CHAPTER 10: TERRITORY EXPANSION BEGINS

Lucas stared at the three captives still bound in the corner of the dungeon with anticipation in his eyes. The blood flowing from their wounds had sent the scent of iron through the room, triggering the hunter’s instincts that coursed through Lucas’ veins.

"Selena is right," Lucas said, raising his hand. "We need stronger guards. And they... will be the perfect fuel."

The three Darkblood Sentinels stood in perfect formation, awaiting their Lord’s command. Their red eyes radiated the same hunger as Lucas—a hunger for blood and power.

"Bring them to the altar," Lucas ordered coldly. "But don’t kill them too quickly. I want their blood to drain slowly, maximizing the power we can absorb."

The first Sentinel stepped forward, his giant hand gripping one of the captives. The soldier screamed in pain as the iron grip crushed his ribs, but did not kill him.

"Please," the captive pleaded in a broken voice. "I have a family..."

Lucas approached the captive with a smile that made the air around him vibrate. "And their families will soon follow. But now, you will serve a higher purpose—to be my strength." The blood altar began to vibrate as the three captives were placed upon it. Ancient runes began to glow with an intense red light, preparing for the upcoming ritual.

[System Alert]

Blood Altar ready for secondary ritual

Available victims: 3 Common Soldiers (C-Rank)

Estimated blood quality: Medium

Projected outcome: Territory expansion materials

"Territory expansion," Lucas read the notification with deep satisfaction. "Exactly. We will expand the Night Crypt and create... new facilities."

Selena approached with graceful yet deadly movements. "My King, what are we going to build? I have some... interesting ideas."

Lucas closed his eyes, imagining the possibilities. "A torture altar to increase the efficiency of information extraction. A slavery tomb to control the surviving captives. And..." he opened his eyes with a terrifying glint. "An amphitheater for a death performance."

The ritual began with Lucas placing both hands on the altar. Dark energy began to flow, and the blood of the three captives began to slowly flow, creating complex geometric patterns on the altar’s surface.

[System Alert]

Territory Expansion Ritual initiated

Cost: 3 Common Blood, 300 Dark Energy

Duration: 10 minutes

Available structures: Torture Altar, Slave Graveyard, Death Amphitheater

The screams of agony from the three captives created a terrifying symphony. Their blood was not only absorbed by the altar, but also began to flow out, creating red paths that led to various points around the Night Crypt.

"Behold," Lucas said with genuine admiration. "Their blood will become the foundation of our kingdom."

The ground around the Night Crypt began to tremble and change. On the north side, a black stone structure began to rise from the ground—a Torture Altar equipped with various torture devices that moved on their own. On the south side, rows of small graves began to appear, each with chains that would bind the spirits that would be forced to work.

The most impressive was the amphitheater that had risen to the west. The circular structure was nearly ten meters tall, complete with an arena in the center and stands that could accommodate hundreds of spectators.

[System Alert]

Territory Expansion complete

New structures available:

Torture Altar: +50% information extraction efficiency

Slave Graveyard: Undead workforce +200% productivity

Death Amphitheater: Morale boost +100% for all units

"Magnificent," Selena said as she observed the changes taking place. "My King, with these facilities, we will not only become a military force, but also... a unique entertainment center."

Lucas walked around the new structures with deep satisfaction. "Now we can process prisoners more efficiently. The Torture Altar will provide the information we need, the Slave Graveyard will provide unlimited manpower, and the Death Amphitheater..." he smiled sadistically. "It will be the place where we show the world what happens to those who oppose us."

Suddenly, a flash of light appeared in the sky. An owl with glowing green eyes landed in front of Lucas. At its feet hung a scroll of parchment sealed with red wax.

"A message," Lucas said, taking the scroll. "From who?"

Lucas unsealed it and read its contents. His expression changed from curiosity to dark awe.

"From Lord Alexander Brightshield," Lucas said, showing Selena the parchment. "Our neighbor to the west."

Selena read the message, her eyes narrowing even further. "An ultimatum?"

"More than that," Lucas said with a smile that took the warmth out of the air. "This is a challenge."

The message was clear:

*"To Lucas Nightveil, Lord of Night Crypt,

Your barbaric activities have become a threat to the entire region. I, Alexander Brightshield, on behalf of the Alliance of Light, issue an ultimatum:

Surrender your territory within 24 hours, or we will destroy the Night Crypt and all within.

You have one chance to surrender honorably.

Otherwise, prepare to face the wrath of the fifty Lords who have united against the darkness.

Lord Alexander Brightshield, Alliance of Light"*

Lucas closed the parchment with a slow, calculated motion. "Alliance of Light. Fifty Lords." He laughed—a sound that made even the Darkblood Sentinel take a step back. "They think I’ll be afraid?"

Selena approached, her eyes gleaming dangerously. "My King, this is the perfect opportunity. With our new facility, we can show them what true power means."

Lucas walked toward the newly completed Death Amphitheater. In the middle of the arena, he could imagine the show that was about to begin—a show that would turn the entire region into a living nightmare.

"Send a reply," Lucas ordered the owl still perched nearby. "Tell Alexander Brightshield that I accept his challenge."

The owl suddenly transformed, its feathers turning jet black and its green eyes turning bright red. A transformation that showed that even neutral creatures would be affected by Lucas’ dark power.

"But add something," Lucas said with a smile that melted the courage of anyone who saw it. "Say that in 24 hours, it will not be the Night Crypt that will be destroyed. But their alliance will be the main entertainment in my new amphitheater."

Selena approached with anticipation in her steps. "My King, what is our strategy? Fifty Lords is not a threat to be ignored."

Lucas stared out at the western horizon, where he knew the Alliance of Light was preparing their attack. "We will not defend, Selena. We will strike first."

His black eyes shone with a sinister glint. "But before that, we need more blood. More power. And..." he stared out at the Death Amphitheater with a smile that made the reality around him tremble.

"Surrender your Lair or perish," Lucas repeated the words of the ultimatum in a mocking tone.

"They don’t know that they just signed their own death sentence."