Every time Lucian saw a tower with a human-shaped statue, he couldn't help but think of the [Fart Tower].
It wasn't that he particularly liked it, but the "fart attack" was just too absurd and defied all logic.
Even skeletons and mechanical constructs could be stunned by it, including bosses. It was easily one of the most important crowd-control skills in battle.
However, every time it activated, the human-shaped statue would go crazy, spewing endless puffs of green smoke. Lucian found it deeply embarrassing, especially when the female soldiers around him looked on in astonishment.
The way they stared at him afterward made it feel like a complete social death.
Yet he couldn't bring himself to dismantle it.
Despite the "face factor," its combat power was undeniable. The [Stink Bomb Tower] was absurdly powerful, and there was no way he would ever abandon it.
Luckily, the new specialized tower was much better. It only required 1,000 resources to upgrade to level one, making it the most expensive so far.
Naturally, its features were exceptionally strong.
Double Attack!
For instance, if you linked it to the [Fireball Tower], the [Fireball Tower] could fire off two level-11 fireballs with each attack. This was incredibly satisfying, especially since it came with bonus damage.
"One slot at level one... What happens after I upgrade it?"
Lucian felt curious and casually clicked the upgrade button.
Void Origin Stones -1000
[Child of the Stars Tower] Level: 1 → 2 (0/2000).
The first link slot remained, but upgrading required an additional 1,000 stones.
Lucian furrowed his brow but continued upgrading.
Void Origin Stones -2000
Void Origin Stones -3000
Void Origin Stones -4000
[Child of the Stars Tower] Level: 4 → 5 (0/5000).
Link Slots: (None), (None).
Effect 2: Linked elemental towers deal +15% damage.
"Level 5? It seems like levels 10 and 15 will also be key thresholds."
Lucian had an epiphany and, gritting his teeth, decided to max it out to level 10 in one go.
Void Origin Stones -50000
At level 10, a third link slot was unlocked.
It was outrageously expensive, but the results were worth it.
The bonus damage increased to 20%, and the three available slots allowed him to boost the attack power of three elemental towers with double attacks.
As for which towers to link...
Lucian chose the [Blaze Tower], the [Lightning Tower], and the [Judgment Flame High Tower].
The first two had high attack frequencies, while the last dealt large-scale explosion damage.
The combined effects of double attacks and a 20% damage bonus were terrifyingly powerful!
"Too bad it can only link to elemental towers. If there were no restrictions, I'd attach it to the [Missile Tower] instead—now that would be insane!"
Lucian allowed himself to fantasize before refocusing on the task.
He opened the [Territory] interface and placed the [Child of the Stars Tower] next to the [Judgment Flame High Tower].
Next, he pulled out another building model: a [Clock Tower].
The model expanded in the wind, growing larger and taller until it transformed into a towering spire over 40 meters high, landing squarely before Lucian.
[Clock Tower] (+)
Unlike the [Child of the Stars Tower], this was not a defensive structure but a functional building.
Without hesitation, Lucian clicked the "+" button to upgrade it.
The five-colored light burst forth, enveloping the structure.
Moments later, the light faded, and the tower's appearance had completely changed.
Now over 50 meters tall, the spire was adorned with an enormous round clock at its pinnacle, featuring numeric time markers.
"What kind of style is this? Modern Gothic?"
Lucian's lips twitched as he inspected its property panel.
[Time Management Tower]
Type: Clock Tower.
Level: 1 (0/200).
Function 1: Displays the current time.
Function 2: Refills building stock in the territory (usable once every 24 hours).
Description: Time management is an essential skill for all strong individuals.
"Not bad."
Lucian nodded and, after some consideration, decided not to upgrade it further. Instead, he moved it to the center of his territory.
No matter where you stood, you could look up and see the enormous clock, making it easy to keep track of time.
Nightfall
After a long, busy day, Lucian was exhausted and ready to retire.
The Palace Complex now stretched across a vast expanse, a grand cluster of interconnected structures.
Golden tiles and red bricks, dragon-and-phoenix columns, and rare flora created an environment of comfort and opulence.
Walking along the paths, Lucian breathed in the fresh air, stretching lazily as he felt the day's tension melt away.
"Clack. Clack. Clack."
In the stillness of the night, the sound of footsteps echoed softly.
After a short walk, Lucian spotted a tall figure up ahead.
The individual wore an imposing black uniform, hands resting on the hilt of a sword.
"A Qin warrior... Ah, it's you, Xuanyue!"
The figure turned, revealing herself to be Zhao Xuanyue, a towering beauty. Her piercing gaze and upright posture exuded authority.
"Your Majesty!"
She bowed deeply, her expression as sharp as ever.
Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Were you waiting for me?"
"At your command, Your Majesty!"
Zhao Xuanyue's hair was still damp from a recent bath, but her energy remained vibrant.
She stared intently at Lucian and solemnly declared, "My king, Qin soldiers have always been rewarded for their feats in battle. Slaying demons and monsters has long been our path to glory."
"I know," Lucian replied thoughtfully, then added with a smile, "Are you here to ask for a reward?"
"Indeed!"
Zhao Xuanyue's smile was radiant, her flawless features free of greed.
Lucian blinked in surprise. He had often observed the Qin warriors to be indifferent to material wealth.
Due to the limited number of soldiers in the territory, a formal merit system had not yet been implemented.
"Do you want to be promoted to centurion?" Lucian joked. "I'm willing, but your comrades might have something to say about it!"
"They are equally deserving," Zhao Xuanyue admitted, stepping closer.
Her tall frame matched Lucian's height, and her perfectly proportioned figure made her seem even taller.
Her voice was clear yet tinged with icy authority.
"Your Majesty, forgive my boldness, but I wish to request a personal reward!"
"Name it," Lucian said, his tone serious.
Zhao Xuanyue's smile deepened, her beauty almost dazzling in the moonlight.
She bowed low and declared, "I wish to become Your Majesty's woman!"
"???"
Lucian was taken aback, staring at her in shock.
He had assumed she would ask for some customary honor or prize—not this.
Zhao Xuanyue clarified, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I seek no favor nor title as a consort. After tonight, I will remain a loyal soldier under your command."
The cool night breeze swept through the palace gardens.
Lucian stood rooted to the spot, momentarily at a loss for words.
Qin people were known for their straightforwardness.
If they hated someone, they would express it openly. If they admired someone, they wouldn't hesitate to show it.
They had no patience for deceit or pretense.
Zhao Xuanyue's earnest gaze never wavered as she waited for Lucian's response, eager to receive her "reward."
Those who achieved great merit deserved substantial recognition.
Lucian chuckled softly, placing his arm around her waist as he led her into the grand hall.