Lu Ming watched his army from the top of a hill, with the ruined fortress behind him. His gaze shifted to the two prisoners chained in front of him: the elven king and the dwarf king. Despite their injuries and defeat, the two leaders maintained a defiant stance, though fear gleamed in their eyes.
Lu Ming knew that capturing both kings was a unique opportunity. With the elven and dwarf leaders under his control, he could subdue their respective people without the need for a prolonged war. However, in order to secure his victory and expand his territory, he decided to divide his army into two fronts. This strategy would allow him to conquer both cities simultaneously, reducing the chance of them uniting against him.
"**General Varok**, **Priest Aleron**, both of you will take care of the dwarf king," Lu Ming ordered, pointing at the sturdy, white-bearded king. Take half of the **Super Draconic Soldiers** and a group of **draconic soldiers**. March towards **Stone City**, home of the dwarves, and conquer it. Use the dwarven king as a bargaining chip, but show no mercy if they resist.
**General Varok**, an imposing draconian with obsidian-colored scales, nodded firmly. Beside him, **Priest Aleron**, with his dark cloak and an aura of power emanating from his being, prepared to follow the order. Both of them knew that this mission was crucial to securing complete control over the dwarven territories.
Lu Ming then turned to the other half of his army.
"**General Selene**, **Priest Zephyr**, you will carry the elven king," he continued, pointing at the long-eared, stern-looking king. Lead the remaining **Super Draconic Soldiers** and the other group of **draconic soldiers** towards **Silver City**, the heart of the elven domain. Use the king as leverage to negotiate, but if they refuse to surrender, do not hesitate to take the city by force.
**General Selene**, a fierce-looking draconian with cobalt-blue scales, raised her spear in acceptance. **Priest Zephyr**, with his solemn air and deep connection to arcane magic, closed his eyes in a nod, preparing his energies for the coming battle.
Lu Ming looked at his divided army with satisfaction. This tactic would not only allow them to maximize their forces, but would also strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. He knew that his generals and priests were more than capable of leading the troops and securing victory.
**[System Notification: Army Division Completed. New Mission: Conquest of the Cities of Stone and Silver.]**
Both divisions began to prepare to depart. The **Super Draconic Soldiers** checked their weapons and armor, while the **Draconic Soldiers** lined up their ranks. Lu Ming approached each group, giving them his final instructions.
"Remember," he said in an authoritative voice, "we are not here just to conquer. We are here to establish a new order, a dominion where the strongest rule. Show no weakness. Show no mercy."
The soldiers roared in response, and both groups began their march, their ranks moving with martial discipline. The prisoners, chained and dragged alongside them, looked back in despair and rage, knowing their fate hung in the balance.
Lu Ming watched as his armies split into two, each taking a different path toward their respective objectives. Although he was certain of victory, he knew he had to be prepared for any eventuality. The elves and dwarves would not be conquered easily, and any mistake could prove costly.
With one last glance at his troops, Lu Ming turned his attention back to his own territory. Although he had entrusted the conquest to his generals and priests, he had other matters to attend to. With the expansion of his domain, he must further strengthen his defenses and prepare for any retaliation the other races might attempt.
**[System Notification: New quests unlocked. Territorial expansion in progress.]**
As the armies made their way into the dense forest and rocky mountains toward their respective destinations, Lu Ming smiled. He was closer to his ultimate goal: a unified empire under his absolute rule, where no one could challenge his power.
The time for diplomacy was over. Now, only conquest remained.
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