The Golem Mage Chapter 1128: First Invasion.

[Lord Alec Gordons has entered the 2nd Level.]

An unexpected notification drew the attention of the elder overseeing Alec’s relocation to the Wilderness Region. Lounging upon his throne, surprise etched on his face, the elder quickly deduced the cause. A burst of laughter erupted as he recalled the recruiters who had been placing bets on which lord would be the first to achieve Level 2. Little did they know, it would be Alec, quietly breaking through.

Still, he couldn't deny that Alec's assigned territory was considerably more challenging than the other Level 2 regions. He managed to temper his amusement, adopting a more serious demeanor for the moment.

_ _

Astonishingly, the entire town found itself enshrouded by formidable stone walls, leaving every villager in a state of bewildered awe. They had anticipated their new lord would task them with constructing a rudimentary wooden palisade for their modest settlement.

Instead, their lord had simply invoked some arcane power, causing stone walls to materialize from the heavens, instilling a profound sense of security within them.

“Alec, I have no clue how you accomplished this, but I reckon those seven lands nearby are yours now too. Don’t be stingy – lend us a hand in constructing city walls for them as well,” Arthur grumbled instantly, eliciting a chuckle from Alec, who didn't mind Arthur's persistent nagging.

Initially, he erected stone barriers around each of the seven adjacent territories. However, his work was far from over. After ensuring every flank was secured, he commenced the construction of extensive stone walls, bridging the gaps between them. This grand project unified all seven lands within a colossal outer fortification.

His own domain, however, remained at the very heart of this consolidated realm.

Fully aware that his territories might soon become targets, he harbored no intention of neglecting the lands under his dominion. Before long, all seven territories were encircled and fortified by imposing thirteen-foot stone walls.

While the areas within these walls still lacked signs of advanced development, at least the inhabitants of every land under his purview could now reside with a measure of tranquility, secure in the knowledge that they were shielded from external dangers.

“You all must return to your designated lands and inform the populace that the stones descending from the sky represent the power of the lords they now serve.

“But that’s not all. Ensure you ascend your thrones and achieve complete synchronization with your respective castles. I have a task that requires your full communion with your castles before I can proceed.”

Alec delivered these instructions as members of his inner circle, accompanied by Beatrice, began their ascent back towards their individual castles.

“That stinky, wicked Alec. He promised he wouldn’t give me any trouble, and not even a full day has passed, yet he’s already doing the complete opposite of his word,” Beatrice muttered with a pout as she departed.

Despite her hushed words, Alec’s sharp hearing caught them, and he let out another laugh.

As he descended back to solid ground, the townsfolk erupted in loud cheers. Yet, Alec felt he had accomplished very little; this was merely the prelude.

Indeed, he was confident that once his true work was complete, they would be utterly astonished.

He promptly returned and settled onto his throne, initiating the synchronization process the instant he sat down. The primary objective behind this action was to allow his powers to meld seamlessly with his land.

Consequently, any acquisitions made for his personal territory would imbue it with attributes that either mirrored or enhanced his own capabilities.

As for urging his siblings to return to their own lesser throne rooms and synchronize with their castles, it was so that any items he purchased and placed within their territories would bestow the same benefit. Everything there would resonate with and complement the master he had appointed as ruler of that castle, subtly influenced by a fraction of his own power.

Although he might now be addressed as a city lord, Alec still perceived himself as nothing more than a town lord presiding over seven surrounding villages.

He firmly believed that true worthiness of the title 'city lord' could only be attained by adhering to the system's plan and elevating every village under his command. Thankfully, the system had facilitated the creation of a shop for his procurement needs and implemented additional features into his City Heart by adjusting its underlying programming, making everything considerably more manageable.

It felt akin to every strategy and city-building game concept merging into a single, cohesive experience for him to develop his modest, growing settlement.

It was almost like playing Clash of Clans and a city-building simulation simultaneously, with the critical difference that this was all real. Failure to adequately defend his city, or a breach by the enemy, would spell absolute doom for his people.

They would literally forfeit their lives; there would be no second chances. This stark reality alone was a significant reason why he was unconcerned about the system points he had already expended.

Yet, it felt as though he was deliberately sidestepping the precise cost, even though a single wall only demanded a hundred system points. The final sum had escalated dramatically because his construction extended beyond one plot of land; he had built for all seven territories under his purview and then linked them together upon completion.

While the expenditure might be manageable for the time being, Alec was certain that upgrading the stone walls to a higher level would only inflate the costs further. Subsequently, he would need to factor in not only the seven adjacent towns but also the extensive walls connecting them.

A phantom headache began to surface, a peculiar discomfort conjured solely by his system.

"Well... I suppose I'll take a nap for now," Alec mumbled to himself, his gaze fixed on the screen displaying a mere 2% synchronization progression—a long journey yet to be completed.

However, at that precise instant, the cube drifted towards him and vocalized—

"Master, intensely malicious energy signatures are converging near the borders of the sub-territories assigned to your brother."

"Hm. Can you display the map?"

A holographic map materialized instantly, illustrating his domain and the surrounding regions. There, a series of red dots pulsed from one edge, indicating the malevolent energies attempting to breach the frontier, precisely as the cube had stated.

"Hmmm... May I have visuals?" Alec inquired.

"Regrettably, no. Since they are not yet within the scope of our lands, they fall beyond our surveillance range," the cube responded.

"Alright then, Baby X, I shall handle them myself," Alec declared, attempting to rise, only to discover he was immobilized.

"I regret to inform you, my lord, but you will be unable to move. Once synchronization commences, you are restricted until its conclusion," the cube replied.

"That's an infuriating rule. Very well, can you at least inform me of their strength?"

"Three Tier 7s, with multiple Tier 6s supporting them. The precise number is estimated between two hundred and three hundred. I cannot provide an exact count," the cube answered.

"Well, that should pose no significant challenge then," Alec stated before employing his mental energy to dispatch a message to his golems.

He conveyed his search for three lord-rank golems to lead their forces in a campaign under his command.

Initially, all were eager to march forth and vanquish the fools who had underestimated their king. However, the moment they grasped the true reason behind Alec's absence from the front lines—his usual battle-hungry inclination being widely known—their demeanor shifted instantaneously.

Now, each one desired to remain behind, tasked with the duty of protecting their master.

Ultimately, Alec was compelled to make the difficult decision, selecting the three lord-rank golems who would represent him, even as they continued to cast pleading glances, longing to stay. Yet, Alec's sole concern at the moment was that if Brandon, like himself, was incapacitated, then their situation would be dire.

"Butcher, Oni, Hunter—the three of you are tasked with this. As for the rest of you, your duty is my protection."