"We need to focus on defense preparations. We don't have enough men to guard the wall. Yue Fei, prepare the soldiers for the worst. Xiao, we'll need to involve the civilians. Gather large rocks and store them on the wall—when the time comes, they'll help defend the city. Fortunately, I watched that documentary about castles. Any suggestions?"
"No, sir!"
"Then go and prepare."
After they left, I finally opened the bronze chest and received:
Population Summon x25
Small Paper Mill
Bronze-Grade Spear (The spear's material is highly conductive; applying energy enhances its sharpness and durability.)
"Good rewards!" I thought as I ran toward Xiao, muttering to myself, "I really need a secretary."
I handed him the spear to give to Yue Fei and the paper mill blueprint, instructing him to find a suitable location for its construction.
"Find Elizabeth and have her set up the mill. Start producing paper—I want the information of every citizen written down. I'll also summon 25 more people. Organize them and continue the preparations."
I returned to my office and spent the rest of the night cultivating. The next day, after awakening and eating some food, just before leaving to check the city's development, a golden panel appeared before me.
"Another system? Is this some kind of joke?"
[Basic State Affairs established. Initializing The Lord's System...]
Name: Independent City of Wei
Territory: State City
Fate: [3/300]
Subjects' Loyalty: 49%
War {locked}
Mandates {locked}
[Those with the token are representatives of your power and share the fate of the State.]
"What is Fate? What can I do with it? Damn it. More importantly, how is the loyalty of my subjects so low? Is it because they don't see a future here? They don't believe in me?."
"No," I thought, "I need to raise the people's morale."
I quickly told Xiao to gather everyone. Before the battle, I needed to make them trust me.
When I entered the future commercial center, every person knelt down. Silence. I couldn't even hear the sound of breathing. Fear was etched on their faces.
Xiao whispered, "They are commoners, my lord. The ire of a ruler could destroy them."
Looking around, I realized that while fear is a powerful weapon, excessive fear leads to rebellion. I needed them to change, to allow me to lead them, to believe in a greater future. Empty words wouldn't suffice, so I put my years of customer service skills to use.
"Today will be a day marked by the sign of death."
I could see panic spreading, but I needed high emotions to create a lasting impact.
"But not for me—not even for you. The enemies who come to break us and take our lives think we are weak."
"ARE WE WEAK?"
I shouted, but silence answered me. I looked around, seeing fear and panic—but also a glimmer of light in their eyes.
"ARE. WE. WEAK?"
I shouted again, this time with all my force. A murmur rose.
"No..." a tall man said softly.
"No!"
"No!"
More voices joined in, growing louder.
I smiled faintly. "Finally, I took control."
[Subjects' Loyalty: 50%]
"WHY ARE YOUR FACES SO DOWN?"
They looked up at me, surprised.
"LOOK UP TO THE SKY AND RAISE YOUR CHESTS HIGH, FOR THAT IS WHERE WE BELONG! THOSE BELOW US ARE NOTHING MORE THAN PATHETIC WORMS!"
I could feel the crowd's mood shifting.
"TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DESTINY AND FIGHT AGAINST THE FATE THAT BINDS YOU TO YOUR MORTAL BODY!"
Their eyes brightened, and their breathing quickened.
[Subjects' Loyalty: 52%]
I paused, letting the energy settle, then spoke slowly.
"A single thread can be easily broken, but when intertwined, they form an unbreakable rope. Let me become the light that leads you through the darkness! Follow me, and you shall bask in the prosperity that awaits!"
A young man, around twenty years old, ran forward and knelt, eyes shining.
"My lord, are you saying we can cultivate... and even... become immortals?"
"What's your name, young one?" I asked.
"Xue. Just Xue, sir."
"Are you willing to serve me, Xue?"
"Yes, my lord. I am willing!"
"Then rise and embrace the glory that awaits you."
After Xue pledged his loyalty, the crowd knelt and followed his example.
"FOR THE FUTURE!"
"FIGHT!"
"FIGHT!"
"FIGHT!"
[Subjects' Loyalty: 64%]
Once the crowd calmed, I called Xiao. Despite his warnings about teaching cultivation to commoners, I felt it was the right decision.
With 30 minutes left before the beast wave, everyone was ready atop the walls.
When the timer reached zero, we saw them—on the Great Plain to the west of the city—a large horde of beasts.
"What do you think, Yue Fei?"
"150 green skins, probably below Third Step Body Refiners. 20 well-armed green skins, likely around Fourth Step. And one large green skin... Sixth Step. It will be a difficult battle, sir."
"Damn it. If this is the first wave, what about the others?"
"Prepare the weapons. Let them come to their deaths!"