Elias stared in disbelief at the display of his new stats. After acquiring several titles and donning the Supreme Ring, his power had undergone an unbelievable transformation.
"My lord, thank you for accepting us as your followers," Moonshade and Nightshade intoned, their voices filled with gratitude as they remained kneeling.
Elias waved a dismissive hand. "It's alright, rise already. No need for formalities."
Now that the two ancient spirits stood before him, Elias addressed their duties.
"You mentioned becoming my followers. However, I plan to travel extensively throughout Arcadia to complete various missions. How will you manage your duties as guardians of this tree?"
Moonshade reassured him, "Worry not, milord. Our duties as guardians of the Shadowbloom trees remain unchanged."
Nightshade elaborated, "Since we are bound to you by an oath of allegiance, we are automatically registered as your followers. You should be able to see our names listed under the 'Companions' section in your status window."
He reached out, offering Elias an emblem. It resembled a large coin, intricately carved with the image of a mighty tree. Taking it cautiously, Elias examined it. "What might this emblem be?"
Before either Moonshade or Nightshade could answer, a notification materialized before Elias' eyes.
New Feature Unlocked: Teritory
You have gained ownership of the Shadowbloom Domain
The notification vanished, and the emblem in Elias' hand shimmered before disappearing.
Checking his inventory, he found it listed with the description: "Proof of Legal Ownership - Shadowbloom Domain."
"Shadowbloom Domain..." Elias murmured, a hint of confusion in his voice. "Could you explain what that means?"
"Forgive me," Moonshade began. "When the Ancient One first tasked us with guarding this tree, he spoke of a future event." He paused, collecting his thoughts.
"He predicted the arrival of a rightful owner, someone destined to claim this place. The Ancient One instructed us to serve that individual and relinquish proof of ownership upon their arrival."
Moonshade continued, "Then you arrived, slumbering beneath the tree. The evidence you presented – your connection to the Shadowbloom and the extraordinary ring – convinced us you were the one the Ancient One foretold."
Elias blinked, processing the information. "But what if you're mistaken?" he questioned, a touch of doubt creeping into his voice.
Nightshade stepped forward. "The emblem serves as another form of verification. Only the rightful owner can see and hold it. We were entrusted with its safekeeping."
A small smile formed on Elias' lips. "That eases my doubts. Thank you, I accept the emblem."
His curiosity piqued, he looked towards them. "Now, please tell me more about this Shadowbloom Domain."
Elias hung onto Moonshade's explanation, absorbing every detail.
According to Moonshade, the Shadowbloom Domain encompassed a vast territory, encompassing every area bathed in the Shadowbloom tree's protective aura and blessings.
Within this domain lay six key regions. First came Shadowbloom Hill, where the majestic tree stood as the undisputed heart of the domain.
Second was Verdant Meadow, a sprawling expanse of grassland nestled within the valley surrounding Shadowbloom Hill.
Crystal Lake, the third area, stretched like a shimmering mirror beneath Shadowbloom Hill. Its magical nature stemmed from its hidden source – springs directly linked to the tree's roots.
Eldergrove Forest, the fourth region, encircled and permeated the Shadowbloom area. At its core lay a secluded haven, untouched and inaccessible to all except the domain's rightful owner, Elias himself.
This place pulsed with concentrated magic, an ideal location for him to hone and refine his magical abilities.
Beyond Eldergrove Forest stretched the Whispering Plains, the fifth region. Rolling grasslands adorned with vibrant wildflowers carpeted the landscape.
Finally, the sixth area, Starfall Hills, rose across the lake. Renowned for its breathtaking panoramas, this hilly terrain was often bathed in the ethereal glow of the stars.
Moonshade concluded with a bow, "My lord, all of these areas are now under your control."
Elias' brow furrowed in confusion after hearing Moonshade's explanation. "Full control...?" he muttered, the only words escaping his lips.
He hesitantly opened his status window and navigated to the new "Companions" section. Here, he found detailed profiles for both Moonshade and Nightshade.
__________
Companion:
Moonshade - Ancient Spirit of Shadowbloom Tree
Level: 150
HP: 15,000
MP: 25,000
Stats: High focus on Intelligence and Wisdom
Abilities: Lunar Healing, Moonlight Barrier, Calm Mind
Nightshade - Ancient Spirit of Shadowbloom Tree
Level: 150
HP: 20,000
MP: 20,000
Stats: High focus on Strength and Dexterity
Abilities: Shadow Strike, Cloak of Darkness, Nightmare Aura
__________
Below this, a new section titled "Territory Control: Shadowbloom Domain" appeared. Here, another window displayed information.
__________
Territory Control:
Domain Name: [Kingdom Name] (You can choose a name later)
Ruler: Elias Frostborn
Territory: Shadowbloom Domain
Further details listed a variety of features within the domain:
Ancient Forests: Controlled and protected by Sylvan Elves and Treants.
Lakes and Rivers: Nymphs maintain water purity and offer mystical blessings.
Grasslands: Roamed by Satyrs and Centaurs, serving as pastoral lands.
Enchanted Glades: Inhabited by Faeries and Sprites, offering magical resources.
Cliffs and Mountains: Home to Griffins, overseeing the domain's defenses.
Sacred Groves: Presided over by Dryads, fostering spiritual connections.
Benefits of owning the Shadowbloom Domain included:
Unity and Harmony: Increased cooperation and synergy among the diverse inhabitants.
Natural Defenses: Enhanced security from natural guardians like Treants and Griffins.
Resource Abundance: Access to magical flora, pure waters, and fertile lands.
Cultural Exchange: Opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual growth among races.
__________
Elias breathed out a long sigh. "Wow..." he muttered, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information.
"Hold on a moment, so being the legal owner isn't just about the tree?"
"Precisely, my lord," Moonshade interjected before Elias could fully formulate his question.
Seeing Elias raise a hand to stop them both, he continued, "Owning the Shadowbloom Domain grants you control over a vast territory and its inhabitants."
Elias contemplated this for a moment.
"I have a very important mission to complete," he finally said.
"Forgive us, my lord," Moonshade replied, "but this domain will actually make it easier for you to fulfill your mission."
"Yes, my lord," Nightshade added, "this is also in accordance with the will of the Ancient One."
"You may not be aware," Nightshade continued, "but this region is home to various races, except humans. All the creatures who reside here now belong to you."
A contemplative silence descended upon the group.
Finally, Moonshade spoke again, "As a first step, you could announce your arrival and purpose to all your new subjects."
"Hmm, that makes sense," Elias conceded.
"But what about the rest of Arcadia? It's a massive world. If I'm stuck managing this huge area, spreading information across the entire continent will be impossible."
Elias' statement hung heavy in the air. Moonshade and Nightshade exchanged a silent glance, their expressions unreadable.
"Well, we can address that later," Elias said, deciding to postpone the discussion. "For now, my biggest concern is managing this vast territory."
As if anticipating his question, a notification window materialized before him.
New Feature Implemented: Territory Management System
This system can be accessed independently from your main status window.
Curiosity piqued, Elias reached out and touched the notification. A holographic display flickered to life, revealing a detailed three-dimensional map of the Shadowbloom Domain.
In the top left corner, a panel labeled "Territory Management System" provided a comprehensive overview of the area, including its name, size, and total population. To the right of this panel, a toolbar displayed resource levels – wood, stone, food, magic stones, and finances – alongside a population satisfaction meter.
Finally, a toolbar filled with icons representing various development tools ran along the bottom of the map. These icons offered access to features like construction, diplomacy, resource management, defense, military systems, and even socio-cultural development.
Elias stared, absorbing the information displayed before him. This system seemed to be the answer to his worries.
A hush had fallen as night draped itself across the land. A wave of exhaustion washed over Elias.
"My lord," Moonshade spoke gently, "the hour grows late. Perhaps it's time for you to seek rest."
Nightshade chimed in, "Indeed, my lord. There's a room prepared just below this platform, awaiting your slumber."
Elias offered them a grateful smile. "Thank you, that sounds wonderful. But what about yourselves?"
"Once we tend to the Shadowbloom tree," Moonshade explained, "we'll conduct a patrol of the entire territory.
Afterwards, we'll enter the special dimension where your summoned creature resides."
Elias blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. "Summoned creature? Weren't you both saying you'd be my followers and companions?"
"Since we are beings of spirit," Moonshade clarified, "without physical bodies, the system automatically classifies us as your summoned creatures."
Elias' smile widened in relief. He had been picturing himself sleeping alone, while the two ancient spirits were forced to guard outside. This news put his mind at ease.
After bidding farewell to the spirits, Elias climbed down from the platform and made his way to the room he'd discovered earlier.
Upon entering, his jaw dropped – the room had undergone a dramatic transformation, completely unrecognizable from his first visit.
The room Elias had found earlier had undergone a stunning makeover.
Gone were the rough-hewn walls of woven branches and twigs, replaced by smooth, luxurious wood paneling. The transformation was nothing short of a royal master suite.
A massive wooden bed stood proudly in the center, its platform adorned with thick, furry animal skins that promised unparalleled softness. To its right, a spacious wardrobe gleamed with a large glass mirror reflecting the room's elegance. On the left, a comfortable wooden table and chair offered a place to work or relax.
Elias' gaze drifted across the room. Where a gap in the branches had existed before, now stood a large window, its glass veiled by a beautiful tapestry woven from roots and leaves.
Opposite the bed, a plush sofa, upholstered in the same indulgent animal skin as the bed, invited him to rest.
A round wooden table rested in front of it, beckoning with the promise of quiet contemplation.
Finally, an elegantly crafted door graced the right wall, leading who knew where.
Unable to resist the allure of the bed, Elias padded over and cautiously touched the surface of the animal skin. It yielded beneath his fingers, feeling as plush and luxurious as a mattress in a five-star hotel.
A small smile played on his lips – even in this fantastical world, comfort seemed to have found him.