Chapter 39.5: Rise of the Empire (Transition)
Weeks passed since the last clash. The capital, though scarred, buzzed with relentless activity. X moved among the training grounds, watching as his students pushed themselves beyond limits, their powers growing with every passing day. Former soldiers, monsters, and guardians returned to his command, their loyalty unshakable, while whispers from neutral kingdoms hinted at hidden support.
The Shadow Wraiths and Night Raiders completed reconnaissance missions, uncovering secret allies and enemy movements, feeding intelligence into X's expanding strategy. Every dawn, he walked the borders of the realm, noting where defenses were thin, where reinforcements were needed, and how best to deploy his growing army.
By the end of the month, several territories—the Northern Frost Plains, the Dragon Peaks, and Shadow Marshlands—had pledged allegiance, quietly bringing more cultivators and resources into X's fold. The people, inspired by his leadership and the tales of his students' feats, began awakening themselves, swelling the ranks with every passing day.
X often paused atop the highest towers of his capital, gazing over the lands now under his watchful eye. Though victory was far from complete, the foundation of an empire was being laid brick by brick, soldier by soldier, heart by heart. And as he felt the pulse of the realm responding to his presence, he knew that the next confrontation with the Evil Empire would be unlike anything he had faced before.