Instruments of Destruction

Chapter 9: Instruments of Destruction, Seeds of Despair, The Long Game

The System window flickered to life as Dante reviewed his remaining points. Efficiency was key. Every purchase had to serve his growing war machine. With the Grand Duchy already crumbling under its civil war, his best move was to strike from the shadows—sowing discord and terror while remaining unseen.

============== [Drone Operator]: 30 points

[Sniper]: 75 points

[Tactical Drone setup]: 106 points

[Accuracy International AXMC]: 150 points

[Sniper ammunition]: 5*6 = 30 points

[Logistics person]: 1 point

[Cart]: 3 points

[Total points spent]: 395 points

[Remaining points]: 105 points

He summoned a drone operator, a sniper, and a logistics officer. His forces, though small, were now more versatile. The sniper would provide long-range eliminations, while the drone operator would grant an aerial advantage—something the medieval inhabitants of this world couldn't comprehend.

The System confirmed his purchases, golden particles swirling in the air as his new soldiers materialized. The sniper, clad in digital camouflage, adjusted his rifle strap. The drone operator inspected the compact tactical drone, running a quick systems check.

"Orders, sir?" The sniper's voice was calm, professional.

Dante smirked. "We're going hunting."

They set off, moving under cover of darkness. With the drone operator controlling the aerial recon unit, Dante had real-time visuals of the landscape. It took only a few days to locate their next target—a moderately sized village on the Duchy's outskirts.

"Population estimate?" Dante asked, eyes locked on the drone feed.

"Approximately 500, sir. Most are manaless. Some armed guards, likely knights-in-training," the drone operator responded.

Dante scoffed. "Good. Let's clean it up."

The sniper took position on a nearby hill while the infantry moved in. The first shots rang out, methodical and efficient. Panic erupted as villagers screamed and fled, but there was nowhere to run. The massacre was swift.

============== [Village Eliminated]: 500 manaless killed = 500 points

[4 Knight Apprentices]: 4 * 5 = 20 points

[Total points earned]: 520 points

[New total]: 625 points

Dante chuckled. "Next."

For a full month, the pattern repeated. Villages burned. Survivors were nonexistent. Dante grew richer in points, and his influence stretched like a creeping shadow over the land.

One evening, as they looted a ruined settlement, the drone operator stiffened. "Sir, movement detected—one hostile, heavily armed. Moving with purpose."

Dante's smirk faded. "Show me."

The drone's camera zoomed in, revealing a knight—a Rank 3 Intermediate. His armor gleamed under the setting sun, and his posture screamed discipline. He was investigating, following the trail of destruction Dante had left behind.

Dante's fingers curled into fists. "Sniper, drop him."

The sniper adjusted his aim. A single shot cracked through the air. The knight jerked, then fell lifelessly to the ground.

============== [Rank 3 Knight Eliminated]: 500 points

[New total]: 1125 points

"He was getting too close anyway," Dante muttered.

After weeks of carnage, Dante decided it was time for a grander move. They approached Dry City, a major hub in the Grand Duchy. The sight of it made him pause—towering walls, bustling streets, and an air of civilization he hadn't yet encountered.

"What now, sir?" the logistics officer asked.

Dante grinned. "Now? We get creative."

He accessed the System shop.

============== [Influenza Virus]: 5000 points

[Total points spent]: 5000 points

[Remaining points]: 6125 points

The virus was dispersed outside the city walls. It started slowly, a cough here, a fever there. Within weeks, the city was suffocating under the plague. Dante had vanished into the wilderness by then, leaving only death in his wake.

A year passed. The world crumbled.

============== [Casualties from Plague]: 900 million

[Casualties from Famine]: 400 million

[New total]: 1.3 billion dead

Only the Principality remained strong, shielded by the Church's healing magic. No matter. Dante had other plans.

He accessed the shop once more.

============== [Nuclear Bunker]: 100,000 points

[Total points spent]: 100,000 points

[Remaining points]: 1125 points

Dante waited out the year in comfort, watching as the world withered. The System chimed, granting him a new privilege.

============== [New Infantry Customization Unlocked]: Gender Selection Available

Dante's lips curled into a sinister grin. He would make use of this later.

With the world crippled, it was time for the final blow. Dante browsed the System shop, his heart pounding with exhilaration.

============== [Hydrogen Bombs]: 50,000,000 points

[ICBMs and Launch Facilities]: 50,000,000 points

[Total points spent]: 100,000,000 points

[Remaining points]: 1125 points

Missiles were primed. Coordinates locked. The last vestiges of civilization were about to be wiped clean.

Dante exhaled, fingers hovering over the launch command. The world had suffered enough.

"Goodbye, Grand Duchy."

The final annihilation began.