The battlefield was alive with chaos, yet Lucian's mind was razor-sharp, his focus unwavering.
The humanoid monsters charged forward, their crimson eyes glowing with malice, their spears poised to strike. Their iron-clad boots thudded against the ground, each step a proof to their relentless determination.
But Lucian stood firm behind his wooden fence, his gaze flicking between the two defense towers that marked his domain's edge.
[Inferno Tower]: Its fire prism shone brilliantly, a beacon of controlled destruction. Each pulse of energy promised devastation, ready to turn the advancing enemies into ash.
[Fart Tower]: Despite its absurd design and the embarrassing stone statue resembling Lucian, its green mist had already proved devastating against the first wave of monsters.
He smirked. "You may look ridiculous, but you pack a punch."
At the hundred-meter mark, Lucian raised his hand, signaling the start of the counterattack.
"Fart Tower, engage!"
The grotesque statue atop the tower trembled violently, releasing a deafening "Pfft!" that reverberated across the battlefield.
A thick, noxious green mist burst forth, rolling toward the oncoming enemies like a living entity.
The effect was immediate.
The humanoid creatures faltered, their movements slowing as the gas took hold. Their powerful strides turned into staggered steps, and their spear thrusts wavered in midair.
Some collapsed entirely, clutching their throats and writhing on the ground. Their iron armor, once an imposing sight, now seemed like a burden too heavy to bear.
Lucian's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Weakening them this much before they even reach the fence… Perfect."
Nearby, Lin Daiyu observed the scene with her usual composed elegance.
"Master," she said softly, her voice like the chime of a bell, "this mist is more potent than expected. It's as though the tower was crafted with exceptional magic."
"Exceptional magic or Void-level trolling," Lucian quipped, glancing at the statue's smug expression. "But hey, it's getting the job done."
With the enemies weakened, Lucian turned his attention to the Inferno Tower.
"Fireball, now!"
The fire prism atop the tower flared to life, gathering energy into a massive orb of flame. It hovered above the tower, radiating heat that warped the air around it.
Then, with a whoosh, the fireball launched, tearing through the sky like a meteor.
BOOM!
The fireball exploded at the heart of the enemy ranks.
Flames erupted in all directions, consuming everything within a large radius. The shockwave flattened nearby vegetation, sending charred debris flying. The once-formidable horde of Dark Hunters was reduced to smoldering remains.
As the fire burned itself out, the battlefield grew eerily quiet. The only sound was the faint crackle of embers and the occasional gust of wind carrying away the ash.
Lucian lowered his hand, his posture relaxing as a familiar voice echoed in his mind:
"Combat Concluded!"
"Initiating Combat Evaluation!"
Combat Evaluation:
Enemies Defeated: 27 Level 2 Dark Hunters
Outcome: Decisive Victory
Rank: SS
Rewards:
Base Reward: 27 Void Origin Stones
Bonus Reward (SS Rank):
200 Void Crystals
New Buildings: [Farmland], [Well], [Toilet]
Lucian exhaled deeply, his lips curling into a satisfied smile. "That went better than expected."
Lin Daiyu approached, her movements as fluid as a stream's flow. "Master, your strategy was flawless. The towers proved their worth."
Lucian glanced at the Fart Tower, suppressing a laugh. "Even that one."
Scaling the wooden fence, Lucian moved to collect the treasure chests left behind by the defeated monsters. Twenty-seven in total, each glowing faintly in the morning light.
One by one, he opened them, cataloging the contents.
Void Crystals: 39
Void Origin Stones: 1
The haul was decent, though not as lucky as the previous day. Lucian frowned, stashing the rewards in his inventory. "Not bad, but I was hoping for something extraordinary. Maybe next time."
Returning to the center of his domain, Lucian inspected the newly acquired building models.
[Farmland]: A plot of fertile land for growing essential crops.
[Well]: A simple yet reliable source of water for the territory.
[Toilet]: A practical addition for maintaining hygiene and convenience.
Lucian smirked. "Finally, no more awkward trips outside the fence. This should make life easier."
Lin Daiyu tilted her head slightly, amusement flickering in her gaze. "Even the smallest comforts can be invaluable, Master."
Looking around, Lucian realized his territory was becoming cramped. With only 200 square meters of space, it was clear that expansion was necessary before adding the new buildings.
Opening the [Territory] interface, he reviewed his resources: 47 Void Origin Stones. More than enough to upgrade his land.
As he prepared to expand, Lucian glanced at Lin Daiyu, her serene expression giving him a sense of calm.
With a grin, he muttered, "Alright, Void, let's see what you've got for us next."