A month's time had transformed the city of Clavis under Lucius's sweeping edicts. The once dormant trade routes now buzzed with activity as caravans laden with glittering arcane crystals made their way from the newly established mines to the castle treasury. These shimmering stones, so vital to the city's resurgence, were now the bedrock upon which Lucius laid the foundation of his grand designs.
The city library, a venerable institution, had undergone a striking transformation. With the facade retaining its aged charm, the interiors had been wholly restructured by City Lord Erastin under Lucius's directive. Its vast halls were now demarcated into sections. Commoners were provided access to rudimentary magical cultivation techniques. This technique, crafted by Lucius himself, wasn't merely a tool for empowerment. Laced within its intricate weaves was an insidious influence designed to erode the practitioner's free will over time, binding them in ever-growing loyalty to Lucius.
However, more specialized knowledge in alchemy, magic engineering, and healing was safeguarded. Access required formal registration, involving providing one's name and a drop of blood, establishing a bond that Lucius could exploit. For those who ascended to the rank of adept in their chosen specialization, a compulsory service to the city awaited, chaining them for five years.
Addressing the issue of agriculture, Lucius summoned influential farmers from each village within Clavis's dominion. The moment they entered his presence, their knees trembled, sensing an overwhelming aura, both mesmerizing and terrifying. Rather than micro-managing farming himself, Lucius, with a flash of his eyes glowing eerily red, exerted his supernatural might. He replaced their consciousness and simultaneously embedded within them precise instructions on array operations. Then, displaying a blend of brutality and benevolence unique to a Demon God, he touched their foreheads. A searing sensation marked the dramatic enhancement of their physical prowess, elevating them to the stature of Initiate, on par with the city's guard captains. Each farmer, now reborn as a manager of his respective domain, was provided with pre-engraved crystals to energize the newly constructed array towers in their villages.
The final cornerstone in Lucius's master plan revolved around the military. An army might not be quintessential to him as other rulers might deem, but it was essential that his dictates be enforced. Commander Veron, already under Lucius's control, was summoned. An emotionless figure, Veron knelt in respect. Lucius, in a gesture that seemed gentle but was potent with magic, touched Veron's forehead, transferring knowledge on constructing the arrays, one was designed to harness and amplify spiritual power, and the other was engineered to tap into the formidable forces of gravity, refining the soldiers' physical prowess and a manuscript detailing magic absorption. This script, meant for the troops, would speed up their progression in harnessing magic. But like the one provided to the citizens, it had a hidden snare. Over time, the technique would diminish their innate potential even as it deepened their allegiance to Lucius.
Then, to fortify the military might, both City Lord Erastin and Commander Veron underwent a ritual. Lucius drained a part of their inherent potential, elevating them to the formidable strength of a quasi Mage.
Concluding his military deliberations, Lucius decreed the establishment of a colossal forge within the city. This facility wasn't just for ordinary weapons, but for creating high-quality armaments that would serve his rejuvenated army well.