Chapter 23: Lord of The Rising Stone
The moment the final stone was set into place, a deep, resonant hum filled the air. The Summoning Gate, a towering arch of blackened stone etched with glowing blue runes, pulsed with power for the first time.
Leon took a slow breath, stepping back to take it all in. It had been a long road—weeks of toil, loss, and struggle—but now, the foundation of his domain was complete.
Then, the world itself reacted.
A golden light burst forth from the ground, spreading like wildfire. The air vibrated with unseen energy, and the very earth trembled beneath their feet.
[Territory Upgrade Complete!]
A system notification flashed before Leon's eyes.
[Congratulations! Your settlement has met all the basic requirements for a Lord's domain.]
[Rank Increased: F → E]
[Lord System Fully Unlocked!]
Leon barely had time to register the words before the changes began.
---
The wooden palisade shuddered, then groaned as thick stone erupted from the ground, replacing the crude defenses with a solid, towering wall. The wooden watchtowers warped, transforming into sturdy stone fortifications. The dirt roads became packed and even, while the rough wooden structures took on stronger frames.
The Lord's Mansion was no longer a simple wooden hall—it had become a small stone keep, its doors reinforced with iron and its presence now undeniable.
The transformation spread across the entire settlement, and the people watched in awe as their humble village turned into something far greater.
When the golden light finally faded, silence filled the air.
Then, cheers erupted.
"We've become a real domain!"
"The walls… they're made of stone now!"
"My lord, your power is incredible!"
Leon let out a breath, steadying himself as new information flooded his vision.
---
[Lord System Fully Unlocked!]
Lord Status: Fully Visible
Territory Status: Fully Visible
Personal Level & Stats: Fully Visible
Subject Information: Fully Visible
---
[New Title Acquired: Lord of the Rising Stone]
[New Feature Unlocked: Subject Management] – You can now view and manage the stats of your people.
[As a reward for upgrading to an E-rank Territory, new inhabitants have arrived!]
---
Leon barely had time to process that last message before a new commotion began at the village entrance. He turned toward the gate—only to see thirty figures emerging from the shimmering air as if stepping out of nothingness.
They were new settlers.
---
Among them, Leon immediately recognized different types.
20 Common Peasants – Dressed in simple garb, they looked like farmers, craftsmen, and laborers.
8 Common Warriors (Level 5) – Men and women clad in basic armor, carrying spears and short swords. Their expressions were hardened, their postures disciplined.
2 Uncommon Sergeants (Levels 7 & 8) – More heavily armored than the others, their bearing screamed experience. They looked at Leon and knelt immediately.
"My lord," one of the sergeants said. "We are yours to command."
Leon nodded, exhaling. The settlement had just gained not only more workers but also trained fighters—something they desperately needed.
---
As the commotion settled, Leon's gaze shifted toward Garrick.
Now that his system was fully unlocked, he could finally see more details about his people. He focused on Garrick—and a window appeared.
[Garrick – Captain of the Guard]
Rank: Uncommon
Level: 6
Strength: 14
Endurance: 12
Agility: 11
Loyalty: 87 (High)
Leon smiled. Garrick had been with him since the beginning, through thick and thin. But compared to the new sergeants, his level was lower.
That didn't sit right with Leon.
He stepped forward, speaking loud enough for the gathered crowd to hear. "Garrick, you have stood by me from the start. You have fought, bled, and endured for this settlement. It is only right that you lead our warriors."
The older warrior blinked in surprise. "My lord…"
Leon placed a hand on his shoulder. "From this day forward, you are the Captain of the Guard."
Garrick dropped to one knee, slamming his fist to his chest in a salute. "I swear eternal fealty to you, my lord. My blade and my life are yours to command."
[Garrick's Loyalty has reached MAX!]
A new wave of cheers rose from the people. Seeing their lord reward loyalty and honor his warriors only strengthened their faith in him.
Morale soared.
---
After everything was settled, Leon turned his gaze toward the Summoning Gate.
Its runes pulsed, waiting.
The final piece of the puzzle was ready.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward.
It was time to use the Summoning Gate for the first time.