A Lord's Resources and a New Companion

Lysander mentally reviewed his remaining resources, the sheer volume still a pleasant and somewhat surreal surprise, a direct consequence of the potent amplification of Whispers of the Infinite Horde. The numbers displayed on his interface offered a tangible reassurance in this otherwise hostile and uncertain reality.

[Remaining Resources:]

* Wood: 91,000

* Stone: 94,000

* Iron: 99,000

* Mythril: 1000

* Spirit Crystal (Rank A+): 1000

* Random Type Soldier Recruitment Building Blueprint: 79

* Legendary Treasure Chest x 1

* Pure Corruption Crystal x 1

He then considered the chaotic yet undeniably substantial ranks of his newly summoned army, the sheer number of loyal troops now under his command a significant advantage in the early stages of his dominion.

[Current Forces:]

* Skeletal Warriors (Level 1): Numerous (far exceeding 100, likely in the low thousands)

* Zombies (Level 1): Numerous (far exceeding 100, likely in the low thousands)

* Spectral Hounds (Level 1): Numerous (far exceeding 50, likely in the high hundreds)

* Pixie Swarms (Level 1): Vast (far exceeding 50 swarms, likely in the hundreds of swarms)

* Dryad Saplings (Level 1): Numerous (far exceeding 50, likely in the high hundreds)

* Sylph Scouts (Level 1): Numerous (far exceeding 50, likely in the high hundreds)

* Angelic Sparks (Level 1): Numerous (far exceeding 50, likely in the high hundreds)

* Holy Novices (Level 1): Numerous (far exceeding 50, likely in the high hundreds)

* Radiant Sentinels (Level 1): Numerous (far exceeding 50, likely in the high hundreds)

* Heroes: Titania (Level 50 - Unconscious), Xyl'gotha (Level 50)

A small, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips, a rare display of satisfaction. His initial military strength was far more substantial and diverse than he had initially anticipated, a powerful foundation upon which to build his influence. He then accessed his territory information, seeking a clearer understanding of the scope and limitations of his current domain.

[Territory: The Twilight Ascendant's Reach (Level 1)]

Size: Approximately 2,000 feet radius in all directions.

Corruption Level: 65% (35% reduction from Pure Corruption Crystal)

Population Capacity: 0

Current Population: 0

Defense Rating: Minimal (Temporary one-week barrier active)

Resource Production: Minimal (Natural resources blighted)

[Requirements for Territory Level 2:]

* Lord Level 10

* 10,000 Wood

* 10,000 Stone

* 5,000 Iron

* Functional Lord Manor (Blueprint Acquired at Territory Level 2)

* Corruption Level below 50%

Lysander carefully noted the requirements for upgrading his territory, recognizing the path to greater influence and control. Reaching Lord Level 10 was clearly his primary goal for personal growth, unlocking further abilities and strengthening his connection to this realm. The resource costs for the upgrade were surprisingly manageable given his current, amplified reserves. The "Lord Manor" was a new and intriguing structure, the acquisition of its blueprint tied directly to territorial expansion. Reducing the pervasive corruption level further was an ongoing, albeit slow, process reliant on the steady absorption of the Obsidian Scourge Crystal. The current territory size, while seemingly sufficient for his immediate needs, would inevitably need to expand to accommodate his growing ambitions and the logistical demands of a larger army. Doubling the radius with each territory level meant a Level 2 territory would encompass a significantly larger area, a radius of approximately 4,000 feet, offering more space for resource exploitation and strategic development.

He then retrieved the single NPC Summoning Card from his inventory, the digital representation feeling strangely significant. A fleeting thought crossed his mind, a recognition of the limitations of brute force alone – perhaps a skilled artisan to craft better equipment, a knowledgeable scholar to decipher the lore of this world, or someone with unique organizational abilities could prove invaluable assets in the long run. He activated his Whispers of the Infinite Horde skill once more, focusing its potent magic on the single, unassuming card.

[Whispers of the Infinite Horde activated on NPC Summoning Card.]

[NPC Summoning Card count increased by 10,000%. Current NPC Summoning Card count: 101.]

With a mental command, he selected one of the duplicated cards and focused his intent, picturing someone with a keen intellect and a natural talent for organization, someone who could bring order to the nascent chaos of his domain. The card in his hand shimmered with an inner light, and a swirling vortex of emerald and silver light briefly filled the air before coalescing into a new, tangible figure standing before him.

Standing before him was a slender humanoid with sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to absorb every detail of their surroundings in a single, comprehensive glance. They possessed delicate, pointed ears that twitched slightly, and wore practical, leather-bound attire adorned with numerous pouches and neatly rolled scrolls. A finely crafted quill and a small, intricately carved abacus hung from their belt, suggesting a meticulous and organized nature.

[NPC Summoned!]

Name: Elara Meadowlight

Profession: Master Scribe & Quartermaster

Level: 25

Loyalty: 100% (Bound by Summoning)

Skills:

* Keen Intellect (A): Possesses exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.

* Master Scribing (A): Proficient in recording, transcribing, and creating detailed documents and maps.

* Efficient Quartermaster (B): Skilled in managing resources, logistics, and inventory.

* Minor Enchantment (C): Possesses rudimentary abilities in enchanting simple items for organizational purposes.

Elara bowed her head respectfully, her intelligent gaze meeting his with an air of quiet competence. "Lord Lysander. I am Elara Meadowlight. I am bound to your service. How may I assist you?"

Lysander observed her, a sense of quiet satisfaction settling within him. A skilled scribe and efficient quartermaster would be invaluable in managing his burgeoning domain, bringing order to the potential chaos of his amplified resources and growing army. "Elara," he said, his tone measured and authoritative, "welcome. I have need of your talents immediately. You will oversee the meticulous organization of our resources, ensuring efficient distribution and preventing waste. You will also be responsible for the detailed recording of all that we encounter within this territory – its flora, fauna, geography, and any other points of interest. Your scribing skills will be essential in documenting our progress and any knowledge we acquire." His nascent domain was slowly but surely taking shape, piece by piece, a deliberate blend of brute force and burgeoning intellect, the foundation for a more sophisticated and sustainable power.