[The First Conquest]
A dark mist lingered over the ruins of Noxhaven, the echoes of battle still fresh in the air. Damien Valerian stood at the heart of the fallen city, his undead knights forming a perfect circle around him. Before him knelt his newest subordinate, the spectral form of Wraith Lord Kaelgor, now bound by chains of necrotic energy.
This was victory.
And yet, this was only the beginning.
A notification flashed before Damien's eyes.
Ding!
[Territory Conquered! The Ruined City of Noxhaven is now under your control.]
[You have unlocked the Kingdom-Building Function.]
Damien's smirk widened.
"Kingdom-Building Function?"
The system responded immediately.
[Kingdom System Unlocked]
You can develop and expand controlled territories.
You can convert ruins into functional strongholds.
You can summon and appoint undead generals.
You can establish a throne, gaining absolute control over your domain.
A surge of information filled his mind—blueprints of long-lost fortresses, magical enhancements, and even ways to strengthen his undead forces.
His first step to empire-building had begun.
---
[The Throne Room Awakens]
Kaelgor lifted his head, his ghostly form flickering. "My lord, you have bested me. By the ancient laws of conquest, Noxhaven is now yours."
Damien turned, his burning gaze sweeping across the decayed ruins. "Then it's time we restore it to its former glory."
A new notification appeared.
Ding!
[New Mission: Restore the Throne of the Dead]
Clear out the remaining cursed creatures in Noxhaven.
Reconstruct the Necropolis Hall.
Establish your throne and awaken the city's hidden power.
Rewards: Necropolis Throne + City Resurrection Function
Damien's fingers curled. Then let's begin.
"Kaelgor."
The Wraith Lord lowered his head. "Yes, my lord?"
"Take a squad of knights. Eliminate all stray undead that refuse to submit."
"As you command." Kaelgor vanished into the mist, his spectral forces sweeping through the ruined city like a silent storm.
Damien turned to his remaining soldiers. "Secure the old palace. We will rebuild our seat of power."
His undead knights moved without hesitation, marching toward the half-collapsed Necropolis Hall that once housed Noxhaven's rulers.
And at the center of it all, Damien walked with purpose.
---
[The City Awakens]
Hours passed as the undead army cleared the ruins, eliminating rogue spirits and purging corrupted wraiths that roamed aimlessly.
The Necropolis Hall, once nothing but shattered stone and forgotten history, was now taking shape. Walls reconstructed, torches of cold blue fire reignited, and the ancient throne itself—a grand structure of black obsidian and soulsteel—stood restored at the center of the great hall.
The moment Damien sat upon the throne, an explosion of power surged through the city.
Ding!
[Throne of the Dead Restored!]
[Territory Bonus Unlocked: Undead Legion Production]
You can now passively summon undead troops every 24 hours.
All undead within Noxhaven receive a 20% combat boost.
A defensive barrier now shields the city from external threats.
Damien exhaled slowly, feeling the dark energy pulsating beneath his fingertips.
This wasn't just a ruin anymore.
It was the foundation of an empire.
---
[A New Threat Rises]
As Damien took in his new kingdom, another notification flashed before him.
Ding!
[Alert! Unwanted attention detected!]
[The Holy Dominion has sensed a disturbance in Noxhaven.]
[An Inquisitor is on his way with a Purging Force.]
Damien's smile disappeared.
"Already? They move fast."
A translucent map appeared, showing a small force of knights approaching from the east—led by a level 30 Inquisitor.
"A test?" Damien murmured, his eyes darkening.
The Holy Dominion thought they could snuff him out before he grew stronger.
They had made a mistake.
He leaned forward on his throne, his cold voice echoing through the hall.
"Prepare the army."
Noxhaven had risen from the ashes.
And now… it was time for war.
---
[End of Chapter 3]