'' he grunted to himself, already relishing the weight of his new position.
Reaching Encampment Level 3 during the trial phase was an unprecedented feat. Leo knew the path ahead would be steep; the requirements for the next tier would demand iron ore, scrap metal, and double the basic resources. However, the potential for a top-tier lord ranking made the struggle worth it.
As the twin purple moons began to sink toward the horizon, a thunderous system announcement echoed through the minds of every Lord in Origin.
[Attention to the Lords of all races.] [Preparation time has concluded. For the next three days, bonus challenges will be issued to those bold enough to seize them.]
[A series of blessings will be granted to aid your growth before the final evaluation.]
[For the brave who are willing to soak the earth in blood, the first blessing is: Double Harvest.]
[Double Harvest: For the next 12 hours, all loot and resource drops from kills are doubled.] [Good luck. The shield of protection will fail in 4 days. Make them count.]
Leo's eyes narrowed like needles. 'What? There is no information about blessings in the trial stage,' he thought, blindsided by the sudden shift. He quickly recalled the notes Laura had given him. 'No, there is absolutely no mention of this.' To confirm his doubts, he pulled up the global chat.
[User: Fangbound]: What the hell? There was never any mention of blessings in previous trials!
[User: NullSignal]: No, there was not. We have been analyzing trial data for ten years. This is new.
[User: Princess Luna]: Wow, so we are the lucky ones? Double loot, guys! Hehe.
[User: Elias Crowe]: On the contrary. I suspect someone or something has forced Origin to change its routine.
[User: AshVein]: But who could have the power to change Origin?
[User: Elias Crowe]: I do not know. This could be our greatest blessing or our ultimate despair.
The news had every race reeling. These were not amateurs; these lords had been groomed with strategic data from past trials. A sudden bonus like Double Harvest was not just a gift; it was a wildcard that threw every calculated plan into chaos.
'So I am not the only one walking into the dark,' Leo thought. Malphas, the Captain, and Vespar fell into formation behind him, ready for the command. 'Whatever the cause, I will make it work for me.' He opened his interface.
[Sanguine Essence: 350]
He had been hoarding essence to summon a hero, but the sudden blessing forced his hand. He needed specialized support now.
''Malphas, in your experience, is it better to favor quality or quantity?'' Leo asked, weighing his options.
''My Lord, if the units are identical, quantity provides a tactical advantage in numbers. However, if they differ, quality is paramount. High-grade units possess the autonomy to function without constant oversight,'' Malphas explained.
'He is right. I cannot micro-manage an entire army of low-intelligence drones,' Leo thought, glancing at the Hobgoblin. He turned his attention to the 3-star recruitment banner.
[Cost: 150 per pull] [Pity System: Hard pity at 7 pulls. +15% chance per pull.]
'I have three chances to strike gold.' He focused and initiated three consecutive summons. A green circle manifested first. Leo scowled as a heap of stone animated into a bulky, mindless form.
[Golem — Uncommon (2-star)]
The Earth Golem stood like a silent monolith. Leo braced for another disappointment, but the second circle erupted in a brilliant azure flare. ''Hell yeah!'' he shouted, the thrill of the gamble breaking through his icy composure.
A piercing neigh echoed as molten lava pooled within the circle. A beast with veins of flowing fire and smoke billowing from its nostrils stood before them.
Name: Hell Warhorse
Grade: Rare(3star)
Race: Infernal Beast
Manifested Rank: E
Role: Cavalry Mount / Shock Support
Core Attributes: Strength (High), Endurance (Very High), Agility (High), Mental Will (Moderate)
Innate Traits: Hellhide Flesh :
Natural armor equivalent to medium plate.
Resistant to arrows and slashing attacks.
Minor fire damage reflected on contact.
Skills: Infernal Charge:
Damage and impact scale with the distance traveled before collision.
Breaks enemy formations.
Causes fear in Common and Uncommon enemies.
Authority-Bound Mount:
Can only be mounted by Bounded or Authority-approved subordinates.
Syncs with the rider's intent, not commands.
[Unique skill - Hell mount - Can be sent to a separate space, call upon need]
'What a magnificent beast.' Leo was mesmerized.
The horse stared down every subordinate, its aura demanding respect.
The final circle flared blue as well. A wave of decay and medicinal odors washed over the group. A hooded figure emerged, his skin pale and scarred, looking like a man who had experimented on himself one too many times.
He carried a heavy satchel of bones and strange reagents. Unlike the others, he did not kneel, but bowed low with his hands over his chest. ''Oh Lord of the unknown, this servant Akul greets you.''
Name: Akul
Race: Forbidden Alchemist
Role: Support / Evolution Aid
Grade: Rare (3-star)
Manifested Rank: E
Core Functions: Mutation Stabilization (Passive):
Reduces the failure rate of evolution and mutation attempts.
Prevents soul-collapse in borderline cases.
Flesh & Bone Repair(Active):
Can restore undead units using bone fragments.
Can heal flesh units using monster remains.
Risk Mitigation Protocols:
Slightly increases the success chance of Heritage infusion, Forced evolution, and Experimental enhancements.
Limitations:
Cannot guarantee success.
Requires materials per operation.
Cannot affect higher than rare grade or hero class.
Leo stared at the alchemist. With Akul's abilities to stabilize mutations and the Warhorse's shock potential, his army was finally taking shape.
''Welcome, Akul,'' Leo said, his voice dropping to a low, predatory tone. ''We have much work to do, and very little time to do it.''
'With these three and the Double Harvest buff,' Leo thought, 'I am going to strip this forest of everything it owns.'