The moon hung high, casting a pale glow over the rolling hills of Duskridge Territory. The nomadic builders had no walls to protect them, only their traditions and the open land. They were known for their craftsmanship, but in war, they were untested.
Xel'Varyn's three hands gripped her weapons tightly. This would not be a slaughter—it would be a demonstration of power.
The System chimed.
[System Update: Conquest Initiated]
"Rule through fear or respect—both lead to power."
Objective: Subjugate the Duskridge ClansEnemy Forces: 250 militia, 100 trained buildersEstimated Difficulty: ModeratePotential Rewards: Skilled labor, new recruits, increased reputationThe First Strike
Durn, leading the Blood Marauders, raised his fist. The signal was clear. No mercy if they resisted.
"Move!" Xel'Varyn commanded.
Her warriors descended upon the camp like shadows, swift and ruthless.
The first clash was brief—Duskridge archers loosed arrows, but Elya's Qi shields deflected them effortlessly. Marauders crashed into the ranks of the militia, their axes carving through makeshift defenses.
Xel'Varyn launched forward, spinning her chain dagger, severing the tendons of those who raised weapons against her.
Her third arm gripped a stolen Duskridge glaive, driving it into the chest of a commander.
Blood painted the earth, and the air crackled with Qi energy.
The camp was overrun in minutes.
The Submission of Duskridge
The remaining builders fell to their knees, trembling. The militia lay broken, their spirits shattered.
Xel'Varyn stood among the fallen, her golden eyes gleaming.
"I am no tyrant," she announced. "You will build for me. In return, you will live—and thrive under my banner."
A gray-bearded man stepped forward, his voice shaking. "You... want us to build for you?"
She smiled, but her gaze was cold. "I want you to build my empire."
They had no choice.
The Duskridge Clans belonged to Shadowveil now.
[System Update: Conquest Successful]
"With stone and steel, an empire is forged."
Duskridge Clans Subjugated+120 Skilled Builders+50 Militia RecruitsFortress Construction Accelerated (Completion: 65%)New Title Gained: Warden of Stone (All construction efforts are 15% faster.)The Dawn of Shadowveil
As the first stones were placed in what would become Shadowveil's impenetrable fortress, Xel'Varyn watched from above.
"This is only the beginning," she murmured.
The world would soon learn her name.
And soon, Shadowveil would cast its darkness over all.