Daemon Duchy

As Strider approached the border between the Dark Forest and Duke Daemon territory, he activated the power of his Wraith form, using it to transform his appearance.

His features shifted, his hair darkened into an inky black, and his face took on a sharp, angular symmetry that exuded a striking yet sinister handsomeness.

His eyes gained a faint red glow, adding to the aura of danger he wanted to project. The transformation was seamless, and his new identity was born: Lester D. Raizel, a name he had chosen for his future endeavors.

This new persona gave him the freedom to act without leaving a trace back to his identity as Strider Cromwell of the Cromwell Barony.

It was a strategic move, one that would allow him to operate independently and safeguard his family from any consequences of his actions.

Casting a fleeting glance toward the foreboding Dark Forest, Strider—or rather, Lester—turned his back on it and moved toward the heart of Duke Daemon's territory, his steps steady and purposeful.

After two grueling months of travel from Cromwell Barony, Lester finally arrived at the innermost part of Duke Daemon's territory.

The bustling cityscape astonished him.

Compared to the relatively modest development of the Cromwell Barony, the Daemon Duchy was a realm of unmatched sophistication and progress.

The streets were lined with opulent buildings, and the roads were paved with stone, bustling with carriages, traders, and cultivators of varying realms.

The flow of people was constant, a mix of merchants, nobles, and adventurers, each contributing to the lively atmosphere.

Lester's keen eyes picked out powerful cultivators amidst the crowd, their subtle auras marking them as individuals to be wary of.

Lester found them to be individual in low to mid - energy accumulation realm cultivators.

In Cromwell barony it is easier to find individual in the low to mid-mortal transformation realm while here in the most populated place of the duchy the energy accumulation realm powerhouses can be seen frequently showing the prosperity of a Duchy.

Since Daemon Duchy borders the territory to darkland this makes more cultivators to gather making it one of the most prosperous duchy.

He strode confidently toward the most luxurious inn in the city, The Royal Black Inn, a place known for its exclusivity and exorbitant pricing.

The inn charged one spirit stone per day and night, a cost that deterred all but the wealthiest travelers.

As Lester approached, his transformed appearance caught the attention of nearly everyone he passed.

His sharp, sinister features, coupled with the air of authority and confidence he exuded, made people pause and glance his way. Whispers followed in his wake, but no one dared to approach him.

At the inn's entrance, Lester handed over a single spirit stone to the keeper, who, though initially startled by his presence, quickly regained composure and summoned a maid to lead him to his rented room.

As Lester followed the maid up the grand staircase to his room on the upper floor, the inn's patrons couldn't help but fix their gazes on him.

The combination of his extraordinary looks and his unnerving aura made him a figure of intrigue—and one not to be trifled with.

While ascending, Lester noticed a particular group sitting at one of the tables in the lobby.

A stunning girl, around 18 or 20 years old, was staring at him with wide almond-shaped eyes, her gaze unblinking and filled with curiosity.

Beside her sat a young man of similar age, glaring at Lester with thinly veiled hostility, clearly upset that the girl's attention had been stolen.

But what truly caught Lester's attention wasn't the pair—it was the two elderly women standing behind the girl.

They appeared ordinary to anyone else, but Lester's heightened senses revealed that both women were 4th-layer Energy Accumulation Realm cultivators.

This revelation cast immediate suspicion on the girl's identity. Such powerful attendants could only mean she hailed from a powerful noble family, possibly even the Duke's or the royal family.

Lester chose to ignore the group, his expression indifferent as he continued toward his room.

The girl, however, wasn't so easily deterred. She pouted, her lips pressing together in frustration. "How rude," she muttered under her breath, wanting to confront him.

One of the elderly women placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "Young Miss, a man who walks with such confidence and composure surely has something extraordinary to rely upon. It's best not to provoke him unnecessarily."

Reluctantly, the girl settled back into her seat, though her eyes lingered on Lester's back until he disappeared from view.

Once inside his room, Lester took a moment to survey his surroundings.

The accommodations were as luxurious as expected: the furniture was crafted from rare woods, the bedding was soft as clouds, and the room was illuminated by an enchanted chandelier that gave off a warm, steady glow.

But none of these luxuries held his interest for long.

Walking over to the large window, he opened it and leaned against the frame, gazing out at the city below. The view was breathtaking. The city lights twinkled like stars, and the streets were alive with activity even at night.

As he looked out, Lester allowed his mind to wander. His transformation and entry into Duke Daemon's territory marked the beginning of a new chapter in his journey.

Under the guise of Lester D. Raizel, he could freely explore, hunt monsters, and accumulate resources without worrying about his actions being traced back to his family.

His thoughts turned briefly to the girl he had seen in the lobby. Her appearance and the strength of her attendants hinted at a background of immense power and influence. "Someone worth keeping an eye on," he mused.

But for now, his focus remained on his immediate goals.

As the night wore on, Lester sat in meditation, refining his plans.

The Dark Moon Branch within the Duke's territory would serve as his primary means of exchanging monster cores for spirit stones. These stones would not only fund his cultivation but also provide him with the resources needed for the system's simulations.

Additionally, he considered exploring the Dark Forest's outskirts, a dangerous but resource-rich area where he could hone his combat skills and grow stronger.

His newly acquired physical cultivation paired with his Wraith form made him a force to be reckoned with, but he knew better than to underestimate the dangers that lay ahead.

For now, his identity as Lester D. Raizel provided the perfect cover. With his appearance, demeanor, and fabricated background, he had crafted a persona that would command respect and instill fear in equal measure.

As he gazed once more at the city below, a faint smile played on his lips. "This is just the beginning," he thought. "The world is vast, and I'll carve out my place within it. No one will stand in my way."

With that resolve, Lester closed the window and prepared to rest. The dawn of a new day would bring with it new challenges and opportunities, and he was ready to face them head-on.