Chapter 33: Forge of Preparation

The rising sun cast a golden hue over Valeria.

The city was still young but pulsed with growing power.

Jin stood atop a half-finished watchtower.

His cloak fluttered in the morning breeze.

All around, the sounds of construction filled the air.

Hammers rang against stone. Laborers shouted commands.

The rhythmic beat of progress thrummed like a heartbeat.

The city was coming alive.

He had five days left.

Five days before the next beast horde would strike.

And the city walls were still incomplete.

"Move the stone braces in line! Reinforce with iron supports!"

Jin barked, his voice sharp but calm.

The people obeyed without hesitation.

They trusted him.

From that trust, his power grew.

A soft chime echoed in Jin's mind.

[System Notification: You have received City Lord Tokens – Total: 23]

Tokens earned from daily labor reports, defense development, and people's gratitude.

Every token counted.

Every choice now echoed across the coming storm.

That afternoon, Jin entered the newly built military training grounds.

Rows of recruits stood firm, sweat glistening on their brows.

Men and women.

Farmers, refugees, ex-soldiers—all now wore the same uniform.

Stitched in Valeria's growing textile hall.

The general—the battle-hardened father of the rescued girl—snapped a salute.

"They've improved, but they still lack unity in motion."

Jin nodded.

He stepped forward and raised a hand.

[Technique Upload: Acquired – Mountain Tyrant Fist Style]

An ancient martial technique developed by the Tyrant Clan.

Physical-based, ideal for those without elemental affinity.

Purchased using City Lord Points.

"Listen well!" Jin's voice boomed across the grounds.

"This is the Mountain Tyrant Fist Style—born from war, refined by time."

"It does not need mana. It needs resolve and strength."

"Train in this, and no beast will break your line."

He demonstrated the technique.

His fists whistled through the air.

The ground cracked where he stomped.

His body flowed like iron guided by will.

The soldiers watched, stunned.

Then they followed.

Step by step.

Fist by fist.

They learned.

Jin stayed with them for hours.

Correcting forms. Offering advice.

For the first time, the army moved as one.

By evening, Jin walked to the clinic division.

Sarah and other healers tended wounded trainees and civilians.

"Your Highness," Sarah greeted, wiping her hands.

"I brought something for you all," Jin replied.

"A healing technique passed down by the Elven Cloudlight Clan—before they were wiped out."

He projected the method using a system memory shard.

Information flowed like mist.

The technique was elegant.

Using internal energy circulation and breath resonance to stimulate regeneration.

Even Sarah was stunned.

"This… this could triple our recovery rates."

"It will," Jin said firmly.

"You're the first line after every battle. You deserve every advantage."

As night descended, Jin returned to the Valerian Library.

Its torches flickered against polished wood shelves.

He scanned ancient cultivation texts and smithing manuals.

The system chimed again.

[System Notification: You have gained 120 Contribution Points from the people.]

[System Shop Unlocked – Tier 1 Available]

[You may now purchase crafting blueprints, tools, formations, and relic fragments.]

He didn't hesitate.

With a few quick selections, he unlocked a Beast Forging Technique.

One that required beast parts and essence to mold weapons of spiritual resonance.

He brought out bodies of beasts slain in the previous horde attack.

Fanged wolves, armored lizards, and the massive ape-beast from the first battle.

[Beast Materials Compatible]

[Forging Skill Unlocked – Title Gained: Blacksmith (Beginner)]

[Crafting Options: Basic Weaponry | Custom Forging | Spirit Infusion – 1% chance]

Jin's hands moved with calm precision.

Guided by the system.

He melted bones.

Ground scales.

Folded sinew and steel together.

Sparks danced under moonlight.

The process was laborious, precise—and deeply satisfying.

Then came the boss core—the heart of the giant ape-beast.

It radiated raw aggression.

Forging it took effort.

Sweat poured.

Jin channeled every ounce of his Tyrant Body into the anvil.

The metal screamed and groaned… then sang.

[Spirit Infusion Successful]

Weapon Created: Ape King's Fangblade (Spiritual Weapon – Grade: Rare)

Effect: Enhances raw strength. Weapon contains dormant beast spirit. Compatible with Host.

[Title Upgrade: Blacksmith (Intermediate)]

Jin lifted the blade.

It thrummed in his grip, eager for war. Alive.

As dawn neared, he dropped the blade at his feet.

Then he fell into a meditative stance.

The night had been long, but results spoke for themselves.

[Tyrant Body: Advancement Complete – Silver Stage → Gold Stage]

New Ability: Muscle Focus – Direct strength into specific body parts (arm, leg, chest) for temporary invincibility against physical attacks.

He focused on his arm.

The muscle expanded, hardened—veins glowing faintly.

[Dragon Scale Armor (Phase 2): Back Coverage Activated]

A layer of scales formed over his back.

They shimmered with silver-blue light.

Hard as dragonbone, light as mist.

[Base Stats Update]

Strength: 120 (+20)

Vitality: 102

Agility: 96

Speed: 85

Endurance: 110

Control: 71

His body had transformed.

Jin rose and opened the wooden doors of his home.

He stared out across Valeria.

The walls were rising.

The soldiers were training.

The healers were ready.

And he…

He was a warrior, a blacksmith, a dragon heir—a true city lord.

The horde would come soon.

But this time, they would find not a broken camp.

But a fortress born in fire and will.

System Summary Update

[SYSTEM STATUS]

[Name]Jin

[Level]14

[EXP]50 / 2100

[Power Class]Hybrid Tyrant Cultivator

[Title]City Lord of Valeria

Attributes

Strength: 140 (+20)

Vitality: 102

Agility: 96

Stamina: 110 (+17)

Magic Power: 680

Speed: 85 (-3)

Dexterity: 36

Blood Qi: 71

Bloodlines

Ancient Azure Dragon Bloodline – 35%

Blood Demon Lineage – 5% (Dormant)

Tyrant Body Physique – Gold Stage

Dragon Inheritance – Initiated

Saint-Touched Essence – Under Review

Techniques & Skills

Tyrant Body Arts (Gold Stage)

Muscle Focus (New Ability)

Mountain Tyrant Fist Style (Physical Combat)

Blood Devour Sutra (Early Stage)

Dragon Might – 1st Form (Suppression Aura)

Beast Forging Technique (Unlocked – Intermediate Blacksmith)

Wind Element Combat Technique (Intermediate)

Weapons

Ape King's Fangblade (Spiritual Weapon – Rare)

Effect: Enhances raw strength; dormant beast spirit inside.

Relationships & Bonds

Lana (Mother) – 100% Loyalty

Arielle – 89% Affection

Sarah – 76% Affection

Lila – 92% Affection (Intimate, Claimed)

Helena (Sun Maiden) – 42% Bond Level Rising

Quests

Rebuild Valeria – Phase 2

Survive Beast Horde – Active

Discover the Truth About Royal Bloodlines – Ongoing

Locate Lost Phoenix Heart – Pending

Notifications

[WARNING]: Beast Horde Incoming – ETA: 5 Days

[Unlocked]: City Lord Tokens – 23 Available for Resource Exchange

[System Shop Tier 1 Unlocked]

[New Title]: Blacksmith (Intermediate)