As the battle for the last spire raged, I simply remained in the air watching the progress of my army. In fact, I didn't even have to do anything as my forces were already inside the fortress, killing everything that so much as breathed. Originally, I would have hoped to have found groups of natives who I could turn to my side. Sadly, only small camps of the weak, old, and sickly remained.
No point in depending on them for any help with conquering this area. After another hour or so, the sounds of war died down. My forces did not even cheer for victory. Instead they began taking a tally of loses, supplies and other logistics related to our war.
When the reports started coming in, I was descended to the ground. I was able to note all my forces who've come to conquer this area all remained. None were killed, but 1,000 were injured. Luckily, no equipment was lost, damaged, or stolen.
This was a tremendous achievement! As for the tally of goods the enemy left behind… nothing! Not even foodstuff was found. Meaning they may have resorted to cannibalism eating their allies and natives, dead or alive. Well, none of that matters now. It was time to head to the next conflict zone.
According to the plan, another detachment from the children clans will be assigned to revitalize this place. They will first setup a shrine to the Elder Spirits and the Creator. Then, they'll also be responsible for defending the area from any retaliatory attacks from the enemy, whomever they may be.
With luck, this place will be less of a spiritual plane from hell and more of a naturally hospitable territory of sorts. (However, I'm not gonna waste my breath waiting for the change.) Not wasting any more time, my forces and I took to the sky in an orderly manner and flew back to the portal with great haste.
Once there, we were greeted by the replacement forces who cheered for us as we had been the first legion to obtain victory thus far. Watching my army pass through the portal, I took one final glance at this area and noticed a somewhat vast group of people heading this way. Curious I approached from the air until I was in front of them, causing their little caravan to stop.
"State your business. I am not too fond of having to kill people for random reasons; therefore, do not given me a reason now."
I said, while still shrouded in light absorbing black fog; my head shrouded by black flames with only my eyes which had an array of colors glowing from them. The vast caravan halted and proceeded to bow before me in fear and trepidation. Nonetheless, the eldest of the bunch wobbled his way to the front and spoke loudly,
"Hail overlord. We Beseech the conqueror to take us under your wing and protect our peoples. We are but weak and useless heaps of dung before you. Please have mercy on us."
The leading inhabitant said, bowing back down with his caravan as they grovel for mercy. If I were the megalomaniac type, I would have felt my ego stroked by their display of submission and might have deigned to torment them some more. But I for one am tired of this display and want nothing more than rid myself of any future headaches. Nonetheless, I considered the option of taking them in. They sure as hell can't stay here, but will they be like good little children and follow the rules? I will have to wait and see.
"The fact you all have remained hidden while my forces retook this land proves to me you are cowards and did not even attempt to fight back. What am I to gain from you lot should my dominion be challenged or, some of you get into your heads you can steal from me?"
"Great Conqueror, we wouldn't dare to claim to be brave or mighty warriors. We are but farmers, miners and cattle drivers before the invaders came. Now we are but food for them, awaiting to be consumed or sacrificed to their demonic gods. We wouldn't dare to take from you since all we ask is to return to our former trades in safety. Have mercy great lord!"
"Have mercy, great lord!!"
"Have mercy, great lord!!"
"Have mercy, great lord!!"
"Have mercy, great lord!!"
"Enough!!" I shouted.
This is what I find the most annoying about those who are slow to take action but are quick to beg other for help without helping themselves first. To be honest, it is not like I can't make use of them, it's just… I really do not feel like picking up every goddamn stray dog, cat and bird that crosses my path! Whatever, this is a test and it's not like I can take these people with me outside this realm within the dungeon core anyways, right?
"Very well. Follow my forces through the gate. Once through you will abide by the commandments given to you by my forces there. Anyone who is found guilty of breaking any of the rules will be severely punished! Now, get up and move!"
Not sparing a glance at them I began flying back to the gate. I could hear their cheers and praise behind me. Yet I only found jovial cheers to be an annoyance. After passing through the portal, I summoned the clan of children who guard and protect the shrine area. Once they arrived, I gave them orders to hold a conversion ceremony for the newcomers.
Afterwards, they would then have to assign the converts to tasks and skilled trades they are capable of. In addition, I charged another group of the children to shadow these newcomers without being seen. Should any of them do anything suspicious, they are to detain and interrogate those individuals. Deadly force is the last option they may use.
Once finished with giving out my orders, I proceeded to the next conflict zone which is the tundra zone. As my forces had already gone forward to the next zone, I didn't waste any time passing through the portal. Once there, I was met with a land of frosty mountains, hills of snow and never-ending blizzard.
And yet, despite the picturesque landscape of a frozen wonderland, I seem to already be near a fortress of sorts. When I approached, I was greeted by the advance force who were ready to report their progress... Yea... they had already completely subjugated the territory. Looks like we weren't needed. This was also confirmed by an announcement,
"Notice: You have conquered 3 of the 5 enemy territories! You have already met the qualifications to pass this trial; however, you may continue to pursue complete domination. Would you like to continue?" Not even considering the options I said,
"Yes! Continue the trial."
"Notice: You have selected to continue the trial. Current progress… Days of battle: 33, Number of Territories: 4, Number of remaining enemies: 2…. Recalculating… please wait… Notice: you have conquered all enemy territories. You have completed all requirements to undergo the bonus trial within 33 days of combat. Please return to your stronghold and await further direction."
Whelp, I wasn't expecting my forces to be that strong, but good for me. To be honest I am tired as fuck with this place and want to leave as swiftly as possible. Ordering my legion to return to the stronghold, I flew back through the portal and head straight for my mountain brick house. After bathing and resting for another hour, the anticipated message finally came.
"Notice: You have passed all normal trials within this realm. A new trial developed specifically for you has been created. Please step through the portal. Please note, all the forces, zones, and other objects you have obtained in this trial are counted as your rewards for completing all objectives and unlocking the bonus trial."
-End of Chapter